Suburban Sprint: Unpacking a Tricky Six-Letter Crossword Clue
Alright, crossword aficionados! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a six-letter clue that’s been causing a bit of a stir: “Taken by car, tear through the outskirts of Dublin (6).” It’s a classic example of how cryptic crossword clues can be deceptive, layering wordplay, geographic references, and subtle hints within a seemingly straightforward phrase.
Let’s unpack this clue piece by piece and explore the various avenues we can explore to arrive at the elusive six-letter solution. Our goal is to understand the underlying logic and develop strategies that can be applied to similar cryptic clues in the future.
Breaking Down the Clue: “Taken by car…”
The initial phrase, “Taken by car,” immediately suggests a mode of transport or a journey involving a vehicle. We need to consider words that relate to driving, being transported, or perhaps even the actions performed while traveling by car. Think about common verbs associated with cars: drive, ride, journey, convey, etc. However, it is most likely that the phrase is intended as an instruction to take a word that has meaning in the context of ‘car’.
“…tear through…”
This segment injects a sense of speed and urgency. “Tear through” implies movement, a forceful entry or passage, perhaps even destruction. We need to consider words that represent rapid motion, penetration, or forceful advancement. This is likely the key to the wordplay. Does this portion of the clue ask us to insert something
into
another word?
“…the outskirts of Dublin (6)”
Here’s where the geographical element comes into play. “The outskirts of Dublin” points us towards the areas surrounding the city center. This is where things get interesting. The outskirts could refer to specific towns, regions, or even just a general concept related to the periphery of Dublin. Given that the answer is six letters long, it’s unlikely the answer will be a place name in its entirety. More likely it will be a shorter word that is formed from parts of the name of a suburb or outer area of Dublin.
We should start researching the geography around Dublin, looking for potential six-letter words that relate to areas surrounding the city. Think about the types of places you might find on the outskirts: residential areas, industrial zones, farmland. Are there any common words associated with these locations?
The Cryptic Twist
Remember, this is a cryptic crossword clue! Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity. The clue likely involves a clever play on words, a hidden synonym, or even an anagram.
Here’s a thought process we can apply:
Consider Abbreviations:
Are there any common abbreviations associated with Dublin or its surroundings? Perhaps the first letter or two of a place name combined with other letters to form the solution?
Think Homophones:
Could “tear” be a homophone (a word that sounds the same but has a different meaning)? Could the clue be using a word that
sounds
like “tear” but is spelled differently?
Anagram Alert:
While less likely with such a short word, it’s worth considering if any part of the clue could be rearranged to form the answer. Are there any letters within the clue, specifically related to Dublin or the concept of driving, that can be jumbled to create a six-letter word?
Strategic Approaches to Solving
1.
List Key Terms:
Create a list of words related to driving, outskirts, Dublin, and speed.
2.
Brainstorm Synonyms:
For each key term, generate a list of synonyms. Look for six-letter possibilities.
3.
Explore Dublin Geography:
Research the areas surrounding Dublin. Familiarize yourself with place names and common landmarks.
4.
Consider Wordplay Techniques:
Review common cryptic crossword techniques such as anagrams, homophones, and hidden words.
This clue, “Taken by car, tear through the outskirts of Dublin (6),” presents a fun and challenging puzzle. By breaking down the clue, exploring geographical references, and considering various cryptic techniques, we can hopefully uncover the satisfying “aha!” moment that comes with cracking a tricky crossword. Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
DRIVEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025