Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts! We’ve got a real head-scratcher on our hands today, a five-letter marvel that’s been doing the rounds in the cryptic community. If you love a challenge that makes you think outside the box, this particular crossword clue is certainly going to pique your interest. It’s concise, it’s clever, and it packs multiple layers of meaning into a seemingly simple phrase.
The clue we’re diving into is:
“Woman coming round all right to call up (5)“
First things first, let’s break down the core components of this intriguing crossword clue. As with many cryptic clues, we’re looking for a definition part and a wordplay part, all neatly packaged to lead us to a five-letter solution.
The most straightforward element often reveals itself as the definition. Here, “Woman” stands out immediately. This tells us our final answer will be a five-letter word for a female, whether a common noun or perhaps a well-known name. This solid anchor is a great starting point for any cryptic crossword clue.
Now, let’s unravel the wordplay, which is where the real fun – and potential frustration – begins! We have three distinct phrases to consider: “coming round,” “all right,” and “to call up.” Each of these can have multiple interpretations in the world of cryptic crosswords, making this a truly delightful puzzle to dissect.
Consider “coming round.” In everyday language, this often means regaining consciousness after fainting, or perhaps changing one’s opinion. But in cryptic crosswords, “coming round” could also signify a reversal of letters (something turning around), or even the prefix “RE-” implying a return or repetition. Which interpretation fits best with a five-letter word for “woman”? This is where the magic of a cryptic crossword clue truly shines, offering multiple paths to explore.
Next, we have “all right.” This innocuous phrase is a classic in cryptic crossword clue construction. Its most common shorthand equivalent, instantly recognizable to seasoned solvers, is “OK.” Does our five-letter answer contain “OK” somewhere within it? Or does “all right” combine with other parts of the clue to form a larger piece of the puzzle? Thinking about these common abbreviations is a vital skill for anyone tackling a challenging crossword clue.
Finally, we arrive at “to call up.” This phrase carries significant weight. “To call up” can mean to summon someone, to make a phone call, or, very frequently in crosswords, to
recall
something – to bring it to mind or remember it. The word “RECALL” itself is a five-letter word. Could the answer be a play on “RECALL” or related to the act of recalling? Or is it referring to the act of making a literal phone call? The ambiguity is intentional and brilliant, forcing us to consider all angles for this cryptic crossword clue.
So, we have a “Woman” as our definition, and then “coming round,” “all right,” and “to call up” as our potential wordplay elements. How do these pieces interlock to form a single, elegant five-letter solution?
Is it a charade where different parts stack up? Is “coming round” an indicator for a reversal or a specific prefix? Does “all right” simply translate to “OK” in a larger construction? And how does “to call up” tie everything together – as a synonym for RECALL, or as an action a woman might take after recovering?
This is the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue. It offers just enough information to get you started, but leaves ample room for deduction, lateral thinking, and that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. Take your time, consider the various meanings, and try to construct the word using the pieces provided.
What are your thoughts on this challenging cryptic crossword clue? Have you encountered similar constructions before? Share your parsing strategies (without giving away the answer, of course!) in the comments below. Happy solving, and keep those brain cells buzzing!
Available Answers:
EVOKE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 1 December 2025