The world of cryptic crosswords is a fascinating labyrinth, a place where language bends and twists, challenging our perceptions and rewarding our linguistic agility. Every so often, a particular
crossword clue
leaps out from the grid, not just as a challenge, but as an elegant puzzle in miniature, demanding a moment of pause, reflection, and ultimately, a triumphant “aha!” Today, we’re zeroing in on one such gem that recently graced our daily cryptic: “That woman inwardly devoured warming device (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem like a fragment of an unusual story, perhaps even a bizarre headline from a surreal newspaper. But as seasoned solvers know, the true beauty of a cryptic lies in its dual nature. Each clue serves as both a misleading surface reading and a precise set of instructions leading to a single, undeniable answer. Our task, as always, is to peel back these layers, to distinguish the clever misdirection from the core components of the wordplay and the ultimate definition.
Let’s begin by dissecting this intriguing
crossword clue
. The most straightforward part to identify is usually the definition, which typically describes the answer. Here, “warming device” immediately stands out as a strong candidate. What kind of apparatus brings warmth? Our minds immediately conjure images of heaters, stoves, or perhaps even something more rudimentary, depending on the context. The parenthetical (6) letters confirms the length, giving us a vital parameter for our target word. This immediately narrows down the field of possibilities for any potential “warming device,” making us consider all six-letter options that fit.
The real meat of the puzzle, and where the cryptic magic truly happens, lies in “That woman inwardly devoured.” This phrase is where the setter’s artistry shines, weaving together elements that, on the surface, seem disconnected. “That woman” might refer to a specific pronoun often used in cryptic settings, or perhaps a more abstract concept related to gender or identity. “Inwardly devoured” adds another layer of complexity. Does “inwardly” suggest something internal, a hidden element, or perhaps a reversal? Does “devoured” imply consumption, or does it hint at a specific type of wordplay mechanism, such as hidden letters or a word-within-a-word scenario? The interaction between “inwardly” and “devoured” is crucial, pointing to an action that is not external or obvious.
The genius of such a
crossword clue
is how it forces us to think beyond the literal. Is “inwardly devoured” describing
how
the warming device works, or
how
the word itself is constructed from its components? Perhaps “devoured” is a signal for one set of letters being consumed by another, or “inwardly” is an instruction to look inside a specific word or phrase from the clue. Combining the potential meaning of “That woman” with the implications of “inwardly devoured” to arrive at a six-letter “warming device” requires both an understanding of common cryptic indicators and a willingness to play with language.
Such clues are the very reason we delve into cryptic crosswords. They are compact linguistic puzzles, designed to ignite that spark of insight and lead to the satisfying click of comprehension. Pondering “That woman inwardly devoured warming device (6)” is not just about finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the intricate dance between definition and wordplay, the careful crafting of misdirection, and the pure joy of deciphering a beautifully constructed challenge. Take a moment with this one; let your mind wander through the possibilities, and experience the thrill of the hunt for that elusive solution in this fascinating
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
HEATER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 15 July 2025