Sometimes, a crossword clue lands on your grid that just
looks
deceptively simple. You read it, you re-read it, and you’re sure the answer is right there, staring back at you. Yet, nothing quite fits, and the clock keeps ticking. Today’s deep dive takes us into just such a wordplay enigma: “Foolish, like one number (7).” This isn’t your average definition and synonym; it’s a beautifully crafted challenge designed to make you think laterally and approach the puzzle from multiple angles. Let’s unpack the layers of this particular daily crossword clue and explore the paths to its clever solution, providing you with invaluable crossword help for similar puzzles.
At first glance, the word “Foolish” might send your mind down a path of synonyms: silly, daft, unwise, absurd, senseless. Indeed, these are all excellent starting points when tackling any crossword puzzle clue. Crossword setters love to play with shades of meaning, and “foolish” can describe a wide spectrum of irrationality, from a harmless prank to a profound lack of judgment. Are we looking for a word that
means
foolish, or something that
is
foolish? The “like” in the clue strongly suggests a comparison, implying the answer might be something
characterised
by foolishness, or something that behaves
in a foolish way
. Keep a mental list of these synonyms and their nuances, as they often form the bedrock of many crossword solutions.
Now, we hit the crucial, and arguably most intriguing, part of this crossword clue: “like one number.” This phrase is where the setter truly earns their stripes, crafting a phrase that is both precise and wonderfully misleading. The word “number” immediately brings mathematics to mind, but in the realm of word puzzles, numbers can be highly symbolic, or even used in highly literal, unexpected ways. Consider how numbers are often used in everyday language or cultural references. Do any numbers have common associations with simplicity, inadequacy, or indeed, foolishness? Think about phrases where numbers are used idiomatically. For instance, “one” often signifies uniqueness or singularity, but could it also suggest a lack of complexity, or even a degree of isolation that might lead to an unwise decision?
The specificity of “one number” is key. It doesn’t say “a number,” but “one number.” This precision directs us away from a general concept of numerology and towards something more pointed. Is the clue hinting at the actual digit ‘1’? Or is it suggesting that the answer is
like
a singular, specific numerical entity? This is a classic wordplay clue technique, where a seemingly straightforward descriptor holds a hidden layer of meaning. Expert puzzle solvers know that such specific phrasing is rarely accidental; it’s a deliberate pointer from the setter, guiding you towards a very particular kind of answer. When you encounter “one” in a crossword clue, always consider its dual nature: the numeral itself, and the concept of singularity or unity.
Bringing “foolish” and “like one number” together, with the constraint of a seven-letter answer, requires a leap of lateral thinking. Are we looking for a word that describes someone who is foolish because they are simple, perhaps like the most basic of numbers? Or is there a specific, well-known association where a particular number is inherently linked with a lack of sense? The “like” implies a simile, a comparison. The answer isn’t
literally
one number, but something that
resembles
one number in its foolishness. This type of clue analysis is crucial for unravelling sophisticated word puzzle challenges.
Solving crossword clues like “Foolish, like one number (7)” demands patience and a willingness to explore various interpretations. Don’t be afraid to jot down ideas, even if they seem outlandish at first. Sometimes the most unexpected connection is precisely what the setter intended. The satisfaction of cracking such a clever crossword puzzle clue, piecing together its disparate parts, is one of the great joys of daily puzzling. Keep pondering the nature of foolishness, the distinct characteristics of “one,” and how these elements might coalesce into a single, seven-letter word. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
ASININE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 14 November 2025