Okay, folks, grab your pencils and thinking caps, because we’re diving headfirst into another cryptic crossword clue that’s sure to wrinkle your brow (in a good way, of course!). This one’s a five-letter stumper, and it’s got a bit of a bite: “Bridge partners always show cynical contempt.”
Now, before you start frantically searching for obscure card game terminology, let’s break down what this clue is
really
asking. Cryptic clues, as seasoned solvers know, are rarely straightforward. They’re masters of disguise, hiding the answer within layers of wordplay, double meanings, and clever misdirection.
The first thing that jumps out at me is the phrase “Bridge partners.” This
could
be a direct reference to the card game, and it’s wise to keep that possibility in mind. However, in the cryptic world, it’s equally likely to be a red herring. It could simply be referencing
any
kind of partnership, a collaboration, or even a connection between two things. We need to be open to both interpretations.
Then we have the meat of the clue: “always show cynical contempt.” This is where the real work begins. “Always show” suggests a habitual action, something consistently displayed. Think about the inherent nature of someone, a defining characteristic. What is it that someone
always
manifests?
“Cynical contempt” is a powerful pairing of words. “Cynical” implies a distrust of human nature, a belief that people are inherently selfish and motivated by self-interest. It’s a skeptical worldview, often tinged with bitterness.
“Contempt,” on the other hand, is a feeling of deep disdain or disapproval. It’s looking down on something (or someone) with a sense of superiority. Combining these two creates a potent mix of negativity. The answer must embody this feeling of both distrust and disdain. It describes the way the partnership is manifesting, whether it is the type of partnership where they are showing cynical contempt, or the type of manifestation the bridge partners are showing.
Here’s where we start brainstorming possible avenues:
Look for synonyms:
What words express cynicism or contempt? What words describe something
always
shown? Make a list, no matter how outlandish they seem at first. You never know where the right word will come from. Consider things that happen repeatedly, like a facial expression, a manner of speaking, or even a feeling that is never truly overcome.
Think about actions:
What do cynical people
do
? How do they behave? Do they roll their eyes? Do they make sarcastic remarks? Do they dismiss ideas out of hand? Try to connect these actions to a five-letter word. Consider the way the relationship is being shown.
Anagrams and hidden words:
While less likely given the wording, it’s always worth a quick scan of the clue itself. Could there be an anagram hidden within the phrase “Bridge partners always show cynical contempt?” (Probably not, but it takes a minute to check!) Also, look for hidden words embedded within the clue’s phrasing.
Consider the overall tone:
The clue has a rather negative tone. The answer is likely to reflect this negativity. This is a useful filter when you’re considering different possibilities.
Break it down further:
Try substituting phrases. Instead of “cynical contempt,” think about other ways to say the same thing. “Disdainful mockery,” perhaps? Or “scornful disbelief”? Sometimes, rephrasing the clue can spark a new idea.
Remember, solving cryptic crosswords is a process of elimination and creative thinking. Don’t get discouraged if the answer doesn’t immediately jump out at you. Keep digging, keep exploring different angles, and the solution will eventually reveal itself.
Good luck and happy solving!
Available Answers:
SNEER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 5 September 2025