Crossword Corner: When Shoes Get Switched and Models Go… Where?
Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! I hope your grids are looking less like abstract art and more like perfectly interlocking words today. We’ve got a doozy to delve into, a clue that hints at high fashion, absent-mindedness, and a surprising swap. Get ready to dust off your lateral thinking caps, because this one’s a thinker.
Our focal point today is this tantalizing string of words:
Model? Fool switched her shoes (7-5)
. Immediately, a few things jump out. Firstly, the (7-5) structure indicates a two-word answer, the first word containing seven letters and the second a tidy five. This is our foundational knowledge, the bedrock upon which we will construct our solving strategy.
Secondly, the question mark following “Model?” throws us a curveball. This strongly suggests a definition by example or a more indirect relationship. We’re not simply looking for a synonym for “model.” Instead, the clue likely
uses
the concept of a model in a clever way to guide us. It’s a warning flag; time to tread carefully and avoid the obvious.
The heart of the clue, though, lies in the phrase “Fool switched her shoes.” This is where the real wordplay resides, demanding our attention and decoding skills. “Fool” immediately hints at a synonym or related term – perhaps “idiot,” “clown,” “buffoon,” or even something more archaic. Think synonyms, near-synonyms, and words associated with foolish behaviour.
Now, the “switched her shoes” part is where things get interesting. “Switched” strongly suggests an anagram. We need to take the letters implied by the “fool” element and rearrange them, incorporating the concept of “shoes” somehow. The wording is precise; it’s not just “switched shoes,” but
her
shoes, linking the action back to the “fool.” This likely signifies an additional set of letters, possibly embedded within the word representing the fool, or added to it. It’s a manipulation of letters, a shuffling of footgear, a literal alphabet shuffle.
Think about footwear, especially the kind a model might wear. Are there any sounds or letter combinations suggested by shoe types? Heels? Flats? Boots? Could a description of how one walks in a type of footwear suggest certain sounds or letters?
The fact that the “fool” element is possessive – “her shoes” – is crucial. It implies that the shoes are intrinsically linked to the fool’s identity, and therefore, to the word we’re manipulating. The switch isn’t just any random rearrangement; it’s a specific transformation involving something closely associated with the fool.
We’re dealing with a layered puzzle here: a definition by example (the “Model?”), a synonym or related concept (the “Fool”), and an anagrammatic element (“switched her shoes”). Combining these elements is the key.
Consider different types of models: fashion models, car models, even psychological models. How might the concept of foolishness relate to each of these?
This clue demands a methodical approach. Break it down, identify the key components, and don’t be afraid to brainstorm a wide range of possibilities. The answer is hidden within the clever manipulation of language, waiting to be unearthed.
Good luck, and happy solving! Let me know how you tackle this tricky clue! Share your thought processes and dead ends in the comments below! We can put our collective brain power to work and crack this puzzling conundrum.
Available Answers:
CLOTHESHORSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 26 July 2025