Ever stumbled upon a crossword clue that, at first glance, seems utterly baffling, yet upon deeper inspection, reveals a delightful play on words? That moment of quiet contemplation, followed by the satisfying ‘aha!’ when the pieces click into place, is precisely what makes the daily crossword a cherished ritual for so many. Today, we’re dissecting one such brain-teaser that recently caught the eye of many a dedicated crossword solver: “A green set to cause anger! (6)“.
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in elegant misdirection, a hallmark of well-crafted cryptic puzzles. At just six letters long, it packs a surprising amount of ambiguity, compelling you to explore multiple avenues of thought before landing on the precise solution. When encountering such a concise yet complex crossword clue, the first step is often to break down each component, questioning every word’s potential meaning and its relationship to the others.
Consider the word “green.” In the context of a crossword clue, “green” is a chameleon. It could, most obviously, refer to a colour, immediately conjuring images of foliage, nature, or even environmental themes. But “green” also carries connotations of immaturity, inexperience, or even illness. Which interpretation is the compiler subtly guiding us towards? The brilliance of this specific crossword clue lies in how it allows for these various readings, keeping the solver guessing.
Then there’s “set.” This seemingly simple word is another common trickster in crossword puzzles. Does it imply a collection or a group of items? Is it a verb, suggesting something being placed or established? Or could it be a noun referring to scenery, equipment, or even a particular state or condition? The choice of “set” here adds another rich layer to the cryptic nature of the crossword clue, demanding a careful consideration of its many possible applications.
Finally, the definition: “to cause anger!” This is the crucial part that ultimately unlocks the puzzle. What ‘green’ thing, or what thing that is ‘set green’, could possibly provoke such a strong emotional response? The exclamation mark often signals a direct definition or a slightly more emphatic tone, but it rarely changes the core mechanics of a cryptic crossword clue. Is it literal anger, or a more subtle form of irritation or annoyance?
This six-letter crossword clue exemplifies the rewarding challenge of the daily puzzle. It’s a wonderful exercise in lateral thinking, where the most obvious interpretation isn’t always the correct one. Unraveling such a nuanced crossword clue offers a unique sense of accomplishment, proving once again why these word puzzles continue to captivate minds worldwide. The joy of solving this type of crossword clue comes from appreciating the cleverness of its construction, and the journey it takes you on through the labyrinth of language.
Available Answers:
ENRAGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 1 August 2025