” … and Ian hit out after the first carafe of wine (7)” – A Clue That’s Got Me Stumped!
Ah, crossword clues. Sometimes they’re a gentle breeze, a pleasant stroll through the park of language. But then there are those… the ones that leave you scratching your head, squinting at the grid, and muttering under your breath. This week’s “stumper” falls firmly into the latter category.
” … and Ian hit out after the first carafe of wine (7)“. It’s a beauty, isn’t it? So much packed into so few words. We’ve got the “Ian” element, suggesting a person, possibly a historical figure or a fictional character. Then there’s the “hit out” phrase, implying some sort of aggression or strong reaction. And finally, the “first carafe of wine”, adding a layer of context, possibly relating to a specific event or setting.
It’s like a cryptic riddle, tempting you to decipher its hidden meaning. Where to even begin? Do we focus on “Ian”? Is there a particular “Ian” known for hitting out after a carafe of wine? Or is “Ian” a red herring, meant to mislead us? Could the “carafe of wine” be a symbol for something else? Is there a hidden wordplay within the clue, a clever anagram or a pun we’re missing?
I’ve spent the last hour or so wrestling with this clue, my mind a whirlwind of possibilities. But so far, no luck. The answer remains elusive, mocking me from its spot on the grid.
But that’s what I love about crosswords, isn’t it? The challenge, the thrill of the hunt. It’s like a mental puzzle, a test of our wit and vocabulary. And even when a clue remains stubbornly unsolved, it sparks our curiosity, encourages us to delve deeper into language and the world around us.
So, dear readers, I turn to you. Have you cracked this cryptic gem? What are your thoughts, your theories? Share your insights in the comments below! Let’s see if we can unravel this puzzle together.
Available Answers:
CHIANTI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 2 September 2024