Quack-tastic Conundrums: Unraveling a Musically-Inclined Crossword Clue
Welcome, crossword aficionados, to another delve into the wonderfully perplexing world of cryptic clues! Today, we’re tackling a particularly charming little beast that tickled my brain – and hopefully will tickle yours too. The clue in question: “Musical piece two cats composed about duck (7).”
Now, before we plunge headfirst into the potential solutions, let’s dissect this clue like a seasoned surgeon, carefully separating the components to understand their individual roles. The beauty of cryptic crosswords lies in their layered meanings, and this clue is no exception.
Firstly, we have the definition part. It explicitly states that we’re searching for a “musical piece.” This gives us a crucial starting point. We know our answer needs to be a term directly related to music – a type of composition, a musical form, or perhaps even a descriptive term used in musical notation. Keep this at the forefront of your mind as you begin brainstorming.
Next, we encounter the more intriguing, wordplay-heavy section of the clue. “Two cats composed about duck.” This is where the fun truly begins! This phrase is clearly not meant to be taken literally. We aren’t looking for a musical piece written by feline composers. Instead, it’s a cleverly disguised anagram or a series of substitutions.
The “two cats” element likely represents a pair of letters. Think about common abbreviations or symbolic representations for ‘cats’ or possibly actions associated with cats. Are there any two-letter combinations that spring to mind when you consider felines? Keep a mental list of these as possibilities.
The word “composed” is a key indicator of the type of wordplay at work. In cryptic crosswords, “composed” frequently hints at an anagram. Could the letters suggested by “two cats” be anagrammed along with the letters in “about duck” to form our answer? This is a strong possibility to investigate.
Alternatively, “composed” might suggest the idea of putting something
inside
something else. Perhaps the letters representing “two cats” need to be inserted into the letters representing “duck”. Experiment with different placements and see if any musical terms emerge.
Consider what the clue is alluding to, in terms of the animal references.
Finally, the all-important “(7)” tells us the length of our answer. This acts as a crucial filter, eliminating possibilities that don’t fit the seven-letter requirement.
As you explore potential solutions, remember to consider the context of the surrounding clues in the crossword. Are there any thematic elements or recurring motifs that might offer further guidance? The overall theme of the puzzle can often provide valuable hints.
Remember, the best approach to tackling cryptic crosswords is a combination of logical deduction, creative thinking, and a healthy dose of patience. Don’t be afraid to explore different avenues, try various anagram combinations, and think outside the box. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
TOCCATA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 9 October 2025