“____ on (spoiled rotten)” – Cracking a Cryptic Crossword Clue
Ah, the joys of a cryptic crossword. They can be tantalisingly tricky, challenging us to decipher wordplay and hidden meanings. But when we finally crack a clue, the feeling of triumph is unparalleled. Today, we’re tackling a particularly juicy clue: “____ on (spoiled rotten).”
This clue is a classic example of a cryptic construction, where the surface reading is deliberately misleading. The phrase “spoiled rotten” is the red herring, a distraction from the true meaning. We need to delve deeper, uncovering the hidden wordplay and synonyms to crack the code.
Let’s break down the clue’s components:
“____ on”
: This part hints at a verb phrase, likely with a direct object.
“(spoiled rotten)”
: This is the cryptic element, acting as a clue within a clue. It suggests something that is beyond repair, decayed, or past its prime.
This clue demands we think outside the box. What phrase could represent something “spoiled rotten” in a way that can also be applied to a verb phrase?
Don’t let the trickery fool you! There’s a logical solution hidden within the wordplay. Remember, the answer is a single word that fits both the literal meaning and the cryptic definition.
Ready to put your cryptic skills to the test? Grab your pencil and notepad, and let’s crack this clue together!
Available Answers:
Doted.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 9/25/24 Wayback Wednesday