You know those moments when a seemingly simple
crossword clue
lands in your lap, and you think, “Ah, this should be quick!” only to find yourself staring blankly, appreciating the layers of brilliance woven into just a few words? Today’s featured
crossword clue
falls squarely into that delightful category:
“Canopy doesn’t start opening wide (6)“
At first glance, it might appear to be a straightforward definition, perhaps asking for a direct synonym of ‘canopy’. But seasoned solvers of the daily
cryptic crossword
know better. These clues are rarely what they seem on the surface. They are miniature linguistic puzzles, expertly crafted to challenge your vocabulary and your lateral thinking skills. Tackling a clever
crossword puzzle
like this one is truly one of the joys of the hobby, and finding the solution brings a uniquely satisfying “aha!” moment.
Every good
cryptic crossword clue
has two distinct parts: a definition and a piece of wordplay. Our job, when
solving crosswords
, is to identify each part and then use them in conjunction to arrive at the correct answer. The definition often masquerades as a red herring, tempting you down the wrong path if you don’t fully engage with the wordplay.
Let’s dissect this particular
crossword clue
. “Canopy” immediately jumps out as a strong candidate for the definition. A canopy is a covering, often overhead, providing shade or shelter. This gives us a clear idea of what our final 6-letter answer needs to mean. But remember, in cryptic land, definitions can sometimes be subtly misleading, or part of a larger, more complex whole. Keep an open mind as we explore the wordplay.
The rest of the clue, “doesn’t start opening wide,” is where the magic (and the challenge!) of the cryptic truly lies. This phrase is undeniably the wordplay component. The phrase “doesn’t start” is a classic indicator in
cryptic crossword
constructions. It almost always signals a deletion – specifically, the removal of the very first letter of a word or phrase. If something “doesn’t start,” it’s missing its beginning. This is a crucial piece of information for unlocking the riddle.
Now we’re left with “opening wide” after the “doesn’t start” instruction. How does “opening wide” function within this structure? Could it be a synonym for a word that then loses its first letter? Or is it a description of an action, perhaps suggesting a state or an item that performs this action? The beauty of
solving crosswords
lies in considering all these possibilities. We need a word or concept related to “opening wide” that, once its initial letter is removed, becomes our 6-letter “canopy.”
Think about words that embody the idea of “opening wide.” Consider verbs, nouns, or even adjectival concepts that convey this sense of expansion or spaciousness. What might “opening wide” literally refer to? Is there an object or a phenomenon that inherently involves “opening wide”? The solution to this
crossword challenge
hinges on pairing that concept with the “doesn’t start” instruction.
This clue is a fantastic example of how seemingly disparate elements are cleverly fused to create a cohesive whole. It demands not just knowledge of vocabulary, but also a familiarity with the conventions of cryptic puzzles. The 6-letter length constraint is our final guide, narrowing down the possibilities once we’ve successfully deciphered the wordplay. So, take a moment, ponder the definition of ‘canopy,’ consider the implications of “doesn’t start,” and brainstorm what “opening wide” truly brings to mind. The satisfaction of unraveling such a finely crafted
crossword clue
is immense.
Available Answers:
AWNING.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025