The phrase refers to a common type of clue found in crossword puzzles, where “amazon” serves as an example, abbreviated “e.g.,” to illustrate the nature of the solution being sought. The answer is often a proper noun or a descriptive word associated with the given example. In this instance, “Amazon” likely points to a solution related to the prominent online retailer or the Amazon River.
The value of such crossword clues lies in their ability to provide indirect hints. Instead of directly stating the answer, the puzzle creator uses an example to guide the solver’s thought process. This method requires the solver to analyze the given example, identify its defining characteristics, and then apply that understanding to deduce the solution. This promotes critical thinking and vocabulary recall.