The daily crossword puzzle, that familiar morning ritual or evening unwind, often throws us a curveball. It’s that exquisite moment when a seemingly simple phrase hides layers of meaning, challenging us to look beyond the obvious. We’re not just filling in squares; we’re engaging in a linguistic dance, deciphering clever wordplay and misdirection. And oh, what a dance it can be! Every seasoned crossword solver knows the thrill of encountering a truly brilliant crossword clue that makes you pause, ponder, and then eventually exclaim, “Aha!”
One such recent contender that truly got the gears turning was the deceptively straightforward-sounding
“Puts up with animals (5)“
. Ah, a five-letter word, succinct and to the point, yet brimming with possibilities and pitfalls. This isn’t just
a
crossword clue; it’s
the
kind of crossword clue that separates the casual dabbler from the dedicated aficionado. It demands more than just a quick glance at the dictionary; it requires a deep dive into the nuances of language itself, a careful consideration of every word in the phrase, and a keen eye for potential wordplay. It’s a classic example of how a well-crafted daily crossword clue can be both challenging and immensely satisfying to solve.
Let’s unpack “Puts up with.” Instantly, our minds might leap to tolerance. “Oh, she really
puts up with
a lot from her cat!” or “He just
puts up with
the noise from his neighbor’s dog.” This common idiomatic usage suggests patience, endurance, or simply tolerating something. If this were the primary meaning, we’d be looking for a synonym for “tolerates” or “endures” that somehow relates to animals. But wait, in the quirky world of a crossword clue, “puts up with” can also mean to
erect
or
build
something. Think of “putting up a fence” or “putting up a tent.” Could “puts up with animals” refer to constructing something
for
animals? Or perhaps even something
made
of animals, though that might be stretching the interpretation for this type of crossword clue. The possibilities begin to multiply, making this particular crossword clue a delightful linguistic puzzle that forces us to explore all semantic avenues.
Then there’s the “animals” part. At first blush, it seems straightforward. Furry, feathered, scaly creatures. Pets, farm animals, wild beasts. But in the world of crosswords, even the most direct terms can hide surprising twists. Are we talking about literal animals, or could “animals” be used figuratively? Perhaps a group of unruly people referred to as “animals” in a less literal sense? While less common for such a direct clue, a seasoned crossword solver knows to keep all avenues open when tackling a tricky crossword clue. This particular crossword clue, however, steers us quite strongly towards the biological kind. The genius lies in how that seemingly simple descriptor interacts with the multifaceted verb phrase, creating a tantalizing ambiguity that is the hallmark of a great crossword clue.
The (5) letters are, as always, both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it significantly narrows down the potential answers from the vast lexicon of English. On the other, for a concept as broad as “Puts up with animals,” there could still be several five-letter words that
feel
like they could fit, depending on which interpretation of “puts up with” you’re leaning towards. This is where cross-referencing with intersecting words in your crossword puzzle becomes paramount. Each letter you confirm from an intersecting clue helps to prune the tree of possibilities, guiding you closer to that ‘aha!’ moment. A precise letter count for any crossword clue is a fundamental hint, but never a full giveaway; it’s another piece of the puzzle that demands thoughtful consideration.
This kind of crossword clue is exactly why we love the daily challenge. It’s not about rote memorization; it’s about agility of thought, about exploring the full semantic range of words, and about enjoying the cleverness of the clue setter. Successfully cracking a clue like “Puts up with animals (5)” isn’t just about filling in a blank; it’s a small victory, a testament to your deductive reasoning and linguistic prowess. It proves that a well-crafted crossword clue can be a miniature masterpiece of ambiguity and precision.
So, how did you fare with this one? Did you immediately jump to one interpretation, or did you, like many, find yourself mulling over the various angles this brilliant crossword clue presented? The journey to solving a good crossword clue is often as rewarding as the solution itself. Stay tuned for the reveal and a deeper dive into the specific wordplay, but for now, ponder the delightful intricacies of this classic five-letter poser.
Available Answers:
BEARS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 9 June 2025