Welcome, fellow word sleuths, to another intriguing journey into the labyrinth of a cryptic crossword clue! Today, we’re dissecting a wonderfully crafted challenge that demands a keen eye for detail and a flexible mind for wordplay: “Remove poor toe, so relative has medical condition (12)“. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of how compilers can blend multiple layers of meaning into a seemingly straightforward sentence, leading to that immensely satisfying ‘aha!’ moment.
First things first, let’s anchor ourselves with the clear definition provided by this crossword clue. We are looking for a twelve-letter word that signifies a “medical condition.” The number in parentheses, (12), is our absolute lifeline, telling us the exact length of our target word. This immediately narrows down the field considerably and serves as a vital check for any potential solution we might uncover during our deciphering process. Knowing the length is paramount when tackling any cryptic crossword clue.
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the wordplay itself, which is where the real brain-tickling begins. The phrase “Remove poor toe, so relative” is a rich tapestry of potential indicators and fodder. When approaching a cryptic crossword clue like this, it’s often best to break it down piece by piece, considering all the possible interpretations for each component.
Consider the word “Remove.” In cryptic crosswords, “remove” can be a powerful verb. It might indicate that letters need to be taken
out
of a longer word or phrase. Or, perhaps less commonly but still within the realm of possibility, it could be part of a larger phrase signaling an anagram, urging us to ‘shuffle’ or ‘rearrange’ the letters that follow it. The ambiguity here is intentional, keeping us on our toes and forcing us to explore different avenues. It’s a classic technique in a challenging crossword clue.
Next, we encounter “poor.” This is a gem for any seasoned cryptic crossword solver. “Poor” is a very common and strong anagram indicator. When you see “poor,” think “poorly arranged” or “mixed up.” This strongly suggests that the letters in an adjacent word or phrase are likely to be jumbled to form part of our answer. So, the phrase “poor toe” immediately sparks the thought: could “poor” be instructing us to anagram “toe”? If so, what do we get, and how does it fit into a 12-letter medical condition? This is where the magic of a cryptic crossword clue truly shines.
Then there’s “toe.” Is it simply the three letters T-O-E, destined for an anagram as hinted by “poor”? Or does “toe” carry a more literal meaning, perhaps relating to a body part that is somehow involved in the “medical condition” itself? Crossword compilers love to play on these dual meanings, making us ponder whether we’re looking for literal letters or a conceptual component. Deciphering this is key to unlocking many a tricky crossword clue.
Finally, we have “so relative.” The word “so” often acts as a linker or a conjunction in these clues, indicating that what follows is a result of or an addition to the preceding wordplay. The real star here, however, is “relative.” In the context of cryptic crosswords, “relative” frequently points to a synonym for a family member – think ‘kin,’ ‘ma,’ ‘pa,’ ‘aunt,’ ‘uncle,’ ‘bro,’ or ‘sis,’ among others. The challenge then becomes identifying which specific ‘relative’ fits the required letters and combines seamlessly with the other manipulated parts of the clue. This integration of a common crossword trope with other wordplay elements is what makes this a particularly engaging crossword clue.
So, as you ponder this fascinating crossword puzzle, remember to weigh the possibilities: Is “remove” an instruction for deletion or part of an anagram indicator? Is “poor” definitely an anagram indicator for “toe,” or a broader phrase? And which ‘relative’ are we looking for? The beauty of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue lies in these layers of interpretation. Keep these approaches in mind as you work towards unraveling this fantastic challenge. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
OSTEOPOROSIS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 26 November 2025