Spice Up Your Life: Untangling a Tricky 6,6 Crossword Clue
Welcome, crossword enthusiasts, to another deep dive into the puzzling world of cryptic clues! Today, we’re tackling a particularly savory number: “Chef wanted damson or Gary gets upset (6,6).”
This clue, clocking in at two six-letter words, initially appears simple, but the cryptic nature demands we peel back the layers to reveal its true meaning. It’s a classic example of how crossword setters use wordplay, synonyms, and anagrams to keep us on our toes.
Let’s break down the elements at play. “Chef wanted” immediately signals that we’re likely dealing with something relating to culinary arts or employment. However, the clever setter might be using “chef” in a metaphorical sense, perhaps referencing someone in a position of authority or mastery. The word “wanted” could be directly related to a job advertisement, or it could suggest something is missing or desired.
Moving on to “damson,” we enter the realm of specific knowledge. For those unfamiliar, a damson is a type of small, dark plum. This could be a straight definition component of the answer, hinting at something fruity, dark, or even tart. But don’t be fooled! It’s equally possible that “damson” is a fragment for manipulation, hidden within an anagram or a clever charade.
Then there’s “or,” a crucial conjunction that often indicates an alternative path to the solution. It suggests we have two distinct parts to the clue, each leading to a separate element of the final answer. Perhaps the first part connects to “chef wanted” and the second to “Gary gets upset,” or maybe “damson” is somehow linked to one and “Gary” to the other. The options seem endless!
Finally, “Gary gets upset” presents us with a classic crossword trope: a name transformed to create a different meaning. “Gets upset” is a very strong indicator of an anagram. The setter is likely using the letters in “Gary” and manipulating them to create a different word, often one related to annoyance, anger, or frustration. Think of possibilities like “airy” or a similar reshuffling of those letters.
The real challenge lies in figuring out how all these elements intersect. Is “chef wanted” a definition of the entire answer? Is it an instruction to rearrange the letters of another word? Does “damson” act as an indicator of a synonym or homophone? And how does “Gary gets upset” fit into the overall picture?
Remember to consider these key crossword solving strategies as you wrestle with this clue:
Look for Anagram Indicators:
Words like “upset,” “arranged,” “mixed,” or “transformed” are often red flags that an anagram is at play.
Consider Homophones:
Could “damson” sound like another word that fits the clue?
Think of Synonyms:
Is there a synonym for “chef wanted” that, when combined with an anagram of “Gary,” produces the solution?
Break it Down:
Separate the clue into its constituent parts and analyze each one independently.
Check the Crossers:
Leverage any letters you already have from intersecting clues. These can provide invaluable hints and narrow down the possibilities.
This “Chef wanted damson or Gary gets upset (6,6)” clue is a fantastic example of the intricate and rewarding nature of crossword puzzles. Don’t be afraid to experiment, think outside the box, and embrace the challenge. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
GORDONRAMSAY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 26 July 2025