Sometimes, a
crossword clue
lands in your lap that looks deceptively straightforward on the surface, only to reveal layers of intricate wordplay that make you question everything you thought you knew about language. It’s those moments, those delicious brain-teasers, that truly make the daily puzzle a journey of discovery. Today’s challenge, one that had many a seasoned solver scratching their heads, is a perfect example: “Boxer is a fighter we hate to upset (13).”
Right off the bat, this particular
crossword clue
sets a scene. We have a “Boxer” and a “fighter,” which immediately points us towards the ring, perhaps a champion pugilist, or even a specific breed of dog known for its playful, if sometimes boisterous, nature. The natural inclination for any puzzle solver is to link “Boxer” directly to “fighter,” assuming a clear definition is at play. But as we all know, the best cryptic
crossword clues
rarely give you the answer so easily. They thrive on misdirection, on leading you down a garden path only to reveal a brilliant, unexpected detour.
The first curveball comes with “Boxer.” While the immediate thought might be a person in boxing gloves, or even the dog, consider the broader spectrum of what “Boxer” could signify. In the world of ingenious
crossword clues
, a capital letter can sometimes be a red herring, or it can be crucial. Is it a proper noun? Is it hinting at a specific type of engine, perhaps? Or is it something else entirely, used in a more abstract sense? This is where the magic of wordplay begins to unfold, nudging you to look beyond the obvious.
Then there’s the critical phrase: “we hate to upset.” This is the true heart of the
crossword clue
, the part that elevates it from a simple definition to a clever piece of linguistic architecture. “Upset” itself is a word loaded with multiple meanings. You can upset a person, causing them distress or anger. You can also upset an apple cart, quite literally turning it over. You can even upset the balance of something. In the context of a challenging
crossword clue
, every single nuance of a word’s meaning is fair game. If something is something “we hate to upset,” what does that imply about its nature? Is it something you want to keep stable? Something you want to maintain in its current state? The imagery this phrase conjures is key to unlocking the full potential of this brilliant bit of cryptic fun.
The length – thirteen letters – is also a significant indicator. Once you start piecing together the potential layers of meaning, that thirteen-letter count becomes a critical framework. It helps you filter through possibilities, discarding those that are too short or too long, and narrowing down the field until that ‘aha!’ moment strikes. It’s a testament to the masterful construction of a good
crossword clue
when every element, from the initial hook to the final letter count, plays a vital role in guiding the solver to the correct, albeit cleverly hidden, answer.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and double entendre, inviting us to delve into the rich tapestry of the English language. It forces us to reconsider common words, to peel back their layers of meaning, and to appreciate the subtle dance between literal interpretation and clever wordplay. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that leaves you feeling incredibly satisfied once you’ve cracked it, a testament to the joy and intellectual stimulation that daily puzzles provide. So, take a moment, ponder “Boxer is a fighter we hate to upset (13),” and see if you can navigate its clever twists and turns.
Available Answers:
FEATHERWEIGHT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 21 September 2025