There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from staring down a particularly enigmatic crossword clue, feeling that familiar spark of challenge, and then, after a bit of mental wrestling, watching it all fall into place with a satisfying click. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about appreciating the cleverness, the misdirection, and the pure linguistic acrobatics that go into creating these daily puzzles we love. Today, I want to delve into one such gem that recently caught my eye: “Eventually getting hold of note, as a minimum (2,5).”
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s one that perfectly encapsulates the blend of literal meaning and lateral thinking that makes cryptics so engaging. Let’s peel back its layers together, without, of course, giving away the delightful solution that awaits those who persevere.
First, let’s anchor ourselves with the definition. The latter part of the clue, “as a minimum,” serves as our bedrock. This is what the entire phrase (a two-letter word followed by a five-letter word) needs to mean. It’s a common idiom, a phrase we use frequently in everyday conversation. Knowing this gives us a strong target, narrowing down the possibilities significantly for this specific crossword clue. Think about common ways we express the concept of ‘at least’ or ‘no less than’. What two-word phrase, fitting the (2,5) structure, immediately springs to mind? Hold onto that thought.
Now, for the real fun: deciphering the wordplay hidden within “Eventually getting hold of note.” This is where the magic of the crossword clue truly shines, inviting us into the setter’s ingenious mind.
Let’s take “Eventually.” In the world of cryptic crosswords, adverbs like this often carry specific instructions. Does “eventually” point to the very last letter of a word? Perhaps it’s hinting at an outcome, or the tail end of a sequence? Consider how ‘endings’ or ‘final stages’ might be represented by letters or sounds. It’s a word that can trigger multiple lines of thought, a classic piece of misdirection or a subtle signpost. Don’t rush past it; ponder its potential cryptic significance. What single letter or short syllable could it suggest when you think about things coming to a close?
Next, we have “getting hold of.” This is another prime candidate for a cryptic indicator. “Getting hold of” can suggest containment – one set of letters being
inside
another. Or it could imply acquisition, taking possession of something. Could it be a signal to extract letters from somewhere, or to assemble them? When you’re solving a challenging crossword clue, these operational words are key. Think about what it means to ‘hold’ something, or to ‘get’ it. How does that translate into arranging letters to form part of our desired solution?
And finally, the often-tricky “note.” Ah, “note”! This word is a setter’s delight because it has so many interpretations. In a cryptic crossword clue, “note” could refer to a musical note (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). It could be a short written message. It could even be a singular letter, as in “note the letter ‘X'”. Which interpretation fits best here, when combined with “eventually” and “getting hold of”? Does one of the musical notes slot perfectly into the structure of the second word, perhaps tucked away by the “getting hold of” action? Or is “note” simply a specific letter that needs to be ‘gotten hold of’ and placed strategically?
The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in how these seemingly disparate elements—”eventually,” “getting hold of,” and “note”—are woven together to construct a phrase that precisely matches “as a minimum.” The ‘aha!’ moment, when you realize how each piece of wordplay contributes to building that familiar (2,5) expression, is incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the elegant craftsmanship behind a truly great crossword clue.
So, take another look. Ponder the possibilities. How do those seemingly innocent words conspire to point you towards that two-word phrase meaning “as a minimum”? When you crack it, you’ll not only have solved a superb crossword clue but also appreciated the artistry involved in its creation. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
ATLEAST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 1 October 2025