There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from deciphering a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue. It’s not merely about knowing words; it’s about understanding the subtle dance between definition and wordplay, the way a phrase can be twisted and turned to reveal something entirely new. When a clue lands on your desk, or screen, like “Disturbed a tense ruling body (6)“, it immediately sparks that familiar internal dialogue for any seasoned solver of the daily crossword. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of the elegance and challenge that makes these puzzles so compelling.
The opening word, “Disturbed,” immediately flags a particular type of mechanism. In the intricate world of the cryptic crossword clue, such a verb often serves as an anagrind – a signal that the letters of another part of the clue are about to be rearranged, jumbled, or, indeed, ‘disturbed,’ to form the solution. It’s a linguistic instruction, directing the solver’s attention to the ensuing letters, preparing them for a delightful scramble. This is a fundamental technique in cryptic crosswords, and recognizing these indicators is the first step towards unravelling the mystery of any given crossword clue. The power of a single word to completely transform the meaning and function of a phrase is a testament to the cleverness embedded in every great crossword clue.
Following this directive, we encounter “a tense.” This seemingly innocent little phrase, comprising precisely six letters, becomes the raw material for our puzzle. The art of the crossword clue often lies in presenting fodder that sounds perfectly natural within the sentence, yet holds the key to the solution when its letters are seen as individual components ripe for reorganization. It’s here that the solver truly starts to feel the gears turning, picturing these letters as movable pieces on a mental board, waiting for the perfect configuration. The beauty of this element in a crossword clue is how it hides in plain sight, its true purpose only revealed by the anagrind.
Finally, we arrive at “ruling body.” This is the definition, the anchor that grounds the wordplay in meaning. Once the anagram has been successfully performed, the resulting word must accurately and concisely define “ruling body.” This dual nature of cryptic crossword clues – a precise definition coupled with an ingenious piece of wordplay – is what makes them so compelling. The beauty of it is that the definition often points to a common concept, but the path to arriving at it through the wordplay can be delightfully circuitous. Successfully matching your rearranged letters to this definition is the crucial final step in conquering this kind of crossword clue.
The magic of this particular crossword clue lies in how seamlessly these elements interlock. The anagrind sets the stage, the fodder provides the letters, and the definition confirms the correctness of your mental gymnastics. It’s a classic construction, designed to challenge, enlighten, and ultimately reward the diligent solver. Every time such a cleverly constructed crossword clue appears, it reinforces the appeal of these linguistic puzzles, inviting us to delve deeper into the nuances of language. Pondering such a compact yet complex phrase as “Disturbed a tense ruling body (6)” is an essential part of the daily crossword experience, sharpening our minds and enriching our vocabulary. The satisfaction when the letters align and the meaning snaps into place is what keeps us coming back, day after day, for another perfectly crafted crossword clue.
Available Answers:
SENATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 21 September 2025