Every now and then, a
crossword clue
lands in your lap that just makes you pause. Not because it’s impossible, but because it’s
so
elegantly crafted, so delightfully ambiguous, that you can almost hear the setter chuckling to themselves. It’s those moments of delicious head-scratching that make the whole crossword experience so rewarding, isn’t it?
Today, we’re diving into one such gem that truly exemplifies the brilliance of cryptic wordplay:
“Capital, is it holding politician up? (7)“
Just read that
crossword clue
again. Go on, I’ll wait. Let the words dance around in your mind for a moment, letting the various meanings unfurl.
Initially, your mind probably races in a dozen different directions. “Capital” alone is a word packed with meaning. Are we talking about a bustling global city, like Paris or London, the seat of government and power? Or perhaps the financial kind of capital, the kind that makes the world (and many political campaigns!) go round, fueling ambition and policy? Could it even refer to a capital letter, lending a mischievous linguistic twist to the puzzle, as is so common in a truly clever
crossword clue
? The beauty of a well-penned clue often lies in this rich tapestry of possibilities, inviting you to explore every thread.
Then, we get to the second part: “is it holding politician up?”. Ah, now that’s where things get
really
interesting. “Holding up” can mean so many things! On one hand, it could imply support, the very foundation or backing that keeps a politician afloat, enabling their work and campaigns. Think about what truly props up a public figure’s career, allowing them to stand tall and enact change. But then, a mischievous little voice in the back of your head might whisper, “holding up… like a bank robbery?” Or perhaps, holding up as in
delaying
something, creating an obstruction? That’s the classic misdirection we cryptic crossword aficionados adore, designed to send your brain down a delightful cul-de-sac before you find the true path.
The setter, bless their clever heart, has deliberately played on these multiple meanings, creating a delightful web of linguistic possibilities. You’re left trying to untangle which interpretation of “Capital” pairs with which interpretation of “holding politician up” to arrive at that perfect, elusive seven-letter word. It’s a journey through synonyms, double meanings, and a healthy dose of lateral thinking that makes solving such a joy. Every element of this
crossword clue
is carefully placed, each word a potential signpost or a cunning red herring.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in concise wordplay. It doesn’t give too much away, but it offers just enough tantalizing breadcrumbs to lead you down the right path – or several wrong ones, if you’re not careful! The key, as always, is to consider every angle, every shade of meaning, and to remember that in the world of crosswords, nothing is ever quite as straightforward as it seems. Deciphering such an intricate
crossword clue
is not just about finding the answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the puzzle.
So, take another look at “Capital, is it holding politician up? (7)“. What do
you
think is the secret behind this wonderfully intriguing
crossword clue
? What seven-letter word perfectly encapsulates both sides of this clever equation, revealing the setter’s genius?
Available Answers:
TBILISI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 13 September 2025