Cracking the Cryptic: “Candidate, One Worried About Bomb” Crossword Clue Demystified
Ever stared at a
crossword clue
and felt that familiar mix of frustration and intrigue? You know the feeling – a seemingly simple phrase, yet the answer remains elusive, tucked away just out of reach. Today, we’re diving into one such gem that recently popped up and got quite a few of us scratching our heads: “Candidate, one worried about bomb (7)“. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a beautifully crafted piece of wordplay that exemplifies why we love these puzzles so much.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might lead your mind down a very literal path. “Candidate” often conjures images of political hopefuls, and “bomb” immediately brings to mind explosive devices. But seasoned solvers know that cryptic clues rarely work in such a straightforward manner. The beauty lies in the misdirection, the clever twists of language that force us to look beyond the obvious. This particular
crossword clue
plays on multiple meanings, making it a delightful challenge. It’s a prime example of how everyday words can be transformed into brain-teasing puzzles.
Let’s consider the word “bomb.” While its primary meaning is clear, what other contexts might it appear in? Think about performance, tests, or even social situations. When someone “bombs” an exam or a presentation, what does that imply? It suggests a spectacular failure. Now, marry that idea with “candidate.” A candidate isn’t always someone running for office. Who else might be a “candidate” in a situation where “bombing” is a very real concern? Someone undergoing a test, perhaps? Someone trying out for a role? This shift in perspective is often the key to unlocking a tricky
crossword clue
. The joy comes from that sudden “aha!” moment when the alternate meaning clicks into place.
The word “worried” acts as a crucial connector in this
crossword clue
. It bridges the “candidate” and the “bomb” in a way that makes perfect sense once you’ve made the conceptual leap. The worry isn’t just about a physical danger; it’s about the potential for a catastrophic outcome in a different context. This is where the clue truly shines, presenting a scenario that is both accurate and deceptively simple. It’s about connecting the dots between seemingly disparate meanings of common words, creating a cohesive and elegant solution that feels incredibly satisfying once discovered.
These are the kinds of
crossword clues
that elevate the puzzle from a simple vocabulary test to a true mental workout. They reward careful consideration of every word, every nuance, and every potential double meaning. If you’ve been wrestling with “Candidate, one worried about bomb (7),” hopefully, this exploration of its layers has given you a fresh perspective. The satisfaction of figuring out such a well-constructed
crossword clue
is immense, proving that even a single, short phrase can contain a universe of cleverness. Keep those brains buzzing, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
NOMINEE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 18 June 2025