There are some crossword clues that just sparkle. They arrive, bold and intriguing, demanding your attention and promising a delightful mental workout. Today’s featured cryptic crossword clue is precisely one of those gems:
“Apricots next to be sorted by customs officer (3,9)”
.
Just reading it aloud, you can feel the layers. It’s not just a puzzle; it’s a miniature narrative, a scene set in the bustling world of international trade, or perhaps a slightly surreal office. This particular type of challenging crossword clue is a masterclass in combining vivid imagery with cunning wordplay, leaving solvers to untangle the threads of definition and cryptic instruction.
For any seasoned solver of daily crossword clues, the immediate reaction to “Apricots next to be sorted by customs officer (3,9)” is often a delicious sense of anticipation. You know you’re in for a treat, a clue that won’t give up its secrets easily but will richly reward careful thought. The (3,9) structure is our first vital piece of information, confirming we’re looking for a two-word answer, the first three letters long, the second nine. This immediately helps narrow down the vast possibilities, guiding our mental search and offering boundaries for the wordplay to operate within.
Let’s unpack some of the elements that make this such an engaging crossword clue. “Apricots” provides a wonderfully concrete image. Are they a direct component of the answer? Do they hint at a category or a common association? Or is it a beautifully crafted piece of misdirection, designed to lead our thoughts down a fruity cul-de-sac? The best cryptic crossword clues often dangle such enticing but ultimately misleading bait.
Then we have “next to be sorted.” The word “sorted” is, of course, a classic indicator in many cryptic crosswords, often pointing towards an anagram. However, the phrase “next to be sorted” adds an intriguing layer. Is it indicating an anagram
about to happen
? Or does “sorted” here refer to a different kind of ordering or categorisation? The careful phrasing is key, and parsing these subtle nuances is what elevates a good crossword clue to a great one. It challenges us to think beyond the most obvious interpretations.
Finally, we arrive at “customs officer.” This could be the direct definition, or a significant part of it. Many jobs and roles frequently appear as definitions in crossword puzzles. But in a cryptic crossword clue, even a straightforward definition can be cleverly disguised or combined with other elements. Is the customs officer the one doing the sorting? Or are they the
result
of the sorting process implied by the clue? The interplay between all these components is where the real magic happens.
Solving this kind of difficult crossword clue requires a methodical approach. First, identify potential definitions. Then, scour the remaining words for the wordplay – anagrams, reversals, hidden words, charades, containers, and so much more. The trick is to see how the definition and the wordplay seamlessly fit together, confirming each other. The satisfaction comes not just from finding the answer, but from understanding
how
the clue works, appreciating the cleverness of its construction.
So, take a moment with “Apricots next to be sorted by customs officer (3,9)“. Let it marinate. Consider the imagery, the potential for hidden meanings, and the elegant dance between the literal and the cryptic. It’s a superb example of why we love a good crossword clue – a miniature puzzle box, waiting to be unlocked. What are your initial thoughts on this brain-tickler? The journey to solving is half the fun!
Available Answers:
TAXINSPECTOR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 9 September 2025