Ever encountered a crossword clue that stops you dead in your tracks, not out of frustration, but out of pure admiration for its cleverness? Today, we’re dissecting just such a gem, a masterclass in cryptic construction that epitomizes the joy of solving crosswords: “Carelessly uses up most Sun – luxury! (13).” This particular daily crossword clue is a perfect example of how seemingly disparate elements can weave together to form a brilliant puzzle, challenging even the most seasoned crossword solvers.
At first glance, this crossword clue immediately piques curiosity. The length, a substantial thirteen letters, tells us we’re looking for a word with a significant number of components, offering plenty of room for intricate wordplay. But it’s the combination of the definition and the cryptic wordplay that truly makes this crossword clue stand out.
Let’s begin with the definition part: “luxury!” This single, evocative word acts as our anchor, guiding us towards the meaning of our elusive 13-letter answer. When pondering a word synonymous with “luxury,” especially one of this length, the mind can quickly conjure images of opulence, extravagance, or even something incredibly indulgent. The brilliance of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in how precisely this definition directs our thoughts while the wordplay simultaneously leads us down a delightfully winding path. Understanding this target meaning is the first crucial step in cracking any challenging cryptic crossword clue.
Now, for the dazzling display of wordplay that makes this a truly memorable crossword clue: “Carelessly uses up most Sun.” This is where the real deciphering begins, where the unique language of cryptic crosswords comes alive. The opening word, “Carelessly,” is a classic and very strong indicator in the world of crossword puzzles. It suggests a jumbling, a mixing, or a rearrangement of letters – in short, it points us directly towards an anagram. This is a common and beloved mechanism in solving crosswords, and recognizing such an indicator is a key skill for any puzzle enthusiast. When you see a word like “carelessly,” your mental gears should immediately shift into anagram-solving mode.
The remainder of the wordplay, “uses up most Sun,” is where the true art of this crossword clue unfolds. This phrase is the fodder, the collection of letters that we are meant to “carelessly” rearrange. But it’s not simply a straightforward collection of letters. The inclusion of “uses up” might suggest a process of consumption or exhaustion of letters, adding another layer to the instruction. And then there’s “most Sun.” This little phrase is a common and often tricky device in cryptic crossword clues. “Most of a word” typically instructs us to take that word and remove its last letter. So, if we apply this rule, “most Sun” would become “SU.” This nuanced instruction requires careful attention, as misinterpreting it can send a solver down an entirely wrong path.
The challenge of this crossword clue, then, is to combine these elements: take the letters derived from “uses up most Sun,” apply the “most” rule to “Sun” if it’s indeed meant that way, and then “carelessly” rearrange these resulting letters to form a 13-letter word that perfectly matches our definition of “luxury!” It’s a puzzle that rewards meticulous parsing and a deep understanding of cryptic hints. The satisfaction that comes from untangling such a beautifully constructed crossword clue is immense, proving that a well-designed crossword is much more than just a word game; it’s a linguistic and logical adventure. Finding the solution involves not just a broad vocabulary, but also a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the subtle art of the crossword compiler.
Available Answers:
SUMPTUOUSNESS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 14 October 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 14 September 2025