Ah, the elusive four-letter answer. Sometimes, these compact little powerhouses of wordplay can be the trickiest of all. They demand precision, an eye for detail, and a keen understanding of the setter’s mind. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of this compact brilliance, a
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem deceptively simple: “Daughter follows little wimp (4)“.
For anyone deep into the world of word puzzles, a
crossword clue
like this immediately piques interest. It’s a classic cryptic construction, blending definitional elements with ingenious wordplay. The beauty lies in its brevity, forcing the solver to consider every single word and its potential double meaning or function within the puzzle.
Let’s break down the components of this intriguing
crossword clue
, without, of course, giving away the delightful solution. First, we have “Daughter.” In the realm of cryptic crosswords, proper nouns or familial terms are often represented by common abbreviations. ‘D’ for daughter, ‘F’ for female (or
filia
, Latin for daughter), or perhaps even a less common abbreviation might spring to mind. The challenge for the solver of any good
crossword clue
is to sift through these possibilities and identify the one that fits the overall structure and letter count. This initial element sets the stage, providing the first piece of our four-letter jigsaw. It’s about recognizing the setter’s specific choice of shorthand, which is a fundamental skill in solving any complex
crossword clue
.
Next, we encounter “follows.” This is a crucial indicator in many a
crossword clue
. It’s a positional word, telling us that one part of the answer comes after another. If X follows Y, the order becomes YX. If Y follows X, the order is XY. The precise interpretation of “follows” depends heavily on its grammatical relationship to the other elements of the
crossword clue
. Mastering these directional indicators is paramount to assembling the wordplay correctly, turning jumbled ideas into a coherent, four-letter answer. It’s the glue that holds the wordplay together, often guiding the solver to the correct sequence of letters that form the final word. Every
crossword clue
with a directional word needs careful parsing.
Finally, we arrive at “little wimp.” This is the definitional part of our
crossword clue
, guiding us to the meaning of the final word. But the word “little” adds an extra layer of subtlety. Does it imply a diminutive form of ‘wimp’? Or perhaps a short, succinct synonym for ‘wimp’? The setter’s choice of “little” is key. A ‘wimp’ itself can encompass a range of meanings: coward, pushover, weakling. The qualifier “little” narrows down the semantic field, pushing us towards a very specific four-letter word that perfectly encapsulates both the core idea of weakness and perhaps a certain lack of stature or impact. This precise definition is what confirms you’re on the right track for any challenging
crossword clue
.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the elegance and precision of cryptic puzzle design. It combines an abbreviated element, a clear positional indicator, and a precisely nuanced definition, all within a concise package of words. Every single word in a well-constructed
crossword clue
serves a purpose, guiding – or sometimes misguiding – the solver until that glorious ‘aha!’ moment strikes. It’s these moments, born from unraveling a clever
crossword clue
, that make the hobby so incredibly addictive and rewarding. So, take a moment, ponder “Daughter follows little wimp (4)“, and see if you can untangle the threads of this linguistic puzzle. The satisfaction of cracking such a
crossword clue
is truly unmatched.
Available Answers:
WEED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 9 August 2025