Some crossword clues demand a second, third, and even a fourth glance, beckoning you into their linguistic labyrinth with a mischievous glint. They’re the ones that initially present a jumble of words, yet you sense the elegance hidden beneath, a brilliant piece of wordplay just waiting to be unearthed. Today’s featured challenge falls squarely into that category, offering a delightful mental workout for any cryptic enthusiast.
The specific
crossword clue
we’re diving into today is:
‘Drinks again, we’re told, causing return of illness (7)‘
.
At first read, it might seem like a simple statement, perhaps even a news headline. But as seasoned solvers know, cryptic crossword clues are rarely what they seem on the surface. Each word, each comma, each phrase is a meticulously placed puzzle piece designed to guide, and sometimes misdirect, the solver toward the elusive seven-letter answer.
Let’s unpick this intriguing
crossword clue
. We have two main components, typical of a well-crafted cryptic. The first part, “Drinks again, we’re told,” immediately piques curiosity. The phrase “we’re told” is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords, often pointing towards a homophone – a word that sounds like another. The challenge here is to identify what “drinks again” might
sound like
, hinting at something repeated or re-experienced. This particular construction suggests a phonetic play, requiring an ear for similar-sounding words and a readiness to consider synonyms or related concepts for “drinks” and “again.” It’s a clever bit of misdirection, nudging the solver to consider not just the literal meaning, but the acoustic properties of the words.
The second part of the
crossword clue
, “causing return of illness,” functions as the definition. This is the bedrock of the clue, providing the ultimate meaning of the seven-letter solution. The task, then, is to find a single word that precisely describes the recurrence of an ailment or a sickness. This requires a good vocabulary and an understanding of medical or common terms for such events. The beauty of this specific definition lies in its directness, contrasting sharply with the more oblique wordplay of the first part.
Cracking this kind of
crossword clue
isn’t just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the subtle language of the setter. It’s about making the mental leap from a spoken sound to a written word, and then marrying that with a clear definition. The initial confusion, the slow dawning of understanding, and finally, the satisfying click as the solution reveals itself, is precisely why these puzzles are so addictive. This particular clue masterfully blends auditory suggestion with a straightforward definition, creating a truly elegant and rewarding solving experience. It’s a prime example of how a challenging crossword clue can be both perplexing and utterly brilliant.
Available Answers:
RELAPSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 28 September 2025