Ah, the daily ritual! There’s nothing quite like that moment you first lay eyes on a fresh
crossword clue
. It’s a moment pregnant with possibility, a tiny linguistic puzzle box waiting to be unlocked. Some days, they’re gentle nudges, mere acknowledgments of common knowledge. Other times, they’re cunningly disguised verbal labyrinths, each word a potential red herring or a cryptic signpost leading to that elusive solution. And then, there are the ones that truly sing, the ones that make you pause, a wry smile forming as you appreciate the sheer ingenuity of the setter.
Today, we’re looking at a
crossword clue
that falls squarely into that latter category: “Crime a sailor reported (7)“. Just reading it, you can almost hear the gears whirring in the seasoned solver’s mind. It’s concise, evocative, and deceptively simple, all hallmarks of a beautifully constructed
crossword clue
. For anyone who loves the intricate dance of words and logic that defines cryptic crosswords, this one is a real treat.
Let’s dissect it a little, purely from the perspective of what makes a
crossword clue
like this so compelling. First, we have “Crime.” This immediately sets a tone, conjuring images of illicit acts, investigations, and perhaps even a touch of intrigue. It’s a strong, definitive word, often signaling the literal definition component in a cryptic
crossword clue
. But then, juxtaposed with it, we have “a sailor reported.” This phrase, seemingly innocuous, is where the real magic of the wordplay often hides. “Sailor” brings to mind the sea, ships, nautical terms, and perhaps even a certain type of individual known for their adventurous spirit or distinctive language. “Reported” is another key element, implying communication, perhaps a sound, or a direct account. These seemingly disparate elements are the very ingredients that make a challenging
crossword clue
so rewarding to unravel.
The parenthetical “(7)” is, of course, our crucial letter count. Seven letters. Not too short, not too long. It’s a length that offers ample opportunity for various types of wordplay. Could it be an anagram where the letters of “a sailor reported” rearrange to form something related to crime? Or is “reported” a homophone indicator, suggesting the answer sounds like something else? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is that it opens up a multitude of interpretive paths, each one a delightful intellectual detour before you land on the correct one.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like this, the experienced solver’s brain cycles through a mental checklist of cryptic devices. Is it a hidden word, cunningly concealed within the letters of the clue itself? Is it a charade, where multiple smaller words combine to form the solution? Or is it a double definition, where both “Crime” and “a sailor reported” point to the same seven-letter word, albeit from different angles? The thrill isn’t just in finding the answer, but in appreciating the cleverness that went into obscuring it just enough to make the discovery feel like a personal triumph. This particular
crossword clue
offers a fantastic example of how everyday language can be bent and twisted into elegant puzzles, inviting us to look beyond the obvious. It’s a testament to the artistry involved in creating the perfect cryptic
crossword clue
, a challenge that promises both frustration and immense satisfaction in equal measure. This type of word puzzle is a mental workout, sharpening your lateral thinking and expanding your vocabulary, all while delivering that satisfying “aha!” moment.
Available Answers:
ASSAULT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 13 June 2025