solve the enigma

USAGE SUMMARY

'solve the enigma' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to figure out a mystery or a difficult problem. For example, "Let's see if we can solve the enigma of why the power suddenly went out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

As Can Xue's exquisite criticisms on Kafka has clearly demonstrated, to solve the enigma of literature originating from our unconsciousness means to solve the enigma of what it means to be a human being.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Her innovative award-winning 2015 novel The Lie Tree tells the story of a Victorian girl who is determined to solve the enigma surrounding her father's murder.

The Guardian

More than a hundred years ago, social scientists established the correlation between height and socioeconomic status, and they've been trying to solve the enigma of what has been called the "height premium" ever since.

The New Yorker

The Phillies are still trying to solve the enigma that is Hamels, who will oppose Andy Pettitte in Game 3 of the World Series on Saturday night in a matchup of contrasting styles.

The New York Times - Sports

In "Artificial Respiration," Renzi tries to solve the enigma of his uncle, who, in turn, is working on another enigma — Ossorio — whose papers will lead to yet another puzzle.

The New Yorker

The award-winning Russian-born violinist believes the Pierné sonata could finally solve the enigma of the "little phrase" that "swept over and enveloped" Swann "like a perfume or a caress".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Frieman's presentation will introduce "The Dark Universe," review what scientists have learned about it and describe new experiments and observatories that aim to solve the enigmas of dark matter and dark energy.

University of Chicago

No doubt, my view of the significance of the LE cell is parochial and relates to my identity as a rheumatologist who has spent a career trying to solve the enigmas of anti-DNA antibodies.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Turing was working in Hut 8 when he and his associates solved the Enigma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Capello believed the England shirt weighed too heavily on the players but was no nearer than the next man to solving the enigma.

Independent

The mystery has been solved, the enigma of the fiber optic cable between Cuba and Venezuela has been cleared up because of an indiscretion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solve the enigma" when you want to convey the idea of successfully finding an answer to a difficult or puzzling situation, especially when the situation has an air of mystery or complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "solve the enigma" for simple or straightforward problems. "Enigma" implies a deeper, more complex mystery, so using it in a mundane context can sound exaggerated or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solve the enigma" functions as a verbal phrase, where "solve" acts as a transitive verb taking "enigma" as its direct object. The phrase describes the action of finding a solution to a mystery or puzzle. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solve the enigma" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that conveys the successful resolution of a complex or mysterious problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in reputable sources across news, academia, and science, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. Related phrases, such as "resolve the enigma" and "decipher the enigma", offer alternative ways to express the same idea with nuanced differences. When using the phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations that genuinely involve a puzzle or mystery, avoiding overuse in mundane contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the enigma

Replaces "solve" with "resolve", emphasizing the act of bringing clarity to the enigma.

decipher the enigma

Uses "decipher" instead of "solve", highlighting the act of understanding something obscure or coded.

untangle the enigma

Emphasizes the complexity of the enigma and the effort to unravel it.

crack the enigma

Uses "crack" for a more forceful, decisive solution.

unravel the enigma

Suggests a gradual revealing of the enigma's solution.

get to the bottom of the enigma

An idiomatic expression focusing on finding the underlying truth.

find the solution to the enigma

More explicitly states the goal of finding a solution.

explain the enigma

Shifts focus to providing an explanation for the enigma.

demystify the enigma

Highlights removing the mysterious or puzzling qualities of the enigma.

understand the enigma

Focuses on gaining comprehension of the enigma.

FAQs

What does it mean to "solve the enigma"?

To "solve the enigma" means to successfully figure out or understand something that is puzzling, mysterious, or difficult to explain. It implies a complex problem that requires careful thought and investigation.

What can I say instead of "solve the enigma"?

You can use alternatives like "resolve the enigma", "decipher the enigma", or "understand the enigma" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "solve the enigma" in a formal setting?

Yes, "solve the enigma" is appropriate in formal settings, especially when discussing complex problems or mysteries in academic, scientific, or professional contexts. However, consider the audience and ensure the level of formality matches the situation.

What is the difference between "solve the enigma" and "solve the problem"?

"Solve the problem" is a general phrase for finding a solution to any issue. "Solve the enigma", in contrast, implies tackling something much more mysterious and difficult to understand. An "enigma" involves a puzzle or mystery, whereas a problem might simply be a task needing completion.