Ever found yourself staring at a cryptic crossword clue, feeling that tantalizing pull of an unsolved mystery? That moment when the words dance on the page, hinting at a hidden meaning, yet refusing to fully reveal their secrets? Today, we’re diving into precisely such a gem: “A bison runs to small tree (6)“.
Oh, this particular crossword clue is a beauty! It’s the kind of cryptic challenge that makes you appreciate the sheer artistry of clue-setting. At first glance, you might be tempted to jump straight into thinking about large, horned mammals and athletic endeavors. But as any seasoned solver knows, a cryptic crossword clue rarely means exactly what it says on the surface. That’s the magic of a well-crafted crossword clue – its layers of meaning.
The definition part for this crossword clue seems fairly straightforward: we’re looking for a ‘small tree’. Easy enough, right? But then comes the wordplay, and this is where “A bison runs” truly shines. Is ‘runs’ an anagram indicator? Quite possibly! Many cryptic crossword clues use words like ‘runs,’ ‘jumps,’ ‘goes,’ or ‘moves’ to signal that letters need to be rearranged. This type of wordplay is a staple in the world of the challenging crossword clue.
But what letters, exactly? This isn’t your typical “anagram of X” clue. The genius of this crossword clue lies in its subtlety. You’ll need to think about what “A bison runs”
implies
in a more abstract sense, combined with that active verb ‘runs’. What combination of letters, when rearranged, could lead you to a ‘small tree’? And how does the idea of “A bison runs” fit into that specific rearrangement? It’s a classic example of a tricky crossword clue where the obvious path isn’t the correct one.
It’s a delightful piece of misdirection, pulling your mind towards one interpretation while gently nudging you towards another. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in how to combine a seemingly simple definition with incredibly clever wordplay. It encourages you to look beyond the literal and embrace the playful, often mischievous, nature of cryptic crosswords. Solving this specific crossword clue offers immense satisfaction.
So, if “A bison runs to small tree (6)” has left you scratching your head, know that you’re in excellent company. It’s a challenging crossword clue, designed to stretch your wordplay muscles and give you that incredible “Aha!” moment when it finally clicks. The solution truly captures the spirit of what makes solving a great crossword clue so rewarding.
Available Answers:
BONSAI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 9 August 2025