Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle aficionados! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a particularly intriguing little number that popped up in a recent daily crossword. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then, hopefully, smile triumphantly. The clue in question? “Bolshevist alarmed about prospect (5)“. Oh, what a gem! This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a beautifully crafted challenge that combines historical context with clever wordplay, all condensed into a neat five-letter package.
For those who revel in the intricate dance of letters and logic, this type of cryptic crossword clue is pure gold. It immediately presents us with several fascinating avenues to explore. We have a potentially loaded definition: “Bolshevist.” For any keen solver of crosswords, this word alone conjures up specific images and historical figures, narrowing down our lexical search considerably. Is “Bolshevist” the precise definition, or is it a clever misdirection, a component within the wordplay itself? That’s the first delightful mystery to unravel when tackling a challenging crossword clue.
Then we turn our attention to the other half of this compelling crossword clue: “alarmed about prospect.” Now,
this
is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. Each word here is a potential signpost, a cryptic indicator, or part of a cunning charade. “Alarmed” could suggest a state of mind, a sound, or even, in the devious world of crosswords, an instruction to manipulate letters. Similarly, “prospect” offers a rich vein of possibilities. Is it a view? A future possibility? A mining term? The beauty of a well-designed cryptic crossword clue lies in its ability to harness the multiple meanings of words, twisting them into ingenious verbal puzzles.
When approaching such a crossword clue, veteran puzzle fans know to look for common cryptic devices. Is there an anagram indicator lurking? Could it be a hidden word, a reversal, or a clever container clue? The “about” in “alarmed about prospect” is particularly juicy, as it often signals a particular kind of wordplay. Experienced solvers instinctively begin to mentally juggle these components, testing different combinations and interpretations against the letter count – that crucial (5) that guides our search for the elusive solution. Every single crossword clue, especially one as artfully constructed as this, demands a keen eye for detail and a playful approach to language.
The satisfaction that comes from finally cracking a difficult crossword clue is unparalleled. It’s the culmination of vocabulary knowledge, logical deduction, and a deep appreciation for linguistic nuance. You might find yourself staring at “Bolshevist alarmed about prospect (5)” for a while, running through various synonyms for “Bolshevist,” then trying to marry them with the potential wordplay suggested by “alarmed about prospect.” The “aha!” moment, when the pieces finally click into place, is truly what keeps us coming back to the daily crossword, day after day.
So, what do you make of this intriguing crossword clue? Have you encountered similar challenges that made you think outside the box? Share your general thoughts on how you approach such multi-layered clues, but remember, let’s keep the specific answer to this particular crossword clue under wraps for those still enjoying the thrill of the chase! Happy solving, and may your wordplay always be witty.
Available Answers:
VISTA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 2 September 2025