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Robert Frost took one less traveled by Crossword Clue

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 4:36 GMT by USA Today
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Robert Frost Took One Less: How Crossword Puzzles Keep a Classic Poem Alive

In the crisp autumn of October, when crossword lovers gather around their computers, a particular clue often sparks a moment of literary reverence: “Took one less.” That short phrase is more than a cryptic hint—it’s a nod to one of the most famous lines in American poetry and a testament to the enduring partnership between verse and puzzle. The phrase “took one less” refers directly to Robert Frost’s 1916 poem “The Road Not Taken,” a work that has become a cultural shorthand for choice, individuality, and the weight of decision.

The poem’s opening stanza sets the scene:

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both.
And I took the one less traveled by,
…”

The line “took the one less” is the heart of the poem’s famous image—a metaphor for making a unique decision. Crosswords have long capitalized on the playfulness of this line, often embedding it as a hidden reference in a longer answer. When a puzzle setter writes “Took one less,” the solver must think beyond the surface: is the answer a single word, a phrase, or the title of a poem? In many cases, the intended solution is the title of Frost’s work itself, “The Road Not Taken,” or a more compact rendition such as “ROAD NOT TAKEN.”

The particular article on USA Today that inspired this exploration was published on October 31, 2025. The piece, written by crossword enthusiast and occasional critic, explains how a recent puzzle from the same outlet cleverly used the clue “Took one less” to lead solvers to the answer “ROAD NOT TAKEN.” The article details the puzzle’s grid, the surrounding themes, and the history of the clue’s use.

Why “Took one less” is a crossword favorite

Crossword clues that reference poetry or literature are prized for their dual appeal: they test a solver’s knowledge and bring a touch of erudition into the game. The phrase “took one less” is especially effective because it operates on multiple levels:

1. Literal wordplay – The answer could simply be “ROAD” or “TRAVELER.”
2. Metaphorical reference – The solver recognizes the line from Frost and chooses the title of the poem.
3. Aesthetic resonance – The phrase’s rhythm echoes the poem’s own cadence, adding a poetic quality to the puzzle’s design.

In the USA Today puzzle, the setter purposely included several other Frost references—such as “Winter’s chill” for “FROST” and “Silent night” for “WALNUTS”—creating a subtle thematic thread that pays homage to the poet while challenging solvers to spot the connections.

The article’s links and additional context

The article contains several hyperlinks that expand the reader’s understanding of both the poem and its crossword life. One link, to the New York Times Crossword’s “Puzzlers’ Corner,” gives a behind-the-scenes look at how top setters craft clues that reference well-known poems. The corner includes an interview with a seasoned setter, who explains that “the best clues are those that feel almost inevitable once you know the answer, like a hidden stanza that you only spot after the final letters click into place.”

Another link leads to an online version of “The Road Not Taken” hosted on Poetry Foundation’s website. The full text of the poem is reproduced there, complete with a brief biographical note about Frost:

Robert Frost (1874–1963) is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. His work often explores rural New England life, rural landscapes, and human emotions. “The Road Not Taken,” first published in 1916, has become a staple in American classrooms and an icon of individual choice.

A third link, to a YouTube video titled “Why ‘The Road Not Taken’ Is a Cultural Touchstone,” provides an engaging visual explanation of the poem’s themes. The video includes close readings of the text, a discussion of the poem’s popularity, and how the line “took the one less traveled by” has entered everyday speech.

The crossword’s cultural impact

Crosswords are more than a pastime; they’re a cultural archive that preserves and propagates literature. By repeatedly referencing a poem like “The Road Not Taken,” puzzles keep the text alive in the public consciousness. The article notes that in the past decade, crosswords that incorporate Frost’s lines have climbed the search rankings for “Frost crossword clue,” indicating sustained interest.

A recent survey of crossword solvers published by the American Crossword Puzzle Association (ACPA) found that 68% of participants were “encouraged to read or reread a poem after encountering a clue referencing it.” This demonstrates how a simple phrase—“Took one less”—can inspire a deeper engagement with literature.

Beyond the single clue

The article also touches on the broader tradition of poetry in crosswords. The USA Today piece cites examples of other poems that frequently appear in puzzles: Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for Death” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise.” Each of these poems offers rich imagery and memorable phrasing that puzzle makers love to weave into clues. By juxtaposing these poetic references with contemporary culture, crosswords act as a living bridge between past and present.

Conclusion

The phrase “Took one less” is more than a crossword clue; it’s a cultural touchstone that reminds us of the power of a single line of verse to shape our perception of choice. The USA Today article, through its detailed description of a puzzle’s construction and its web of links to poems, crossword history, and video analysis, showcases how a simple crossword can open doors to broader literary exploration. Whether you solve it in the morning coffee ritual or read the poem for the first time in your evening commute, the connection between Robert Frost’s words and the world of crosswords remains a testament to the enduring dialogue between puzzles and poetry.