Here’s a fantastic
crossword clue
that recently crossed my path, and it’s a brilliant example of how setters can pack layers of meaning into just a few words. The clue in question is “Foxes at close of play? (6)“. At first glance, it might seem straightforward, or perhaps bafflingly obscure, depending on your familiarity with cryptic
crossword puzzles
. But like many of the best
crossword clues
, its genius lies in its clever misdirection and the subtle nudges towards the true solution.
Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is such a delightful brain-teaser. The first element, “Foxes,” immediately conjures images of the cunning canine. This is the obvious, surface-level interpretation, and it’s precisely what a setter wants you to latch onto. Are we looking for a type of fox? A characteristic of foxes? Or perhaps something more figurative? The world of
crossword clues
often plays on multiple meanings of a word, and “fox” itself can also mean to outwit, to trick, or even to confuse. Already, we have a fork in the road, and deciding which path to take is a core part of the
crossword puzzle
solving experience.
Then we come to “at close of play?”. This phrase carries a strong implication of time – specifically, the end of something. In sports, it signifies the final whistle, the completion of a game. In broader terms, it could mean the conclusion of a day, an event, or an activity. The “at close of play” part of the
crossword clue
is crucial. Does it refer to the
end
of a word? The
last letters
of a phrase? Or is it guiding us towards a concept that occurs specifically at an ending point? The ambiguity is intentional, designed to make you ponder the various ways this phrase can be interpreted within the unique grammar of a
crossword clue
.
And let’s not overlook that vital question mark at the end. In cryptic
crossword puzzles
, a question mark is rarely there by accident. It can signal a pun, a slightly looser definition, a play on words, or a definition that’s an example rather than a direct synonym. It’s a setter’s way of winking at the solver, inviting them to think outside the literal box and consider more imaginative connections. For this “Foxes at close of play? (6)“
crossword clue
, that question mark is a flashing neon sign, urging us to delve deeper than the initial literal readings.
Solving a
crossword clue
like this is a masterclass in lateral thinking. You’re not just looking for synonyms; you’re looking for connections, hidden meanings, and the ingenious ways words can be twisted and turned. The number (6) also gives us a vital constraint – the answer is a six-letter word. This length, combined with the potential interpretations of “Foxes” and “at close of play,” narrows down the possibilities considerably, but only once you’ve truly cracked the underlying wordplay.
This
crossword clue
forces you to consider multiple angles: Is “Foxes” the definition, with “at close of play” as cryptic wordplay? Or vice-versa? Is it a double definition where both halves refer to different aspects of the same answer? The beauty of these challenging
crossword puzzles
lies in their ability to make you re-evaluate common phrases and words. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in crafting a seemingly simple phrase into a profound mental exercise. Stick around as we dissect the mechanics behind this brilliant
crossword clue
and reveal the ingenious way it all comes together – without, of course, giving away the satisfying solution just yet!
Available Answers:
STUMPS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 4 December 2025