Good morning, fellow word enthusiasts and puzzle adventurers! There’s nothing quite like a deliciously perplexing crossword clue to kick-start the day, and today’s challenge, “Begins with small open pies (6)“, certainly served up a satisfying mental feast. When a daily crossword clue involves food, my ears always perk up – partly because I love food, and partly because food-related clues are often crafted with a special kind of wordplay.
Upon first glance at this particular crossword clue, you might find your mind wandering to the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. “Small open pies” immediately conjures a very specific image, doesn’t it? The trick, as any seasoned solver knows, is to pinpoint the most common and concise term that fits that description in the world of crosswords. Is it a tart? A flan? A quiche? Crossword setters often rely on the most straightforward, widely accepted synonym to form the core of one part of their clue. Pondering the various baked delights that could be classified as “small open pies” is definitely the initial step in dissecting this intriguing challenge.
But then we have the “Begins with” part of the crossword clue. This phrase, while seemingly simple, is a master of disguise in the cryptic landscape of crossword puzzles. It’s rarely as literal as it seems. Does it indicate a prefix? Does it point to the start of an action or a sequence? Could it hint at a phrasal verb, where ‘begins’ combines with another word to form a new meaning? This is where your inner detective needs to come out. Thinking beyond the dictionary definition of “begins” and exploring its various contextual meanings and common associations is crucial for solving such a tricky crossword clue. Often, a setter will use such a phrase to suggest an element of initiation, renovation, or even a ‘kick-off’ of some kind.
The real art of tackling a crossword clue like “Begins with small open pies (6)” lies in the elegant synergy between its seemingly disparate elements. We’re looking for a six-letter word that somehow perfectly integrates both the essence of those delectable “small open pies” and the concept of “begins with.” Is the word a noun that
is
a beginning, and
contains
the pies? Or is it a verb where the pies are somehow involved in the act of beginning? These are the kinds of delightful mental gymnastics that make solving crossword clues so immensely rewarding.
It’s all about finding that magical intersection where two seemingly unrelated ideas click into place, forming a single, coherent answer that fits the letter count. Many excellent crossword clues hinge on breaking down complex phrases into their core components. Here, you might consider “small open pies” as a direct synonym for a specific pastry type, one that perhaps makes up the initial portion of our six-letter answer. This is a classic technique used by crossword setters to guide you towards the first few letters. Then, think about “Begins with”. Is this pointing to an action? A state? An initiator? In crosswords, “begins” can often signal anything from a simple start to a full-blown renovation or inauguration. The cleverness of such a daily crossword clue often lies in the setter’s ability to pick a precise synonym or phrasal verb that perfectly bridges the two ideas presented.
The beauty of this particular crossword clue is how elegantly the two halves slot together. It’s not just about finding a synonym for “small open pies” and a synonym for “begins”. It’s about finding a six-letter word where the first part aligns with the pastry, and the latter part, when combined, gives you the sense of ‘beginning’ or ‘starting up’. It’s a delightful example of how setters create a cohesive meaning from disparate elements in a single, well-crafted clue.
What were your initial thoughts on this challenging crossword clue? Did you find yourself pondering pastry types or verb forms first? Share your strategies in the comments below – but remember, no spoilers for those still mulling over the answer! Let’s keep the joy of discovery alive for everyone tackling this brilliant piece of wordplay. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
STARTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 6 December 2025