There are some crossword clues that just make you pause, a wry smile playing on your lips as you recognize the cunning at play. Today’s featured crossword clue, “Prohibited orchestra, we hear (6)“, is a prime example of such delightful wordplay. It’s concise, intriguing, and packed with layers that true cryptic crossword puzzle enthusiasts adore. If you’ve ever stared at a seemingly straightforward phrase in a daily crossword clue and wondered how it could possibly lead to the answer, you’re in good company. This clue, with its musical overtone and subtle instruction, is a masterclass in misdirection and a testament to the cleverness of setters.
The phrase “we hear” immediately flags this crossword clue as a homophone. For those new to the world of cryptic crossword clues, a homophone is a word or phrase that sounds the same as another word or phrase but has a different meaning or spelling. It’s one of the most common and often most satisfying types of wordplay to encounter. The setter is essentially telling you, “Think about how this sounds!” It’s a literal auditory hint embedded right into the text of the crossword clue. So, our goal here isn’t to find an orchestra that is literally prohibited, but something that
sounds like
an orchestra-related term, yet
means
prohibited.
Now let’s zoom in on the core components: “Prohibited” and “orchestra.” “Prohibited” is our definition here. We’re looking for a six-letter word that means forbidden, banned, or not allowed. Keep those synonyms churning in your mind as you consider the sound-alike element. Then there’s “orchestra.” This is the word (or concept) that, when pronounced, will lead us to the word meaning “prohibited.” An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble, but perhaps the setter wants us to think about a specific part of an orchestra, a type of instrument, or even the act of playing within one. The beauty of solving crossword clues lies in this fluidity of interpretation. Does “orchestra” refer to the whole group, a section like “brass” or “strings,” or even a single instrument that might be found within an orchestra?
This isn’t just about finding a six-letter word; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the crossword clue. The setter has woven together a definition, a sound indicator, and a potentially misleading reference, all within just six words. It’s clues like these that elevate crossword puzzles from a simple vocabulary test to a genuine intellectual exercise. The satisfaction derived from finally unpicking such a knotty cryptic crossword clue is immense. It’s that “aha!” moment when the auditory and semantic connections finally click into place, revealing the elegant solution. We’re on the hunt for a word that perfectly fits the meaning of “prohibited” and
sounds exactly like
something to do with an orchestra. Get ready to fine-tune your ears and expand your musical lexicon, because this one requires a bit of auditory imagination to crack. The journey of solving crossword clues is always rewarding, and this particular clue promises a harmonious blend of challenge and enlightenment.
Available Answers:
BANNED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 15 July 2025