Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There are days when a crossword puzzle flows like a perfectly brewed cup of tea, and then there are days when a single, deceptively simple-looking crossword clue stops you dead in your tracks, demanding your full, undivided attention. Today, we’re diving deep into one such head-scratcher that recently graced our daily grid, a prime example of why we love tackling crosswords in the first place.
The clue that has sparked considerable chatter and sent many a solver into a delightful spiral of contemplation is:
“Crushed lime, it’s superiority (7)“
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Just reading it aloud, you can almost feel the gears turning, can’t you? This isn’t just any old crossword clue; it’s a masterpiece of misdirection and clever construction, precisely the kind that separates a good puzzle from a truly great one. At first glance, your mind might jump to literal interpretations. “Crushed lime”? Are we talking about a culinary ingredient? A construction material? The physical state of a particular fruit? The beauty of a challenging crossword clue lies in its ability to evoke multiple images and concepts simultaneously, making you question every assumption.
Let’s dissect this tricky crossword clue for a moment. We have “Crushed lime” as the initial phrase. In the world of cryptic crosswords, ‘crushed’ is often a strong indicator for an anagram. If we take ‘lime’ and ‘crush’ it, what seven-letter word related to ‘superiority’ could possibly emerge? This is where the initial brainstorming begins, and often, it leads down several fascinating but ultimately incorrect paths. Is ‘crushed’ acting upon something else entirely? Is it perhaps hinting at a metaphorical crushing, rather than a literal scrambling of letters? The sheer breadth of possibilities for interpreting the first part of this crossword clue is a testament to its brilliance.
Then we move to “it’s superiority (7)”. This part clearly functions as the definition, giving us the target meaning for our seven-letter solution. Words like dominance, excellence, paramount status, or a higher position immediately spring to mind. But how does “Crushed lime” lead us to one of these synonyms or related concepts? This is where the genius of the setter truly shines, crafting a wordplay that demands both lateral thinking and a keen eye for subtle linguistic connections.
A top-tier crossword clue like this forces you to explore different facets of language. Is “lime” a colour? A fruit? A type of tree? A mineral? Each interpretation opens up a new avenue of exploration for the “crushed” element. Could it be a hidden word clue, cleverly disguised within the surrounding text (though in this isolated form, less likely)? Or perhaps a charade, where parts of the answer combine to form the definition? The possibilities are endless, and that’s precisely what makes solving crosswords so incredibly addictive.
These are the moments we live for as crossword solvers. The struggle, the false starts, the sudden flash of insight, and finally, the glorious “aha!” moment when the entire construction of the crossword clue unravels, revealing a perfectly fitting, often elegant, solution. It’s a mental workout, a linguistic gymnastics session, and a pure delight all rolled into one.
So, take another look at “Crushed lime, it’s superiority (7)“. Ponder its depths. Consider the multiple meanings of each word. Think about the common techniques used in cryptic crossword clues. And most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovery. This isn’t just about finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the puzzle and sharpening your own clue-solving skills. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
ELITISM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 9 January 2026