Unraveling a Cryptic Crossword Clue: ‘Figure manure was spread on lake (7)‘
Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the satisfying click of understanding a cleverly constructed cryptic crossword clue. Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing one that’s been causing quite a stir across the grids: “Figure manure was spread on lake (7)“. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and linguistic acrobatics, promising a rewarding ‘aha!’ moment once deciphered.
At first glance, this seven-letter crossword clue seems to paint a rather vivid, if slightly unpleasant, pastoral scene. But as seasoned cryptic solvers know, the literal meaning is often merely a charming disguise for the true wordplay lurking beneath. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to dissect each component of this enigmatic phrase and uncover the hidden path to its solution.
Let’s begin with the vital statistics: a seven-letter answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps us gauge how various wordplay elements might combine or interact. The number of letters is always our steadfast guide in the often-confusing world of cryptic puzzles.
Now, for the definition. In a well-behaved cryptic crossword clue, the definition is typically found at either end of the phrase. Here, “Figure” stands proudly at the beginning. But “figure” itself is a word rich with multiple meanings. Could it be a number, like a digit or a total? Perhaps a shape or an outline? Or even a prominent person, a ‘figure’ in society? Each interpretation opens a different avenue for our brain to explore, and the cleverness of the clue often hinges on exploiting this ambiguity. Which ‘figure’ are we looking for? That’s the first layer of intrigue.
Moving to the wordplay, we encounter the phrase “manure was spread on lake.” This is where the real fun begins. The most striking element here is “was spread.” In the lexicon of cryptic crossword clues, phrases like “spread,” “mixed,” “broken,” “rearranged,” “jumbled,” or “confused” are almost universally indicators of an anagram. This strongly suggests that a sequence of letters, once identified, needs to be rearranged to form our seven-letter answer. The challenge, of course, is pinpointing precisely
which
letters are meant to be ‘spread’ and how they interact with the rest of the phrase.
The words “manure” and “lake” are our next focus. If “was spread” is indeed an anagram indicator, are we meant to take the letters from “manure” and “lake” directly? “Manure” has six letters, and “lake” has four. Combine them, and we get ten letters – far too many for our required seven-letter solution. This discrepancy is a classic cryptic maneuver designed to make us pause and think beyond the obvious. It means either:
1. Only
some
of the letters from “manure” and “lake” are used.
2. “Manure” or “lake” (or both!) are not the direct fodder but rather represent a synonym or a related concept that provides the letters.
3. One of the words acts as a container, or perhaps a deletion indicator, subtly manipulating the other.
Consider the word “manure.” Is it literally referring to farmyard waste? Or could “manure” be a clever misdirection, hinting at something else entirely? Could it be a homophone, a charade component, or even a hidden word element, albeit with the “spread” indicator making an anagram more likely? Similarly, “lake” could be its own set of letters, or it could be an abbreviation (like ‘L’ for ‘Lake’) or a synonym (like ‘mere’ or ‘loch’). The preposition “on” also plays a role. Does it mean ‘placed upon,’ ‘added to,’ or simply part of the surface reading to create a believable sentence?
The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in how it weaves together these elements, creating a natural-sounding sentence that hides a precise set of instructions for the solver. The key to unlocking it will be to accurately identify the anagram fodder and its source, while resisting the urge to take the entire phrase at face value.
So, take another look at “Figure manure was spread on lake (7).” What are your initial thoughts? Which interpretation of “figure” are you leaning towards? How do you account for the letter count discrepancy with “manure” and “lake” if it’s a straightforward anagram? Share your insights, theories, and ‘almost there’ moments in the comments below. Let’s puzzle this one out together before the reveal! This is one of those crossword clues that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
Available Answers:
NUMERAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 27 June 2025