Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of those delicious, multi-layered cryptic crossword clues that makes you circle it, ponder, walk away, and then come back with fresh eyes. The particular challenge on the docket: “Data entered turns up inside tin, ruined (5)“. Oh, the joys of a well-crafted five-letter conundrum!
This is precisely the kind of crossword clue that separates the casual dabbler from the dedicated solver. It’s not just a definition; it’s a narrative, a miniature puzzle in itself, weaving together disparate elements to form a singular, elegant solution. For anyone navigating the sometimes-treacherous waters of a daily crossword, a clue like this can be a real sticking point, or, conversely, the moment of pure genius that makes your day.
When approaching a complex crossword clue like “Data entered turns up inside tin, ruined (5)“, the first step is always to break it down. Cryptic clues, at their heart, are a combination of a precise definition and a hidden wordplay mechanism. The trick is figuring out which part is which, and then decoding the instructions embedded within the wordplay.
Let’s consider the phrase “Data entered”. In the world of cryptic crosswords, “entered” often acts as a strong indicator. It can suggest something being put
into
something else, or perhaps a form of input. Are we talking about information? Numbers? Or something more abstract that represents “data” in a clever way? This part of the crossword clue often requires a flexible mind, open to synonyms and less obvious interpretations.
Then we have “turns up”. This is another classic indicator in crossword clue construction. “Up” or “turns up” can frequently signal a reversal, especially in down clues, or simply something appearing or rising. How does this action interact with “data entered”? Does the data itself turn up, or does something else turn up
because
of the data? This is where the beauty of cryptic wordplay truly shines – the misdirection is half the fun!
The next segment, “inside tin”, introduces a physical container or a material. What immediate words spring to mind when you think of “tin”? Is it the metal itself? A container made of tin, like a can? Or perhaps a less common, but equally valid, synonym for “tin” that might surprise you? The “inside” part strongly suggests an inclusion, a smaller word or letters nestled within a larger one. This is a common and beloved device in many a crossword clue, requiring solvers to mentally manipulate letters and words.
Finally, we arrive at “ruined”. This is almost certainly our definition. The five-letter word we are seeking must mean “ruined” in some sense. But how does this definition tie into the preceding wordplay elements? Is “ruined” simply the end state of the “data entered” action, or is it a description of what happens when something is “inside tin” and “turns up”? Cryptic clues are notorious for their surface readings, which often make perfect sense as a sentence but are entirely misleading for the actual solution. The art lies in looking beyond the obvious narrative.
The beauty of a crossword clue of this calibre is its ability to make you think laterally, to consider every possible meaning and permutation of the words. It’s a mini-detective story, with each phrase a potential suspect or a vital clue. Solving it isn’t just about finding the answer; it’s about appreciating the cleverness of the constructor and the satisfaction of unravelling their linguistic knot.
Keep pondering this intriguing crossword clue. Think about how the elements might combine: data being placed, reversed, and contained within something else, all leading to a state of being “ruined.” The solution is elegant, once you see it, and perfectly exemplifies the intricate charm of cryptic crosswords. It’s a great example of how a simple five-letter answer can hide a wealth of wordplay.
Available Answers:
INPUT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 7 August 2025