Today, we’re diving headfirst into a truly delightful and wonderfully perplexing
crossword clue
that has likely graced many a puzzle grid: “Place personal charge on sheep, then relax (3,4,4,2)“. Oh, what a gem! This isn’t just any ordinary
crossword clue
; it’s a masterful piece of cryptic wordplay, designed to make you ponder, chuckle, and ultimately, revel in that glorious ‘aha!’ moment.
Cryptic crosswords, for many, are the pinnacle of puzzle-solving. They demand a different kind of thinking than your standard definition-based clues. Each
crossword clue
in a cryptic grid is a miniature riddle, often containing a definition
and
some clever wordplay that points to the answer. The real artistry lies in the ‘surface reading’ – how the clue sounds like a coherent, albeit sometimes odd, sentence – while hiding a completely different, literal meaning that leads you to the solution. And this particular
crossword clue
is a perfect illustration of that dual nature.
Let’s unpack this fascinating
crossword clue
without giving away the brilliant solution. When you first read “Place personal charge on sheep, then relax,” your mind might wander to pastoral scenes, perhaps a shepherd tending their flock, or even some abstract philosophical musing on burdens and tranquility. This is exactly what the setter wants you to do! That’s the deceptive ‘surface reading’ at play.
To crack a cryptic
crossword clue
like this, your first step is often to identify the definition part and the wordplay part. Sometimes, these are clearly separated, but in more elegant clues, they’re seamlessly intertwined. For this specific
crossword clue
, consider each phrase:
“Place personal charge”
: What could “personal charge” imply in the realm of crosswords? Is it about ego, responsibility, or perhaps a very specific pronoun or personal item? Crossword setters love to play with homophones, synonyms, abbreviations, and parts of speech. Think about all the ways “personal charge” could be interpreted.
“on sheep”
: Sheep are surprisingly versatile in cryptic crosswords! Common terms associated with sheep (ewe, ram, lamb) are often used, but sometimes it’s about their characteristics, their collective nouns, or even parts of their anatomy. Is “on” an indicator of placement, addition, or something else entirely?
“then relax”
: This final part of the
crossword clue
is crucial. Does “relax” provide a direct synonym for part of the answer, or is it an anagram indicator (though usually more explicit words like “unwound” or “jumbled” are used)? Perhaps it’s a subtle hint towards the
result
of the action, or simply a word whose letters need to be manipulated in some way. The word “then” also suggests a sequence, a building-up process, which is very common in constructing answers for cryptic
crossword clue
s.
Then there’s the numerical indicator:
(3,4,4,2)
. This is immensely helpful! It tells you the exact structure of the answer – it’s a multi-word phrase, broken down into four distinct words of three, four, four, and two letters respectively. This enumeration is a vital guide, helping you to confirm parts of your potential solution as you piece them together. It often eliminates many incorrect possibilities right from the start. For example, if you think of a three-letter word for “personal charge,” you instantly know it fits the first slot.
The beauty of a truly well-crafted
crossword clue
like this lies in its ability to combine multiple elements of wordplay into a seemingly simple sentence. It might involve a charade (pieces added together), an anagram (letters rearranged), a hidden word, a reversal, or a clever double definition. The key is to keep an open mind and not be too literal.
So, for those who relish a good mental workout, take some time with this
crossword clue
. Dissect it, ponder the nuances of each word, and let your mind wander through the labyrinth of linguistic possibilities. The immense satisfaction that comes from deciphering a challenging
crossword clue
like this one is truly one of the great joys of puzzle-solving. Keep at it, happy puzzling, and enjoy the journey to that sweet solution!
Available Answers:
PUTYOURFEETUP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 10 August 2025