There are some days when a crossword clue just pops off the page, instantly grabbing your attention and sparking that familiar thrill. It’s not always about the difficulty, sometimes it’s the sheer evocative power of the words themselves, painting a vivid picture that both leads and misleads. Today, we’re diving into one of those gems, a cryptic crossword clue that’s been causing quite a stir: “Old soldier at a holiday camp (7)“.
Immediately, your mind starts to work. “Old soldier” – what kind of images does that conjure? A veteran, perhaps, someone with a long history of service, maybe a distinguished past. And then, “at a holiday camp.” The juxtaposition is striking, isn’t it? A place of relaxation, fun, perhaps even a bit of silliness, now associated with someone who has likely seen their fair share of serious moments. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in setting a scene that feels real, yet hides a deeper, more playful meaning.
The beauty of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue lies in its elegant deception. It offers elements that seem perfectly straightforward on the surface, but when you dig a little deeper, you realize they are designed to lead you down a delightful garden path of misdirection. This specific “old soldier” crossword clue is no exception. It invites you to consider the literal scenario, perhaps even imagining a weary veteran trying to enjoy bingo night, but the true path to the solution lies in understanding the wordplay inherent in the terms.
For any seasoned crossword solver, a tricky crossword clue like this presents a welcome challenge. It’s not just about knowing obscure words; it’s about dissecting language, understanding synonyms, homophones, anagram indicators, and the myriad of clever devices setters employ. The “Old soldier at a holiday camp” crossword clue asks you to think about both components – the ‘soldier’ aspect and the ‘holiday camp’ aspect – and how they might combine in an unexpected way to form a single, cohesive answer. It’s the kind of daily crossword clue that rewards lateral thinking and a willingness to play with words.
What makes this particular crossword clue so engaging is how it taps into common phrases or concepts that we might not immediately associate with its component parts. The setter has taken two distinct ideas and fused them into a single, seven-letter answer that, once you see it, feels utterly inevitable. It’s that satisfying “aha!” moment that we crossword enthusiasts live for. That moment when the penny drops, and you wonder how you didn’t see it sooner, is precisely why we keep coming back to these challenging puzzles.
This “Old soldier at a holiday camp (7)” crossword clue is a fantastic example of why cryptic crosswords remain such a beloved pastime for millions. They offer a unique blend of intellectual stimulation, linguistic exploration, and a constant reminder that words are far more flexible and fun than we often give them credit for. So, if you’ve been pondering this particular puzzle challenge, take another look at those words. Consider their various meanings, their potential for double entendre, and how they might combine to describe something entirely different from the initial imagery. The solution is waiting, cleverly hidden in plain sight, just as a superb crossword clue should be.
Available Answers:
REDCOAT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 28 June 2025