*What a straw man in a cornfield is for?

Answer:

CROWCONTROL

Hint:

This agricultural tactic uses a fake figure to deter birds that might otherwise feast on newly planted seeds. Think of it as a scarecrow’s primary job.

Explanation:

A "straw man" is a scarecrow, which farmers place in cornfields to frighten away crows. The clue plays on the literal meaning of "straw man" while hinting at its purpose—controlling crows. Combining "crow" with "control" gives the answer "CROWCONTROL," blending the bird being deterred with the action of managing them.

More Clues from This Puzzle

57 Down

4 letters

Planet whose name is also a candy company

16 Across

3 letters

Card game that involves shouting its name

19 Across

3 letters

Palindromic woman's name

26 Across

6 letters

Material for a pub quiz

General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints