Alright, fellow word wranglers and cryptic connoisseurs, pull up a chair, grab your favourite beverage, and let’s dive headfirst into a
crossword clue
that truly exemplifies the brilliance and mischievousness of a top-tier setter. Some days, you glance at a puzzle, and the answers practically leap off the page. Other days, you encounter a gem that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even audibly mutter, “Oh, you absolute beauty!” Today, we’re firmly in the latter camp, thanks to a particular
crossword clue
that landed squarely on my desk and demanded immediate attention.
The clue in question? Brace yourselves:
“Criticise the upsetting of unhappy mammals (6)“
.
Just read it again. Go on. Let the words tumble around in your mind. Six words, each loaded with potential meaning, culminating in a six-letter solution. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and elegant construction. From the very first glance, several elements jump out, immediately sending the seasoned cryptic solver’s brain into overdrive. “Criticise” – a strong verb, suggesting one part of our answer. Then, the intriguing phrase “the upsetting of unhappy mammals.” Ah, “upsetting.” This word is a classic in the setter’s toolkit, often serving as a powerful indicator of something truly transformative about the letters that follow.
When “upsetting” appears in a
crossword clue
of this nature, especially when paired with a seemingly unrelated phrase like “unhappy mammals,” my mind immediately flags it for a potential anagram. It’s one of those beautiful conventions in cryptic crosswords that, once learned, unlocks so many otherwise impenetrable solutions. But it’s not just about recognising the indicator; it’s about seeing how the setter weaves it so seamlessly into a coherent, if slightly absurd, sentence. The image of “unhappy mammals” being ‘upset’ (in the sense of being rearranged or disturbed) is wonderfully evocative and, let’s be honest, quite funny.
The challenge then becomes twofold: deciphering which part of the clue points to the anagram fodder, and what the other part is trying to tell us about the definition. Is “Criticise” the definition? Or does “unhappy mammals” morph into something that connects back to “criticise”? That’s the dance, isn’t it? That’s the delightful linguistic ballet that makes a really good
crossword clue
so utterly addictive. You’re presented with what seems like a miniature narrative, but beneath the surface lies a precise, almost mathematical rearrangement of letters, guided by the setter’s genius.
This particular
crossword clue
is a perfect example of why we love cryptic puzzles so much. It’s not about obscure knowledge or rigid definitions; it’s about playing with language, seeing words in new ways, and appreciating the sheer cleverness involved in taking a phrase and transforming it into something entirely different, yet perfectly logical within the rules of the game. It’s a moment of pure linguistic alchemy.
So, take a moment. Ponder this magnificent
crossword clue
. What do you make of “criticise”? What happens when you ‘upset’ unhappy mammals? The answer, when it clicks, is incredibly satisfying, delivering that signature “aha!” moment we all chase. Let’s peel back the layers of this fascinating puzzle together.
Available Answers:
PANDAS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 28 June 2025