Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! Today, we’re taking a closer look at a particularly charming and deceptively simple
crossword clue
that recently crossed my path. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that immediately sparks your interest, painting a vivid picture while simultaneously setting your brain to work on its clever wordplay.
The clue in question? “At a fête, announced illicit romance (6)“.
Isn’t that just a delightful little puzzle? It’s rich with imagery and offers a tantalizing blend of definition and playful misdirection, making it a prime example of what makes a good
crossword clue
so satisfying. Let’s break down why this specific
crossword clue
is such a gem and how we might approach untangling its secrets, all without giving away the solution just yet!
First, let’s consider the setting: “At a fête.” A fête, for those unfamiliar, is typically a public festival or carnival, often held outdoors, usually for charity or a community event. Think garden parties, village fairs, or celebratory gatherings. This opening phrase immediately sets a scene of merriment, public gathering, and perhaps a touch of old-world charm. When analyzing a
crossword clue
, every word is a potential piece of the puzzle, and “fête” certainly adds a distinctive flavor. Does it indicate a specific location for a sound-alike, or is it just atmospheric scene-setting for the action to follow? That’s the fun of decoding a clever
crossword clue
.
Next, we encounter the word “announced.” This is often a crucial indicator in a
crossword clue
, particularly in cryptic crosswords. Words like “announced,” “heard,” “said,” “reported,” or “sounded” are strong signals for a homophone – meaning the answer will sound like another word or phrase suggested by the clue. So, something that is “announced” at a “fête” will sound like the actual answer. This is where the magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
truly shines, blending the literal with the phonetic.
Then we come to the core definition: “illicit romance.” This is what we’re ultimately looking for – a six-letter word that describes a secret, forbidden, or socially disapproved love affair. The phrase itself is wonderfully evocative, conjuring images of whispered secrets, stolen glances, and clandestine meetings. It’s a classic theme, and one that lends itself beautifully to the elegant conciseness required for a
crossword clue
. The “(6)” at the end confirms our target word has precisely six letters, a vital constraint that helps narrow down the possibilities.
So, when faced with this engaging
crossword clue
, the mental gears start turning. We’re looking for a six-letter word for “illicit romance” that, when “announced” or spoken aloud, sounds like something one might encounter “at a fête.” The interplay between these elements is what makes this
crossword clue
so brilliant. It demands a bit of lateral thinking, a good grasp of synonyms, and an ear for phonetic similarities.
Solving a
crossword clue
like this isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry of the clue setter. It’s about the journey of piecing together the linguistic breadcrumbs they’ve left for us. This particular example truly encapsulates the charm and intellectual satisfaction that comes from tackling a well-constructed word puzzle. It encourages you to think about words not just for their meaning, but for their sound, their context, and their potential for playful disguise.
Take a moment to ponder this
crossword clue
. What six-letter words come to mind for “illicit romance”? And how might one of those, or something related, be “announced” in a way that cleverly ties into the atmosphere of a “fête”? The solution, once it clicks, often feels so obvious, yet so brilliantly concealed. It’s that “aha!” moment that keeps us coming back for more daily crossword challenges.
Keep those dictionaries (mental or physical!) handy, and enjoy the delightful challenge of this intriguing
crossword clue
!
Available Answers:
AFFAIR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 6 October 2025