There’s nothing quite like the thrill of staring down a seemingly impenetrable crossword clue. That moment when the words dance before your eyes, offering tantalizing hints one second and complete obfuscation the next. It’s a dance we aficionados of the grid know well, a constant push and pull between cunning misdirection and brilliant clarity. And every so often, a particular cryptic crossword clue comes along that truly makes you pause, scratch your head, and then, eventually, grin with delight when the pieces finally click into place. Today, we’re dissecting one such masterful puzzle that recently caught my eye.
The crossword clue in question is:
“Former vehicle having admirer on the blower (9,3)“
This isn’t just any ordinary crossword clue; it’s a beautifully crafted example of cryptic wordplay, designed to challenge and entertain. Let’s break down why this specific clue is such a gem for anyone passionate about solving crosswords.
First, let’s consider the definition part of this challenging crossword clue: “Former vehicle.” At first glance, this might seem straightforward. We immediately think of vintage cars, old forms of transport, or perhaps even something obsolete that once moved people or goods. The beauty here lies in its deceptive simplicity. A “former vehicle” could be interpreted in myriad ways, from a horse-drawn carriage to an antique automobile, or even something more abstract that once served a vehicular purpose but no longer does. This broad scope is typical of a clever cryptic crossword clue, offering a wide net to cast before the true meaning emerges through the wordplay. As you ponder this part of the clue, keep an open mind about what “former” truly signifies and how “vehicle” might be playfully reinterpreted.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the magnificent wordplay embedded within the rest of this daily crossword clue: “having admirer on the blower.” This is where the magic of the cryptic truly shines. Each component of this phrase is a clue in itself, waiting to be decoded and then reassembled.
Consider “admirer.” What synonyms come to mind for someone who admires? A devotee, a supporter, perhaps even a zealot. But in the context of cryptic crosswords, we often look for the most common or straightforward interpretation that, when combined with other elements, creates a surprising new meaning. Think about the various ways an “admirer” might be referred to in everyday language or even slang. This term alone has several avenues for exploration, each potentially leading to a letter or sound within our elusive answer.
Then there’s the delightful idiom, “on the blower.” For anyone familiar with British English, this phrase instantly conjures an image of someone talking on the telephone. It’s a classic colloquialism that immediately grounds the clue in a certain context. So, we have an “admirer” and someone “on the blower.” How do these two seemingly unrelated concepts connect to form part of a “former vehicle”? This is the crux of solving this particular crossword clue. The trick is to identify the common threads, the phonetic similarities, or the word constructions that bridge the gap between “admirer on the blower” and the letters that make up the second part of our answer.
The brilliance of this type of challenging crossword clue lies in its ability to combine a clear, albeit broad, definition with a wonderfully intricate piece of wordplay. It demands that you not only understand synonyms and idioms but also how they can be manipulated and merged to create a new word or phrase. When you finally grasp the connection between the “admirer” and being “on the blower” and how that leads you back to something that was once a form of transport, the sense of accomplishment is truly rewarding. This isn’t just about finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the puzzle.
So, take a moment with this brilliant crossword clue. Let “Former vehicle” resonate with possibilities, and let “admirer on the blower” spark those critical leaps of lateral thinking. What kind of former vehicle could be represented by such a charmingly constructed piece of wordplay? The solution, once found, will seem so obvious, yet getting there is half the fun. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-crafted cryptic, reminding us why we keep coming back to these delightful mental gymnastics, always eager for the next challenging crossword clue.
Available Answers:
EXTRACTORFAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 23 October 2025