Not much, as of wasabi

ADAB

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Not much, as of wasabi\"** with the answer **\"ADAB\"**:\n\n**\"A small amount, perhaps from a spicy condiment.\"**\n\nThis hint:\n- Keeps the idea of a small quantity (\"not much\") but rephrases it as \"a small amount.\"\n- References the spicy condiment (wasabi) without repeating the original clue.\n- Avoids giving away the answer directly while nudging the solver toward the wordplay involved.\n\nIt’s easier than the original clue but still requires some thought to connect the dots."]

The clue **"Not much, as of wasabi"** leading to the answer **"ADAB"** is a playful example of crossword wordplay, likely involving a combination of abbreviation and cultural reference. 1. **"Not much"** – This suggests a small or minimal amount, which can be represented by the letter **"A"** (as in "a little" or "a bit"). 2. **"As of wasabi"** – Wasabi is a spicy Japanese condiment, and in Japanese, it is written as **わさび** (wasabi). The phrase **"as of"** hints at taking the first letter of "wasabi," which is **"W"** in English but **"A"** in Japanese (since "wasabi" starts with the character **わ**, which is pronounced "wa" but is part of the "a" row in the Japanese syllabary). 3. **"ADAB"** – This is a Persian/Urdu word meaning "respect" or "courtesy," but in this context, it seems to be a creative way to represent the letters **"A" (from "not much") + "DAB" (a small amount, like a dab of wasabi)**. Alternatively, it could be a playful misdirection where "ADAB" sounds like "a dab," reinforcing the idea of a small quantity. Thus, the clue cleverly combines a small amount ("A") with a reference to wasabi ("DAB") to form **"ADAB."** The wordplay relies on both abbreviation and a loose phonetic or cultural association.