Unpacking a Cryptic Challenge: “Prize when part of the cabinet retired (6)“
Greetings, fellow wordplay enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a really good cryptic crossword clue offers. And today, we’re diving headfirst into one that truly exemplifies the brilliance and occasional fiendishness of the art:
“Prize when part of the cabinet retired (6)“
.
This particular six-letter
crossword clue
arrived on my desk (okay, my screen) with a knowing wink, promising a delightful blend of political intrigue and clever word manipulation. Immediately, my crossword brain went into overdrive, buzzing with possibilities. For any seasoned solver, or indeed, anyone just dipping their toes into the fascinating world of cryptic crosswords, this clue is a masterclass in misdirection and elegant construction.
Let’s break down the initial impressions for this captivating
crossword clue
. We have “Prize” which, at first glance, seems to be our definition. A six-letter word for ‘prize’ – that narrows things down, but not by much! The real fun, as always, lies in the wordplay. “When part of the cabinet retired” is where the magic (and the head-scratching) truly begins.
The phrase “part of the cabinet” is a classic
crossword clue
technique. Is it referring to a physical part of a piece of furniture? A drawer, a shelf, a door? Or is it a political cabinet, invoking ministers, secretaries, or even the Prime Minister themselves? Cryptic clues love to play on these dual meanings, and “cabinet” is ripe for such exploitation. Keeping both interpretations in mind is key when tackling such a
crossword clue
.
Then we hit “retired.” Oh, “retired”! This little word is a veteran of cryptic crosswords, often acting as a signal for reversal. When you see “retired,” “upended,” “reversed,” “goes back,” or “turns over,” your internal crossword dictionary should immediately flag the possibility of reading letters or a word backwards. So, if a “part of the cabinet” is found, and then “retired,” we’re likely looking for a reversed sequence of letters. This makes the
crossword clue
even more intriguing!
The challenge then becomes: Which “part of the cabinet” are we looking for? And how long is this “part” before it’s “retired” to help form our six-letter answer? This is where the true beauty of solving crosswords shines. You might find yourself listing potential parts, trying to reverse them, and seeing if they fit the ‘prize’ definition, even partially. The number of letters, six in this instance, is your crucial guide, ensuring you’re working with the right length for your final solution.
The brilliance of this
crossword clue
lies in how it combines these elements. It’s not just a simple reversal; it’s a subtle dance between definition, hidden segments, and the potential for a playful twist on what “part of the cabinet” truly entails. The “retired” indicator is strong, but how does it interact with the multi-faceted “cabinet”? That’s the puzzle that keeps us coming back to crosswords day after day. A truly satisfying
crossword clue
leaves you smiling at its cleverness once you’ve cracked it.
Engaging with such a well-crafted
crossword clue
reminds us why we love these puzzles. It’s the thrill of the chase, the satisfaction of piecing together the wordplay, and the ‘aha!’ moment when all the components align perfectly. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill that they can weave such a narrative into just a few words, leading us down delightful linguistic garden paths.
So, how did you fare with this one? Did you spot the clever mechanism at play? Did the “retired” indicator immediately set your mind to work on reversals, or did “part of the cabinet” send you down a different path initially? Share your thoughts on this challenging
crossword clue
in the comments below! It’s always fascinating to hear how different solvers approach the same puzzle. Until next time, keep those cryptic brains sharp!
Available Answers:
REWARD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 1 December 2025