Ah, the cryptic crossword clue – a delightful linguistic puzzle designed to stretch the brain and spark that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. Today, we’re diving deep into a real head-scratcher that recently popped up and sent many solvers into a delightful spin: “Flower given drink, stood up (3,4).”
At first glance, this crossword clue seems straightforward, doesn’t it? A flower, a drink, and someone or something being ‘stood up.’ But as any seasoned cryptic crossword solver knows, things are rarely as they appear in the world of daily crossword challenges. The beauty of these puzzles lies in their misdirection, their clever use of everyday words to mean something entirely different in context. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in ambiguity, offering multiple paths of interpretation, each leading to potential dead ends if you’re not careful.
The first word, ‘Flower,’ is a classic cryptic device. Is it a beautiful bloom from the garden? Or is it a river – a common substitution for ‘flower’ in cryptic crossword puzzles, given that rivers
flow
? The simple addition of ‘given drink’ further muddies the waters. Are we talking about literal hydration, or is ‘drink’ a placeholder for a specific beverage, perhaps an alcoholic one, often seen in crossword clues? And then there’s ‘stood up.’ This phrase itself carries a dual meaning: to erect something, or, more colloquially, to fail to meet someone. Which definition are we meant to pursue for our 3,4 answer? Unpacking this kind of challenging crossword clue requires a methodical approach, exploring each component’s potential roles within the wordplay and definition. We need to consider how ‘Flower’ might interact with ‘given drink’ to form the first part of our solution, all while keeping the ultimate meaning of ‘stood up’ firmly in mind. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill that such a short phrase can contain so much complexity and so many delightful red herrings.
Navigating this kind of intricate wordplay is precisely why we love to tackle a good cryptic crossword clue. It pushes us beyond the obvious, forcing us to think laterally and consider every linguistic trick in the book. The satisfaction of finally cracking such a cleverly disguised crossword clue is unparalleled. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about appreciating the artistry of the setter and the elegance of the solution.
So, grab your favourite beverage – maybe not the one hinted at in the clue! – and let’s explore the intricacies of this fascinating crossword clue. We’ll break down the layers, consider the cryptic grammar, and discuss the various ways ‘flower,’ ‘drink,’ and ‘stood up’ can be interpreted to lead us to that elusive 3,4 solution. It’s a fantastic example of why we love to solve crossword clues, isn’t it? This particular crossword clue certainly delivers on the promise of a truly engaging puzzle.
Available Answers:
TEAROSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 29 October 2025