Decoding the Cryptic: “Fan to Put Cross Through Letter (7)”
The world of crossword puzzles is a captivating blend of language, logic, and lateral thinking. Every day, millions grapple with these wordy enigmas, striving to unlock the secrets hidden within the grid. And within each puzzle lies a collection of cryptic clues, challenges designed to test even the most seasoned solvers. Today, we’re diving deep into one such challenge: “Fan to put cross through letter (7).”
This clue, like many of its brethren, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world where words aren’t always what they seem. The beauty of cryptic crosswords lies in their clever misdirection, their reliance on wordplay, and their demand for us to think outside the box. We’re not simply looking for a synonym; we’re embarking on a linguistic adventure.
The first thing to note is the number in parentheses: (7). This vital piece of information tells us that the solution to this clue is a seven-letter word. Knowing the length of the answer is a crucial starting point, allowing us to focus our mental energies on possibilities that fit the spatial constraints of the grid.
Now, let’s break down the clue itself: “Fan to put cross through letter.” This immediately suggests a combination of two distinct elements at play.
Firstly, we have “fan.” In crossword parlance, “fan” can refer to a variety of things. It could, of course, denote a handheld device used for cooling. However, it could also hint at something else entirely: a fervent admirer, an enthusiast, or even a verb meaning to spread out or disperse. This ambiguity is precisely what makes cryptic clues so engaging. We need to consider all possible interpretations of this word. Is it a noun? Is it a verb? Is it being used figuratively?
Secondly, we have “to put cross through letter.” This portion of the clue suggests an action being performed on a letter. The phrase “put cross through” implies some form of deletion or cancellation. We might imagine drawing a line through a letter, or perhaps substituting it with another. The key here is to identify which letter is being targeted and what the act of “crossing through” actually signifies.
Consider the interplay between these two elements. The “fan” is somehow interacting with the action of crossing out a letter. Could the “fan” be an anagram indicator, suggesting that we need to rearrange the letters in a particular way? Could it be a container, suggesting that one word is placed inside another? Or, perhaps the “fan” describes the
result
of putting a cross through a letter?
Solving this clue will require a careful analysis of both its component parts. We must examine the potential meanings of “fan” and the implications of “to put cross through letter.” By considering these elements in conjunction, we can begin to piece together the puzzle and arrive at the correct seven-letter solution.
Remember, successful crossword solving is often a process of elimination and careful consideration. Don’t be afraid to explore different avenues, try out various possibilities, and trust your intuition. The thrill of cracking a cryptic clue lies in the journey of discovery, the moment when the seemingly disparate pieces of the puzzle finally click into place. Good luck!
Available Answers:
DEVOTEE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 6 July 2025