Hello, fellow word sleuths and grid gladiators!
There are days when the daily crossword clue seems to just… unfold. The answer simply leaps from the page, a perfect fit for its slot. Then there are other days. Days when you encounter a challenging crossword clue that makes you pause, scratch your head, perhaps even walk away for a cup of tea, only to return with fresh eyes and a renewed determination. Today, my friends, we’re diving headfirst into one of those magnificent, mind-bending enigmas that truly embodies the art of the crossword puzzle.
The particular crossword clue that’s been captivating many a solver’s attention recently is:
“Metro rebuilt round part of the Netherlands by Rev on screen (3,9)“
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Just reading it aloud, you can feel the layers, can’t you? That deceptive simplicity quickly gives way to a complex web of possibilities, making it a truly intriguing crossword clue. The very first thing that jumps out to seasoned solvers is the bracketed (3,9) at the end. This instantly tells us we’re looking for a two-word answer, with the first word being three letters long and the second a robust nine letters. This format is a classic sign of a well-constructed cryptic crossword clue, offering a structural hint even before we delve into the linguistic gymnastics.
Now, let’s break down the individual components of this standout crossword clue. “Metro rebuilt round” immediately suggests an anagram. The word “rebuilt” is a strong indicator, a setter’s favorite signal that the letters of “Metro” (or perhaps “Metro round” combined?) are to be rearranged. But is it just ‘Metro’, or is ’round’ part of the fodder too? The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue lies in this kind of delightful ambiguity. It’s about more than just finding a definition; it’s about decoding instructions embedded within the phrasing itself.
Next up, we have “part of the Netherlands”. This grounds our search in geography. The Netherlands is a rich tapestry of cities, provinces, and historical sites, any of which could potentially be the definition half of our challenging crossword clue. Is it a major city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam? Or perhaps a lesser-known but equally significant region? The setter is guiding us, but with a wide net, ensuring we truly have to work for that “aha!” moment. This geographical element is a common feature in many a daily crossword clue, adding a layer of general knowledge to the wordplay.
And then, the final, tantalizing piece of the puzzle: “by Rev on screen”. This is where the clue truly ascends to a higher plane of cleverness. “Rev” could be short for ‘reverend’, but in the world of cryptic crosswords, it more often points towards a reversal – ‘rev’ as in ‘reversing’ letters or words. And “on screen”? Does this imply a visual element, a display? Or is it a more abstract instruction, indicating where the reversal takes place or what the result might be? This segment adds a particularly juicy layer to an already complex crossword clue, demanding a nuanced understanding of wordplay mechanics.
What makes this particular crossword clue so compelling is how it weaves together multiple types of wordplay – anagrams, definitions, and possibly reversals or hidden indicators – into a single, cohesive phrase. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill, designing a puzzle that’s both challenging and immensely satisfying to unravel. For anyone who appreciates the intricate dance between language and logic, this isn’t just another crossword clue; it’s a miniature masterpiece. It invites you to ponder, to hypothesize, and to truly engage with the delightful craft of crossword setting. So, take a moment, let this incredible crossword clue percolate in your mind, and feel the gears turning. That’s the magic of it, isn’t it?
Available Answers:
TOMHOLLANDER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 1 July 2025