Welcome, fellow word sleuths and cryptic puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a well-crafted crossword clue that initially seems impenetrable, only to reveal its elegant solution after a moment of linguistic alchemy. Today, we’re diving into one such gem that truly exemplifies the brilliance of cryptic setters:
“Look after really empty room for baby (7)“
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This particular crossword clue caught my eye recently, not just for its charming subject matter but for the layers of wordplay it promises. Seven letters – a nice, manageable length that often suggests a common word, but within a cryptic framework, those seven slots can hide a multitude of twists and turns. When you first read it, your mind might jump to obvious answers related to nurseries or child-care, but as any seasoned solver knows, the most direct path in a cryptic crossword clue is often a delightful red herring.
The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue lies in its dual nature. We’re always looking for two distinct components: a precise definition of the answer, and a cunning piece of wordplay that leads to the same answer. The magic happens when these two elements, often seemingly unrelated in the surface reading, converge perfectly. For this particular crossword clue, “Look after really empty room for baby (7)“, let’s break down the potential avenues of exploration.
Firstly, consider the phrase “Look after.” This could very well be our definition, hinting at a place or an action associated with care, protection, or supervision. It’s concise and open enough to allow for various interpretations, which is exactly what a good cryptic definition does. If “Look after” is indeed our definition, then the rest of the clue, “really empty room for baby,” must be the intricate wordplay that builds our seven-letter solution.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the second half: “really empty room for baby.” This is where the setter’s genius often shines, and where we, as solvers, need to be particularly nimble with our thoughts. The word “empty” in a cryptic crossword clue is a classic indicator. It frequently suggests taking the first and last letters of a given word, or removing the inner letters, or perhaps even referring to a void or an initial/final letter. So, “really empty” could imply taking the outer letters of “really,” leaving us with ‘R’ and ‘Y’. Or, it could signify something much more subtle. Could it be “really,” with something removed from its core? The possibilities are tantalizingly numerous.
Then we have “room.” Is “room” a literal room? Or is it a component of the wordplay, perhaps a container for other letters? Cryptic clues often use common nouns in highly unconventional ways. And finally, “for baby.” Is this just an intensifier for the kind of room we’re talking about, or is it another layer of the wordplay, perhaps hinting at a specific sound, a small element, or even part of an anagram? The phrase “for baby” strongly anchors the clue to a specific theme, which can be both a help and a hindrance, guiding us while simultaneously tempting us down a direct, non-cryptic path.
The skill in tackling such a crossword clue is to juggle these possibilities, testing each interpretation against the seven-letter length and the overall coherence of the clue. We need to consider if it’s an anagram (though there’s no obvious anagram indicator here), a charade (a series of word fragments forming the answer), a deletion clue, a container clue, or perhaps even a reversal or homophone cleverly disguised. The phrase “really empty room” is particularly rich with potential cryptic devices, making this a fantastic brain teaser for anyone who loves a linguistic puzzle.
So, take a moment. Ponder the intricate dance between “Look after” and “really empty room for baby.” What creative ways can you combine letters, interpret indicators, and weave together meaning to arrive at that elusive seven-letter word? The satisfaction of solving a crossword clue like this, unlocking its secret through careful analysis and a flash of insight, is truly one of life’s simple pleasures. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
NURSERY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 1 September 2025