Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like that exhilarating feeling when a new crossword clue lands on your grid, promising a delightful challenge and a rewarding ‘aha!’ moment. Every single crossword clue is a mini-mystery, a cleverly disguised linguistic puzzle waiting to be unlocked, and today’s offering from the daily cryptic definitely delivered that classic blend of misdirection and genius.
We’ve all been there, staring blankly at a particular crossword clue, convinced the setter has finally outsmarted us. But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? The initial confusion, the slow dawning of understanding, and then the triumphant realization of the solution. It’s a journey, a mental workout, and a testament to the incredible ingenuity of crossword setters. This week, one particular crossword clue stood out for its elegant construction and the way it initially baffled, then delighted. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you nod in appreciation once you’ve untangled its layers.
The crossword clue in question is:
“Bone of bird in extremes of fear (5)“
Just five letters, yet packed with so much potential for a mental tussle! When I first encountered this specific crossword clue, my mind immediately started sifting through the usual cryptic mechanisms. Is it an anagram? A clever hidden word? Perhaps a homophone playing on a word that sounds like something else? Or is it a ‘charade’ clue, where different parts of the wordplay combine to form the definition? The brilliance of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue lies in its ability to suggest multiple avenues of thought, leading you down a few cul-de-sacs before the right path reveals itself.
Let’s break down the thought process one might employ when facing such a tantalizing crossword clue. We have a definition – “Bone of bird.” That’s usually the most straightforward part, giving us a target concept. But then comes the wordplay: “in extremes of fear.” This is where the magic, and the potential for a glorious ‘facepalm’ moment (in the best possible way, of course!), truly resides. Cryptic crossword clues often employ specific techniques for ‘extremes,’ ‘heads,’ or ‘tails’ of words, hinting at particular letters from a given word. It’s a common trick, but one that still manages to catch me out from time to time, proving just how effective good setting can be.
The satisfaction of cracking such a meticulously constructed crossword clue is unparalleled. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about understanding the setter’s mind, appreciating their wit, and celebrating the power of language. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of how much fun can be had with words, how they can be twisted, turned, and reassembled to create something new and exciting.
So, take a moment. Ponder this gem of a crossword clue. What are your initial thoughts? How do you approach the wordplay part? Have you seen similar constructions in other daily crosswords? The journey to the answer is often as enjoyable as the answer itself, and this crossword clue offers a fantastic mini-adventure for your brain. Keep those mental gears turning, and let’s explore the depths of this splendid puzzle together. What an absolute cracker of a crossword clue to kick off our solving session!
Available Answers:
FEMUR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 5 November 2025