Welcome back, fellow word-wrestlers and lexical adventurers! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a truly well-crafted cryptic crossword clue provides, is there? That moment of triumph when the pieces finally click into place is unparalleled, a testament to the beautiful complexity of language. Today, we’re diving into a particularly evocative one that has been sparking some lively discussion in the solving community: “Conclude there’s no place for the damned (7)“.
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a prime example of how cryptic setters can pack so much meaning and misdirection into a single phrase. For those new to the art of cryptic crossword puzzles, remember the golden rule: every clue has two parts. One is the definition, giving you a synonym for the answer. The other is the wordplay, a clever linguistic trick that also leads to the answer. The real challenge, of course, lies in figuring out which part is which, and how they intertwine, especially with a tricky crossword clue like this one.
Let’s dissect “Conclude there’s no place for the damned (7).” The immediate impact of the phrase alone is quite profound. “No place for the damned” conjures vivid images of eternal exclusion, of ultimate condemnation. Could this entire evocative sentence be the definition for our seven-letter solution? Or is only a part of it the straight definition, with the rest forming the clever wordplay? That’s often the first hurdle when tackling a cryptic crossword clue of this calibre.
Consider the word “Conclude.” As a verb, it means to bring something to an end, or to deduce something. Could our answer mean “to finish” or “to infer”? If so, how would “there’s no place for the damned” serve as the wordplay? Perhaps it’s an anagram, or a hidden word, or a charade constructed from its various components. The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue is its inherent ambiguity until the light bulb moment arrives.
Then there’s the phrase “no place for the damned.” This could be interpreted quite literally in the wordplay. Does “no place” suggest removal, an “out” or a “gone”? And what about “damned”? This word carries a strong sense of judgment and condemnation. Could it be a homophone (sounding like another word), or perhaps a component of a larger word that needs to be ‘cast’ or ‘lost’? Each element of this fascinating crossword clue offers a potential avenue for discovery, and ignoring any part might lead you down the wrong path.
The (7) at the end, as always, is our crucial letter count. This digit is your steadfast guide, eliminating countless possibilities and ensuring that whatever ingenious solution you finally arrive at, it perfectly fits the grid. It’s a non-negotiable aspect of solving any crossword clue, and particularly vital in cryptics where the wordplay might otherwise allow for multiple interpretations.
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in misdirection and suggestion. It toys with our expectations, making us ponder the literal and figurative meanings of words that, at first glance, seem perfectly straightforward. It’s a reminder that solving crosswords isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about lateral thinking, pattern recognition, and a deep appreciation for the English language’s playful side.
So, take a moment with this brilliant cryptic crossword clue. What are your initial thoughts? How do you begin to unpick such a rich and layered phrase? Do you start with the definition hunt, or are you drawn to potential wordplay mechanisms? Share your thought process, but remember – no spoilers for the answer itself! The joy is in the journey of deciphering such a captivating crossword clue. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
INFERNO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 3 October 2025