Cracking the Code: “Buy back colourpoints, Monsieur” – A Crossword Clue Conundrum
Ever stared at a particularly enigmatic crossword clue, pencil hovering, brain whirring, feeling that familiar blend of frustration and exhilarating challenge? It’s a moment every crossword enthusiast knows well, the precise point where the grid transforms from a simple pastime into a formidable intellectual duel. Today, we’re diving deep into just such a challenge, a six-letter marvel that promises to stretch our linguistic muscles and cryptic-solving prowess: “Buy back colourpoints, Monsieur (6)“.
This fascinating crossword clue offers a tantalizing mix of seemingly disparate elements, inviting us to unravel its layers one by one. Let’s start with “Buy back.” This phrase immediately suggests a return, a reversal, or perhaps a repetition. In the world of cryptic crosswords, “buy back” frequently hints at a word prefixed with “re-” – think “reclaim,” “reacquire,” or “repurchase.” Could we be looking for a six-letter word that means to buy something back, or does “buy back” function as an indicator for a reversal or a return of letters within the clue itself? The ambiguity is precisely what makes a good cryptic crossword clue so engaging, pushing us to consider all angles before committing.
Next, we encounter “colourpoints.” This is a truly intriguing component of the crossword clue. For many, “colourpoints” might conjure images of specific feline breeds – think Siamese, Himalayan, or Ragdoll cats, known for their distinctive darker points on ears, paws, and tail. If this is the literal interpretation, could the answer be a type of cat, or something related to their appearance? Or, as is often the case with a cleverly crafted crossword puzzle, is “colourpoints” a misdirection, a word playing on sound or an unexpected alternative meaning? Perhaps it’s an instruction for a charade element, or even a hidden word component, asking us to look
within
the letters of “colourpoints” for a piece of the solution. Mastering such nuanced wordplay is key to consistently solving crosswords.
Then comes “Monsieur.” This is an unmistakable linguistic marker, firmly planting us in French territory. When a crossword clue includes a foreign word, it almost invariably signals that the answer itself will be in that language, or at least derived from it. “Monsieur” could also be a simple pointer to a French person, a title, or even an instruction to use a French equivalent of another part of the clue. The presence of such a clear foreign indicator is a vital piece of the puzzle, significantly narrowing down the vast ocean of potential six-letter words. It forces us to consider French vocabulary, common French terms related to buying, returning, or even types of animals, if “colourpoints” remains relevant in that context.
Finally, we have the crucial (6) at the end of the crossword clue. This tells us the exact length of our target word. Every letter counts in a crossword puzzle, and knowing the precise length is invaluable for checking potential answers against the emerging pattern. Does the French word for “buy back” fit this length? Or the French term for a “colourpoint” animal? Combining the “re-” possibilities, the “colourpoints” nuances, and the “Monsieur” French connection, how do we arrive at a coherent six-letter word that satisfies all these conditions? It’s the ultimate test of lateral thinking and vocabulary recall.
This particular crossword clue exemplifies the elegance and challenge of a well-constructed cryptic. It combines a potential definition with wordplay, a specific noun that might be a literal hint or a clever misdirection, and a clear foreign language indicator, all constrained by a precise letter count. The journey to the answer is often as rewarding as discovering the solution itself. What are your initial thoughts on this brain-teaser? How would you approach dissecting this intriguing crossword clue? Share your strategies, but keep the answer to yourself for now – the joy is in the hunt!
Available Answers:
REDEEM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 11 July 2025