Tangled in the Thorns: A Sticky Situation with this Crossword Clue
Sometimes, a crossword clue feels like navigating a briar patch – thorny, confusing, and leaving you with more scratches than berries. This particular clue,
“Wild fruit, sort of ripe, so swallow hard (7)“
, definitely falls into that category. It’s a juicy one, ripe with potential meanings and interpretations, but it requires careful consideration before you can pluck the right answer.
The key here, as with many well-crafted clues, lies in unpacking the components. Let’s examine each section to get a better understanding of where this crossword journey is leading us.
“Wild fruit”
immediately suggests something natural, uncultivated, and likely a source of food in the wilderness. Think berries, nuts, anything that grows without human intervention. This is a broad category, of course, but it narrows the field to something edible found in nature.
The phrase
“sort of ripe”
is where the real wordplay begins. This indicates a partial state of ripeness, something not quite fully mature. It could imply an adjective modifying the fruit itself, suggesting a specific stage of development or a characteristic associated with incomplete maturation. Look for words that convey the idea of being slightly unripe, perhaps tart, or a specific colour.
Now for the kicker,
“so swallow hard”
. This is the cryptic element, the part designed to mislead and challenge your thinking. It strongly implies something unpleasant about swallowing this “sort of ripe” wild fruit. Perhaps it’s tough, or acidic, or has some kind of unusual texture that makes it difficult to consume. Consider words that describe a physical reaction to eating something unpleasant, perhaps a gasp or a shudder.
This part of the clue might also contain a hidden anagram or some other type of wordplay. The phrase “so swallow hard” could be a container clue, with one word enclosing another. Don’t be afraid to rearrange the letters in your mind, to see if another word pops out. This is a classic technique used by crossword constructors to add layers of complexity to their puzzles.
Finally, the crucial piece of information:
(7)
. This tells us the solution is a seven-letter word. This constraints our possibilities significantly. We need a seven-letter word that fits all the previous descriptions.
Consider synonyms for “wild fruit.” Are there any specific types of wild berries or fruits that are often associated with a particular taste or texture?
Think about what happens when a fruit is “sort of ripe.” Does it have a particular name for that state?
And finally, what seven-letter word could describe the act of swallowing something unpleasant? Think about physical reactions and any synonyms that fit.
By breaking down the clue into these components and carefully considering the possible interpretations of each part, you’re well on your way to cracking this challenging crossword puzzle. Remember to be patient, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to try different combinations. Good luck!
Available Answers:
ROSEHIP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 7 July 2025