Ah, the thrill of a perfectly crafted cryptic crossword clue! There’s nothing quite like that ‘aha!’ moment when a jumble of words suddenly aligns into a brilliant solution. Every dedicated solver knows the feeling, and it’s what keeps us coming back to the daily crossword, eager for the next mental workout. Today, we’re dissecting a particularly neat little brain-teaser that might have left some scratching their heads: “I, Basil, organised excuses (6).”
This specific
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of elegant cryptic construction. Six letters, seemingly simple, yet packed with layers of wordplay. For those new to the world of cryptic crosswords, or even seasoned veterans looking for a fresh perspective on a familiar type of
crossword clue
, let’s break down why this one shines.
The first thing any cryptic crossword enthusiast learns to spot is an indicator. And in “I, Basil, organised excuses (6),” we have a very clear and common one: “organised.” This word, or its siblings like “arranged,” “mixed,” “muddled,” “broken,” “confused,” and many others, almost always signals that an anagram is afoot. It’s telling you to take the letters from the preceding phrase and rearrange them to form the answer. Recognizing this anagrind is often the key to unlocking many a challenging
crossword clue
.
Next, we look at the fodder for our anagram. What exactly needs to be “organised”? The clue points us directly to “I, Basil.” This is a crucial step in analyzing any cryptic
crossword clue
. Is it just “Basil”? Or is the “I” meant to be included? Here, the comma after “I” often indicates that both elements are part of the wordplay. So, we’re looking at the letters from “I” and “Basil” combined. Count them up: ‘I’ (1 letter) + ‘B-A-S-I-L’ (5 letters) gives us a total of six letters. And conveniently, the clue indicates the answer is also six letters long. This congruence in letter count is a beautiful confirmation that you’re on the right track with a cryptic
crossword clue
.
Finally, we arrive at the definition. What are we looking for once we’ve “organised” those six letters? The end of the
crossword clue
provides the definition: “excuses.” So, the goal is to find a six-letter word, an anagram of “I, Basil,” that means “excuses.” This is where the magic happens – that moment when the jumbled letters in your mind click into place to form a coherent word that perfectly matches the definition. It’s the ultimate payoff in solving a tricky
crossword clue
.
This type of cryptic
crossword clue
, where an indicator clearly points to an anagram of a short phrase defining a common word, is a staple of good crossword setting. It tests your ability to spot indicators, correctly identify the anagram fodder, and then, of course, your vocabulary. It’s a delightful miniature puzzle within the larger grid, a testament to the cleverness of crossword constructors and the joy they bring to solvers worldwide.
So, the next time you encounter a
crossword clue
with an “organised” or “arranged” in it, remember “I, Basil.” It’s a perfect illustration of how a few well-chosen words can lead to an immensely satisfying moment of crossword triumph. Keep practicing, keep spotting those indicators, and keep enjoying the brilliant world of cryptic crosswords!
Available Answers:
ALIBIS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 10 October 2025