The hum of the morning coffee machine, the crisp rustle of the newspaper, and then… that moment. The one where a particular crossword clue doesn’t just land on the grid, but seemingly leaps off the page, challenging you to a duel of wits. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you lean in closer, pen hovering, a slow smile spreading across your face as you anticipate the delightful mental gymnastics ahead. This week, one six-letter gem truly captured that sensation for me, a masterclass in misdirection and elegant wordplay that is the hallmark of a truly great cryptic puzzle.
The clue in question? “Back in empty dairy, extremely boring (6)“.
At first glance, it seems deceptively simple. We have a clear indicator of length – six letters – which immediately narrows down the possibilities. Then, there’s the definition: “extremely boring.” This is our anchor, the concept we’re aiming for. We all know the feeling, don’t we? That profound sense of tedium, the lack of stimulation, the overwhelming desire for a clock to fast-forward. Brainstorming synonyms for “extremely boring” can yield a good list of possibilities, but finding one that slots perfectly into a six-letter space, while also harmonizing with the wordplay, is where the real fun begins.
But it’s the wordplay, the cryptic side of this
crossword clue
, that truly invites contemplation: “Back in empty dairy.” This phrase is ripe with potential interpretations, a clever tangle designed to lead the unwary down several delightful garden paths.
Let’s unpack it, without revealing the ingenious solution, of course. The phrase “Back in” is a classic
crossword clue
device. It often signals a reversal – letters read backwards – or perhaps something being placed
inside
another word or phrase. The direction of the reversal, or the container, is usually hinted at by the surrounding words. In this context, does “back in” mean something is literally placed behind or within the “empty dairy”? Or does it refer to the end of a word being reversed? The beauty lies in its ambiguity, forcing the solver to consider multiple angles.
Then we come to “empty dairy.” This is where the clue really sparkles with its cleverness. What does “empty” imply in a cryptic
crossword clue
? Does it refer to the outer letters of the word “dairy” (i.e., D and Y)? Or perhaps it suggests the removal of something
from
“dairy,” leaving behind what’s left? Could “empty dairy” refer to the
concept
of a dairy that is empty – devoid of cows, milk, or activity – perhaps evoking a particular atmosphere or state? Cryptic setters are masters of using common words in unconventional ways, turning everyday terms into tools for wordplay. The word “dairy” itself, too, has layers – is it the farm building, the products it produces, or merely a sequence of letters to be manipulated?
The thrill of a
crossword clue
like “Back in empty dairy, extremely boring (6)” lies in the journey. It’s about meticulously dissecting each component, testing out various wordplay mechanisms, and allowing your mind to wander through the labyrinth of possibilities until that satisfying “aha!” moment dawns. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill that they can weave such intricate clues from simple words, delivering a challenge that is both frustrating and immensely rewarding.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies why we keep coming back to the puzzle page day after day. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about the exquisite mental workout, the delight of deciphering linguistic riddles, and the pure satisfaction of conquering a truly clever piece of wordplay. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the kettle calling, and perhaps another
crossword clue
whispering its secrets.
Available Answers:
DREARY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 21 July 2025