Today, we’re diving headfirst into a truly fascinating example of a cryptic
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might just have you scratching your head. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that perfectly encapsulates why we love these linguistic puzzles: deceptively simple on the surface, yet brimming with layers of clever wordplay beneath.
The clue in question? “Expects fool to lead injured emus (7)“.
Take a moment to read that aloud. “Expects fool to lead injured emus.” You can almost picture it, can’t you? A hapless jester, perhaps, trying to coax a flock of limping, long-necked birds somewhere. It paints a vivid, if somewhat absurd, picture, which is precisely the magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
. The surface reading is designed to distract, to entertain, and to lead your mind down a charmingly nonsensical path, all while the real cryptic meaning lies hidden in plain sight.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection. The definition, “Expects,” is straightforward enough. It’s a common verb, something we do every day. But it’s the rest of the clue, “fool to lead injured emus,” that truly provides the challenge and the fun. This is where your cryptic crossword instincts need to kick in, moving beyond the literal interpretation and into the realm of wordplay.
When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, seasoned solvers immediately look for tell-tale signs. “Injured” is a classic indicator, a signal that often points towards an anagram. So, our first mental task might be to consider what an “injured” version of “emus” could become. Think about shuffling those letters around. What interesting new words can emerge from that seemingly simple four-letter sequence? The possibilities might surprise you.
Then there’s “fool.” This isn’t just any fool; in the world of
crossword clues
, “fool” can be a synonym for a specific, often short, word that’s commonly used in a derogatory sense. What are some of those go-to terms for someone a bit daft? Your mind might jump to a few prime candidates. Combining this “fool” with our “injured emus” anagram is the next crucial step.
And what about “to lead”? Is it simply part of the whimsical narrative, or does it hold a specific cryptic function? In many
crossword clues
, words like “to lead” can indicate order, suggesting that one part of the wordplay precedes another. Or, it could be a subtle instruction about how elements should be combined. Deciphering these little linking phrases is often the key to unlocking the entire solution.
This
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how multiple layers of cryptic grammar combine to form a single, elegant answer. It requires you to identify the definition, pinpoint the anagram indicator, find the specific synonym, and understand the subtle instruction within the phrase. It’s a multi-faceted challenge that provides immense satisfaction when all the pieces finally click into place.
So, how are you getting on with this intriguing “Expects fool to lead injured emus (7)“
crossword clue
? Have you managed to unravel its secrets? Share your thoughts (without spoiling the answer, of course!) on what makes these types of clues so engaging for you. It’s these kinds of clever constructions that keep the crossword community buzzing and remind us why we dedicate so much time to the delightful pursuit of solving. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
ASSUMES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 17 June 2025