There’s a particular kind of
crossword clue
that makes you pause, cock your head, and maybe even let out a soft groan of delightful frustration. It’s the kind that seems straightforward on the surface, almost too simple, yet hides layers of cleverness beneath its concise wording. Today, we’re diving into one such gem: “Puts up secret construction (6).”
This isn’t just any daily
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and the beautiful ambiguity that makes crosswords so addictive. When you first read “Puts up secret construction (6),” your mind immediately conjures images of clandestine building projects or perhaps a hidden architectural marvel. And that, my friends, is exactly what the setter wants you to think. But the true path to solving this
crossword clue
often lies in peeling back those initial assumptions.
Let’s consider the phrase “Puts up.” In a typical
crossword puzzle clue
, this could mean to erect something, to tolerate, or even to present an argument. But in the world of cryptic
crossword clues
, “puts up” can also be a strong indicator of reversal or an upward movement, especially when paired with words that suggest position or direction. It’s these subtle linguistic cues that elevate a challenging
crossword clue
from a simple word search to a linguistic puzzle.
Then there’s “secret construction.” This part of the
crossword clue
is equally rich in potential meanings. Is it an anagram indicator, suggesting a “construction” of letters from a different word? Does “secret” imply a hidden word, lurking within the letters of the clue itself? Or perhaps it refers to a type of building or arrangement that is inherently covert or not immediately obvious. The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is its ability to hold multiple interpretations until the moment of revelation.
When tackling a
crossword clue
like “Puts up secret construction (6),” the first step is always to break it down. Consider each word’s various synonyms and its potential role in a cryptic device. What words come to mind when you think of something “secret” that is “constructed”? And how might “puts up” relate to these ideas in a non-literal sense? The number in parentheses, (6), is your vital length indicator, narrowing down the possibilities considerably. It’s the anchor that grounds your brainstorming, guiding you towards a six-letter solution.
Many solvers find themselves initially stuck on such a
crossword clue
because they’re thinking too literally. The trick is to embrace the wordplay, the puns, the anagrams, and the less common definitions that are the hallmark of advanced
crossword clues
. Is there a particular type of “construction” that might be considered “secret” by its very nature? Or is “secret” hinting at a method of construction within the
crossword clue
itself?
The satisfaction of unraveling a
crossword clue
that initially seemed impenetrable is unparalleled. It’s that “aha!” moment when all the disparate parts suddenly click into place, revealing a word that perfectly fits both the surface meaning and the hidden wordplay. “Puts up secret construction (6)” is a prime example of a
crossword clue
designed to give you exactly that feeling. Take your time, explore the linguistic landscape, and you’ll find the elegant simplicity hidden within this complex
crossword clue
.
It truly highlights the artistry involved in creating
crossword clues
that challenge and entertain. How did you approach this one?
Available Answers:
ERECTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 29 October 2025
–Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 3 July 2025