“Don’t move!”

“Don’t Move!” – A Cryptic Crossword Clue That’ll Have You Stuck

Ah, the cryptic crossword. A delightful blend of wordplay and logic that can leave you scratching your head, sipping your coffee, and muttering under your breath. Today’s clue is a real head-scratcher, one that might have you reaching for the “cheat” button.

“Don’t move!”

Simple enough, right? But in the world of cryptic crosswords, simplicity is often a disguise for something far more intricate. This seemingly straightforward instruction hides a deeper meaning, a wordplay twist that’s waiting to be unraveled.

Are we dealing with a command, a warning, or something else entirely? Does the clue refer to a literal action, or is it a metaphor for something more abstract?

Let’s dive into the possibilities and see if we can crack this cryptic puzzle.

Understanding the Basics

To tackle this clue effectively, we need to brush up on some basic cryptic crossword principles.

Definition:

Cryptic clues often contain a “definition,” which is a straightforward definition of the answer.

Wordplay:

The “wordplay” part of the clue uses a word game or a pun to hint at the answer.

Solution:

The answer is the word that satisfies both the definition and the wordplay.

Breaking Down the Clue

With these principles in mind, let’s examine the clue “Don’t move!”

Definition:

The most obvious interpretation of “Don’t move!” is a command. But what word could this be defining?

Wordplay:

The phrase “Don’t move!” itself is a playful hint. It might be a command to stay still, or it could be a way of describing something that remains fixed or unchanging.

Exploring Possibilities

Now, we need to use our imagination and see where these clues lead us. What words could fit the bill? Think about words related to stillness, immobility, or commands to stay put.

Hold:

A command to stay still, and a word that can represent a fixed position.

Static:

Describes something that is unchanging, immobile.

Halt:

A command to stop moving.

Stay:

To remain in a specific place.

The Challenge Awaits

Which of these words best fits the definition and the wordplay of the clue? This is where your cryptic crossword skills truly shine.

Don’t give up, and don’t move from this challenge! See if you can decipher the answer and share your solution in the comments below.

Available Answers:

STAY.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Eugene Sheffer – King Feature Syndicate Crossword – Jul 24 2024