Today, we’re diving into a fascinating corner of the crossword world, tackling a clue that perfectly encapsulates the charm and challenge of cryptic puzzles. When you encounter a phrase like “A victim goes to a large meeting at the end (7),” it’s clear we’re not just looking for a straightforward synonym. This isn’t your average quick crossword clue; it’s a meticulously crafted linguistic puzzle designed to make you think, ponder, and perhaps even groan good-naturedly before the ‘aha!’ moment strikes. For anyone who loves the intellectual gymnastics involved in solving crossword clues, this one is a true gem, weaving together definition and wordplay in a deceptively simple sentence.
First impressions of this cryptic crossword clue might leave you scratching your head. A victim? A large meeting? At the end? How do these disparate elements combine to form a seven-letter answer? This is where the beauty of cryptic crossword puzzles truly shines. Every word, every phrase, is carefully chosen, either contributing to the definition, forming part of the elaborate wordplay, or acting as a subtle connector. Understanding this dual nature of cryptic crossword clues is the first step toward unlocking their secrets.
Let’s dissect this particular crossword clue. Typically, a cryptic clue has two main components: a definition of the answer, and a piece of wordplay that also leads to the answer. Our initial task is to try and separate these. “A victim” immediately stands out as a strong candidate for the definition. If we assume this is indeed the definitional part, we’re looking for a seven-letter word that means ‘a victim’. This significantly narrows down our search, but the real fun (and challenge) lies in deciphering the wordplay: “goes to a large meeting at the end.”
This portion of the crossword clue is where the solver’s creativity and knowledge of cryptic conventions are put to the test. “Goes to” often indicates a placement or connection between different elements. “A large meeting” is a phrase ripe for multiple interpretations in the cryptic world. Does “large meeting” refer to a literal gathering? Or perhaps a more abstract concept of a group or multitude? We must consider synonyms, alternative meanings, and even homophones or abbreviations that might fit the bill. This is a common strategy when solving difficult crossword clues – brainstorming every possible interpretation of key words.
Then there’s the phrase “at the end.” This is a classic cryptic indicator, and one that seasoned solvers of crossword puzzles will recognize instantly. “At the end” frequently signals that you need to take the last letter of a preceding word or phrase. So, if “large meeting” somehow yields a specific word, its final letter could be crucial to the construction of our seven-letter answer. Alternatively, “at the end” could refer to a word that means ‘end’ or ‘age’ in a more general sense. The cleverness of cryptic crossword clues often lies in these layers of meaning and the precise way indicators are used.
Combining these pieces is the art of solving. We have a target definition (“A victim”) and a complex piece of wordplay to construct our answer. What word for “large meeting” could be paired with an “at the end” element, all connected by “goes to,” to form a seven-letter victim? This requires thinking outside the box, experimenting with synonyms for “large meeting,” and understanding how “at the end” might manipulate those words. The satisfaction of finally piecing together such a detailed crossword clue, seeing how each component slots into place, is unparalleled. It’s a testament to the constructor’s skill and the solver’s persistence. Keep these techniques in mind the next time you’re faced with a seemingly impenetrable cryptic crossword clue; they are the keys to unlocking the solution.
Available Answers:
ABUTTAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 12 November 2025