Alright, fellow word enthusiasts and cryptic conquerors, today we’re diving headfirst into a truly magnificent example of a challenging
crossword clue
. The kind that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then, eventually, grin in triumph. This isn’t just a puzzle; it’s a linguistic dance, a mental marathon, and a masterclass in misdirection.
Our spotlighted
crossword clue
for today is:
“Mystic old howler, try amendment (5-7)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can almost feel the gears of your brain whirring, can’t you? This particular
cryptic crossword clue
has all the hallmarks of a classic: a beguiling surface reading, a tantalizing promise of an “aha!” moment, and the distinct numerical hint that provides just enough structure to keep us grounded while our minds wander through the labyrinth of possibilities.
Let’s start our journey of unraveling by looking at the most obvious structural element: the
(5-7)
. This immediately tells us we’re searching for a two-word answer. The first word will consist of five letters, and the second, seven. This length constraint is a crucial piece of the puzzle, acting as both a guide and a gatekeeper. Any potential solution we brainstorm must fit this precise architectural blueprint. It’s the framework upon which the entire solution rests, significantly narrowing the vast ocean of English vocabulary down to a manageable bay. For any dedicated
crossword solver
, knowing the word lengths is half the battle, giving you immediate parameters to work within.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the first part of the clue, often referred to as the definition:
“Mystic old howler”
. This phrase conjures up such vivid imagery, doesn’t it? “Mystic” suggests something ancient, spiritual, enigmatic, perhaps shrouded in secrecy or deep wisdom. It speaks of the arcane, the profound, the esoteric. Then we have “old,” reinforcing the sense of antiquity, history, or perhaps something long-established or traditional.
But then comes “howler.” This is where the beauty and potential for misdirection of a cryptic
crossword clue
truly shine. “Howler” itself is a word with dual meanings, both of which could be cleverly exploited by a cunning setter. On one hand, a “howler” can refer to a glaring, often embarrassing, mistake or blunder – a colossal error that elicits a gasp or, indeed, a “howl” of disbelief. On the other hand, “howler” also refers to something or someone that literally howls. Think of a howler monkey, the wind howling through the trees, or perhaps even a spectral entity.
So, is our definition referring to an ancient, spiritual figure known for making massive blunders? Or is it a mystical, ancient being or phenomenon that vocally expresses itself with a mournful or powerful cry? The ambiguity is intentional, designed to make you ponder the various facets of language. This kind of nuanced wording is what makes solving
crossword puzzles
so rewarding.
Next up, we have the wordplay element:
“try amendment”
. This is the operational part of the clue, providing instructions on how to construct the answer, often using an anagram, charade, hidden word, or some other wordplay mechanism. The term “amendment” here is highly suggestive. In the context of
crossword help
, words like “amendment,” “change,” “reform,” “alter,” or “rework” are frequently strong indicators of an anagram. This means we’re likely to be rearranging letters from the given phrase, or a part of it, to form our answer.
The word “try” preceding “amendment” further solidifies this suspicion. “Try” can act as an imperative, instructing us to
attempt
an amendment, or it could even be part of the fodder for the anagram itself. If we consider the letters in “try amendment” (T, R, Y, A, M, E, N, D, M, E, N, T), we have a total of twelve letters. This quantity is perfect for forming a 5-letter word and a 7-letter word through rearrangement. The skill lies in discerning which letters are truly involved in the anagram and how they will be rearranged to fit both the definition and the numerical pattern.
The ultimate challenge of this
crossword clue
lies in finding that elegant overlap – a phrase that precisely fits the definition of “Mystic old howler” and can be ingeniously formed by manipulating the letters within “try amendment.” It’s a testament to the setter’s artistry that both sides of the clue must converge on the exact same solution.
So, take a moment. Ponder the dual meanings of “howler.” Consider the powerful imagery of “mystic old.” And then, with the precision of a seasoned
crossword solver
, begin to “try amendment” with those letters. The “aha!” moment, when it strikes, will be incredibly satisfying. This is why we keep coming back to the beautiful brain-teasing world of
crossword puzzles
. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
OTHERWORLDLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 30 August 2025