solved the enigma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solved the enigma" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of finding a solution to a mystery or puzzle. Example: "After months of research, the detective finally solved the enigma surrounding the missing artifact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

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

Independent

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

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

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

Not to get all Rex Reed on you, but "Eddie's" structure in which an investigative reporter (Ellen Barkin) interviews the surviving Cruisers to try to solve the enigma of Eddie Wilson is pure Kane sugar, right down to the final revelation.

The New York Times

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

Arriving in early 1940, he joined Welchman's "Hut 6" section, whose task was to solve the Enigma cipher machine as used by the German Army and Air Force.

Wikipedia

Larry King's futile, bizarre effort to solve the "enigma of OJ" is as outrageous and unnecessary as his choice of wardrobe. .

Vice

For years scientists had been baffled by how a fragile insect such as the Monarch butterfly completed an annual 3000 mile journey as it migrated every fall from Canada to Mexico until a team of scientists and mathematicians from the University of Washington managed to solve the enigma.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solved the enigma", ensure that the context involves something genuinely mysterious or difficult to understand. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "solved the enigma" for everyday problems. Save it for situations where there is a genuine sense of mystery or complexity involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solved the enigma" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the successful resolution or deciphering of a complex, mysterious, or puzzling situation. According to Ludwig AI, it suggests a successful outcome to an intricate challenge.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "solved the enigma" is a verbal phrase used to describe the successful resolution of a complex or mysterious problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, though overuse in simple situations should be avoided. While examples are rare, it frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. Alternative phrases such as "decoded the mystery" and "unraveled the puzzle" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decoded the mystery

Focuses on uncovering a mystery rather than just any problem.

unraveled the puzzle

Highlights the disentanglement aspect of solving a complex issue.

cracked the code

Emphasizes breaking a secret or cipher.

figured out the riddle

Implies solving a perplexing question or statement.

resolved the conundrum

Stresses the resolution of a difficult problem or paradox.

answered the question

Highlights addressing a specific query.

clarified the ambiguity

Focuses on removing uncertainty or vagueness.

explained the phenomenon

Highlights understanding and describing an unusual occurrence.

understood the secret

Focuses on gaining knowledge of something hidden.

revealed the truth

Implies uncovering a hidden fact.

FAQs

How can I use "solved the enigma" in a sentence?

You can use "solved the enigma" to describe resolving a complex mystery or difficult problem. For example: "The detective finally "solved the enigma" surrounding the missing artifact."

What are some alternatives to saying "solved the enigma"?

Alternatives include phrases like "decoded the mystery", "unraveled the puzzle", or "cracked the code", each emphasizing different aspects of problem-solving.

Is it appropriate to use "solved the enigma" in formal writing?

Yes, "solved the enigma" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the resolution of a complex or mysterious issue. However, consider the context to ensure it fits the tone.

What kind of problems are best described as having "solved the enigma"?

This phrase is best used for situations involving deep mystery, complex puzzles, or things that are difficult to understand. It's less suitable for simple or straightforward problems.