Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts, to another deep dive into the fascinating world of cryptic crosswords. Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing crossword clue that might have given even seasoned solvers a moment’s pause: “Then Ma’s sent round as a group (2,5)“. This is precisely the kind of challenge that makes the cryptic crossword puzzle so utterly captivating, blending clever misdirection with precise linguistic construction.
At first glance, this crossword clue presents a seemingly straightforward scenario, yet beneath its surface lies a delightful piece of wordplay. When faced with any cryptic crossword clue, the first step is always to identify its two essential components: the definition and the wordplay. In this instance, “as a group” stands out immediately as our clear definition. We’re looking for a two-word phrase, broken into two and five letters respectively, that conveys the idea of being together, collectively, or in a single unit. Think of all the ways we describe things happening “as a group” – whether it’s people, items, or actions. This part of the crossword clue alone opens up a rich vocabulary landscape for us to explore.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the cryptic wordplay, which is where the true genius of this particular crossword clue shines. The phrase “sent round” is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords, almost universally signaling an anagram. Anagrams are a staple of cryptic puzzles, requiring us to rearrange the letters of one or more words to form the solution. The trick, of course, is identifying which letters need to be rearranged. Here, “Then Ma’s” serves as our anagram fodder. So, we’re tasked with taking all the letters from ‘T, H, E, N, M, A, S’ and ‘sending them round’ – shuffling them up – to form our two-word answer.
The structure of the solution, specified as (2,5), is another crucial hint. This tells us that our seven letters from “Then Ma’s” must rearrange into a two-letter word followed by a five-letter word, both contributing to the overall definition of “as a group”. This isn’t just about finding any two words; they must synergistically combine to fit the definition. This is often where the real challenge lies in solving a cryptic crossword clue – making sure every part of the clue is accounted for and contributes to the final solution.
To approach this, a useful solving strategy is to list out all the letters from the fodder: T, H, E, N, M, A, S. Then, brainstorm common two-letter words that could fit into a phrase meaning “as a group”. Could it be ‘AN’? ‘AS’? ‘AT’? Each choice then dictates which remaining letters you have for the five-letter word. It’s a process of elimination and creative thinking, piecing together the linguistic puzzle until the definition “as a group” perfectly aligns with your anagrammed words. This methodical approach to untangling the wordplay is key to mastering any cryptic crossword clue.
This type of crossword clue exemplifies why cryptic crossword puzzles are so rewarding. They demand attention to detail, a good vocabulary, and an understanding of the common ‘language’ of cryptic setters. Cracking a crossword clue like “Then Ma’s sent round as a group (2,5)” feels like unlocking a secret code, and the satisfaction is immense. It’s a brilliant example of how a crossword clue can be both challenging and elegantly constructed. These solving strategies not only help with this specific clue but also build foundational skills for future crossword puzzles.
What were your initial thoughts on this crossword clue? Did ‘sent round’ immediately click for you as an anagram indicator, or did you explore other possibilities first? Share your solving strategies and insights below – let’s discuss the intricacies of this superb cryptic crossword challenge!
Available Answers:
ENMASSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 1 December 2025