There’s a unique satisfaction that washes over a seasoned solver when confronted with a truly sublime
crossword clue
. It’s not just about finding the right word; it’s about unraveling the intricate tapestry of thought woven by the setter, appreciating their wit and cunning. Some clues feel like a gentle nudge, others a playful jab, but the best ones are a masterclass in misdirection and revelation, turning a simple string of words into an exhilarating mental workout.
Today’s featured
crossword clue
is a perfect embodiment of this cryptic artistry: “Admirable warhorse, pity it’s injured (12)“. At first glance, a
crossword clue
of this nature might seem to point directly to a general term for a noble steed. “Admirable warhorse” immediately conjures images of strength, loyalty, and historical grandeur. It’s the kind of definition that feels straightforward, perhaps too straightforward for a cryptic
crossword clue
, prompting a solver to immediately look for the hidden trick.
And indeed, the trick lies precisely in the second part of the
crossword clue
: “pity it’s injured”. This is where the magic of the cryptic comes into play, transforming what could be a simple descriptive phrase into the very engine of the wordplay. For many avid solvers, the word “injured” in a
crossword clue
is a flashing neon sign, screaming “anagram!”. It’s one of the most common and beloved anagram indicators in the cryptic world, signaling that the letters of a preceding (or sometimes following) phrase need to be rearranged to form the solution.
However, the sheer brilliance of this particular
crossword clue
is that “injured” isn’t merely an anagram indicator; it’s also an intrinsic part of the definition, adding a layer of nuance that elevates it beyond a simple rearrangement of letters. The setter isn’t just telling you
how
to construct the word; they’re giving you a crucial piece of information about
what
the word represents. This warhorse isn’t just admirable; there’s something specific, almost lamentable, about its state. This clever interplay between the descriptive and the constructive is what makes deciphering such a
crossword clue
immensely rewarding.
The true challenge for this
crossword clue
then becomes less about identifying a generic battle-ready horse and more about pinpointing a
specific
admirable warhorse that famously embodies the unfortunate condition suggested by “pity it’s injured.” It requires a bit of general knowledge, coupled with a keen eye for how the setter has manipulated language. The solver’s journey involves recognizing the potential for an anagram, then pondering if the definition itself contains a deeper, more specific meaning hinted at by the second half of the phrase. It’s about merging the literal interpretation of “admirable warhorse” with the metaphorical or factual implication of “pity it’s injured.”
Cracking such a meticulously crafted
crossword clue
offers that signature “aha!” moment, a flash of insight where the definition and the wordplay coalesce into a single, elegant solution. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in creating a puzzle that’s both challenging and fair, guiding you just enough without giving everything away. These are the daily
crossword clues
that stick with you, reminding you why the pursuit of solving crosswords is such an enduring and delightful intellectual pursuit.
Available Answers:
PRAISEWORTHY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 19 June 2025