The morning coffee tastes even better when it’s accompanied by the satisfying rustle of a new crossword puzzle. There’s a unique thrill in diving into a fresh grid, flexing those mental muscles, and knowing that every carefully crafted wordplay and clever definition is waiting to be unraveled. Sometimes, the answers practically leap off the page; other times, a particular
crossword clue
digs its heels in, demanding a bit more thought, a deeper dive into our lexical reserves.
Today, one such
crossword clue
caught my eye, a true gem that perfectly encapsulates the blend of general knowledge and linguistic dexterity that makes crosswords so addictive. The clue in question? “Former statute, correct in every detail (5)“.
At first glance, it might seem straightforward, but like many of the best clues, it possesses a delightful duality. We’re given two distinct phrases, each pointing towards a specific concept, and our task is to find the single five-letter word that beautifully reconciles both meanings. This is the art of the constructor at its finest – presenting a challenge that seems to pull you in two directions, only for the perfect solution to emerge from their elegant convergence.
Let’s break down this intriguing
crossword clue
. The first part, “Former statute,” immediately conjures images of history, law, and perhaps a touch of obsolescence. What kind of words come to mind when you think of an old law or a historical decree? Perhaps something that was once an official ruling but has since passed out of common use, or refers to something established long ago. This half of the clue asks us to think about terms associated with past regulations, edicts, or legal pronouncements. The mental archive of historical terms, legal jargon, or even just synonyms for “old rule” gets a good workout here.
Then, we pivot to the second part: “correct in every detail.” This phrase speaks to precision, accuracy, and absolute truthfulness. It’s about something that is perfectly exact, without flaw or deviation. Think about words that signify being spot-on, perfectly aligned with facts, or utterly faithful to an original. This demands a different kind of vocabulary, focusing on exactitude and veracity. When something is “correct in every detail,” it leaves no room for error, no space for interpretation beyond the precise meaning.
The real challenge, and the true beauty of this specific
crossword clue
, lies in finding that elusive five-letter word that serves both masters. How can a term that signifies a “former statute” also embody the meaning of being “correct in every detail”? This is where the magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
truly shines. Is it a double definition, where one word has two distinct, seemingly unrelated meanings that align with both parts of the clue? Or is one part a definition and the other a clever bit of wordplay, perhaps a synonym used in an unexpected way, or a subtle hint that leads to the answer?
The ‘5’ in parentheses is, of course, our vital constraint. This number acts as both a guide and a gatekeeper, narrowing down the field of possibilities considerably. Every letter counts, and every potential answer must fit this precise length. This means that while we might brainstorm many words for “old law” or “exact,” only those that are exactly five letters long remain contenders.
Staring at such a
crossword clue
is an invitation to explore the nuances of language. It encourages you to think laterally, to delve into the less common meanings of familiar words, and to appreciate the cleverness of the constructor. For anyone currently scratching their head over this particular entry, or indeed any challenging
crossword clue
, remember the power of dissecting the prompt, considering each fragment, and allowing your mind to make those unexpected connections. The “aha!” moment, when the two seemingly disparate elements of the clue suddenly click into place, revealing the perfect word, is one of the most satisfying experiences in the world of puzzles.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in elegant misdirection and precise definition. It’s the kind of clue that makes you nod in appreciation once you’ve figured it out, admiring the simple genius behind it. So take another look, ponder the intersection of the historical and the precise, and see if you can unlock the elegant five-letter solution. The journey to deciphering a challenging
crossword clue
is often as rewarding as the answer itself.
Available Answers:
EXACT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 22 August 2025