Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the delightful world of grids and linguistic gymnastics! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a truly clever
crossword clue
provides, that moment when the layers of misdirection peel back and the solution reveals itself with a satisfying ‘click’. Today, we’re zeroing in on a real gem that’s been making the rounds and prompting many a thoughtful frown: “Even annoy bully with honour (5).”
This particular five-letter enigma is a fantastic example of the constructor’s art, a perfect blend of definition and wordplay that can initially send you down several intriguing, yet ultimately incorrect, paths. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that, once solved, leaves you nodding in appreciation for its sheer ingenuity.
Let’s begin our exploration by dissecting the individual components of this intriguing
crossword clue
. The word “Even” kicks things off. In the realm of
crossword clues
, this seemingly straightforward term is often a powerful indicator. Does it relate to a state of flatness or balance? Could it be hinting at something numerical, or perhaps a hidden word, or even letters in the middle of a phrase? The possibilities are surprisingly vast, and experienced solvers know to keep an open mind to all interpretations when faced with such an apparently simple word in a complex
crossword clue
.
Next up, we encounter “annoy bully.” This phrase paints a vivid picture, conjuring images of confrontation, provocation, or perhaps a subtle form of resistance. But remember, the language of a
crossword clue
is rarely as literal as it appears on the surface. Are “annoy” and “bully” both part of the definition, describing a specific action or a characteristic? Or is one word acting as a cryptic instruction while the other contributes to the meaning? Could “annoy bully” be a synonym for something less aggressive, or a more nuanced way of dealing with an unpleasant situation? Unravelling this requires you to step beyond the obvious and consider the broader semantic field.
Finally, the phrase “with honour” adds a fascinating layer of complexity to this already captivating
crossword clue
. This typically suggests a noble, fair, or principled approach to something, even in challenging circumstances. How does the concept of “honour” intertwine with “annoying a bully” and the word “Even”? Does it modify the entire preceding action, giving it a specific moral dimension? Or is “with honour” a clever piece of wordplay, perhaps indicating an insertion, a reversal, or another trick known to frequenters of cryptic
crossword clues
? The interplay between these three distinct elements is what elevates this from a simple definition into a truly compelling linguistic puzzle.
The beauty of a concise
crossword clue
like this, especially one with only five letters, is how much meaning can be packed into such a small space. You’re tasked with finding a single word that manages to encapsulate all these ideas – the sense of ‘evenness,’ the act of dealing with a ‘bully,’ and the manner of doing so ‘with honour.’ It’s a testament to the constructor’s skill that they can weave such intricate threads into a compact challenge.
As you ponder this brilliant
crossword clue
, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Jot down synonyms, consider different grammatical forms, and play with various cryptic solving techniques. Sometimes the most elusive
crossword clue
will yield its secret after a moment of quiet reflection, or when you approach it from an entirely new angle. It’s not just about the solution; it’s about the journey of discovery that each excellent
crossword clue
offers. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
NOBLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 17 October 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 5 August 2025