Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts and daily puzzle champions! There’s nothing quite like that moment when a particularly intriguing crossword clue jumps out at you, demanding your full attention and a generous dollop of mental gymnastics. Today’s grid, packed with its usual blend of witty misdirection and clever construction, presented just such a gem, and I simply had to share my initial thoughts on its captivating challenge.
The crossword clue that held me spellbound for a good few minutes was:
“Limb has to finish old story (6)“
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Now, isn’t that a beauty? Just reading it aloud, you can almost feel the gears turning, the brain beginning its familiar dance between literal interpretation and cryptic ingenuity. Every seasoned solver knows that the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to present a perfectly plausible surface reading that, more often than not, leads you down the garden path away from the true solution.
Let’s dissect this compelling crossword clue, shall we? We have several fascinating components at play. First, the term “Limb.” Immediately, our minds might jump to a branch of a tree, or perhaps an arm or a leg – a physical part of a body. But in the world of cryptic crossword clues, “limb” could also refer to a border, an edge, or even a concept related to a larger structure. The versatility of such a simple word is a crossword setter’s dream! What kind of “limb” are we really looking for here? The options are plentiful, and that’s precisely what makes this type of crossword clue so engaging.
Then we encounter “has to finish.” Ah, “finish”! This word is a classic signal in many a cryptic crossword clue. It often hints at the end of something – perhaps the last letter of a word, or the concluding segment of a phrase. Does “has to finish” refer to the completion of an action, or is it a more literal instruction to take the tail end of a preceding or subsequent word? The ambiguity is intentional, designed to make us pause and consider all the linguistic possibilities. It’s these subtle indicators that elevate a simple phrase into a truly puzzling crossword clue.
And finally, “old story.” This phrase conjures images of ancient fables, classic tales, myths, or legends. It speaks of narrative, of something passed down through generations. Could it be a synonym for a specific type of narrative? Or is “old story” a component that needs to be manipulated in some way, perhaps by taking a part of it, or even reversing it? The history embedded in “old story” could be a crucial definitional element or a cleverly disguised piece of wordplay. When tackling a cryptic crossword clue, every word is a potential piece of the puzzle, and “old story” feels particularly rich with possibility.
And let’s not forget that crucial number in parentheses: (6). This tells us the exact length of our elusive answer. This constraint is invaluable, allowing us to test our theories and discard any solutions that don’t fit the specified letter count. It’s the ultimate reality check for any proposed answer to a crossword clue.
So, we have a “Limb,” something that “has to finish,” and an “old story,” all combining to form a six-letter word. What a delightful challenge! This crossword clue exemplifies why we love these puzzles: the blend of straightforward language with layers of hidden meaning, the satisfaction of piecing together disparate elements into a coherent whole. It’s a true test of linguistic agility and lateral thinking.
I’d love to hear your initial thoughts on this fantastic crossword clue. How did you first approach it? What avenues did your mind explore? Share your puzzle-solving process (but no spoilers on the answer itself, please!). Let’s celebrate the journey of discovery that every great crossword clue takes us on. Happy solving, everyone!
Available Answers:
LEGEND.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 1 September 2025