Welcome back, fellow word warriors and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like that satisfying “aha!” moment when a tricky crossword clue finally clicks into place. But before that glorious lightbulb moment, there’s often a period of delightful struggle, a head-scratching challenge that truly tests our linguistic agility. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing contender that has probably stumped more than a few solvers: “Do a turn round building (7)“.
This particular crossword clue is a fantastic example of how seemingly straightforward words can be twisted and turned into a brilliant piece of wordplay. At first glance, it might evoke images of construction workers pirouetting around a new edifice, or perhaps a security guard making a nightly patrol. But as seasoned solvers know, cryptic crossword clues rarely mean exactly what they say on the surface. That’s where the fun begins, and that’s why we love these types of challenging crossword clues.
Let’s break down this seven-letter wonder. The number in parentheses, “(7)”, is our golden ticket, immediately telling us the length of the solution. This is crucial for narrowing down possibilities once we start generating potential words. Without even attempting to solve it yet, we can already appreciate the layers.
First, consider the phrase “Do a turn.” In everyday language, this could mean to rotate, to change direction, or even to perform an act. In the world of cryptic crossword clues, however, “turn” is a notorious indicator. It can suggest a reversal of letters, an anagram (a jumble or ‘turn’ of letters), or a change in the usual order. The word “do” preceding it adds an active, imperative quality, hinting that an action is definitely required on some part of the clue. This active verb often points towards a manipulation of letters or sounds.
Next, we have “round building.” This part of the clue is equally rich with potential interpretations. “Round” can, of course, describe shape – a circular building. But it can also function as a preposition, meaning “around” or “about.” If it’s “around,” then something might be placed
around
another set of letters, or perhaps it’s part of a wordplay mechanism involving enclosure. “Building” itself can be a noun (a structure, an edifice) or a gerund (the act of construction). Is “building” the definition we’re looking for, or is it part of the wordplay that leads us to the final answer for this crossword clue? These are the kinds of questions that make solving a crossword clue so engaging.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like “Do a turn round building (7)” lies in its ambiguity. Is “round building” the definition, with “Do a turn” providing the wordplay? Or is “Do a turn” part of the definition, with “round building” providing the wordplay? The placement of elements in a cryptic crossword clue is often key. Frequently, the definition (or ‘fodder’) is at one end of the clue, and the wordplay at the other. But sometimes, they are interwoven, making it a true test of a solver’s ability to spot subtle cues.
When tackling such a crossword clue, my personal strategy often involves listing synonyms for each major word. For “turn,” we might think of rotate, spin, pivot, change, alter, convert, reversal. For “round,” consider circular, spherical, global, or prepositions like about, around, near. For “building,” words like structure, edifice, construction, creation come to mind. Then, we start mixing and matching, looking for combinations that, when manipulated by “do a turn,” might lead us to a seven-letter word that fits the overall sense.
This specific crossword clue forces us to think beyond the literal, encouraging us to consider linguistic tricks, common crossword conventions, and the elegant economy of words. It’s a reminder that every word in a cryptic crossword clue matters, and each one holds a potential key to unlocking the solution. So, take another look at “Do a turn round building (7).” What are your initial thoughts? How would you begin to dissect this intriguing piece of verbal artistry? Keep those puzzling gears turning, and enjoy the journey of discovery that every great crossword clue offers!
Available Answers:
ROTUNDA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 30 August 2025