Ay, there's the rub!

MASSAGE

["Here’s a helpful hint for your crossword clue:\n\n*\"A soothing treatment that might involve some rubbing.\"*\n\nThis hint gently guides the solver toward the idea of physical rubbing (from the original clue) while suggesting a relaxing or therapeutic context, making \"massage\" a natural fit. It avoids repeating the original clue and doesn’t give away the answer outright."]

The clue **"Ay, there's the rub!"** leads to the answer **"MASSAGE"** through a playful interpretation of the word **"rub."** 1. **Literal Meaning of "Rub"**: The phrase is famously from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, where "rub" refers to a difficulty or obstacle. However, in a more literal sense, "rub" can mean the act of massaging or applying pressure to a surface. 2. **Wordplay**: The clue uses a pun—"rub" is reinterpreted not as a problem but as the physical action of rubbing, which is a key part of a massage. 3. **Cultural Reference**: The Shakespearean quote adds a layer of sophistication, but the solver must focus on the secondary meaning of "rub" to arrive at the answer. Thus, the connection hinges on recognizing that "rub" can describe the action performed in a **massage**.