There are some days when a crossword clue just leaps out at you, demanding attention. Then there are others, where a clue quietly sits there, deceptively simple on the surface, until you scratch just a little deeper. And then, there are the ones that are a glorious, multi-layered puzzle, perfectly crafted to make you smile once the penny drops. Today, our featured
crossword clue
falls squarely into that last, most satisfying category.
We’re dissecting the very intriguing phrase: “Space to toil in – converted cop shop (6,7)“.
At first glance, it paints a rather vivid picture, doesn’t it? “Space to toil in” immediately brings to mind a hive of activity. We think of places where creativity sparks, where hard work is put in, where ideas are forged and projects brought to fruition. It could be an artist’s studio, a writer’s den, a bustling workshop, or even a quiet office where focused effort leads to tangible results. The imagery is one of purpose, of productive energy, of a place designed for intense engagement with a task. It speaks to dedication and the grind, but also to the immense satisfaction found in productive labor. This part of the
crossword clue
establishes the current function, the
what it is now
.
But then, the second part of the
crossword clue
arrives, throwing a wonderfully specific curveball: “converted cop shop”. This is where the true cleverness of the setter shines through. It’s not just
any
space to toil in; it’s one with a distinct and storied past. Imagine the history embedded in those walls! The echoes of official business, the clanking of keys, the hushed interrogations, the bustling front desk, the stern authority of a police station. This isn’t merely a hint; it’s a rich vein of context that transforms the entire landscape of the clue. A building once dedicated to law enforcement, now repurposed for… what? The juxtaposition is key. The rigid, structured, often stark environment of a “cop shop” being transformed into a place of creative output or industrious endeavor provides a fascinating contrast. It challenges you to think about metamorphosis, about evolution, about how old structures find new life.
This is a
crossword clue
that truly rewards careful consideration of both its literal and its suggestive meanings. It’s a masterful blend of definition and wordplay, demanding that you look beyond the obvious. How does a place where officers once patrolled or investigations were carried out become a ‘space to toil in’? What specific type of converted establishment fits both descriptions? The numbers (6,7) are crucial, guiding the length of our two-word solution, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
Solving such a
crossword clue
isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the ingenuity of the setter. It’s about seeing the connection between a building’s past and its present, and how that transformation can be neatly encapsulated in a pithy phrase. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you nod in appreciation once the answer clicks into place, a testament to the elegant economy of language in cryptic puzzles. This one, in particular, has a delightful narrative woven into its very fabric. It’s a wonderful example of how a few words can paint a complex picture and lead you down a very specific path to a satisfying solution.
Available Answers:
POLICESTATION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 6 June 2025