Ah, the delightful dance of a cryptic crossword clue! There’s nothing quite like staring down a deceptively simple string of words, knowing a clever linguistic trap is lurking within. Today’s featured crossword clue, “Fellows in small river show sign of cold (7)“, is a prime example of such brilliant misdirection, a true test for any crossword enthusiast.
This particular seven-letter crossword clue immediately sets the mental gears whirring. We’re looking for a word that fits the definition “show sign of cold”. Our first thoughts might leap to obvious responses like ‘shiver’ or ‘chills’, but a quick check of the letter count (7) tells us those don’t quite fit. This sends us digging deeper into the nuanced meanings of ‘sign of cold’ – perhaps something more about the
experience
of cold, or its harsh effects, rather than just a physical symptom. Think beyond the immediate and consider words that convey severity or hardship often associated with cold weather. This is where the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue truly shines, encouraging us to explore the broader semantic landscape.
Now, let’s dissect the wordplay: “Fellows in small river”. This segment is classic cryptic crossword territory, hinting at a very specific type of construction. The word “in” is a strong indicator, suggesting one part of the clue is contained within another. It’s like a linguistic Russian doll, with one set of letters nestled inside another.
Consider “Fellows”. This seemingly straightforward term can have several cunning interpretations in a crossword clue. Are we talking about a group of chaps, or men? Or perhaps an academic term, like “Fellow of the Royal Society” (often abbreviated in crosswords)? The setter might even be playing on a less common meaning or a phonetic trick. The plural nature of “Fellows” is also a hint, suggesting either multiple letters or a word that inherently signifies a group.
Then there’s “small river”. This is another classic crossword device. Small rivers often appear as short, common river names – think of the Dee, Ure, Exe, or Cam. These three or four-letter waterways are crossword staples, easy for setters to slot into place. However, “small river” could also imply a less common or even descriptive term for a tiny stream or a specific type of watercourse that isn’t a proper noun. The challenge here is to figure out if it’s a well-known river, or if the setter has chosen a more obscure term to keep us on our toes.
The magic happens when we combine these elements. We have a word for “sign of cold” that is 7 letters long. And its construction comes from “Fellows” being “in” a “small river”. Or, sometimes in cryptics, it might be the other way around: the “small river” is “in” the “Fellows”. Or, even more subtly, the “Fellows” might form the
outer
shell, embracing the “small river” within their letters. This latter structure, where surrounding letters act as a container, is a common and often satisfying ‘aha!’ moment for a crossword solver.
This particular crossword clue offers a fantastic brain-teaser, requiring us to think laterally about definitions and creatively about word formation. It’s a rewarding feeling when all the pieces of such a clever puzzle click into place. So, take another look, ponder those subtle meanings, and enjoy the process of cracking this engaging crossword clue. The satisfaction of unraveling such a well-constructed challenge is truly its own reward.
Available Answers:
SNIFFLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 16 June 2025