Unlocking the Mystery: A Deep Dive into “After start of holidays I’d study in secret (6)“
There’s nothing quite like the moment a fresh crossword clue lands on your virtual or physical page, promising a delightful challenge. For us ardent solvers, it’s an invitation to a linguistic dance, a mental workout that sharpens our wits and expands our vocabulary. Today, we’re putting a particularly intriguing cryptic crossword clue under the spotlight, one that’s had many a seasoned puzzle solver scratching their heads:
“After start of holidays I’d study in secret (6)“
.
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a beautifully constructed piece of wordplay, designed to lead you down several tantalizing paths before revealing its clever solution. Let’s unpack the layers of this fascinating cryptic clue, exploring how a seasoned solver might approach it, without, of course, giving away the grand reveal just yet!
The first thing any experienced crossword clue enthusiast will do is identify the definition and the wordplay. In cryptic crosswords, these two elements are always present, though their placement can vary. Sometimes the definition is at the beginning, sometimes at the end, and sometimes it’s woven into the wordplay itself. For “After start of holidays I’d study in secret (6)“, we have some strong contenders for the definitional component. Is it “in secret”? That phrase immediately conjures images of clandestine activities or hidden knowledge. Or perhaps “I’d study” is the definition, indicating a specific type of learning? The beauty of such a concise crossword clue lies in this initial ambiguity, forcing us to consider multiple angles.
Next, we turn our attention to the wordplay – the ingenious linguistic gymnastics that lead us to the answer. “After start of holidays I’d study” is where the real fun begins. Let’s break down the potential indicators within this segment. The phrase “start of holidays” is a classic cryptic device. What does ‘start of’ typically tell us to do? It often points us directly to the very first letter of the word “holidays.” So, we’re likely looking at an ‘H’ as a crucial component.
Then there’s the word “After.” In cryptic crossword clues, “after” often implies a sequence – one part of the wordplay follows another. So, if we have an ‘H’ from “start of holidays,” we can infer that something comes
after
that ‘H’ to form part of our six-letter answer. This leaves “I’d study” to contribute to the remaining letters. “I’d” is a contraction, which can sometimes be treated as its constituent letters (‘I’ and ‘D’) or as a phrase indicating personal action. And “study” could be a direct synonym, an anagram indicator, or even a hidden word signal, though less likely in this context.
The numerical indicator “(6)” is our anchor, confirming the length of the solution. This is invaluable information, as it helps us filter out possibilities that are too long or too short, ensuring our final answer fits perfectly into the grid. When tackling this crossword clue, holding that six-letter constraint in mind is paramount. It means that every piece of the definition and wordplay must coalesce into a precise, six-letter solution.
This particular crossword clue is a testament to the art of cryptic composition, weaving together a clear definition with misdirection and clever indicators. It’s a puzzle that rewards careful analysis and an open mind. So, take another look at “After start of holidays I’d study in secret (6).” Think about how all these elements might combine. What six-letter word could possibly fit all these cunning conditions?
The satisfaction of solving such a well-crafted crossword clue is immense, a true triumph for any puzzle solver. Keep pondering, and you’ll surely crack this one!
Available Answers:
HIDDEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 17 November 2025