Greetings, puzzle enthusiasts!
There’s nothing quite like the mental gymnastics required to tackle a truly great
crossword clue
. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just dipping your toes into the world of cryptic puzzles, the satisfaction of deciphering a cleverly worded phrase is unparalleled. Each day brings new challenges, and some
daily crossword clues
stand out for their elegant misdirection and ingenious wordplay. Today, we’re taking a closer look at one such gem that’s been perplexing many a mind: “Divers lacking water follow star (6).”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem like a simple statement, conjuring images of professional divers stranded on dry land, perhaps looking up at the night sky. But as any seasoned cryptic solver knows, the surface reading is often just a delightful deception. The real magic lies beneath, in the hidden instructions and double meanings that form the true
cryptic crossword clue
.
Let’s break down the elements of this fascinating
crossword clue
to understand how one might approach solving it. The first crucial piece of information is the number in parentheses: “(6)”. This tells us the exact length of our elusive answer. Knowing the length is a powerful tool, helping to confirm our theories and narrow down possibilities as we work through the wordplay.
Now, to the core of the
crossword clue
itself. We have “Divers lacking water”. This phrase immediately sets the stage for a classic cryptic device. When a
crossword clue
uses words like “lacking,” “without,” “minus,” or similar terms, it often signals a subtraction or alteration of letters from a given word. So, our mental gears should start whirring: how do we take the word “divers” and modify it by “lacking water”?
“Water” itself can be represented in many ways in cryptic crosswords. It could be a specific chemical symbol, a common abbreviation, or even a conceptual representation. The key is to consider what removing ‘water’ might do to the word ‘divers’. Does it remove specific letters? Does it suggest a state of being “dry” or “arid”? This part of the
crossword clue
requires thinking creatively about how ‘water’ might be symbolically or literally removed from ‘divers’ to form a new word. The process of
solving a crossword clue
often involves exploring these linguistic transformations.
Next, we encounter “follow star”. This is where the
crossword clue
truly shines with its potential for multiple interpretations. The word “star” is incredibly versatile in crosswordland. It could refer to a celestial body, a famous person, an asterisk (
), or even act as a subtle indicator for an anagram or another form of wordplay. Similarly, “follow” could mean ‘comes after’, ‘pursue’, or even function as part of the definition.
Is “follow star” the definition of the answer? If so, the modified word from “Divers lacking water” must be a type of something that “follows a star” or
is
a “star” in some sense. Or, is “follow star” another layer of wordplay, indicating that something should literally come after or precede the word “star” once “divers” has been suitably modified? This kind of ambiguity is what makes a
challenging crossword clue
so enjoyable.
When tackling such a
crossword clue
, it’s essential to keep an open mind. Don’t get stuck on the first interpretation that comes to mind. Try substituting synonyms, playing with different cryptic indicators, and considering all the various meanings of each word. For instance, think about different types of “stars” and how the idea of “lacking water” might connect to them through some clever wordplay. The true art of
solving a crossword clue
lies in unpicking these layers.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and elegant construction. It invites you to consider linguistic transformations, symbolic removals, and the multifaceted nature of common words. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that, once solved, elicits a satisfying “aha!” moment. It’s a testament to the brilliance of crossword setters who craft these daily brain teasers.
So, take some time with this one. Ponder “Divers lacking water” and what that might yield. Then consider “follow star” and how that might define or further instruct. The answer is a neat six letters, and it perfectly encapsulates the playful yet precise nature of cryptic puzzles. Happy puzzling, and may your wordplay skills lead you to that delightful moment of discovery!
Available Answers:
SUNDRY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 8 June 2025