There are moments in the pursuit of
solving crosswords
that genuinely stop you in your tracks. Not because a
crossword clue
is overtly difficult, filled with obscure trivia, or requires a PhD in ancient languages, but because it’s just…
clever
. So clever, in fact, that you can almost hear the constructor chuckling mischievously from behind their keyboard. These are the moments that make the daily ritual of tackling a
crossword puzzle
so utterly addictive, aren’t they?
Recently, one such
crossword clue
leaped off the page, demanding not just a definition, but a complete recalibration of how my brain typically processes wordplay. It wasn’t a standard anagram, nor a simple hidden word. It was something far more playful, almost self-aware. The clue? “A Christian symbol, unlike this clue! (6)“.
Pause for a moment. Read it again. “A Christian symbol, unlike this clue! (6)“.
The first part, “A Christian symbol,” seems straightforward enough. Your mind immediately starts cycling through familiar iconography: a cross, a fish, a dove, perhaps even something more specific like an ichthus or a chalice. Six letters, right? That narrows it down, but the options are still plentiful. This is the definition side of the
crossword clue
, the part that usually points you directly to the answer.
But then there’s that astonishing second clause: “unlike this clue!” What in the world does
that
mean? Is the clue suggesting it’s not a symbol itself? That it’s unconventional? Or is it a brilliant piece of meta-commentary, where the answer somehow relates back to the nature of the
crossword clue
itself? This is where the magic, and frankly, the head-scratching, truly begins.
This isn’t your average definition. It’s a twist, a misdirection, a little wink from the constructor. It tells us that the answer, while fitting the definition of “A Christian symbol,” has a peculiar relationship with the clue as a piece of text. It’s the kind of
cryptic crossword clue
trickery that transcends simple synonymity, pushing you to think about the
sound
of words, their inherent properties, or even their visual appearance on the page.
Many a seasoned solver has been stumped by this very type of nuanced instruction. It’s not about finding a synonym, but about understanding a deeper layer of linguistic play. It challenges your assumptions about what a
crossword clue
should
be and how it
should
behave. It’s a testament to the boundless creativity within the world of
crossword puzzles
, proving that even with familiar elements, there’s always a new way to surprise and delight.
The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its elegance. Once you crack it, the “Aha!” moment isn’t just about getting the right word; it’s about appreciating the sheer cleverness of the wordplay. It’s about recognizing how the constructor managed to convey two entirely different pieces of information – a definition and a meta-commentary – all within one concise, six-letter package. It reminds us why we spend hours with our pens poised, lost in the delightful labyrinth of letters and logic.
This particular
crossword clue
is a perfect example of why the journey of
solving crosswords
is so rewarding. It’s a puzzle within a puzzle, a linguistic jest that, once understood, makes you nod in admiration. It showcases the linguistic dexterity required to construct truly great
crossword puzzles
and the cognitive flexibility needed to solve them. It’s not just a word; it’s an experience.
Available Answers:
ACROSS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 16 June 2025