Welcome, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados, to another dive into the delightfully devious world of crosswords! There’s a particular thrill that comes from staring down a seemingly impenetrable set of words, knowing that somewhere within that carefully crafted
crossword clue
lies the key to unlocking the grid. It’s a dance between linguistics and logic, a test of your vocabulary and your ability to think laterally. And today, we’re dissecting a prime example of this exquisite challenge, a
crossword clue
that has undoubtedly prompted more than a few head-scratches: “After popular time, vulgar to encroach (7).”
This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a beautifully constructed piece of cryptic artistry. Cryptic clues, as many of you know, are the bread and butter of the daily crossword experience for a vast number of solvers. They’re designed to mislead, to entertain, and ultimately, to reward with that glorious “aha!” moment when the various layers peel back to reveal the hidden answer. For a clue like “After popular time, vulgar to encroach (7)“, we immediately register the seven-letter length constraint, which is your first, best friend in narrowing down possibilities.
The beauty of a good cryptic
crossword clue
lies in its duality. It usually contains two distinct parts: a straightforward definition of the answer, and a piece of wordplay that cunningly points to the same solution. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to discern which part is which, and then to unravel the clever wordplay.
Let’s break down this particular
crossword clue
. We have “After popular time” and “vulgar to encroach.” The first step for any seasoned solver is to consider which phrase sounds more like a direct definition. “Vulgar to encroach” certainly has the ring of a descriptive phrase, painting a picture of a certain kind of behaviour or action. When we think of “vulgar,” we might consider things that are crude, unrefined, or offensive. “Encroach” brings to mind the idea of intruding, trespassing, or overstepping boundaries. So, a word that encompasses both the idea of something being crude or inappropriate while also describing an act of intrusion or overstepping could be our target definition.
Then we turn our attention to “After popular time.” This is where the cryptic magic truly begins to sparkle. In the lexicon of cryptic
crossword clues
, words like “after” often serve as positional indicators, suggesting that one part of the answer comes
after
another. What could “popular time” refer to? It could be a specific period, an era, or perhaps something that is currently in vogue or fashionable. Think about common short words or abbreviations that signify popularity or being current. Once you have a strong contender for “popular time,” the “after” indicator suggests that this element will be followed by something else to form the complete seven-letter word.
The challenge then becomes: how do these two distinct phrases – the seemingly straightforward definition and the cleverly disguised wordplay – combine to point to a single, elegant solution? Does “popular time” form the beginning of the word, with the rest following? Or does it represent a segment within the word, positioned after something else? This is the delightful puzzle that awaits.
When tackling such a
crossword clue
, it’s often helpful to brainstorm synonyms for each part. What are other ways to say “popular time”? What other words convey “vulgar to encroach”? As you generate these lists, try to see if any combinations of synonyms or common wordplay structures start to align with the seven-letter length. The true genius of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is how it uses common words in uncommon ways, twisting their literal meanings to lead you down a delightful path of deduction.
So, take a moment, ponder the elements. Consider the possibility of word merges, charades, or even a clever double meaning for one of the terms. This specific
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how a few simple words can create a truly satisfying intellectual workout. The answer, when it comes, feels earned, a testament to your ability to unravel the linguistic knots that make crossword puzzles such an enduring pastime. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
INTRUDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025