Ailing, but not lying in bed with the radio (5)
Ailing, But Not Bedridden: Cracking a Cryptic Clue
Ah, the joy of a good cryptic crossword! Those delightful puzzles that tantalize our brains and leave us muttering in triumph (or frustration) when we finally crack the code. Today’s focus is on a particularly intriguing clue:
“Ailing, but not lying in bed with the radio (5)“
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This clue, like many others, dances around the answer with a playful twist, utilizing wordplay and double meanings to disguise the solution.
Unraveling the Layers:
At first glance, the clue seems straightforward. We’re presented with a description of someone who is ill, but not confined to bed with a radio for company. This suggests a state of being unwell, but perhaps not seriously so.
However, cryptic crosswords rarely stick to the surface meaning. The phrase “lying in bed with the radio” could be a metaphor for something else entirely. Perhaps it’s a reference to a specific activity or a hidden wordplay within the phrase itself.
Deconstructing the Components:
Let’s break down the clue into its individual parts:
“Ailing”
: This tells us the answer is related to sickness or ill health.
“But not lying in bed with the radio”
: This creates a contrast, suggesting the answer is not a typical image of someone confined to bed. It’s likely a more active or less severe state of being unwell.
The Cryptic Twist:
The cryptic nature of the clue lies in the ambiguous phrasing and potential double meanings. “Lying in bed with the radio” could be a metaphor for a specific pastime or activity, perhaps even a hobby. Alternatively, there could be a hidden wordplay within the phrase itself, leading to a word with a different meaning altogether.
Hunting for Clues:
To solve this cryptic puzzle, we need to consider:
Wordplay:
Are there any words within the clue that could be rearranged or used in a different context?
Metaphor:
Is “lying in bed with the radio” a metaphor for something else, like a particular activity or state of being?
Hidden Clues:
Are there any hints within the clue that point towards a specific answer?
The answer to this clue, once discovered, will likely be a word that relates to sickness or ill health, but in a way that defies the typical image of someone bedridden.
Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
UPSET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 21 August 2024
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 20 August 2024