Welcome back, fellow word-wranglers and cryptic connoisseurs! There’s nothing quite like the start of a new week or, indeed, any day that brings with it a fresh, tantalizing grid. And today, oh today, we have a real gem of a
crossword clue
that’s been doing the rounds, sparking those delightful little “aha!” moments across the solving community. It’s the kind of clue that perfectly encapsulates the charm and challenge of our beloved pastime, combining clever wordplay with a dash of misdirection, all wrapped up in a deceptively simple package.
The clue we’re diving into today is: “Come forward and set off with young dog (4,2)“. Just reading it, you can almost feel the gears in your brain start to whir, can’t you? This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how setters craft their masterpieces, taking seemingly disparate elements and weaving them into a coherent, often idiomatic, phrase. It’s got that classic structure we love: a descriptive phrase, followed by a clever hint, all pointing to a two-word answer with a very specific letter pattern.
Let’s break down the layers of this intriguing
crossword clue
. First, we have “Come forward and set off.” This part immediately conjures images of action, initiation, or perhaps an invitation. It’s the driving force of the clue, suggesting movement, a beginning, or an advancement. When you see phrases like this in a cryptic
crossword clue
, your mind naturally starts to flick through synonyms for ‘start’, ‘proceed’, ‘advance’, or perhaps even an imperative command. The setter is guiding you towards an action verb or phrase that fits the overall sentiment of ‘moving ahead’ or ‘taking the initiative’. This is where the breadth of your vocabulary truly gets its workout, as you consider various ways one might be encouraged to begin something.
Then comes the brilliantly placed “with young dog.” Now, this is where the wordplay truly shines and often provides the crucial breakthrough for many a
crossword clue
. The phrase “young dog” is a classic crossword device, frequently used to point towards a very specific, much shorter word. Think about the common terms for a young canine – what’s the most prevalent and often-used word in everyday language that also fits snugly into a cryptic context? This isn’t just about knowing animal names; it’s about recognizing the shorthand and common substitutions that crossword setters employ time and time again. It’s a trick that, once learned, becomes an invaluable tool in your solving arsenal. The simplicity of “young dog” belies its power as a linguistic signpost, guiding you towards that specific short word that forms the latter part of our two-word solution.
The key to unlocking this particular
crossword clue
lies in seamlessly merging these two distinct elements. You need a phrase for “Come forward and set off” that, when combined with the common term for a “young dog,” forms a familiar expression. The (4,2) indicator is, of course, absolutely vital here. It tells us we’re looking for a four-letter word followed by a two-letter word. This structural constraint helps narrow down the possibilities significantly, allowing you to test out potential synonyms and animal terms against the required length. Does your chosen ‘action’ word have four letters? Does your ‘young dog’ term have two? And when you put them together, do they make sense in a natural, idiomatic way that perfectly answers the spirit of “Come forward and set off with young dog”?
It’s this interplay, this elegant dance between definition and wordplay, that makes such a
crossword clue
so incredibly satisfying to crack. It’s not just about knowing the answer; it’s about appreciating the journey, the mental gymnastics required to piece together the setter’s ingenious design. So, take another look, ponder those words, and see if you can feel that satisfying click when all the pieces of this fantastic
crossword clue
fall perfectly into place. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
STEPUP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 9 September 2025