There’s a unique thrill that washes over you when you encounter a particularly clever
crossword clue
. It’s that moment of delightful perplexity, a mental tug-of-war between the obvious and the obscure, the literal and the labyrinthine. Today, we’re dissecting one such intriguing entry that recently caught our eye and offered a perfect example of elegant wordplay: “Beast, any he damaged (5).”
This five-letter
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and precise construction, characteristic of a well-crafted cryptic
crossword puzzle
. At first glance, you might simply cast about for a five-letter word that describes an animal. Lion? Tiger? Elephant? No, too long. Horse? Bear? They fit the length, but how do “any he damaged” fit into the picture? This immediately signals that we’re dealing with more than a straightforward definition. This isn’t just a general knowledge
crossword clue
; it’s a true brain-teaser.
The beauty of
solving crosswords
, especially the cryptic variety, lies in understanding their unspoken language. Every word in a cryptic
crossword clue
is there for a reason, either as part of the definition or as part of the wordplay. Our focus here is on identifying which part serves which function, and what kind of cryptic device is at play.
Let’s start by considering “Beast.” This could be our definition part, or it could be part of the wordplay itself. If it’s the definition, we’re looking for a five-letter creature, perhaps one known for being fierce or wild. But then, how does “any he damaged” contribute? This phrase feels like an instruction, a set of ingredients to be manipulated. And that’s often where the magic of a cryptic
crossword clue
truly shines.
The word “damaged” is a powerful indicator in the world of cryptic
crossword puzzles
. Words like “damaged,” “broken,” “ruined,” “mixed,” “shaken,” “confused,” or “rearranged” are tell-tale signs of an
anagram
. An
anagram
is a type of wordplay where the letters of a word or phrase are rearranged to form a new word or phrase. If “damaged” is our anagram indicator, then we need to identify the letters that need to be rearranged.
Now, let’s look at the remaining words: “any he.” Could these three letters be the fodder for our anagram? If we take the letters A, N, Y, H, E, and “damage” them (i.e., rearrange them), what five-letter word can we form? This is where the fun really begins. The setter has given us all the pieces, neatly laid out, and our task as
puzzle solvers
is to put them back together in a meaningful way that fits the definition of a “Beast.”
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic illustration of how a concise phrase can pack multiple layers of meaning. It requires you to consider not just the dictionary definition of words, but also their potential as building blocks for other words. The satisfaction derived from cracking such a seemingly opaque clue is immense, a testament to the power of linguistic deduction and the elegance of a well-designed
crossword puzzle
. So, take a moment, consider the definition, identify the anagram indicator, and see if you can assemble the letters to reveal the beastly answer. It’s a rewarding part of your daily challenge!
Available Answers:
HYENA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 5 October 2025