There’s a unique thrill that comes with unravelling a particularly well-crafted cryptic crossword clue. It’s a moment of pure linguistic alchemy, where seemingly disparate elements coalesce into a single, satisfying solution. While many a daily cryptic crossword clue might offer a straightforward challenge, it’s the ones that combine multiple layers of wordplay with a dash of misdirection that truly elevate the experience.
Consider, for instance, a recent
crossword clue
that truly exemplifies this artistry: “Ah, chiropody! New name kept for unfounded health worries (12)“. At first glance, it might appear a baffling jumble, a non-sequitur designed to trip up even the most seasoned solver. But with careful dissection, its genius reveals itself, making it a stellar example of why we keep coming back to these brain-teasing puzzles.
The immediate task with any complex
crossword clue
is to identify the definition. In this case, “unfounded health worries” stands out clearly. This is what the 12-letter answer must mean. Pinpointing the definition is crucial, as it provides the ultimate target for all the surrounding wordplay. Without it, you’re essentially trying to hit a moving target in the dark.
Next, we turn our attention to the wordplay. The phrase “Ah, chiropody!” is highly evocative. “Chiropody” itself relates to feet, a distinct field. But what about the interjection “Ah!” preceding it? Cryptic crosswords often use common exclamations or short words as vital components of the wordplay, frequently as part of an anagram or charade. The sheer length of “chiropody” (10 letters) combined with “Ah” (2 letters) conveniently adds up to the required 12 letters for our target answer. This immediately suggests that “Ah, chiropody!” might be the complete fodder for an anagram.
And what about “New name kept for”? This is where the artistry of the
crossword clue
shines. The word “New” is a classic indicator of an anagram, signalling that the letters in the preceding phrase need to be rearranged. The addition of “name kept for” not only cleverly links back to the concept of a new designation for something, but also subtly reinforces the idea of the original letters being preserved but re-ordered. It’s a deft touch that guides the solver without being overtly explicit. It implies a transformation, a fresh identity, which perfectly aligns with the outcome of an anagram.
So, we have a clear definition (“unfounded health worries”), a strong hint towards an anagram (“New”), and a perfect 12-letter string of letters (“Ah, chiropody!”) that serves as the fodder. The challenge then becomes one of mental dexterity: taking those twelve letters and re-arranging them to form a single word that precisely matches the definition. This is the moment of truth for any cryptic
crossword clue
– the intellectual heavy lifting that yields the satisfying “aha!” moment.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and precision. It takes an old, somewhat specific term like ‘chiropody,’ throws in an everyday exclamation, and then crafts an elegant instruction to combine and rearrange them to yield a completely different concept. It’s a reminder that cryptic crosswords are not just about vocabulary, but about lateral thinking, pattern recognition, and an appreciation for the subtle nuances of language. Each component plays its part, leading the solver down a logical, albeit winding, path to the correct solution. It’s a joy to encounter such a thoughtfully constructed brain teaser.
Available Answers:
HYPOCHONDRIA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 15 November 2025
–Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025