The thrill of uncovering a particularly clever
crossword clue
is a unique pleasure, isn’t it? That moment when the layers peel back, and the answer, once elusive, suddenly shines through with an undeniable logic. Today, we’re diving into a prime example of such ingenuity, a puzzle piece that demands a blend of general knowledge, lateral thinking, and a keen eye for linguistic trickery.
We’re honing in on a
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem straightforward, but carries a delightful twist in its tail. The clue reads: “Beast of burden left with Buddhist priest (5)“. It’s a five-letter marvel that encapsulates much of what makes a great
crossword clue
so satisfying.
Let’s begin by dissecting the components, as any diligent solver of a cryptic
crossword clue
would. The first part, “Beast of burden,” immediately flags up a strong definitional element. This is your foundation, your anchor. When you encounter a
crossword clue
with such a clear descriptive phrase, your mind should immediately start sifting through categories of animals known for carrying loads. Think about the creatures that have historically, or even currently, served humanity in this capacity. The number of letters, (5), is your crucial constraint, narrowing down the possibilities considerably within this category. This definitional segment is often the most direct path to the solution, or at least a powerful confirmation once the wordplay is cracked.
But, as is the charming way of many a cryptic
crossword clue
, there’s more to it than just a straightforward definition. The second part, “left with Buddhist priest,” is where the real wordplay magic happens. This is the heart of the challenge, inviting you to engage with the clue on a different level. The word “left” in a
crossword clue
is a classic signal. It can refer to a direction, of course, but more often in cryptic puzzles, it points to a specific letter or an action involving removal or placement. Seasoned solvers will instantly flag “left” as a potential indicator for the letter ‘L’. Could it be an addition? A subtraction? Or is it simply directing you to look to the ‘left’ side of something implied?
Then we have “Buddhist priest.” This phrase itself is rich with possibilities for a
crossword clue
. Certain roles, professions, or figures from specific cultures are common fodder in the world of crosswords, often pointing to specific, well-known terms. If you’re familiar with the names associated with Buddhist spiritual leadership, you’ll likely have a particular five-letter word springing to mind. This word, or parts of it, often plays a pivotal role in constructing the final answer.
The elegance of this
crossword clue
lies in how these seemingly disparate elements—a physical animal, a directional indicator, and a religious figure—converge to form a single, five-letter word. The trick is to see how “left” interacts with “Buddhist priest” to produce a string of letters that then fits the “beast of burden” definition. Is it an insertion? A concatenation? A clever blend of elements where one part modifies the other?
Pondering this particular
crossword clue
offers a masterclass in how different types of wordplay can combine. It’s about more than just finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the journey there. The satisfaction derived from unlocking such a sophisticated
crossword clue
is immense, a testament to the setter’s skill and the solver’s perseverance. Take your time, consider each component, and let the pieces fall into place. The solution is there, woven ingeniously into the fabric of the clue, waiting for your insightful unraveling.
Available Answers:
LLAMA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 6 December 2025