Hello, fellow word warriors and cryptic connoisseurs! Gather ’round, because today we’re diving headfirst into a truly delightful, yet deceptively complex,
crossword clue
that recently landed on our desks. It’s one of those gems that makes you pause, furrow your brow, and then, with a slow dawning of realization, gasp at its cleverness. We’re talking about the seven-letter stunner: “Dear saint taken in by righteousness (7).”
At first glance, this particular
crossword clue
might seem straightforward, perhaps even a little pious. A saint, righteousness – surely, it’s just a simple definition, right? Ah, if only it were that simple! As any seasoned solver knows, the best
crossword clues
are rarely what they appear to be on the surface. They are intricate dances of wordplay, misdirection, and often, a touch of brilliant punnery, making each solving experience a unique brain teaser.
Let’s meticulously unpack this intriguing
crossword clue
, starting with the first word: “Dear.” This seemingly innocuous adjective immediately presents a fork in the road for our
crossword clue
analysis. Is it “dear” as in beloved, affectionate, or highly valued? Or, are we meant to consider its homophone, “deer,” the majestic antlered creature of the forest? The choice here is absolutely crucial, as it fundamentally shifts the entire landscape of potential answers for this specific
crossword clue
. A good setter knows how to plant these delightful little traps, making us second-guess our initial instincts and truly think outside the box when approaching a challenging
crossword clue
.
Moving on, we encounter “saint.” This term, of course, conjures images of revered individuals, often figures of great spiritual devotion and historical significance. When coupled with “righteousness,” the natural inclination is to think of someone embodying virtue, moral rectitude, and divine grace. This pairing, within the context of a
crossword clue
, could point to a specific historical figure, a general archetype, or even something more abstract. The beauty of these challenging
crossword clues
lies in their ability to lead you down multiple interpretative paths before revealing the true solution to the puzzle.
Now, for the linchpin of this entire
crossword clue
: “taken in by.” This phrase is a masterclass in ambiguity. Does it suggest deception, as in “fooled by”? If a saint were “taken in by righteousness,” it would imply a rather paradoxical, perhaps even ironic, situation for a holy figure. Or, does “taken in by” imply inclusion, containment, or absorption? As in, the saint is enveloped by, or resides within, the concept of righteousness? This interpretation opens up an entirely different avenue for decoding the
crossword clue
, potentially hinting at a hidden word mechanism or a charade-style construction where one element is literally “taken in” by another. Identifying the precise meaning of this phrase is often the key that unlocks many complex
crossword clues
and transforms a seemingly impossible puzzle into a moment of pure clarity.
The final piece of the puzzle, “righteousness,” acts as both a descriptor and a potential container or context. How does this abstract noun interact with the saint and the “taken in by” phrase? Is it defining a characteristic of the answer, or is it literally forming part of the answer, perhaps as an anagram indicator, or a component of a larger wordplay structure? The genius of a well-crafted
crossword clue
like this is how it weaves together disparate elements into a cohesive, often surprising, whole, offering a true test for any word puzzle enthusiast.
Such a
crossword clue
is a testament to the art of clue-setting. It demands not just vocabulary knowledge, but an acute understanding of linguistic nuance, an ear for homophones, and a keen eye for subtle misdirection. It’s these multi-layered
crossword clues
that provide the most satisfying “aha!” moments, turning a simple grid into a captivating journey of discovery. So, take a moment, ponder the possibilities, and truly appreciate the layers of ingenuity packed into this single, fascinating
crossword clue
. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
HONESTY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 8 July 2025