There’s a particular thrill that comes with unravelling a truly unique
crossword clue
. Some are straightforward definitions, others clever anagrams, but then there are those that paint a vivid, often absurd, scenario, inviting you to step into a little narrative before you even begin to parse the letters. Today’s feature falls squarely into that captivating category: “Dodgy remedy for guitar ban? (7)“.
Just reading it sparks the imagination. A
guitar ban
? What kind of dystopian world or overly strict local ordinance would instigate such a thing? The imagery alone is enough to get those mental cogs turning. Are we talking about a noise ordinance, an artistic suppression, or perhaps something even more whimsical? Understanding the context, or at least appreciating the implied context, is often the first step in tackling a tricky
crossword clue
.
Then we layer on “Dodgy remedy.” The word “dodgy” immediately suggests something informal, perhaps illicit, certainly not above board. This isn’t a government-sanctioned solution; it’s a workaround, a sly fix, a hack. It evokes images of backroom deals, whispered secrets, or ingenious, if slightly questionable, inventions. A “remedy” implies a solution, a cure for the problem – in this case, the pesky guitar ban. So, we’re looking for a seven-letter word that encapsulates an informal, possibly underhanded, way to circumvent a prohibition on guitars. The challenge of a
crossword clue
like this lies in its specificity while simultaneously being quite broad in its initial interpretation.
When faced with a
crossword clue
that’s so evocative, it’s helpful to break it down. Consider the essence of a ‘guitar ban.’ If guitars are forbidden, what’s the natural human response? To find a way to play them anyway, or to make them
seem
like something else. What could be a ‘dodgy remedy’ for such a situation? Could it be a method for silent practice? A way to disguise the instrument? Or perhaps a linguistic trick, a pun, or a play on words that cleverly sidesteps the very notion of a ‘guitar’? The beauty of cryptic or semi-cryptic crossword clues is often found in the layers of meaning.
The seven-letter constraint is, of course, your golden key. It narrows the vast ocean of possibilities down to a manageable bay. Every letter counts, and every potential solution must fit precisely. This isn’t just about finding
a
word that fits the description; it’s about finding the
only
word that perfectly marries the “dodgy remedy” with the “guitar ban” in a seven-letter package. It forces a precise linguistic fit. Unpacking a complex
crossword clue
like this often feels like solving a miniature puzzle within the larger grid.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and clever wordplay. It combines an engaging scenario with a precise linguistic challenge. It reminds us why we love crosswords – not just for the satisfaction of completion, but for the journey of thought, the lateral thinking, and the sheer delight in the ingenuity of the clue-setter. Tackling such a
crossword clue
isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding nuance, recognizing potential puns or hidden meanings, and appreciating the art of linguistic deception. What a joy it is to stumble upon a clue that makes you pause, smile, and truly exercise those mental muscles.
Available Answers:
NOSTRUM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 19 June 2025