Cracking the Code: A Cryptic Crossword Challenge – “Challenge to an Intruder”
Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s blog post tackles a particularly thorny clue that’s been stumping solvers across the internet:
“Challenge to an intruder.”
This cryptic crossword clue is a real head-scratcher, playing with wordplay and misdirection in a way that’s both frustrating and immensely satisfying to unravel.
Let’s dissect this gem. The clue itself, “Challenge to an intruder,” immediately suggests a confrontation, a test of strength, or perhaps a warning. We need to consider how the word “challenge” might function both literally and figuratively. Is it a direct challenge, a physical confrontation? Or something more subtle, a hidden test or obstacle?
The phrase “to an intruder” is crucial. It points towards something defensive, something designed to stop or deter unwelcome entry. Think about the context of an intrusion – what measures might be taken? Security systems? Warnings? Physical barriers? All of these possibilities need to be explored.
Let’s consider the cryptic crossword’s love for wordplay. Is there a hidden word within “challenge” or “intruder” that could be relevant? Could the clue be a double definition, where both meanings independently fit the answer? Perhaps it involves an anagram, where the letters of one or both words are rearranged to form the solution? Or maybe a charade, where parts of the clue are combined to create a larger word?
Remember, cryptic crosswords often employ misdirection. The clue may lead you down a garden path, suggesting a certain interpretation only to reveal a different, unexpected solution. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Consider different interpretations of words, and how they might relate to each other in a cryptic sense.
This clue requires careful consideration of both the surface reading – the literal meaning of the clue – and the underlying wordplay. Unraveling this mystery demands a flexible approach, a willingness to experiment with different possibilities, and a deep understanding of common cryptic crossword techniques. I encourage you to grab your pen and paper (or your favourite digital crossword solver!), delve into this puzzle, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Good luck, crossword champions! Let’s see who cracks this one first.
Keywords:
crossword clue, cryptic crossword, crossword puzzle, crossword solver, cryptic clue, word puzzle, challenge, intruder, wordplay, anagram, charade, double definition.
Available Answers:
WHO GOES THERE?.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 3 Jan 25, Friday