The daily dance with the grid begins, and sometimes, a particular crossword clue steps out, demanding our full attention. Today, that spotlight shines brightly on: “Prophet follows finished supervisor (8).” If you’re a seasoned solver, you’ll immediately recognize the tell-tale signs of a cryptic crossword clue designed to delight and challenge in equal measure. For those newer to the game, fear not; we’re going to dissect this fascinating 8-letter puzzle without giving away the final answer, guiding you through the thought process that helps unlock such gems.
Every truly brilliant cryptic crossword clue has two main components: a precise definition and ingenious wordplay. Your task is to find a single word that satisfies both. In this specific crossword clue, “Prophet” serves as our definition. Take a moment to brainstorm what a prophet is. What are their core functions? What synonyms spring to mind? Someone who foretells the future, an oracle, a seer, a visionary? Hold onto these concepts, as one of them will be the key to confirming your solution once the wordplay unravels. This definition is crucial; it’s your final check to ensure you haven’t just concocted a word that fits the wordplay but makes no sense in context.
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the wordplay: “follows finished supervisor.” This is where the cryptic artistry truly shines. Many solvers find this part of a crossword clue the most exciting. We have three distinct elements here, each with potential cryptic interpretations.
First, “finished.” This is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords. When you see “finished,” think about what it could represent. Does it mean the
end
of something? Or perhaps the
last letter
of a word? Could it signify a state of completion, and if so, what common words or abbreviations denote that? It’s often a signal for a common three-letter word or a simple synonym for completion. Consider what short words mean “finished” in a general sense. This component is usually quite direct once you grasp the cryptic shorthand.
Next, we have “supervisor.” This part of the crossword clue hints at a role or a position of authority. What are other terms for a supervisor? A manager, a head, an overseer, a leader? Think about common, relatively short synonyms for someone who holds a position of power or direction over others. This will likely be a more substantial part of the wordplay, perhaps a four-letter or five-letter word that forms a core component of our solution.
Finally, the word “follows.” This is your instructional element. In cryptic crossword clues, “follows” often tells you about the
order
of the assembled parts. Does it mean that the first element comes
after
the second? Or does it literally mean one word comes immediately after another in a sequence? Pay close attention to how “follows” is positioned relative to “finished” and “supervisor.” This word is key to correctly combining the components you’ve identified. It directs the assembly process, turning individual pieces into a coherent whole. For this 8-letter crossword clue, the order of assembly is paramount.
When tackling an 8-letter crossword clue of this nature, patience and lateral thinking are your best allies. You’re looking to combine the cryptic interpretation of “finished” and “supervisor” according to the instruction “follows” to construct an 8-letter word. Once you have that potential word, hold it up against the definition “Prophet.” Does it fit perfectly? Does it encompass the essence of a prophet? If so, congratulations – you’ve cracked a truly satisfying cryptic crossword clue!
These types of challenging crossword clues are what make the daily crossword such an engaging mental workout. Whether you’re a beginner looking for cryptic crossword clue help or a veteran seeking to sharpen your skills, analyzing the mechanics of a clue like “Prophet follows finished supervisor (8)” offers invaluable insight. Don’t be discouraged if the answer doesn’t immediately jump out; the process of deduction is half the fun. Keep trying different synonyms, experiment with the placement dictated by “follows,” and you’ll find that elusive 8-letter word. The satisfaction of solving such a well-crafted crossword puzzle is unmatched!
Available Answers:
OVERSEER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 2 November 2025