Welcome back, fellow word warriors and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the daily thrill of a fresh crossword, the satisfying click as a particularly stubborn
crossword clue
finally yields its secrets. Whether you’re a seasoned solver with decades of experience under your belt or just starting your journey into the captivating world of cryptic crosswords, every grid presents a new adventure, a new linguistic labyrinth to navigate. And today, we’re zeroing in on a real gem of a
crossword clue
that has been sparking considerable chatter in the solving community.
The
crossword clue
in question today is:
“Craftily slip round to get the firearm (6)“
.
At first glance, it might seem deceptively straightforward, but as any dedicated
crossword solver
knows, appearances can be deceiving in the realm of wordplay. This particular
crossword clue
packs a delightful punch, combining a clear definition with some very intriguing wordplay indicators. Let’s peel back the layers of this fascinating brain-teaser without giving anything away, of course!
Firstly, the (6) in parentheses tells us our target word is a six-letter solution. This is always our starting point when tackling any
crossword clue
, helping us narrow down the possibilities right from the get-go. A six-letter word can be a neat little package, often a common word that can be cleverly disguised.
Now, let’s dissect the first part of the
crossword clue
: “Craftily slip round”. This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. “Craftily” is a word that often hints at a certain kind of manipulation of letters. Is it suggesting an anagram, where letters are “crafted” into a new order? Or perhaps it implies something more subtle, a clever placement or concealment? Coupled with “slip round,” the possibilities expand. The phrase “slip round” itself could be a direct instruction to manipulate letters, to have them move or re-arrange themselves. In cryptic puzzles, words like “round,” “about,” “over,” and “around” are classic indicators for anagrams, suggesting that the letters of a word or phrase need to be jumbled to form the solution. However, “slip” can also suggest a hidden word, where a part of the solution might be tucked away within the letters of the preceding words. The beauty of a well-constructed
crossword clue
lies in its ability to offer multiple interpretations, keeping us on our toes and forcing us to think outside the box.
Then we come to the second part of the
crossword clue
: “to get the firearm”. This is almost certainly our definition. The answer will be a type of “firearm.” This provides a solid anchor point. What kinds of firearms come to mind? Pistols, rifles, revolvers… but which one will fit the six-letter count and, crucially, emerge from the wordplay of “Craftily slip round”? This is where the real challenge lies: finding the perfect synergy between the definition and the cryptic instruction.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies what makes daily crosswords so utterly addictive. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about understanding the unique language of cryptic wordplay. It demands that you think like the setter, anticipating the linguistic tricks and turns. The satisfaction of connecting “Craftily slip round” with a specific six-letter “firearm” is immense, a true testament to the power of human ingenuity and linguistic dexterity.
So, take another look at
“Craftily slip round to get the firearm (6)“
. Consider all the angles. What kind of firearm can be “slipped round” or “crafted” from those words? The answer, when it clicks, will likely bring a smile to your face. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of
crossword clues
and the art of solving!
Available Answers:
PISTOL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 9 July 2025