Welcome back, fellow word wranglers and linguistic adventurers! There’s nothing quite like that moment each day when you face a fresh
crossword clue
, ready to unravel its mysteries. Today, we’re diving into a particularly intriguing one that certainly had me scratching my head and circling possibilities for a while. It’s a brilliant example of how cryptic clues can lead you down multiple fascinating paths before revealing their elegant solution.
The
crossword clue
we’re dissecting today is:
“Expensive block paving others concealed (5)“
Just five letters, but packed with potential. Let’s break down the layers of meaning and the cunning wordplay that makes this a standout
crossword clue
.
First off, we have “Expensive block paving.” This phrase immediately brings to mind images of high-end landscaping, durable materials, and perhaps even historical structures. What kind of paving comes to mind when you hear “block paving”? Are we thinking about the kind of surface you might find in a grand courtyard, a historical street, or perhaps even an interior space designed with a certain gravitas? The “expensive” qualifier adds another layer, suggesting something valuable, perhaps made of a particular stone or crafted with intricate detail. It narrows down the field considerably from just any old paving material. Consider materials known for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and the investment they represent. This part of the clue acts as one half of a powerful linguistic handshake, guiding us towards a specific type of noun.
Then we shift our gaze to the second part of this intriguing
crossword clue
: “others concealed.” This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. The word “concealed” is a huge signpost in the world of cryptic clues. It often points to a word being hidden
within
the clue itself, a literal “concealed” answer. So, naturally, one might scan the letters of “others concealed” looking for a five-letter word that fits the bill. Is there a type of block paving simply tucked away in plain sight? It’s always the first thing to check when you see a word like “concealed,” and sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one.
However, “concealed” can also refer to something that
does
the concealing, or a place
where
things are concealed. Think about what types of places or objects are typically used to keep things (or “others”) hidden, private, or secure. What sort of space might be described as “concealing others”? This interpretation takes us away from the literal hidden word type of
crossword clue
and into a more conceptual realm. The idea of “others” being concealed can apply to many different scenarios, from valuables to secrets, or even people.
The real genius of this particular
crossword clue
lies in finding a single five-letter word that perfectly bridges these two distinct concepts: “expensive block paving” and “others concealed.” It requires a word that can function both as a description of a valuable, durable surface made of blocks, and as a container or location where things are kept out of sight.
It’s a fantastic example of a double definition clue, where the word has two entirely separate meanings, each hinted at by a different part of the clue. The challenge, and the immense satisfaction, comes from identifying that elusive single word that satisfies both seemingly disparate descriptions.
So, take another look at the clue:
“Expensive block paving others concealed (5)“
. What five-letter word comes to your mind that fits both sides of this clever puzzle? Think about materials, structures, and functions. The answer, as is often the case with the best cryptic
crossword clue
s, is surprisingly common once you see it, yet fiendishly difficult to spot initially.
I won’t give away the solution here – part of the joy of a good
crossword clue
is the ‘aha!’ moment you get from solving it yourself. But I’d love to hear your thoughts or how you approached this one. Did “concealed” immediately lead you down the hidden-word path? Or did you spot the dual definition straight away? Share your experiences in the comments below, but remember, no spoilers!
Until next time, happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
INGOT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 15 August 2025