Ah, the thrill of the chase! There’s nothing quite like staring down a particularly enigmatic crossword clue, is there? That moment when your eyes land on a string of words that initially seem utterly baffling, yet you know, deep down, holds a perfectly logical, often brilliantly witty, answer. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such gem that certainly gave my grey cells a thorough workout: “Import casing, if nice and flexible (12)“.
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s the kind that exemplifies why we love these puzzles so much. At first glance, it presents a fascinating jumble of concepts. “Import casing” immediately conjures images of cargo, perhaps some kind of protective packaging. Then, the phrase “if nice and flexible” tacks on, adding an unexpected layer of description that doesn’t immediately seem to connect to the previous words in a literal sense. And finally, the all-important (12) indicating a substantial, twelve-letter solution.
For any seasoned solver of cryptic crossword clues, the phrase “if nice and flexible” will likely trigger a very specific thought process. Words like “flexible,” “mixed,” “broken,” or “arranged” are often strong indicators of a particular type of wordplay. They suggest that the letters of other words within the clue are about to be rearranged, twisted, and turned to form the answer. But what exactly is being rearranged here? And how do “import” and “casing” fit into the grand design of this tricky crossword clue?
This is where the beauty of a well-crafted crossword puzzle clue truly shines. It’s a linguistic dance, a mental gymnastic routine designed to lead you down a path of misdirection before the elegant truth reveals itself. Is “import” functioning as a verb here, meaning to bring something in? Or is it a noun, referring to something of significant meaning or value? And “casing” – is it a literal covering, or perhaps a more abstract concept, like the ‘casing’ of a situation, an outer layer of information? The genius lies in its multi-faceted nature, the way each word can hold multiple meanings, all carefully orchestrated to obscure the simple, yet brilliant, path to the solution.
I spent a good few minutes simply pondering this specific crossword clue, letting the words bounce around my mind, exploring different interpretations for each component. The initial urge is always to combine the literal meanings, but with a crossword clue of this calibre, you quickly learn to look beyond the obvious. It’s about understanding the subtle signals, the hidden instructions embedded within the surface reading. It’s about appreciating the setter’s craft, their ability to weave a narrative that simultaneously makes perfect sense on one level, while secretly pointing to an entirely different meaning for the astute solver.
The sheer satisfaction that washes over you when you finally crack a challenging crossword clue like this one is unparalleled. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about decrypting a message, uncovering a hidden gem. This particular “Import casing, if nice and flexible (12)” crossword clue is a prime example of the kind of clever wordplay that keeps us coming back for more, day after day. It tests your vocabulary, your general knowledge, and most importantly, your lateral thinking skills.
So, how did you fare with this fascinating crossword puzzle clue? Did you spot the ingenious mechanism at play, or did you find yourself scratching your head, much like I did initially? Stick around as we dissect this brilliant piece of clue-craft, revealing not just the answer, but the fascinating journey of logic and wordplay that leads us directly to it. Prepare for an ‘aha!’ moment that will make you appreciate the artistry behind every great crossword clue.
Available Answers:
SIGNIFICANCE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 1 July 2025