Cracking the Code: Deconstructing a Tricky Crossword Clue
Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a particularly intriguing six-letter crossword clue that’s been making the rounds and sparking some lively debate. Let’s break down the anatomy of this clue and explore the various mental pathways we can take to arrive at the solution.
The clue reads: “Excellent police officer has last of grub (6)“
At first glance, this clue presents a classic combination of wordplay elements common in cryptic crosswords. We have a descriptive phrase, “Excellent police officer,” and then a curious addendum, “has last of grub.” The number in parentheses, (6), tells us that the solution is a six-letter word.
The initial part of the clue, “Excellent police officer,” immediately suggests that we are looking for a word synonymous with or representing a high-ranking or exemplary member of the police force. Words like “chief,” “detective,” “sergeant,” and even more colorful terms like “top cop” might spring to mind. However, none of these fit the six-letter constraint directly.
This leads us to examine the second part of the clue: “has last of grub.” This phrase introduces a distinctly different element – food. “Grub” is a slang term for food, and “last of” indicates that we need to extract the final letter from the word “grub.” This letter, “b,” is almost certainly significant.
Now, the challenge lies in understanding how these two seemingly disparate elements – the “excellent police officer” and the “last of grub” – are connected. Is this a simple addition of the letter “b” to a word representing a police officer? Or is there a more subtle, metaphorical connection at play?
Cryptic clues often employ hidden definitions, anagrams, homophones, and other tricks to mislead the solver. It is crucial to consider all possibilities.
One avenue to explore is the idea of a hidden definition. Perhaps the solution isn’t directly related to a police officer, but rather something associated with one. Think about the tools, responsibilities, or characteristics of a police officer. Could the solution be a word that describes a quality they possess, or a location where they work?
Another technique is to consider anagrams. Could the letters in the clue, or a portion of them, be rearranged to form the six-letter solution? This is a more time-consuming approach, but sometimes necessary when other methods fail.
The “has” in the clue is another potential point of investigation. It could be acting as a link between two separate parts of the word, or indicating that one part
contains
the other.
As you tackle this clue, remember to stay flexible in your thinking. Don’t get too fixated on one particular interpretation. Instead, explore all possible avenues and be open to unconventional solutions. The beauty of crossword puzzles lies in their ability to challenge our minds and force us to think creatively.
Good luck, solvers! The key to cracking this clue lies in a combination of vocabulary, lateral thinking, and a healthy dose of persistence. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
SUPERB.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 8 September 2025