Some crossword clues just hit differently, don’t they? You read them, re-read them, and then read them again, convinced there’s a trick hiding in plain sight, just beyond your grasp. This week, one particular crossword clue has been sparking some lively debate in the online solving communities, a real head-scratcher that perfectly encapsulates the blend of frustration and pure delight that makes this hobby so utterly addictive.
The clue in question? ‘Figure in filth, reeking (5)‘.
Oh, the layers! The immediate visceral reaction to “filth” and “reeking” certainly paints a vivid picture, doesn’t it? Your mind instantly conjures something unpleasant, something perhaps quite literal. But as any seasoned solver knows, literal interpretations are often just the first red herring in the intricate dance of a well-crafted crossword clue.
Let’s dissect this beauty. “Figure” – what a versatile word! Are we talking about a shape, a numerical value, a person of importance, or perhaps a verb, meaning to calculate or to understand? Each possibility sends your mental dictionary spinning in a different direction. Is it a
figurative
figure? Or a literal one, perhaps a drawing or a sculpture? The ambiguity is precisely what makes this type of crossword clue so compelling and, frankly, maddeningly brilliant.
Then we move to “in filth, reeking.” This phrase strongly suggests a state or a location. Is the ‘figure’
physically
in filth, literally covered in grime? Or is it used in a more metaphorical sense, ‘figure in filth’ perhaps referring to someone embroiled in scandal, or a concept steeped in corruption? And “reeking” – while it primarily denotes a strong, unpleasant smell, it can also imply something strongly suggestive of a particular quality or atmosphere. Something ‘reeking of suspicion,’ for example. The stench of something bad, real or metaphorical, permeates the clue.
The parenthetical (5) is our guiding star, our precious constraint. Five letters. This immediately filters out countless possibilities that might fit the initial concepts. It forces us to condense our thoughts, to find that perfect, concise word that captures the essence of
figure
,
filth
, and
reeking
all at once. Is it a straightforward definition, albeit a cleverly disguised one? Or are we looking at something more playful, a cryptic element perhaps, where one part of the clue points to a definition and another part to the construction of the word? The very best crossword clues often marry these elements seamlessly.
The joy of tackling a crossword clue like this lies in the journey. It’s about peeling back the layers, considering every nuance, every possible interpretation of each word, and then trying to fit them into that elusive five-letter slot. It’s a testament to the English language’s richness and the setter’s ingenuity. You can almost feel the gears turning in your brain, clicking and whirring as you explore different avenues.
What kind of ‘figure’ could be ‘in filth’ and ‘reeking’ that also boils down to a five-letter word? Is it a person? An object? An abstract concept? The possibilities, while constrained by the letter count, still feel vast until that “aha!” moment strikes. And that moment, dear solvers, is what we live for. That sudden flash of insight where all the disparate parts of the crossword clue click into place, revealing an elegant, satisfying solution.
So, take a moment. Ponder this magnificent crossword clue. Let your mind wander through the murky depths of its meaning. Before we delve into the solution and the brilliant wordplay behind it, what are your initial thoughts? How do you break down ‘Figure in filth, reeking (5)‘? Share your process, your misdirections, and your brilliant insights. It’s these shared moments of puzzling and discovery that truly enrich the crossword experience for us all. Let’s dig in!
Available Answers:
THREE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 24 November 2025