Crack the Cryptic Crossword Clue: How to Solve The Times Puzzles

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. A Challenging Crossword Experience
3. Examining the Setters' Art
4. Analyzing Clue Examples
   • 4.1 One Across: Wearing Precious Stones and Nothing Else
   • 4.2 Ten Across: Quartets Covering a Tune with Musical Style
   • 4.3 Words with Walls and Covers
5. The Amusing Clue: Americans Not Eating in Country
6. The Clever Clue: Drug Having Made Crack
7. The Surprising Clue: Communist Chinese Dish
8. Evocative Clue: Numbers Covering Brown Walls of Famous Residence
9. Some Noteworthy Down Clues
   • 9.1 Scott Baggles Bum Meeting Countryman
10. Conclusion

A Challenging Crossword Experience

Today's Times crossword puzzle proved to be an exceptional example of the genre, offering a level of difficulty that even seasoned solvers found challenging. In this article, we will delve into the artistry of the crossword setter and analyze some of the standout clues that made this puzzle both perplexing and enjoyable.

Examining the Setters' Art

The crossword setter's ability to craft engaging and clever clues is truly an art form. Each clue must have a surface that conjures a vivid image in the solver's mind while cleverly concealing the true answer. Let's explore some of the exceptional clues in today's crossword that exemplify the skill and creativity of the setters.

4.1 One Across: Wearing Precious Stones and Nothing Else

One of the standout clues in today's crossword is "Wearing precious stones and nothing else." This clue immediately captures the solver's attention with its evocative surface, painting a picture of someone adorned in dazzling gems. Upon closer examination, we discover that the definition "wrong" is actually hidden within the clue. This unexpected twist challenges even experienced solvers, who may have initially expected an anagram or abbreviation. The wordplay here revolves around the punny use of the term "injust" (in just), which can mean diamonds. Thus, being "in just diamonds" constitutes wearing precious stones and nothing else. Overall, this clue is a prime example of an engaging, clever, and not-so-easy clue.

4.2 Ten Across: Quartets Covering a Tune with Musical Style

Another excellent clue that showcases the setter's artistry is "Quartets covering a tune with musical style." This clue requires some familiarity with how the setter employs innovative phrases. Using the phrase "quartets cover of tune," the setter subtly suggests the letter "T" (as indicated by the inclusion of the letters TE). While purists may argue that words don't have covers or walls, the clever wordplay adds a refreshing twist. By hypothesizing that "cover of a tune" represents the letters TE, solvers can quickly arrive at the solution. In this case, the answer is "tetrad," with "trad" being a style of jazz and "tetrad" meaning quartet. This clue showcases both wit and ingenuity.

4.3 Words with Walls and Covers

Throughout the crossword, we encounter clues that play with concepts like "walls" and "covers." While it may seem unusual for words to possess walls or covers, these creative liberties add a distinct flair to the clues. For example, consider the clue "Numbers covering Brown walls of the famous residence." This clue conjures a vivid image and reads fluently. The key to solving it lies in recognizing that "walls of the" alludes to the letters T and E. By placing "ends" around the outside of a word that means "bring," we arrive at the answer: Canon Brie (a famous residence). While these clues may not be overly difficult, they exemplify the setter's knack for wordplay and visual storytelling.

Conclusion

Today's Times crossword puzzle offered an exceptional challenge, highlighting the artistry of the setters and showcasing their ability to craft engaging and clever clues. From clues that misdirect with unexpected wordplay to those that expertly use visual imagery, this crossword provided an enjoyable and perplexing experience for solvers. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of crosswords, tackling puzzles of this caliber is a rewarding endeavor. So the next time you pick up a crossword, keep an eye out for the subtle artistry embedded within the clues and savor the journey of cracking the cryptic.

Highlights

• Today's Times crossword puzzle offered a challenging and exceptional example of the genre.
• The artistry of the crossword setter was evident in the clever and engaging clues.
• Clues that played with words like "walls" and "covers" added a distinct flair to the crossword.
• Solvers encountered surprises and unexpected twists that made the puzzle enjoyable and perplexing.
• The ability to create engaging surfaces and conceal the true answer is a true art form in crossword setting.

FAQ

Q: Why was today's Times crossword puzzle considered challenging? A: Today's puzzle provided a high level of difficulty, which even experienced solvers found challenging. The clues featured unexpected twists and misdirection, requiring solvers to think beyond their initial assumptions.

Q: How did the crossword setter showcase their artistry? A: The setter demonstrated their skill by crafting engaging and clever clues that painted vivid images in the solver's mind. They expertly concealed the true answer, often using puns, wordplay, and innovative phrases to challenge solvers.

Q: Can you give an example of a standout clue from the crossword? A: One standout clue was "Wearing precious stones and nothing else." This clue had an engaging surface that conjured a visual image but contained a hidden definition. Solvers needed to unravel the wordplay, which involved the punny use of "injust" to signify diamonds.

Q: How did the crossword clues incorporate concepts like "walls" and "covers"? A: The crossword clues creatively played with the idea of words having walls and covers. While words don't possess these physical attributes, the setter used them metaphorically to indicate certain letters or aspects of the word. This added an extra layer of complexity and visual storytelling to the clues.

Q: What made solving today's crossword a rewarding experience? A: Solving today's crossword was rewarding because it presented a challenge that engaged the solver's analytical and creative thinking skills. Uncovering the clever wordplay, deciphering misdirection, and arriving at the correct answers provided a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.