Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the daily challenge of a fresh crossword, especially when you stumble upon a cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, ponder, and perhaps even let out an audible “aha!” when the penny finally drops. Today, we’re shining our spotlight on just such a delightful head-scratcher, one that perfectly exemplifies the cunning craftsmanship of crossword setters.
The particular crossword clue that had me captivated recently, and which we’ll be dissecting in our typical fashion, is:
“Soldier to slide, then start downward leap (9,4)“
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Just reading it aloud, you can feel the layers of potential meaning, the evocative imagery, and that familiar tug of misdirection that makes cryptic crosswords so utterly compelling. This isn’t just a simple definition; it’s a meticulously crafted linguistic puzzle, designed to test your lateral thinking and your understanding of the intricate rules of cryptic wordplay.
For many a crossword enthusiast, a clue like this is the very reason we return to our daily crossword puzzle. It’s not merely about filling in blanks; it’s about engaging in a mental sparring match with the setter, decoding their clever use of language. A brilliant cryptic crossword clue often has a deceptive “surface reading” – that initial, seemingly straightforward phrase that tempts you down a garden path, only to reveal a completely different meaning when you apply the principles of wordplay.
Take our featured crossword clue, “Soldier to slide, then start downward leap (9,4)“. At first glance, your mind might conjure images of military maneuvers or perhaps even a literal, precipitous fall. The vivid action verbs – “slide,” “start,” “leap” – paint a dynamic picture. But as seasoned solvers of challenging crossword clues know, the literal meaning is often just a smokescreen. The real magic lies in identifying the definition, the wordplay indicator, and the various components that, when combined, lead to the elusive answer.
The bracketed numbers, “(9,4)”, immediately tell us we’re looking for a two-word solution, with the first word having nine letters and the second having four. This structural hint is invaluable, helping to narrow down the possibilities once you start to uncover the wordplay mechanisms at work. Is it an anagram? A charade? A hidden word? A double definition? Or perhaps a clever combination of several techniques? Each brilliant crossword clue often employs one or more of these classic cryptic devices, turning what seems like a simple sentence into a multi-layered riddle.
What makes this specific crossword clue so intriguing is how it combines seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive, yet perplexing, whole. The military reference, the actions, the sense of motion – all contribute to a rich surface reading that is both captivating and, intentionally, misleading. This is the hallmark of a truly great cryptic crossword clue: it entertains while it obfuscates, challenging you to look beyond the obvious.
For those who regularly tackle the daily crossword, a clue like “Soldier to slide, then start downward leap (9,4)” represents the pinnacle of the art form. It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you scribble in the margins, try out different letter combinations, and perhaps even walk away for a bit, only to have the solution suddenly pop into your head when you least expect it. That “lightbulb moment” – when the complex mechanics of the clue suddenly click into place, revealing the elegant simplicity of the answer – is incredibly satisfying.
So, get ready to dive deep with me. This is the kind of challenging crossword clue that makes all the head-scratching worthwhile. If you love a good mental workout and the satisfaction of cracking a truly tough cryptic puzzle, you’re in for a treat. Let’s unpick the layers of this fascinating crossword clue and explore the journey to its ingenious solution.
Available Answers:
PARACHUTEJUMP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 24 October 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 7 August 2025