Hello, fellow word sleuths and cryptic enthusiasts!
Every seasoned solver knows the thrill of a particularly challenging
crossword clue
. It’s that moment when your eyes land on a phrase, seemingly innocuous at first glance, that then begins to unravel into a delightful tapestry of wordplay, misdirection, and pure genius. Today, we’re diving into a
crossword clue
that truly captured my imagination this week, one that transports us far beyond the mundane into the realms of the cosmic and the comforting: “Cosy starship travelling in pursuit of distant bodies (12)“.
Just reading that phrase, doesn’t it spark something within you? “Cosy starship.” What an immediate, intriguing juxtaposition! When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like this, especially one with such evocative imagery, it’s easy to get swept away by the literal meaning. A starship, by its very nature, suggests vastness, cold vacuum, and the immense distances of space. But then, the word “cosy” enters the picture, bringing with it warmth, intimacy, and perhaps a touch of domesticity. This isn’t just any vessel; it’s a
cosy
starship. Right there, you have a classic setup for a clever
crossword clue
: two seemingly disparate concepts that must somehow merge into a single, cohesive answer.
The second part of the phrase, “travelling in pursuit of distant bodies,” reinforces the astronomical theme, leaving no doubt about the general domain of the answer. “Distant bodies” immediately conjures images of planets, stars, galaxies, or other celestial phenomena. And the “travelling in pursuit” aspect hints at movement, exploration, or a journey with a specific goal in mind. It’s the kind of descriptive language that makes you pause and consider the various facets of space exploration.
Then, of course, we have the crucial (12). The twelve-letter count is our compass, our guidepost, narrowing down the infinite possibilities into a much more manageable set of potential solutions. For a
crossword clue
that’s so rich in imagery, the number of letters can be a significant hint in itself, often pointing towards a compound word or a specific phrase that perfectly encapsulates the dual nature of the clue’s components.
What makes this particular
crossword clue
a joy to tackle is its blend of the literal and the cryptic. Is “cosy” a direct descriptor, or is it a hint at a phonetic sound, an anagram indicator, or something more abstract? Are “starship” and “distant bodies” to be taken at face value, or are they clever stand-ins for something else entirely? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to lead you down one path while subtly nudging you towards another. It’s a dance between obvious meaning and hidden wordplay, a true test of a solver’s flexibility of thought.
When I first came across this delightful
crossword clue
, my mind immediately began to spin through the various ways cryptic constructors might weave such elements together. Could “cosy” be pointing to a homophone? Or perhaps an anagram that, when reordered, reveals the true nature of the “starship”? Or is it a double definition where one part refers to the comfort, and the other to the celestial journey? The possibilities are almost as vast as space itself!
Deciphering such a complex
crossword clue
is what makes this hobby so rewarding. It’s not just about filling in squares; it’s about appreciating the linguistic artistry, the cleverness of the constructor, and the sheer satisfaction of that ‘aha!’ moment when the pieces finally click into place. If you’ve been wrestling with this specific
crossword clue
, you’re in good company. It demands a bit of lateral thinking, a willingness to play with words, and a deep dive into the nuances of language.
So, take another look at “Cosy starship travelling in pursuit of distant bodies (12)“. Let the words tumble around in your mind. Think about the surprising connections they might form. Consider the various cryptic devices at play. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that, once solved, feels incredibly obvious, yet was wonderfully elusive just moments before. And that, my friends, is the magic of crosswords.
Stay tuned as we prepare to fully unpack this fantastic
crossword clue
and reveal all its layers of brilliance in the full post!
Available Answers:
ASTROPHYSICS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 9 June 2025