Ah, the daily crossword clue! That moment when your eyes land on a particularly intriguing string of words, promising both a delightful mental workout and that satisfying ‘aha!’ feeling. Every solver knows it: you’re sailing through your puzzle, and then BAM! You hit a crossword clue that makes you pause, scratch your head, and maybe even pace a little. Today, we’re zeroing in on just such a gem, a six-letter puzzler that’s sure to spark some serious thought and mental gymnastics for anyone looking to solve crossword clues.
The challenge on our table today is:
Avoid ewes straying around church (6)
This particular crossword clue offers a fantastic blend of potential interpretation, a true testament to the artistry of crossword construction. Let’s break it down, without giving away the solution, to appreciate the layers involved in tackling such a clever cryptic crossword clue.
First, consider “Avoid.” Is this a direct synonym for our ultimate six-letter solution? Or is it an instruction, perhaps suggesting a way to construct or remove something from another word? Cryptic crossword clues often play this game, demanding you consider every angle and not just the surface meaning. The literal meaning of “avoid” could be a red herring, or it could be the key to unlocking the whole thing.
Then we have “ewes.” Sheep, specifically female ones. In the fascinating world of crossword puzzles, animals can be literal representations, or they can be phonetic elements (think ‘E’ for ‘ewe’ in some contexts, though less common), or even stand for specific letters in other, more abstract ways. How might “ewes” factor into a six-letter answer, especially when combined with the other elements of this intriguing crossword clue? This is where the true detective work begins when trying to decode a tricky daily crossword clue.
The phrase “straying around” is another tantalizing part of this particular crossword clue. “Straying” immediately makes one think of anagrams – letters getting mixed up or rearranged. And “around”? That’s a classic indicator in many cryptic crossword clues, often hinting at letters surrounding another word, a reversal of letters, or perhaps even an insertion. Could the “ewes” be straying around something else? Or are other letters straying around them? The possibilities are wonderfully complex, making this a truly challenging crossword clue to dissect.
Finally, “church.” This is rich territory for solvers aiming to crack a difficult crossword puzzle clue. “Church” can be abbreviated in various common ways in crossword puzzles – think ‘CH’, ‘CE’ (for Church of England), ‘RC’ (for Roman Catholic), to name just a few. Could one of these abbreviations be a component of our six-letter answer? Or is “church” meant to be interpreted in a broader sense, perhaps as a place or a concept, around which other elements might “stray”? How this word interacts with “ewes” and “straying around” is crucial for solving this crossword clue.
The beauty of a challenging crossword clue like this lies in its multiple layers. There’s usually a clever surface reading that tells a coherent, albeit sometimes quirky, story. But beneath that, a whole different mechanism is at play, guiding you to the six-letter solution. When tackling such a crossword puzzle clue, it’s always helpful to consider all possibilities. What common abbreviations come to mind for “church”? How might “ewes” be represented in a more abstract way? And what kind of “avoiding” action could lead to our answer, particularly with the “straying around” indicator?
Don’t rush to solve this crossword clue. Savor the process! The journey to cracking a tough crossword clue is often more rewarding than the destination. What are your initial thoughts on breaking down this six-letter challenge? Are you thinking about a particular type of wordplay? Perhaps a hidden word, a charade, a deletion, or something more complex? Share your approach to this fascinating crossword clue in the comments below – remember, no spoilers for the answer itself, but discuss your strategies and what parts of the clue you found most intriguing! Let’s learn from each other how best to conquer any crossword clue.
Available Answers:
ESCHEW.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 13 November 2025