The daily crossword puzzle, that delightful ritual of mental gymnastics, consistently offers up some truly exquisite challenges. And occasionally, a particular
crossword clue
leaps out, demanding attention, promising both frustration and immense satisfaction. One such recent gem, circulating among solvers and sparking animated discussions, is “Daughter in prison means to scrounge (5).”
Just reading it, you can almost hear the gears whirring. A five-letter word, seemingly compact, yet pregnant with layers of potential meaning and ingenious misdirection – the very essence of a masterfully crafted cryptic
crossword clue
. For aficionados of wordplay, this isn’t just a question; it’s an invitation to a fascinating linguistic duel, a battle of wits between the setter and the solver.
The initial approach to any intricate
crossword clue
like this often begins with a double-take. We instinctively read the phrase “Daughter in prison means to scrounge” as a literal sentence, perhaps imagining a dramatic scenario. This is, of course, the setter’s clever first trick. The surface reading of a cryptic
crossword clue
is designed to be coherent, sometimes even humorous or evocative, precisely to lead the unwary down a garden path. But the seasoned solver knows to look beyond the narrative.
What immediately comes to mind when dissecting such a
crossword clue
? Firstly, the letter count: (5). This is our anchor, our solid boundary. It tells us the target word is concise, meaning every letter must earn its place. Then, we eye the individual components. “Daughter” – could it be an abbreviation, a common initial, or perhaps a more complex part of the wordplay? Cryptic
crossword clues
often use familiar words in unfamiliar ways.
Next, the phrase “in prison.” This is where the magic of containment or anagrams often comes into play in a tricky
crossword clue
. Does “in prison” suggest that letters are literally ‘inside’ another word, or perhaps that letters are ‘imprisoned’ within an anagram? The possibilities begin to unfurl, creating a fascinating web of logical deductions. Every indicator word or phrase within a cryptic
crossword clue
carries specific weight and potential function.
Finally, “means to scrounge.” This is very likely the definition part of our
crossword clue
. The definition often provides a synonym or a close description of the answer, and it can appear anywhere within the clue, though it’s frequently at the beginning or end. Identifying the definition is usually the crucial first step in narrowing down potential solutions for any given
crossword clue
. But even the definition itself can be subtly misleading, requiring a precise understanding of nuance and synonyms.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like “Daughter in prison means to scrounge (5)” is how it expertly combines these elements. It challenges you to separate the definition from the wordplay, to decode the cryptic instructions, and ultimately, to unite them into a single, perfectly formed five-letter answer. It’s about recognizing the standard cryptic devices – the double meanings, the hidden words, the charades, the anagrams – all cleverly woven together.
For those who relish the intellectual sparring that only a well-crafted
crossword clue
can provide, this particular puzzle is a true delight. It exemplifies why we return, day after day, to our daily dose of verbal enigmas. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about the journey of discovery, the ‘aha!’ moment when the pieces click into place, transforming confusion into clarity. And that, dear solvers, is the enduring appeal of the cryptic
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
CADGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 1 October 2025