There are those days when a
crossword clue
leaps off the page, not just as a challenge, but as a finely crafted piece of linguistic art. Today, we’re spotlighting one such gem: “Dance, openest sort (3-4)“. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you nod in appreciation once the penny drops, a testament to the cleverness that goes into constructing these daily brain-teasers.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward. We’re looking for a type of dance. Easy enough, right? But as seasoned solvers of cryptic
crossword clues
know, nothing is ever quite as simple as it appears. The beauty, and often the agony, lies in the cunning wordplay that hides the solution in plain sight. This particular
crossword clue
offers a delightful blend of a clear definition and a wonderfully suggestive piece of wordplay.
Let’s dissect this intriguing
crossword clue
. Our definition, the part that tells us
what
we’re looking for, is “Dance”. This immediately sets the stage, narrowing our focus to the vast and varied world of movement and rhythm. From ballet to bop, tango to tap, there’s an extensive lexicon of dances to consider. But merely knowing the definition isn’t enough; that’s where the rest of the
crossword clue
comes into play.
The real meat of this particular
crossword clue
lies in “openest sort”. This is where the cryptic magic happens, providing the mechanism by which we can arrive at the specific answer. When you encounter phrases like “sort” or “open,” experienced
crossword clue
enthusiasts often perk up their ears, recognizing them as potential indicators of a particular type of wordplay. “Sort” is a classic pointer towards an anagram, suggesting that the letters of a word or phrase need to be rearranged. And then there’s “openest.” This isn’t just an adjective; in the realm of cryptic
crossword clues
, words can take on secondary, more active roles. Does “openest” suggest something being opened up? Or is it part of the anagram fodder itself? This is the delightful puzzle within the puzzle.
The (3-4) letter count is also absolutely crucial for solving this
crossword clue
. It tells us we’re looking for a two-word answer, with the first word having three letters and the second word having four letters. This structural information acts as a vital double-check, confirming whether our potential solution fits the framework provided by the setter. Without this specific guidance, the task of solving any cryptic
crossword clue
would be significantly harder. It’s the ultimate constraint, ensuring that only one specific answer truly fits the bill.
This
crossword clue
forces you to think about words from multiple angles. You’re not just recalling types of dance; you’re engaging in a linguistic gymnastics routine, twisting and turning letters, applying indicators, and meticulously checking letter counts. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that rewards careful consideration and an understanding of the common tropes employed by setters. It’s a perfect example of how cryptic crosswords transform a simple dictionary definition into an elegant, thought-provoking challenge. So, take a moment, ponder “Dance, openest sort (3-4),” and enjoy the journey of unraveling its carefully woven secret.
Available Answers:
ONESTEP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 18 October 2025