The morning sun streams across the puzzle page, illuminating the grid as another day of delightful wordplay dawns. For aficionados of the cryptic kind, there’s nothing quite like that first glance at a fresh set of challenges, each number a promise of a cerebral workout. Some clues whisper their secrets, others roar with misdirection, and then there are those rare gems that perfectly blend both – leaving you scratching your head, then grinning as the pieces slot into place. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into one such marvel, a crossword clue that epitomizes the elegance and cleverness we adore: “Turn with gun not right (7).”
At first blush, this particular crossword clue might seem a touch baffling, perhaps even a little aggressive for a leisurely morning pastime. “Turn with gun”? Images of action movies or drilling commands might spring to mind, sending your mental dictionary down a rabbit hole of military jargon or dramatic shifts in direction. You might even consider the various meanings of “turn” – a rotation, a sudden change, a specific maneuver, or even a period of duty. Likewise, “gun” could be a firearm, a high-powered engine, or even a person described as a ‘gun’ (as in ‘hired gun’). The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to present multiple initial pathways, many of which lead to delightful dead ends.
But as seasoned cryptic solvers know, every word in a crossword clue is placed with intention, a potential signpost or a cunning distraction. The real magic often lies in the seemingly innocuous phrases, or those that subtly hint at a change in perspective. And that’s precisely where our focus shifts for this particular challenge. While “Turn with gun” certainly paints a vivid picture, it’s the latter half of the crossword clue – “not right” – that holds the key to unlocking its true meaning.
In the whimsical world of cryptic crosswords, “not right” is a phrase steeped in tradition, carrying a very specific and often crucial double meaning. It rarely refers to something being incorrect or amiss in a moral sense. Instead, it’s a classic signal, steering you away from the obvious and towards its directional opposite. Think about it for a moment. If something is “not right,” what else could it definitively be? The most common and satisfying answer in the crossword solver’s toolkit is, of course, a clear and unambiguous instruction regarding direction. This elegant piece of wordplay is a cornerstone of many a cryptic crossword clue, and recognizing it is often the first step towards a breakthrough.
So, with that significant revelation in hand, let’s revisit our crossword clue. We have an action or a state related to “Turn,” an element concerning “gun,” and now a very strong pointer towards a specific direction provided by “not right.” The genius of this clue lies in how these seemingly disparate components are designed to coalesce into a single, cohesive, seven-letter solution. It requires you to consider how “turn,” “gun,” and this newly deciphered directional element can combine to form a common word, one that perfectly encapsulates the layers of the clue.
This isn’t merely about finding a synonym; it’s about engaging with the wordplay, seeing how the constructor has woven definition and wordplay into an intricate tapestry. The “gun” element, once a source of potential confusion, must now be integrated. Does it form part of the word itself? Is it part of a phrase that defines the action? Is it a component that requires a specific kind of ‘turn’? These are the questions that make a brilliant crossword clue so rewarding.
Take your time with it. Ponder the possibilities. How do turns manifest? What specific kind of turn involves both a “gun” and the concept signalled by “not right”? The answer, when it comes, is often accompanied by that satisfying “aha!” moment – the joy of seeing the constructor’s cleverness and your own ability to unravel it. This crossword clue is a testament to the art of puzzle making, offering a satisfying blend of misdirection and precise instruction that makes the world of cryptic crosswords so endlessly engaging. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
REVOLVE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 12 September 2025