You're staring at the grid. 14-Across. Four letters. The clue says small figure with a blocky build crossword and your brain immediately goes to some kind of bodybuilding terminology or maybe a weirdly specific type of statue. You might think of a "troll" or a "gnome," but those don't fit the "blocky" vibe quite right.
Honestly, it’s one of those clues that feels impossible until the second you see it. Then you feel a little silly for not getting it instantly.
The answer is LEGO.
Specifically, the clue is referring to the iconic LEGO minifigure. If you’ve ever stepped on one in the middle of the night, you know exactly how "blocky" and "small" they are. These little yellow-headed guys have been a staple of the New York Times crossword, the LA Times, and USA Today for decades because the word has such "crossword friendly" vowels.
Decoding the Small Figure With a Blocky Build Crossword Logic
Crossword constructors are kind of obsessed with LEGO. Why? Because it’s a four-letter word with two very common vowels (E and O) and two very common consonants (L and G). It’s "crosswordese" gold.
But let’s look at why "blocky build" is the specific phrasing used here. Most people think of "build" as a verb—something you do with the bricks. In this context, the constructor is using it as a noun to describe the physical physique of the character. A LEGO minifigure is basically a series of rectangles and cylinders. It's the definition of blocky.
There are other variations you might run into. Sometimes the clue is "Plastic piece," "Toy brand," or "Denmark export." But the "small figure with a blocky build" version is a classic bit of misdirection. It wants you to think about biology or fitness, when it's actually talking about injection-molded plastic.
Why LEGO Rules the Grid
If you're stuck on a similar clue, it's worth knowing that LEGO shows up in roughly 1 out of every 100 professional puzzles. That’s a massive frequency.
Constructors like Will Shortz or Brendan Emmett Quigley often use these clues to bridge difficult sections of a map. If you have a long, 15-letter phrase running vertically, you need short, reliable words to cross it. LEGO is that reliable friend.
Sometimes, though, the clue isn't LEGO. If you have five letters, you might be looking at ROBOT. If you have four letters and LEGO doesn't fit the crosses, check for IDOL. But 90% of the time? It's the Danish toy.
The Anatomy of a LEGO Minifigure
To really understand why this clue works, you have to look at the history of the figure itself. Before 1978, LEGO didn't have the "minifigure" we know today. They had these "extra-figures" that didn't have movable arms or legs. They were basically bricks with heads.
Then came the modern version.
The "blocky build" is literal. The torso is a trapezoid. The legs are two rectangles joined by a hip hinge. The hands are literally "C" shaped claws designed to snap onto—you guessed it—more blocks.
- Height: Exactly four bricks tall (without a hat).
- Width: Two studs wide.
- Articulation: Six points of movement, typically.
When a crossword constructor writes "small figure," they are playing with the scale of your expectations. You're looking for a person; they’re giving you a toy.
Other "Blocky" Clues to Watch Out For
Crosswords love themes. If you see a clue about a small figure with a blocky build, scan the rest of the puzzle. Is there another clue about "Plastic bricks"? Or maybe "Danish toy company"? Often, these clues come in pairs.
Sometimes the "blocky" description refers to MINECRAFT. If the answer is longer—say, nine letters—you’re looking at an ENDUPURE or a STEVE. But usually, for the short-form, four-letter fills, it’s all about the minifig.
I’ve seen puzzles where the clue was "Blocky inhabitant of a plastic world." Same energy. Different wording.
Common Missteps
Don't fall into the "Gnome" trap. People see "small figure" and immediately think of fantasy creatures. Gnomes are small, but they aren't "blocky." They're usually described as "bearded" or "garden dwellers."
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Also, watch out for GOLEM. A golem is definitely blocky and a figure, but it’s rarely described as "small." Most mythology puts golems at a pretty imposing height.
How to Solve These Clues Faster
If you want to get better at spotting these, you need to start thinking in "Crosswordese." This is the specific language where "Abe" is always LINCOLN, "Alley" is always OOP, and "Small figure with a blocky build" is almost certainly LEGO.
- Count the squares first. If it’s 4, LEGO is your primary suspect.
- Check the vowels. If you have an 'E' in the second position or an 'O' in the fourth, lock it in.
- Read the "build" differently. Don't think about muscles. Think about construction.
Crosswords are essentially a game of synonyms and puns. The "blocky build" isn't a description of a person at the gym; it's a description of how the object was manufactured. Once you make that mental shift, these clues become some of the easiest ones to fill in.
The beauty of the LEGO answer is that it's universally known. Whether you're 8 or 80, you know what that figure looks like. That's why it's such a popular choice for editors—it’s fair. It’s not some obscure 17th-century poet or a specific species of fern found only in the Andes. It's something in your toy box or under your sofa.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Puzzle
Next time you hit a wall with a clue like small figure with a blocky build crossword, take these steps:
- Pencil in the vowels. Even if you aren't 100% sure, putting that 'E' and 'O' in can help you solve the vertical clues (the "downs").
- Look for brand names. Crosswords have moved away from just dictionary definitions. Modern puzzles are full of brands like IKEA, OREO, and LEGO.
- Think in materials. If the clue mentions "build" or "figure," ask yourself: is this made of stone, wood, or plastic? "Blocky" is the ultimate keyword for plastic.
- Check the "Danish" connection. If any other clue in the puzzle mentions Denmark or Billund, LEGO is a guaranteed answer.
Solving is about pattern recognition. The more you see "blocky" associated with LEGO, the faster your brain will make the connection. You won't even have to think about it eventually. You'll just see the 'B' in "blocky" and start writing.