Welcome back, fellow word wranglers! There’s nothing quite like the mental gymnastics a good cryptic crossword clue demands, is there? Today, we’re diving into a particularly feathered friend of a crossword clue that might have had you scratching your head, or perhaps even reaching for that cuppa in quiet contemplation. The clue in question: “Bird, very close, turning up outside (5)“.
At first glance, this might look like a straightforward definition, but seasoned solvers know that the beauty of a cryptic crossword clue lies in its layers. This isn’t just about spotting a definition; it’s about dissecting the clever wordplay that leads you to the precise five-letter answer. Every single word in a cryptic crossword clue is there for a reason, a subtle hint or a mischievous misdirection.
Let’s break down this intriguing crossword clue, piece by piece, without giving away the satisfying solution just yet. The first part, “Bird,” is almost certainly our definition. This tells us what the answer
is
. So, we’re looking for a five-letter creature with feathers. Simple enough, right? If only it were that simple in the world of cryptic crosswords!
The real magic, and the real challenge, comes from the rest of the crossword clue: “very close, turning up outside.” This is where the setter’s genius shines, weaving together various cryptic indicators to form a coherent, yet elusive, path to the solution.
Consider “turning up.” In the world of cryptic crossword clues, phrases like “turning up,” “reversed,” “back,” or “upended” are classic signals for a reversal. This means we’ll likely be taking a word or a part of a word and reading it backwards. It’s a fundamental technique in cryptic crossword solving, and spotting these indicators is key to unlocking many a tricky crossword clue.
Then we have “outside.” This indicator often points to taking the outer letters of a word, or it can suggest a container-type clue where one word is “outside” another. It requires you to think about how words can be manipulated – sometimes by literally taking the first and last letters, or sometimes by placing a word around another. The ambiguity is part of the fun, making each crossword clue a mini-puzzle in itself.
And what about “very close”? This is perhaps the most intriguing part of this particular crossword clue. “Very close” could be a synonym for a word that is then manipulated, or it could be an indicator of proximity – perhaps hinting at adjacent letters, or a word that means “near.” It might even suggest an intimate connection between parts of the wordplay. The precision of language in cryptic crossword clues is paramount, and “very close” is no exception. It could be guiding us to a specific synonym, or it could be part of a more complex construction where its meaning dictates how other parts of the clue interact.
The brilliant thing about a well-constructed cryptic crossword clue like “Bird, very close, turning up outside (5)” is how these seemingly disparate elements combine. We have a definition, “Bird,” and then a multi-layered set of instructions involving a reversal, an ‘outside’ manipulation, and something linked to ‘very close’, all needing to result in a five-letter word.
Solving this type of crossword clue often involves a bit of trial and error, thinking of synonyms for each part of the wordplay, and then seeing how they fit with the reversal and outer letter mechanics. It’s a process of elimination and creative thinking that makes the “aha!” moment so incredibly satisfying.
So, take another look at this particular crossword clue. Can you see how “very close,” “turning up,” and “outside” could conspire to reveal a common feathered creature? It’s a fantastic example of a setter’s art, crafting a challenge that is both fair and fiendishly clever. Happy puzzling, and remember, every cryptic crossword clue is an adventure waiting to be solved!
Available Answers:
RAVEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 26 June 2025