Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a truly clever cryptic crossword clue provides, is there? You stare at it, a seemingly innocent string of words, and suddenly your brain lights up like a Christmas tree as the pieces click into place. It’s that exhilarating ‘aha!’ moment that keeps us coming back for more, week after week. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of those delightful little brain-teasers that had me chuckling once the penny dropped: “Twist when getting hundreds in pen (6)“.
This particular crossword clue is a prime example of a setter’s genius, blending straightforward definition with cunning wordplay. At first glance, it might seem like a simple phrase, but as any seasoned solver knows, simplicity in a cryptic crossword clue often hides layers of delightful deception. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to dissect this clue and unravel its secrets, without, of course, giving away the brilliant 6-letter answer itself!
Let’s begin, as always, by breaking down the core elements of this intriguing crossword clue. First up, we have our definition: “Twist”. This is what we’re looking for – a six-letter word that means to twist, to bend, or perhaps even a specific type of winding motion. Keep those synonyms in mind as we delve into the wordplay.
Next, we notice the parenthetical (6) at the end, confirming that our elusive answer is a six-letter word. Always a crucial piece of information for narrowing down possibilities when tackling any challenging crossword clue.
Now, for the heart of the cryptic magic: “when getting hundreds in pen”. This is where the setter plays their hand, leading us down a path that requires a bit of lateral thinking. Let’s tackle “hundreds” first. In the world of cryptic crossword puzzles, “hundreds” is almost universally a nod to the Roman numeral ‘C’, representing 100. So, we’ve got a solitary ‘C’ as a key component of our answer.
Then comes the pivotal word “in”. This little two-letter word is a classic indicator of insertion. It tells us that our ‘C’ (for hundreds) is going to be placed
inside
something else. The question then becomes:
inside what
?
And that brings us to the wonderfully ambiguous “pen”. Ah, “pen”! This is where the setter truly earns their stripes. A “pen” could mean so many things, couldn’t it? It could be a writing instrument, like a ballpoint or a quill. It could be an enclosure for animals – a pigpen, a dog run, a sheepfold. It could even be a verb, as in to ‘pen a letter’ or to ‘pen in’ an animal. This versatility is precisely what makes “pen” such a fantastic piece of misdirection in a crossword clue.
The challenge, therefore, is to identify which meaning of “pen” the setter intends, and then to find a synonym for
that specific meaning
that is precisely five letters long. Why five letters? Because our final answer is six letters, and if ‘C’ (one letter) is inserted ‘in’ a word, that word must be one letter shorter than the total. So, we’re looking for a five-letter word that represents “pen” in some capacity, into which we will insert our ‘C’.
Consider the possibilities for a five-letter word meaning “pen.” Once you’ve identified that word, imagine slotting the ‘C’ somewhere within its letters. Does the resulting six-letter word align perfectly with our definition, “Twist”? When you hit upon the right combination, that ‘aha!’ moment will be glorious. This type of construction – a letter inserted into a synonym – is a staple of cryptic crosswords, and mastering it will unlock many a tricky crossword clue.
So, take another look at “Twist when getting hundreds in pen (6)“. Ponder the multifaceted nature of “pen,” think about where that ‘C’ might snugly fit, and see if you can unravel this elegant piece of wordplay. It’s a truly satisfying solve for any fan of well-crafted crossword puzzles! Don’t spoil it for others in the comments, but let me know your thoughts on this delightful crossword clue!
Available Answers:
WRITHE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 12 October 2025