The daily crossword puzzle – a ritual for many, a delightful challenge for all. There’s nothing quite like that moment of triumph when a particularly knotty crossword clue finally clicks into place, illuminating a path through the grid you hadn’t seen before. Today, we’re diving into one of those clues that might just make you scratch your head, then grin when you finally get it. It’s a prime example of the clever misdirection and brilliant wordplay that makes the cryptic crossword such an enduring brainteaser.
We’re talking about the intriguing little puzzle: “Foes see mine explode (7)“.
At first glance, this crossword clue might seem deceptively simple, or perhaps utterly baffling, depending on how your crossword-solving brain is wired today. A seven-letter answer, a vivid image of conflict and detonation – it conjures up all sorts of possibilities. But as any seasoned solver knows, the most engaging cryptic crossword clues are rarely as straightforward as they appear on the surface. They’re designed to lead you down logical dead ends, to make you reconsider every single word, and to ultimately reward you with that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment.
This particular clue, “Foes see mine explode (7)“, is a masterclass in combining imagery with linguistic dexterity. It presents a scenario that feels very real and immediate, yet within that reality lies the key to its solution, hidden in plain sight, as it often is in the best crossword puzzles. Is it an anagram? A clever charade? A hidden word play so subtle you might just miss it? The beauty of a clue like this lies in its ability to force us to look beyond the obvious, to dismantle the phrase and reassemble it in a way the setter intended.
When tackling a crossword clue of this nature, especially one that paints such a clear picture, our initial instinct is often to jump straight to the definition. What object or action fits the description of “mine explode” and is seven letters long? That’s a valid starting point, of course, and often one of the foundational pillars of solving crosswords. But the genius of a cryptic clue often lies in how it weaves its true meaning into the surrounding words, using them not just for context, but as direct instructions for constructing the answer.
Think about the components here: “Foes,” “see,” “mine,” “explode,” and the length indicator “(7).” Each word is a potential piece of the puzzle, a potential misdirection, or a vital component of the wordplay. The phrase “Foes see mine explode” could be interpreted in several ways, both literally and figuratively. This ambiguity is precisely what makes solving crosswords so addictive. It’s a delightful dance between understanding the surface reading and unearthing the deeper, cryptic instruction.
For those of us who love to unravel the intricacies of a well-crafted crossword clue, this example provides ample fodder for thought. It challenges our assumptions, tests our vocabulary, and hones our ability to spot the clever linguistic tricks that setters employ. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey into the world of daily crosswords or a seasoned pro who has conquered countless grids, this clue offers a refreshing mental workout. It’s the kind of brainteaser that lingers in your mind, urging you to revisit it until the solution reveals itself in its elegant simplicity.
So, take a moment to ponder “Foes see mine explode (7).” What are your initial thoughts? How might the words twist and turn to form the seven-letter answer? What cryptic techniques might be at play? The journey to solving a complex crossword clue is often as rewarding as the solution itself, and this one promises a particularly engaging trek. We’ll explore the ingenious mechanics behind this clue and unpack its secrets, but for now, let the pondering begin! The best crossword puzzles always leave you wanting more, and this crossword clue is no exception.
Available Answers:
ENEMIES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 29 November 2025