The crisp rustle of the daily newspaper, the satisfying click of a stylus on a tablet screen, or the familiar glow of a digital display – however you engage with them, the ritual of solving crossword puzzles remains one of life’s simple, enduring pleasures. There’s a unique thrill in staring down a grid, a handful of letters tentatively placed, and knowing that somewhere within the lexicon of the English language lies the perfect word, just waiting to be unearthed. Every daily crossword clue presents its own miniature mystery, a linguistic puzzle box begging to be opened.
Today, we’re diving into a fascinating piece of the puzzle: the clue
“Be in favour (of) (7)“
. At first glance, it might seem straightforward – a classic definition clue. But as any seasoned solver knows, simplicity in a crossword clue can often be a delightful misdirection, or at least a call to meticulous thought. The art of cracking such a clue lies not just in knowing synonyms, but in understanding the subtle nuances of language, the common patterns of crosswords, and the clever ways constructors lead us down the garden path, only to reveal the true solution just around the bend.
Let’s dissect this particular crossword clue. “Be in favour” is a clear directive, pointing us towards a state of approval, endorsement, or preference. It’s a phrase that conjures images of support and positive inclination. However, the parenthetical “(of)” is the unsung hero, or perhaps the cunning saboteur, of this particular challenge. In the world of crossword clues, parenthetical additions are never accidental. They serve a vital purpose, often indicating that the answer is a phrasal verb, a word that specifically takes that preposition, or perhaps even a more idiomatic expression. It forces us to think beyond simple one-word synonyms for “favour” and instead consider verbs or verbal phrases that naturally precede “of” when conveying the meaning of being in favour.
Then there’s the numerical constraint: “(7)”. This magic number is our anchor, severely limiting the pool of potential candidates. We’re not just looking for
any
word meaning “to be in favour”; we need one that precisely fits seven letters, and crucially, one that aligns perfectly with the implications of that “of.” This combination of a descriptive phrase, a specific prepositional requirement, and a tight letter count makes “Be in favour (of) (7)” a wonderfully typical, yet engaging, crossword clue. It’s the kind of clue that demands a certain linguistic agility, the ability to pivot from a general concept to a highly specific lexical item.
When tackling such a crossword clue, the strategic solver mentally runs through a series of questions: What verbs or adjectives denote approval or support? Which of those naturally pair with “of”? Do any of them fit the seven-letter mold? Is there a common crossword “trick” associated with phrases like “be in favour”? Often, the most elegant solutions are those that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the grid, allowing the intersecting letters to confirm your hypothesis. It’s a dance between definition, syntax, and spatial awareness within the puzzle.
Ultimately, the satisfaction comes not just from filling in the squares, but from the process of deduction itself. Each crossword clue, whether a deceptively simple definition or a mind-bending cryptic, invites us to engage with language on a deeper level. And for this one, “Be in favour (of) (7)“, the journey to the solution is as rewarding as the destination. Let’s explore how we navigate the pathways of language to arrive at that perfect seven-letter word.
Available Answers:
APPROVE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 12 June 2025