You know those moments staring at your daily crossword, where a particular entry just feels like a masterclass in misdirection? That instant when a single
crossword clue
throws a curveball so elegantly crafted, you can almost hear the compiler chuckling? We’ve all been there, poised with pen in hand, convinced we’re on the brink of an obvious solution, only for the words on the page to stubbornly refuse to make sense. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of those delightful linguistic labyrinths, a
crossword clue
that perfectly encapsulates the charm and challenge of cryptic puzzles.
Our featured puzzle entry today is:
“Baby-minders are easy targets (7)“
.
Take a moment. Read that
crossword clue
again. Let it sink in. ‘Baby-minders’ – a seemingly straightforward concept, referring to individuals responsible for the care of infants and young children. But then, the latter half crashes into the definition with an intriguing, almost jarring, phrase: ‘are easy targets.’ How do these two distinct concepts, ‘baby-minders’ and ‘easy targets,’ coalesce into a single, seven-letter word? This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s an invitation to a deeper dive into the playful intricacies of wordplay.
The brilliance of such a
crossword clue
lies in its ability to make us question our initial assumptions. Are we to interpret ‘easy targets’ in a literal sense, perhaps as objects that are simple to aim at or hit? Or is there a more metaphorical layer at play, suggesting vulnerability or a propensity to be deceived? The beauty of a well-constructed cryptic
crossword clue
is its capacity to twist common phrases and familiar terms into something entirely new, forcing us to look beyond the surface meaning. The compilers delight in presenting what appears to be a contradiction, only for a sudden ‘aha!’ moment to reveal a perfectly logical, albeit unexpected, connection.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the art of clever misdirection. It nudges us towards one line of thinking – perhaps considering the general vulnerability of those in a caregiving role – while the true solution often hinges on an entirely different, less obvious interpretation of one or more words. The number in parentheses, (7), is our only steadfast hint, confirming the exact length of the answer we seek. Without that, the possibilities could feel endless, a true testament to the power of a specific letter count in narrowing down the field of potential solutions.
Engaging with a
crossword clue
of this calibre isn’t just about finding the right word for your daily crossword; it’s about the mental gymnastics involved. It’s about stretching your brain, exploring various interpretations, and finally, experiencing that satisfying click when both parts of the clue seamlessly align. It reminds us that the English language is a vast playground of double meanings, homophones, and hidden definitions, all waiting to be uncovered by the discerning solver. This kind of challenge transforms the act of puzzle-solving into a rewarding intellectual pursuit, honing our analytical skills with every successful decipherment. Get ready to unravel this gem of a
crossword clue
and uncover its ingenious secret.
Available Answers:
SITTERS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 15 October 2025