The world of crosswords is a vibrant tapestry woven with wit, wordplay, and the occasional delightfully perplexing challenge. For many, the daily or weekly ritual of tackling a fresh grid is more than just a pastime; it’s a mental workout, a linguistic adventure, and a testament to the sheer ingenuity of clue setters. Every now and then, a
crossword clue
comes along that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then, with a sudden “Aha!”, marvel at its clever construction. It’s these moments of revelation that keep us coming back for more, isn’t it?
Today, we’re casting our spotlight on a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that recently caught the eye of many a solver: “Cure sinner Ben by removing religious vessel (7,6)“. Now, before you reach for your dictionary or your favorite online solver, let’s unpack the beauty and potential pitfalls embedded within this kind of cryptic masterpiece.
Cryptic crosswords, unlike their more straightforward quick crossword cousins, thrive on misdirection and clever wordplay. A single
crossword clue
often contains two distinct parts: a definition of the answer and an elaborate piece of wordplay that leads to the same answer. The art lies in discerning which part is which, and then meticulously deconstructing the wordplay itself.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like “Cure sinner Ben by removing religious vessel (7,6)“, the first thing many seasoned solvers notice is the presence of a word count: (7,6). This immediately tells us we’re looking for a two-word answer, the first having seven letters and the second six. This structural hint is invaluable and often helps confirm parts of your solution as you build it. It guides your thinking, ensuring that any partial answers you derive fit the prescribed lengths.
Next, let’s consider the phraseology. Cryptic clues often employ specific indicators for different types of wordplay. Words like “cure,” “rearrange,” “jumbled,” or “broken” can often point towards an anagram, where the letters of one or more words are mixed up to form part of the solution. If “Cure sinner Ben” is hinting at an anagram, then we have a pool of letters to work with. The challenge then becomes identifying the exact fodder and the anagram indicator itself. Is “Cure” the indicator for “sinner Ben,” or is “Cure” part of the fodder for a larger anagram, perhaps indicated by a different word? This is where the true detective work of
crossword clue
solving begins. The subtle nuances of language are often the key to unlocking these puzzles.
Then we have the intriguing phrase “by removing religious vessel.” This suggests a subtraction. Somewhere in the wordplay, or from the result of another piece of wordplay, letters are to be taken away. This “religious vessel” would need to be identified, likely by its common name, and its letters subtracted from the larger pool of letters or from a word that has been formed. The key is to think broadly about what a “religious vessel” could be – it might not always be the most obvious item. Cryptic setters love to play on multiple meanings or lesser-known synonyms. This type of “removal” or “subtraction” mechanism is a staple in advanced cryptic
crossword clue
design, adding another layer of complexity and satisfaction when you finally unravel it. It demonstrates how layered a single phrase can be, holding multiple instructions for the solver.
The real genius of such a
crossword clue
lies in how these different elements – a potential anagram, a subtractive element, and a hidden definition – all knit together to form a coherent path to the solution. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in crafting a sentence that sounds natural yet is packed with instructions for the discerning solver. Each part of the clue has a distinct role, and only by understanding how they interrelate can the full picture emerge.
So, the next time you encounter a
crossword clue
that seems to defy logic, remember to break it down. Look for definition parts, anagram indicators, words hinting at removals or insertions, and pay close attention to the letter counts. The journey of solving a complex
crossword clue
is often as rewarding as the answer itself. Keep at it, and you’ll find your solving skills sharpening with every puzzle you tackle!
Available Answers:
INCENSEBURNER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 4 July 2025