Another day, another brilliant
crossword clue
to unravel! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout that comes with a cleverly constructed puzzle, and today’s offering certainly doesn’t disappoint. We’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem deceptively straightforward. But as always with the best puzzles, there’s a layer or two of thought required to truly nail it.
Today’s focus is on the
crossword clue
: “Remains of a sporting trophy (5)“.
This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a beautiful example of how seemingly simple words can lead you down fascinating paths. Let’s break down the elements that make this
crossword clue
such a compelling challenge.
First, we have “Remains.” This word immediately conjures images of what’s left behind. But “remains” can be interpreted in several ways, and that’s often where the genius of a
crossword clue
lies. Are we talking about physical fragments – perhaps a piece of something that broke off? Or does it refer to something less tangible, like what’s left of its former glory or historical significance? This ambiguity is precisely what makes solving this
crossword clue
so satisfying. Consider the synonyms for “remains” that could fit a five-letter slot. Think about the various states of decay or dilapidation. What is something reduced to when it’s no longer whole? This part of the
crossword clue
is truly the linchpin.
Then, we have “sporting trophy.” This grounds the
crossword clue
in a specific context. We’re not talking about just any relic; it’s something awarded for athletic achievement. What are trophies typically made of? Metal? Wood? Plastic? How do these materials age? What happens to a trophy after years, even decades, beyond its moment of triumph? Does it gather dust in an attic, get broken in a move, or perhaps even repurposed? The world of sports provides a rich tapestry of possibilities when considering this part of the
crossword clue
. The combination of “remains” with “sporting trophy” means we’re looking for something specific to objects of athletic accolade.
Finally, and crucially for any
crossword clue
, we have the “(5)”. This five-letter constraint is your best friend and worst enemy simultaneously. It eliminates countless possibilities, narrowing your focus to only words of that specific length. Once you’ve brainstormed potential interpretations for “remains” and thought about the fate of a “sporting trophy,” the five-letter count will help you test your theories. Does your proposed solution truly fit both the definitions
and
the length? This often becomes the final filter for many a perplexing
crossword clue
.
The beauty of this particular
crossword clue
is how elegantly the two core concepts – “remains” and “sporting trophy” – can converge into a single five-letter word. It requires a bit of lateral thinking, a willingness to consider both literal and figurative meanings, and a good grasp of vocabulary. When you finally hit upon the answer, there’s that wonderful ‘aha!’ moment that makes all the mental effort worthwhile.
So, take a moment. Ponder this intriguing
crossword clue
. What could be the “remains of a sporting trophy” that’s exactly five letters long? Let the words percolate, explore the nuances, and enjoy the journey of solving this excellent
crossword clue
. The satisfaction of cracking it is its own reward!
Available Answers:
ASHES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 15 June 2025