There are certain crossword clues that just leap out at you. They sit there, quietly, perhaps amidst a sea of more straightforward definitions, but they carry an air of intrigue, a promise of a satisfying “aha!” moment. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such gem that’s been making the rounds and prompting quite a bit of head-scratching (and subsequent fist-pumping, I’m sure). It’s a beautifully constructed piece of linguistic puzzling that showcases the very best of cryptic crossword artistry.
The specific crossword clue we’re zeroing in on today is:
“Mock one removed from Opus Dei organisation (6)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can feel the gears starting to turn. Six letters. A clear length constraint, which is always the solver’s first friend. But then, the real fun begins. This isn’t just a simple definition or a straightforward anagram. This is a multi-layered masterpiece, demanding both a keen eye for wordplay and perhaps a touch of general knowledge to fully appreciate its cleverness.
Let’s unpack this fascinating crossword clue, without, of course, giving away the game just yet. The first thing that jumps out is the specific reference: “Opus Dei organisation.” This isn’t just any generic group; it’s a well-known institution, one that immediately adds a specific flavor to the clue. Crossword setters often weave in proper nouns, places, or famous entities, and when they do, it’s rarely just for show. They’re usually integral to the wordplay. So, the very presence of “Opus Dei organisation” suggests that we need to pay close attention to what happens
around
or
within
those words.
Then, we have the phrase “removed from.” In the world of cryptic crosswords, this is a classic indicator. It’s not just conversational English; it’s a direct instruction. “Removed from” often signals that letters or parts of words are being taken out of a larger sequence. It could be a deletion, an extraction, or even a clever way of pointing to what’s left
after
something specific is taken away. This is where the true beauty of this particular crossword clue begins to unfold. What exactly is being “removed,” and from what, specifically, within “Opus Dei organisation”? That’s the core challenge.
Finally, we have the definition itself: “Mock one.” This is what we’re ultimately looking for – the six-letter word that means “mock one.” What kind of person or thing “mocks”? What synonyms or related concepts come to mind when you think of mocking? The precision of “one” also nudges us towards a specific type of noun. This isn’t just about the act of mocking, but about
a
mocker, or something that
is
mocked, or perhaps an
imitation
of one. The ambiguity is delightful and forces you to consider multiple angles once you’ve worked out the wordplay.
This crossword clue is a brilliant example of how setters combine general knowledge (the “Opus Dei” part) with precise wordplay indicators (“removed from”) and a clear, albeit cleverly disguised, definition (“mock one”). It requires you to consider not just the surface meaning of the words but also their potential as components in a larger linguistic puzzle. It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you feel genuinely smart when you finally connect all the dots.
If you’re a fan of a challenging crossword clue that makes you think outside the box and truly appreciate the artistry of clue construction, then this one is for you. Take your time with it, consider all the elements, and see if you can unravel the cunning mechanism at its heart. It’s a superb example of a clue that’s satisfying on multiple levels. Happy solving, and do let me know your thoughts on its construction (without, of course, giving away the answer!).
Available Answers:
PSEUDO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 5 August 2025