Unlocking ‘Cagney Redesigned Office (6)’: A Crossword Clue That Packs a Punch
Ever found yourself staring blankly at a
crossword clue
, certain you know the individual components but utterly mystified by their combination? It’s a common experience for even the most seasoned solvers of the daily crossword. Today, we’re diving into one such brilliant little brain-teaser that perfectly encapsulates the joy and occasional frustration of the cryptic puzzle: “Cagney redesigned office (6)“.
This particular
crossword clue
made the rounds recently, sparking both head-scratching and “aha!” moments across the solving community. It’s a fantastic example of how a well-crafted clue can blend cultural knowledge with clever wordplay, leading you down a delightful path of deduction.
Let’s break down the first element: “Cagney.” For anyone familiar with classic Hollywood, the name James Cagney immediately conjures a very specific image. He was the quintessential tough guy, often portraying characters with an intense, no-nonsense demeanor, whether they were gangsters, journalists, or men of the law. His performances were often described as electrifying, commanding, and sometimes even, dare we say, a little intimidating. When a legendary actor like Cagney appears in a
crossword puzzle
, his name isn’t usually there just for general knowledge; it’s almost always a pointer. Think about the adjectives, nouns, or verbs that perfectly capture the essence of a “Cagney” performance or character. What single, six-letter word might define the kind of energy or persona he famously embodied on screen?
Now, let’s turn our attention to the second, equally crucial part of this
crossword clue
: “redesigned office.” For those who regularly tackle cryptic crosswords, the word “redesigned” often acts as a beacon, shining a light on a very common type of wordplay. It’s a classic anagram indicator. This means that the letters of another word or phrase within the clue need to be jumbled, rearranged, or “redesigned” to form the answer. In this specific instance, the word that needs to be shuffled is “office.” Take a moment. Gather those six letters: O-F-F-I-C-E. What new six-letter word can you form by twisting them into a different order?
The true genius of this “Cagney redesigned office (6)“
crossword clue
lies in how elegantly these two seemingly disparate parts connect. You’re looking for a six-letter word that not only perfectly describes a characteristic or quality often associated with James Cagney’s iconic roles but also happens to be a perfect anagram of “office.” The challenge isn’t just knowing your Hollywood history or your anagrams; it’s about forging the link between the actor’s persona and the transformed letters of a common word. It’s the moment when the pieces click, and you realize the brilliance of the setter’s construction.
This type of clue is what makes solving crosswords so addictive. It’s a testament to the layers of meaning and the intricate web of connections that can exist within just a few words. If this particular
crossword clue
had you pondering, don’t feel discouraged. It’s a clever one, designed to make you think laterally and appreciate the nuances of language. Keep at it, keep practicing those anagrams, and keep your mind open to the wonderful tricks a setter might have up their sleeve.
Stay tuned for more insights into perplexing clues and tips for sharpening your
crossword clue
solving skills. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
AGENCY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 18 August 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 18 June 2025