The thrill of a perfectly crafted crossword clue is something every solver lives for. That moment when the seemingly disparate parts click into place, revealing an answer that was hiding in plain sight – it’s pure magic. Today, we’re diving into a particularly delightful example that recently had me scratching my head, then grinning from ear to ear. It’s a prime illustration of how setters masterfully combine definition with clever wordplay to create truly satisfying challenges within a crossword puzzle.
The crossword clue in question is:
“Excel with alternative in the open air (7)“
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At first glance, this cryptic crossword clue might seem a bit opaque. Seven letters, three distinct phrases, and the immediate puzzle of how they intertwine. Let’s break it down, just as we would when tackling any challenging crossword puzzle, to see how the brilliant minds behind these daily crosswords guide us to their solutions.
Our journey begins with the word “Excel.” In the world of crosswords, “Excel” can wear many hats. It could literally refer to the spreadsheet program, though that’s less likely given the rest of the clue’s context. More often, it’s a verb, suggesting superiority, outdoing, performing better, or surpassing expectations. Synonyms like “outdo,” “surpass,” “beat,” or “shine” immediately spring to mind. We’re looking for a word that conveys a sense of being better or superior. This forms a potential definitional component or, more often in cryptic crosswords, a piece of the wordplay itself. As seasoned crossword solvers know, every word in a cryptic crossword clue is there for a reason, and understanding its possible roles is key to unlocking the puzzle.
Next, we encounter “with alternative.” This phrase is a classic indicator of wordplay in cryptic crossword clues. “Alternative” very frequently points towards the inclusion of the word “OR.” It’s a common trick used by setters to signal that the letters O and R need to be inserted, appended, or used in combination with another part of the clue. However, “alternative” could also suggest a substitution (one letter for another) or a choice between two elements. The beauty of these clues lies in their ambiguity until the full picture emerges. Keeping “OR” in mind as a strong possibility is a good strategy, but remaining open to other interpretations of “alternative” is also crucial for mastering the cryptic crossword. This element truly tests a solver’s understanding of common crossword devices.
Finally, we arrive at “in the open air.” This phrase feels like a strong definitional component. It describes a location or condition – outside, unconfined, not indoors. Think of activities, places, or concepts associated with being outdoors. This part provides the overarching context for the ultimate answer. When you’re faced with a seemingly straightforward descriptive phrase like this in a crossword clue, it’s often the main definition that the wordplay points to. Combining it with the “Excel” and “alternative” elements is where the real fun begins for any crossword enthusiast. The number in parentheses, “(7),” confirms that our final answer will be a seven-letter word, which helps narrow down our lexical search considerably, making the task of solving crosswords a little more manageable within the given parameters.
So, how do these pieces fit together to form a coherent seven-letter word? The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in how seamlessly it blends a definition (or a significant part of it) with a subtle, yet common, wordplay mechanism. We have an indicator for a verb meaning “excel,” a classic cryptic hint for “alternative,” and a clear descriptive phrase for the final concept. It’s a prime example of why solving crosswords is such a rewarding mental exercise.
The challenge, as with many well-constructed cryptic clues, is to identify which part of the clue is the definition and which part guides the construction of the word through wordplay. Is “Excel” part of the wordplay leading to another word, or is it directly defined? Is “in the open air” the direct definition, or does it contribute to a larger cryptic construction? The elegance comes from finding the exact moment where the parts coalesce into that single, satisfying seven-letter answer.
Solving such a crossword clue often involves a bit of trial and error, mentally testing synonyms for “excel” and seeing how they might combine with “OR” or another “alternative” indicator, all while keeping the “in the open air” context in mind. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill that they can weave these elements together into a puzzle that feels both challenging and utterly logical once solved. This is the kind of clue that elevates a good crossword puzzle into a truly great one, leaving you feeling accomplished and eager for the next daily crossword challenge. This specific crossword clue is a fantastic example for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in tackling cryptic crosswords, highlighting the beauty and cleverness inherent in their design.
Available Answers:
OUTDOOR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 17 September 2025