Hello, fellow word sleuths and cryptic connoisseurs! There’s a particular satisfaction that comes with unraveling a well-crafted
crossword clue
, isn’t there? It’s more than just filling in squares; it’s a dance of logic, intuition, and sometimes, a little bit of lateral thinking. Some clues are straightforward, a simple synonym hunt. Others are masterclasses in misdirection, tiny literary puzzles that demand your full attention. And then, there are those that just… stick with you.
Today, I want to talk about one such
crossword clue
that recently graced my daily grid. It wasn’t just a challenge; it was evocative, painting a vivid picture with just a few carefully chosen words. The clue in question?
“Little child sheltering close this evening (7)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can feel the atmosphere, can’t you? It’s a seven-letter answer, which always adds an interesting layer to the hunt. Seven letters offer enough room for complexity, but not so much that you’re lost in a sea of possibilities. It’s a sweet spot for many
crossword puzzles
.
What immediately struck me about this particular
crossword clue
was its almost poetic nature. “Little child sheltering close this evening.” It conjures up images of warmth, protection, perhaps a quiet, intimate moment as daylight fades. Is it literally about a child? Or is the “little child” a metaphor for something else entirely? That’s the beauty of expertly crafted
crossword clues
– they invite you to explore multiple interpretations.
When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, my mind immediately jumps to a few avenues. Is it a straightforward definition, perhaps leading to a synonym for ‘sheltering’ or a descriptive term for a child in that situation? Or is there a more cryptic element at play? The phrase “this evening” could be a simple temporal indicator, or it could be a subtle hint towards a word related to dusk, nightfall, or even something celestial. These are the kinds of delightful possibilities that make solving crosswords so addictive.
The word “close” also holds a particular weight. Does it mean proximity? Or does it hint at something coming to an end, like the close of day? The brilliance of a good
crossword clue
lies in its ability to use common words in uncommon ways, making you question their very meaning. This isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about semantic flexibility.
For those of us who regularly dive into the world of
crossword puzzles
, we know that such clues often require a blend of intuition and systematic thought. You might try thinking about different parts of speech. Is the answer a noun, describing the child or the act? Or an adjective, describing the situation? The length, seven letters, often suggests a compound word, or a single, perhaps less common, but perfectly fitting term.
It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that can feel a bit abstract at first, requiring you to really step back and consider the broader implications of the words. It’s not a simple one-to-one mapping, which is precisely why it’s so satisfying when the correct answer finally clicks into place. This is what separates the everyday word game from a truly engaging mental workout.
This particular
crossword clue
reminded me why I love dedicating time to my daily crossword. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about the journey of discovery, the mental gymnastics, and the sheer elegance of language played out in miniature. It’s a perfect example of how a seemingly simple phrase can hide layers of meaning, inviting you to peel them back one by one.
What were your initial thoughts when you read this
crossword clue
? Did it evoke a similar feeling for you? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the fascinating world of cryptic and non-cryptic challenges. There’s always another brilliant
crossword clue
waiting to be deciphered.
Available Answers:
TONIGHT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 14 July 2025