Deciphering Deviousness: When Crossword Clues Lead You on a Merry Chase
Crossword puzzles, those intricate grids of lexical challenges, have captivated word nerds for generations. They offer a daily dose of mental gymnastics, pushing us to excavate long-forgotten vocabulary and embrace the art of lateral thinking. But let’s be honest, some clues are just plain
sneaky
. They dangle a seemingly obvious path, only to yank it away at the last moment, leaving you staring blankly at the grid with a growing sense of frustration (and maybe a little bit of admiration for the devious constructor).
Today, we’re diving into a particularly intriguing type of crossword clue: the “sounds like” or homophone clue. These clues play on words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. They can be incredibly satisfying to crack, offering that “aha!” moment when the linguistic trickery is finally revealed. However, they also demand a specific type of listening – not just for the surface meaning, but for the potential for auditory deception.
The clue that’s currently occupying our thoughts is: “Anticipate a burden, we hear (5)“.
Right off the bat, we can see several important pieces of information. Firstly, we know the answer is five letters long. This is a crucial constraint, instantly narrowing down the possibilities. Secondly, the phrase “we hear” is a classic signal of a homophone clue. This tells us that the answer isn’t what the clue literally describes, but rather something that
sounds like
what it describes.
The first part of the clue, “Anticipate a burden,” sets the stage. We need to consider words and phrases that express the idea of expecting or preparing for something difficult or heavy. This requires brainstorming related concepts: foresee, expect, await, prepare for…
The second part, “a burden,” further refines our search. We’re not just looking for anticipation in general, but anticipation specifically related to a load or responsibility. This might lead us down pathways involving responsibility, obligation, or perhaps even a physical weight.
However, the crucial element is remembering the “we hear” indicator. Whatever word or phrase we come up with, expressing anticipation of a burden, needs to have a homophone – a word that sounds exactly the same but means something completely different.
Think about common words that describe anticipating something burdensome. What words have multiple meanings and spellings? Focus less on the dictionary definition and more on the sound itself. Try saying words aloud, paying close attention to any similar-sounding alternatives.
Consider different types of burdens. Is it a physical weight, an emotional burden, or perhaps a financial obligation? Each interpretation might unlock a different set of homophonic possibilities. Don’t be afraid to explore seemingly unrelated avenues; sometimes the most unexpected connections lead to the correct answer.
Finally, remember the length constraint. The answer must be exactly five letters long. This is your final filter, eliminating any potential solutions that don’t fit the grid.
Keep these tips in mind as you grapple with this deceptively simple crossword clue. The satisfaction of deciphering a tricky homophone is well worth the effort. Good luck, and happy puzzling! Let us know in the comments if you’ve cracked the code.
Available Answers:
AWAIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 30 November 2025