There are some crossword clues that just sing to you, aren’t there? Those little nuggets of wordplay that promise a delightful puzzle even before you’ve fully unpacked them. And then there are others that stare back, utterly inscrutable, daring you to unravel their tangled threads. Today’s featured cryptic crossword clue, “Bribed father I remove (4,3)“, falls squarely into the latter category, but in the best possible way. It’s one of those tantalizing challenges that makes the whole journey of solving a crossword puzzle so incredibly rewarding.
This particular crossword clue, clocking in at a neat (4,3) structure, immediately signals that we’re dealing with a two-word answer. That length specification is always your first, most concrete piece of information, grounding you even when the surface reading feels like it’s trying to send you off into the ether. For seasoned solvers, those parenthetical numbers are a beacon, providing the essential framework before you even begin to parse the wordplay.
Let’s linger for a moment on the elements presented in this cryptic crossword clue. “Bribed father I remove”. The surface reading here paints a curious picture, doesn’t it? One immediately wonders about the nature of this ‘bribed father’ and why ‘I’ would need to ‘remove’ him. But, as any seasoned solver knows, the surface is often just a beautifully crafted distraction, a poetic veil over the true wordplay that forms the heart of a great crossword clue. It’s the setter’s art, creating a sentence that makes perfect sense on its own, while simultaneously hinting at an entirely different, hidden meaning.
The phrase ‘I remove’ is particularly intriguing in the context of a cryptic crossword clue. “Remove” is a classic indicator. It frequently signals a deletion – taking a letter or letters
out
of a word or phrase to form the solution. The ‘I’ itself is another fascinating element. Is it the Roman numeral ‘I’? The letter ‘I’? Or perhaps it refers to the solver themselves? The ambiguity is part of the charm, part of what makes a truly great crossword clue stand out, forcing you to consider multiple interpretations before the correct path reveals itself.
Then we have ‘bribed father’. Is ‘bribed’ an adjective describing the father? Or is it a verb, suggesting an action related to the father? And ‘father’ – could it be a direct synonym? An abbreviation for something paternal? Or perhaps part of a charade, a building block in a larger construction that contributes to the final answer of this challenging crossword clue? The beauty of a well-constructed cryptic crossword clue lies in its multi-layered possibilities, forcing you to consider every angle before the ‘aha!’ moment.
This kind of crossword clue is precisely why we love cryptic crosswords. They’re not just about vocabulary; they’re about lateral thinking, understanding the unique language of setters, and appreciating the cleverness embedded in each puzzle. When you finally crack a clue like “Bribed father I remove (4,3)“, the satisfaction is immense. It’s that feeling of bringing order to apparent chaos, of seeing the ingenious connection that was hidden in plain sight all along.
Many of us turn to online resources when faced with a particularly stubborn crossword clue. It’s a natural part of the solving process for many, whether you’re looking for a gentle nudge or just confirmation of a tentative solution. But before we get to the answer, let’s appreciate the artistry of the clue itself. We’re here to explore these linguistic marvels, to dissect the mechanics of a great cryptic crossword clue, and to celebrate the art of the crossword puzzle. Today’s “Bribed father I remove (4,3)” is a fantastic example of a clue that demands your full attention, your sharpest wit, and a willingness to play with words in every conceivable way. It’s a true test of your cryptic crossword skills.
So, if you’ve been scratching your head over this particular crossword clue, you’re certainly not alone. It’s designed to make you think, to make you re-evaluate your assumptions about language. Stick around as we delve deeper into how these elements beautifully converge to form a truly satisfying solution for this challenging crossword clue.
Available Answers:
PAIDOFF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 24 June 2025