Crikey! What a way to kick off a
crossword clue
adventure. That immediate burst of exclamation in today’s challenge, “Crikey, internal papers she’s been left (5),” instantly signals that we’re dealing with a cryptic
crossword puzzle
that’s likely more playful than strictly literal. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you smile before you even start parsing it, a delightful invitation into the world of wordplay.
The beauty of a truly well-crafted cryptic
crossword clue
lies in its ability to transport you, to make you hear the setter’s voice, even if it’s just a whispered “Crikey!” This particular clue sets a vivid scene. We’re not just looking for a word; we’re in a situation where someone has just discovered something, perhaps with a gasp of surprise or a knowing nod. The exclamation could be mere flavour, adding character to the narrative woven by the clue, or it could be a subtle nudge towards a phonetic trick, an anagram indicator, or even a direct part of the definition itself. Unpacking that initial interjection is often the first, delightful hurdle in solving crosswords.
Then we move onto “internal papers.” This phrase immediately brings to mind offices, filing cabinets, perhaps secret documents, or even the inner workings of an organisation. But in the realm of a cryptic
crossword clue
, “papers” can mean so much more. Are we talking about actual sheets of paper, or something more abstract? And “internal” – does it suggest something hidden
within
another word, a core component, or perhaps a classification? The dual nature of language is fully exploited here. It forces us to consider multiple interpretations simultaneously, turning what appears to be a straightforward phrase into a tantalizing linguistic puzzle. Could “internal” be hinting at a process of selection or arrangement, suggesting that we need to look
inside
the letters themselves, or perhaps rearrange them? This is a classic technique in a demanding
cryptic crossword
.
Finally, we arrive at “she’s been left.” This is the definition, the clear path guiding us to the meaning of the five-letter answer. What exactly can someone be “left” with? It could be an inheritance, something remaining after others have departed, or simply something that has been placed in her possession. This part of the
crossword clue
grounds us, providing the necessary context for the answer. Without it, the wordplay would be a journey without a destination. The “she’s” makes it personal, adding another layer to the narrative. It’s not just
something
that has been left, but specifically
for her
. This specificity helps narrow down the possibilities once we start putting the pieces together.
The genius of this specific
crossword clue
lies in how these disparate elements — an exclamation, a descriptive phrase, and a personal definition — all converge into a single, concise five-letter word. Sometimes, the most innocent-looking phrases, like “internal papers,” hold the key to the entire solution, revealing themselves as a clever combination of distinct elements, perhaps even hinting at specific letters or types of documents that, when assembled, form the complete answer. It’s the process of deconstructing such a clever construction that makes solving crosswords so incredibly addictive. As with many a brilliant
word puzzle
, the real satisfaction comes from seeing how seamlessly the parts click into place, even when they initially seem worlds apart. This particular clue is a prime example of the setter’s art, proving that even a short
crossword clue
can pack a powerful punch of ingenuity.
Available Answers:
WIDOW.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025