Every dedicated solver knows that exhilarating blend of frustration and fascination when a truly brilliant cryptic crossword clue lands on their grid. It’s the kind of puzzle where the surface reading seems to lead you down one path, only for the underlying wordplay to cleverly redirect your entire thought process. Today’s featured challenge is a prime example of this masterful misdirection, a real head-scratcher that perfectly encapsulates the charm of the cryptic
crossword clue
.
We’re diving deep into the intriguing “In school period it’s given temporary shelter, being irregular (12)“
crossword clue
. At first glance, the imagery evokes a vivid scene – something happening within the confines of an educational setting, perhaps a short-term solution for something out of place. The setter here has artfully crafted a definition that feels perfectly natural, almost prosaic, lulling you into a specific interpretation before the cryptic magic truly unfolds.
Let’s unpack this
crossword clue
carefully, as any seasoned solver would. The initial phrase, “In school period,” immediately grounds us in an academic environment. Is this part of the definition, suggesting a specific item or concept found within a school day? Or is it a subtle nod to the wordplay, hinting at a period of time, or perhaps even a specific arrangement of letters often associated with time? Cryptic clues are notorious for their dual meanings, and this one certainly keeps us guessing right from the start.
Then we encounter the core definitional element: “it’s given temporary shelter.” This is where the literal interpretation shines. What kind of entity is provided with a provisional place to stay, or a transient haven? Think about the various ways something can be “sheltered” or housed for a brief duration. Synonyms and related concepts for “temporary shelter” are key here. This part of the
crossword clue
provides the conceptual anchor, guiding us towards the answer’s meaning.
The real fun, and often the biggest hurdle, lies in the final phrase: “being irregular.” This is the classic indicator of wordplay, a powerful signal that the letters within our eventual solution are not in their natural order. “Irregular” is a common anagrind, prompting solvers to consider an anagram as the primary mechanism for deriving the answer. It’s a wonderful piece of misdirection, as “irregular” could also simply describe the nature of what’s being sheltered, adding another layer of cleverness to the
crossword clue
‘s surface reading. The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to simultaneously present a plausible literal scenario while subtly signposting the hidden wordplay.
And, of course, the length: (12). This generous twelve-letter count gives us ample room to work with, both in terms of the potential definition and the letters available for an anagram. A longer solution often means more letters to manipulate, but also more complexity in piecing together the final answer. For any fan of the daily
crossword clue
, this provides a satisfying challenge, promising a rich and rewarding solve.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in construction, a testament to the setter’s skill in blending a convincing narrative with precise cryptic instructions. It forces you to look beyond the obvious, to consider every word from multiple angles – as part of the definition, as a hint towards an anagram, or even as part of a subtle theme. The journey from initial confusion to that glorious “aha!” moment is what makes tackling such a finely crafted
crossword clue
so incredibly addictive. It’s the kind of puzzle that encourages you to meticulously dissect each component, teasing out the layers of meaning until the complete picture finally emerges. Happy puzzling, and may your logical leaps be true!
Available Answers:
INTERMITTENT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 19 July 2025