I use a Google Home, not Alexa, but I ask it oddly-worded things all the time. Here's two from the past week that worked: "Can you see if Reply All has a new episode and if so play it?" "Can I still use these green peppers I got two weeks ago?"
That first one sounds promising. I'll have to see if I can adapt it.
My devices are basically just gateways to audible, radio, and general timers. I have begun using the announcement features, but it is amusing to see the kids basically having announcement wars.