There are some crossword clues that, at first glance, appear to be telling a straightforward story, perhaps describing an object or an action in a fairly direct manner. And then there are those like “Apart from selected piece king left (6)“. What a beauty! It’s a masterclass in misdirection, a little puzzle within a puzzle, and exactly the kind of crossword clue that makes you stop, stare, and then smile as the gears start turning.
This particular crossword clue immediately signals its intentions: it’s a cryptic. For seasoned solvers, the fun begins the moment you encounter such a perfectly crafted phrase. For those newer to the world of cryptic crosswords, this clue serves as a brilliant introduction to the art form. Cryptic crossword clues, in particular, are notorious for their dual nature. They present a perfectly sensible surface reading – a little mini-narrative that sounds coherent – but their true meaning lies beneath, cleverly encoded through wordplay, anagrams, deletions, reversals, and a host of other delightful tricks. Mastering crossword clues of this calibre is a skill that develops with practice and an appreciation for linguistic gymnastics.
Let’s dissect this intriguing crossword clue without, of course, giving anything away. The phrase “Apart from” is an immediate flag for any crossword enthusiast. In the intricate language of cryptic crossword clues, such a phrase is rarely a casual descriptor. Often, it acts as an indicator for removal, exclusion, or subtraction. It tells you that something needs to be taken away from a larger word or phrase, leaving behind the solution. Deciphering these indicator words is key to unlocking many a challenging crossword clue.
Then we have “selected piece.” Here’s where the narrative of the surface reading takes a subtle turn towards the deceptive. “Piece” in a general sense could mean any fragment or part. However, combined with the subsequent word, it strongly suggests a more specific interpretation. Cryptic crossword clues often use common nouns in highly specific, often punny, ways. Is it an abstract concept? Or is it pointing towards something tangible, perhaps from a very specific domain?
And finally, the juiciest part of this particular crossword clue: “king left.” This is ripe for multiple interpretations, a hallmark of excellent crossword construction. “King” can refer to a monarch, a powerful figure. But in the specialised lexicon of crossword clues, it frequently acts as an abbreviation for a single letter, often ‘K’ (as in ‘King of Clubs’ in card suits). And “left”? This deceptively simple word holds even more potential for misdirection. Does it mean “departed” or “remains”? Is it an instruction to move something to the left? Or is it referring to the direction ‘L’? Or perhaps it suggests what is
remaining
after something else has gone? The ambiguity here is precisely what makes decoding this type of crossword clue so utterly satisfying.
The genius of this specific crossword clue lies in how these seemingly disparate elements are combined. The “apart from” instruction, when applied to a “selected piece” and “king left,” creates a multi-layered linguistic challenge that forces you to think outside the box. It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about understanding the specific grammar of cryptic crossword construction, where every word and punctuation mark can serve as a vital clue or a cunning red herring. Unraveling this kind of complex crossword clue is deeply rewarding, offering that brilliant “aha!” moment when all the pieces finally click into place. It’s a perfect example of a crossword clue that rewards careful thought and an appreciation for the cleverness of the setter. This is why we love our daily dose of crossword challenges!
Available Answers:
EXCEPT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 12 June 2025