Alright, fellow word sleuths, gather ’round! Today, we’re dissecting a real head-scratcher that recently popped up and had many of you scratching your heads in delightful frustration: “Draws out former nurses (7)“. This particular crossword clue might look innocuous at first glance, but oh, the layers! It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, sip your coffee, and then maybe pour another. Seven letters, seemingly straightforward definition, yet the path to the answer isn’t a direct one, is it?
What makes a daily crossword clue like this so intriguing? Well, it’s often the delightful interplay between the surface reading and the true meaning. “Draws out former nurses” immediately brings to mind images of retired medical professionals being coaxed back into service, or perhaps some kind of extraction process related to their past careers. But as any seasoned solver knows, the setters are masters of misdirection, often using common phrases to hide something entirely different. This isn’t just a simple definition; it’s a
cryptic
crossword clue designed to make you think sideways.
When confronted with a deceptively simple yet ultimately complex crossword clue like this, the first thing we often do is count the letters – seven, confirmed. Then we start looking for indicators. Is there an anagram signal? A hidden word clue? A double definition playing on two distinct meanings of a word? The brilliance of this specific crossword clue lies in how it subtly hints at its true nature without giving away the game too easily. It forces you to consider the multiple interpretations of “draws out” and “former nurses” beyond their most obvious literal sense. It’s a classic example of a challenging crossword clue that rewards careful linguistic analysis.
Many of you reached out about this exact crossword clue, admitting it stumped you for a good while. And honestly, that’s perfectly normal! It’s a stellar example of how a well-crafted crossword clue can challenge even the most experienced solver, pushing you to explore the nuances of language. Don’t worry if you didn’t crack it immediately; that’s part of the fun and the learning curve. The journey to deciphering a tricky crossword clue is often as rewarding as the “aha!” moment itself.
So, if you wrestled with this one, or if you’re keen to sharpen your skills for the next time you encounter a similar type of crossword clue, you’re in the right place. We’re about to delve into the ingenious wordplay behind “Draws out former nurses (7),” exploring the clever mechanism the setter employed to craft such a satisfying challenge. Get ready to peel back the layers of this fascinating crossword clue and discover the linguistic magic within.
Available Answers:
EXTENDS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 2 August 2025