Another Scorcher! Tackling Tricky Terrain in Today’s Crossword
Alright, crossword comrades, settle in. Today’s puzzle threw up a real head-scratcher, a clue that had me circling it more than once before finally cracking it (almost!). We’re talking about a seven-letter word, and the clue is: “Cool van travelling to hot mountain.”
At first glance, this clue felt like a double-edged sword. On one hand, we have very concrete imagery: a vehicle, temperature contrasts, and geographical features. On the other, the connection between these elements felt… elusive. It’s the kind of clue that invites you to overthink, to get bogged down in specifics rather than focusing on the underlying concept.
My initial instinct was to immediately think of literal mountains known for their heat. Mount Vesuvius? Mauna Loa? But these are geographical places, not seven letter words.
The word “travelling” also stood out. Is this hinting at anagramming? Possibly. Perhaps some of the letters in “van” need to be rearranged within the solution. Or does it suggest a journey, a transition from one state to another? Could the movement relate to something symbolic?
Then there’s “cool.” This could, of course, refer to temperature. Is the answer going to be related to temperature control and that a “van” controls the temperature? Or is it “cool” as in “stylish”.
The juxtaposition of “cool” and “hot” is undoubtedly deliberate. This opposing imagery is begging to be resolved. Think about how the “van” is somehow involved in this transformation, bridging the gap between cold and heat. Is the van physically moving something from a cold place to a hot mountain, or is there a more metaphorical interpretation?
We also need to consider that a “van” is a rather specific term. It’s a type of vehicle often associated with travel, transportation, and perhaps even escape. Could this be a clue about someone going on a trip?
Furthermore, crossword constructors often employ misdirection. Are we focusing too much on the literal meanings of “cool,” “van,” “travelling,” and “hot mountain?” Could the solution be a more abstract concept related to these words, rather than their direct definitions?
With all this in mind, I started exploring different avenues. Could the answer be a type of wind that originates in a cold climate and blows towards a hot mountain region? Or a type of geological formation? Maybe even the name of a person associated with travelling and mountains.
Ultimately, this clue hinges on making the right connections and teasing out the hidden meaning. It is a puzzle that rewards lateral thinking and the willingness to explore different possibilities. It’s definitely a tough one, a real testament to the cleverness of the crossword compiler.
So, grab your thinking caps, crossword aficionados! I want to hear your theories. What are you thinking? Are you focusing on the temperature contrast, the journey, or the type of vehicle? Let’s break this down together and see if we can conquer this cryptic clue. Share your thoughts and let’s get solving!
Available Answers:
VOLCANO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025