Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts, to another dive into the delightful world of the daily crossword! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a particularly clever crossword clue, is there? Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a compact yet compelling four-letter brain-teaser that’s been making the rounds and offering a fantastic challenge to solvers.
The crossword clue in question reads:
“Bishop, advanced in years, is fearless (4)“
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At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but as seasoned solvers know, the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its layers. Let’s unravel the potential paths to discovery without, of course, giving away the highly satisfying solution.
Our journey begins with “Bishop.” This single word immediately presents a delightful ambiguity, a hallmark of many an intriguing crossword clue. Are we talking about a chess piece, moving diagonally across the board, often with surprising power despite its humble beginnings? Or does our bishop reside in the hallowed halls of a church, a figure of spiritual authority and wisdom? Both interpretations are valid starting points when you encounter such a versatile term in a cryptic crossword clue. Pondering these different contexts is crucial for deciphering the precise intent behind the clue-setter’s choice. Each meaning carries its own set of associations, and it’s this very duality that makes a crossword clue like this so engaging.
Next, we encounter “advanced in years.” This phrase paints a clear picture: something or someone that is no longer young. Think of words synonymous with age, perhaps indicating long experience, ancient origins, or simply the passage of time. The number of possibilities here might seem vast, but remember, the solution must fit neatly into a four-letter slot, and it must also interact perfectly with the other elements of this captivating crossword clue. Consider the nuances: is it about being old in a literal sense, or perhaps something more metaphorical, implying maturity or established status?
Finally, we arrive at “is fearless.” This part of the crossword clue typically serves as the definition. What words spring to mind when you think of someone or something that lacks fear? Courageous, brave, bold, valiant—the lexicon of bravery is rich. This is where you’ll be aiming to match your derived wordplay with a direct meaning. The four-letter constraint is your most significant guide here, narrowing down the field considerably. The power of a good crossword clue is how it leads you from disparate concepts to one concise, perfect answer.
The magic of this particular crossword clue lies in how these three distinct elements—the multifaceted “Bishop,” the descriptive “advanced in years,” and the defining “is fearless”—converge into a single, elegant four-letter answer. It’s a testament to the cleverness of cryptic setters who can weave such a tight, logical web of wordplay. When you finally connect the dots, that ‘aha!’ moment is truly one of the great joys of daily crosswording.
So, take a moment. Consider the various meanings of “Bishop.” Think about four-letter words that describe being “advanced in years.” And then, find the perfect four-letter synonym for “fearless” that emerges when you combine the first two elements. It’s a classic example of a brilliantly constructed crossword clue that rewards careful thought and a playful approach to language. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
BOLD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 20 July 2025