March 2009 Puzzle Solution
For each lightswitch, there is one word that, when combined with ON, forms a definition for the top word, and, when combined with OFF, forms a definition for the bottom word. The words below the picture are then defined by one of those words, plus either UP or DOWN. For example, the lightswitch with induce on top and accomplish on the bottom is hinting at the word bring, because "bring on" means "induce" and "bring off" means "accomplish". Below, the word rear is defined by "bring" plus "up" or "bring up". Here are all of the lightswitches and their associated words and definitions, separated by row:
lightswitchdefinitionsassociated worddefinition
induce/accomplishbring on/offrearbring UP
flirt/detachcome on/offfallfall DOWN
slather/snubbrush on/offreviewbrush UP
embark/orgasmget on/offboogieget DOWN
continue/detonatego on/offhappengo DOWN
visit/cancelcall on/offevokecall UP
wait/waithold on/offpinhold DOWN
utilize/sapdraw on/offdraftdraw UP
attack/firelay on/offprescribelay DOWN
relay/foistpass on/offforgopass UP
tease/interceptpick on/offdetectpick UP
pretend/ventlet on/offdisappointlet DOWN
don/postponeput on/offdisput DOWN
belittle/copyrip on/offshredrip UP
challenge/removetake on/offtackletake DOWN
mention/instigatetouch on/offalighttouch DOWN
ramble/fleerun on/offaccumulaterun UP
attack/sparkset on/offerectset UP
inscribe/disregardwrite on/offdisciplinewrite UP
irritate/fadewear on/offabradewear DOWN
The UPs and DOWNs in each row in the final column now correspond to a letter represented in 5-bit binary, as follows:

  • 10100 = T
  • 10101 = U
  • 10010 = R
  • 01110 = N
Your answer is TURN.

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