Welcome, fellow word wranglers and linguistic adventurers! There’s nothing quite like the sparkle of a perfectly crafted
crossword clue
to brighten the day, or perhaps, keep you delightfully stumped for just a little while longer. Today, we’re diving into a particular gem that really exemplifies the playful genius behind cryptic puzzles, challenging us to look beyond the obvious and embrace the multi-layered beauty of language.
The
crossword clue
we’re unraveling is:
“Depart – exploding firework! (6)“
At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward definition followed by something rather dramatic. But as any seasoned solver knows, in the world of cryptic crosswords, every word, every punctuation mark, every single letter count, and especially, every exclamation point, carries weight. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an invitation to a linguistic dance.
Let’s take apart this intriguing
crossword clue
, piece by tantalizing piece.
First, we have “Depart”. This is our initial anchor, our definition. When you see “Depart,” what springs to mind? To leave, to go away, to set out, to quit, to vanish? There’s a whole host of synonyms, and our mission is to find the one that perfectly aligns with the second part of this brilliant
crossword clue
. Keep that six-letter constraint firmly in mind, as it immediately narrows down the possibilities. This is often the first step in solving any
crossword clue
– identifying the direct definition and its likely candidates.
Now, for the fireworks! “exploding firework!” This is where the fun truly begins, and where this
crossword clue
really shows its true colors. The word “exploding” itself is a powerful indicator in many cryptic clues. It often hints at an anagram – a jumbling of letters to form a new word. Could the letters of “firework” be jumbled, or part of a larger phrase involving “firework,” to give us our six-letter answer? It’s a valid path to explore, as anagrams are a cornerstone of cryptic crosswords. However, “firework” is eight letters, and we need six. This tells us it’s probably not a direct anagram of the word “firework” itself, but perhaps “exploding” describes the
nature
of the firework, or the
action
it performs.
The exclamation mark following “firework” is another vital clue. In cryptic puzzles, an exclamation mark can signal a direct interjection, an onomatopoeic word (a word that imitates the sound it represents), or simply an extra touch of descriptive flair to lead you towards a specific type of wordplay. It often suggests a more literal or illustrative connection to the definition part of the
crossword clue
.
So, we have a word meaning “Depart,” and that same word must also be an “exploding firework.” This combination strongly suggests a double definition, a beloved device in cryptic crosswords where one word has two distinct meanings, both of which are hinted at in the clue. One meaning is usually straightforward, while the other is often more evocative, playful, or even a bit of a riddle in itself.
Think about words that are both an action of departing and a type of explosive display. What words describe something that leaves quickly, often with a burst, and also refers to a pyrotechnic device? The cleverness of this
crossword clue
lies in finding that singular word that bridges these two seemingly disparate concepts. It’s about seeing the interconnectedness of language, the way words can stretch and flex to encompass multiple ideas.
Take a moment. Ponder the possibilities. What six-letter word could seamlessly fit both sides of this equation? It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that, once solved, elicits that satisfying “aha!” moment, a testament to the elegant simplicity of a truly well-constructed puzzle. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
PETARD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 11 September 2025