Another day, another delightful delve into the grid! There’s nothing quite like that morning ritual, cup of coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day’s crossword clue challenges. Today, though, one particular crossword clue truly soared above the rest, demanding a moment of admiration before the satisfying ‘aha!’ moment hit.
The clue in question? “Cor! This extraordinary bird (7)“. What a beauty! It’s one of those elegant constructions that perfectly marries a straightforward definition with a wonderfully clever piece of wordplay. When you first read it, you’re immediately drawn to the exclamation. ‘Cor!’ – it’s such an old-school, charming expression of surprise or delight. But as any seasoned solver knows, often those exclamations in a cryptic crossword clue aren’t just for show; they can be a key part of cracking the code.
Then there’s the ‘extraordinary bird’ part. Seven letters. Immediately, your mind starts sifting through your internal ornithological database. Is it about its plumage? Its song? Its hunting prowess? This isn’t just any common garden bird; the descriptor ‘extraordinary’ elevates it, suggesting something a bit more special, a bit more powerful or distinctive. Many a crossword clue relies on general knowledge, and birds are certainly a popular subject for setters to explore, given their diverse names and characteristics.
The genius, of course, lies in how the exclamation and the definition converge. It’s a classic example of a crossword clue that makes you smile once you’ve figured it out. That little ‘Cor!’ isn’t just an expression; it’s a wonderfully subtle vocal hint, a phonetic nudge towards the specific avian marvel we’re seeking. The setter has managed to blend the sound of the word with a concise description of the creature, resulting in a truly elegant puzzle. It’s this kind of crafting that makes solving a challenging crossword clue such a consistently rewarding experience.
It requires you to think on multiple levels – not just defining ‘extraordinary bird’ but also considering the
sound
of the initial exclamation. It’s not a terribly obscure bird, which is another mark of a well-crafted crossword clue. It’s familiar enough that once you connect the dots, it feels perfectly obvious, almost as if the answer was staring you in the face all along. These are often the best crossword clues – those that seem impenetrable for a moment, then snap into crystal-clear focus.
Have you come across this particular type of crossword clue before, where a sound-alike or an interjection plays such a crucial role? It’s a brilliant way to add a layer of challenge and charm to the daily brain-teaser. This one certainly brightened my morning, offering a wonderful mental workout and a reminder of the sheer cleverness that goes into constructing these daily puzzles. If you’re still pondering this specific crossword clue, try saying the exclamation aloud a few times, then think about extraordinary birds whose names might begin with that sound. The satisfaction of connecting the pieces and finding the perfect word for your next crossword clue is truly something special. Happy solving, everyone!
Available Answers:
OSTRICH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 4 December 2025