There are some crossword clues that just sing, aren’t there? They arrive on the page, seemingly simple, yet possessing a depth that belies their brevity. These are the crossword clues that elevate the daily ritual of solving into a genuine intellectual pursuit, a delightful dance between wit and vocabulary. And today, we’re diving headfirst into one such gem that’s been causing quite a flutter in the world of crossword puzzles: “Keen ornithologist (4-7)“.
This particular crossword clue is a brilliant example of how constructors craft definitions that are both precise and subtly misleading. On the surface, it’s straightforward enough. We’re looking for a person, someone deeply involved with birds – an ornithologist. But then comes the descriptor: “keen”. Is this simply indicating enthusiasm, or is there a clever play on words at work here? The brilliance of this crossword clue lies in that very ambiguity, nudging solvers to consider all angles.
The format itself, (4-7), immediately tells us we’re searching for a two-word phrase, a common construction that often implies a descriptive or idiomatic expression. This isn’t just about knowing what an ornithologist does; it’s about understanding how that characteristic ‘keenness’ might be playfully reinterpreted within the confines of a crossword puzzle. Is it an adjective describing the ornithologist, or is ‘keen’ part of a well-known phrase that encapsulates their dedication? These are the fascinating questions that good crossword clues always pose.
For anyone who loves the challenge of a truly engaging crossword clue, this one hits all the right notes. It demands not just factual recall but a nuanced appreciation for language, for the way words can be twisted, turned, and reassembled to form something new and unexpected. It’s the kind of crossword clue that might initially stump you, sending you scrambling through your mental lexicon, only to deliver that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment when the pieces finally click into place.
Solving these types of descriptive crossword clues often requires thinking beyond the obvious. It means considering synonyms, homophones, and common expressions that fit the letter count. It’s a testament to the constructor’s skill when a crossword clue like “Keen ornithologist (4-7)” can be both perfectly fair and delightfully perplexing all at once. This isn’t merely about filling in blanks; it’s about deciphering a cleverly coded message. The journey to unlocking this particular crossword clue is as rewarding as the solution itself, a testament to the enduring appeal of the daily crossword puzzle and the intricate craft behind each enigmatic entry. Let’s just say, once you see the answer to this crossword clue, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it!
Available Answers:
BIRDWATCHER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 9 July 2025