Today’s focus is on a particularly compelling eight-letter challenge that perfectly encapsulates the wit and ingenuity often found in top-tier cryptic crosswords. The crossword clue we’re dissecting today is: “Defending troops so raring to go off (8)“. At first glance, it presents a vivid image, perhaps of soldiers poised for battle, or a strategic unit preparing for a deployment. But as seasoned solvers know, the surface reading of a cryptic crossword clue is often just a delightful misdirection, hinting at a deeper, more literal, or even explosive interpretation lurking beneath.
Let’s unpack the first half of this intriguing crossword clue: “Defending troops.” This phrase immediately brings to mind military units, soldiers, or perhaps even a line of defense. The word “defending” clearly points to a protective or deterrent function. Are we looking for a specific type of soldier, a particular formation, or something that
acts
as a protective force? The mind naturally drifts to units known for holding ground, for preventing incursions, or for safeguarding valuable assets. This part of the clue feels like a strong definition, setting the stage for the answer’s core meaning.
Then we come to the second half: “so raring to go off.” This is where the magic, and the potential for a classic cryptic twist, truly begins. “Raring to go” implies eagerness, readiness, an almost uncontrollable urge to spring into action. But the addition of “to go off” introduces a fascinating ambiguity. “To go off” can indeed mean to depart or to begin, as in “the race went off without a hitch.” However, in the realm of cryptic crosswords, “to go off” very frequently carries a more dramatic, often explosive, connotation. Think of an alarm going off, or a firework going off, or even a weapon going off. This dual meaning is the cornerstone of many a clever crossword clue, designed to lead the solver down one path while the true solution lies in another, more volatile, interpretation.
The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in how these two seemingly disparate halves are meticulously woven together. “Defending troops” provides a clear functional definition, while “so raring to go off” provides the crucial wordplay, twisting the meaning in a way that is both unexpected and entirely logical once the penny drops. The “so” in “so raring to go off” serves to enhance the descriptive quality, making the surface reading even more convincing, and perhaps even distracting from its deeper, more literal role in the wordplay.
When confronted with a crossword clue of this calibre, the key is to hold both interpretations in mind simultaneously. What could be something that
defends
and also has a strong propensity to
go off
in an explosive sense? Consider what items or devices fit both characteristics. The eight-letter length is, of course, your final and most powerful constraint, narrowing down the field of possibilities significantly.
This clue is a testament to the setter’s skill, crafting a puzzle that is both challenging and utterly satisfying to solve. It encourages you to think beyond the obvious, to play with the literal and metaphorical meanings of words, and to appreciate the elegant economy of language that defines the best cryptic crosswords. Take a moment to ponder the interplay between defence and detonation, between a protective role and an explosive readiness. The answer, when you find it, will likely make you smile at the sheer cleverness of it all. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
GARRISON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 15 August 2025