Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the fascinating world of
crossword clues
! Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem straightforward, but as always with the best
crossword puzzles
, holds layers of cleverness. The clue in question is: ‘Frank and journalist began (6)‘.
Six letters. That’s our target. But how do ‘Frank’, ‘journalist’, and ‘began’ conspire to deliver that elusive answer? This is where the true art of
crossword solving
shines, transforming a simple phrase into a mental workout. Understanding the mechanics of such a
cryptic crossword clue
is key to unlocking its secrets.
Let’s break it down. First, we have ‘Frank’. What springs to mind immediately? Is it a common male name, perhaps calling for a specific individual? Or is it an adjective, implying openness, honesty, or directness? The ambiguity is entirely intentional, a classic
crossword clue
misdirection tactic designed to make you consider multiple interpretations. If ‘Frank’ is an adjective, we might be looking for a synonym or a component of a larger wordplay. In the world of the daily
crossword clue
, double meanings are gold.
Then we have ‘journalist’. A profession, yes, but in the realm of
cryptic crossword clues
, professions and roles often have specific abbreviations or common synonyms that are fair game. Think ‘editor’, ‘reporter’, ‘correspondent’. Could it be a simple, well-known abbreviation we need to identify, or is the profession itself meant to contribute to a broader definition or a more elaborate piece of wordplay? When you’re seeking
crossword help
, recognizing these common substitutions is invaluable.
And finally, ‘began’. This is often the crunch word in many a tricky
crossword clue
. ‘Began’ can literally mean ‘started’, as in the past tense of ‘begin’. But in
cryptic crossword puzzles
, words like ‘began’, ‘first’, ‘head of’, ‘initial’, ‘opening’, ‘start of’, and ‘at first’ frequently signal a specific type of wordplay: you need to take the
first letter
of a word or a series of words. This is a common and often delightful cryptic device that can unlock a seemingly impenetrable clue, turning apparent nonsense into a flash of insight. It’s a core technique in any comprehensive
online crossword solver
strategy.
So, let’s consider the possibilities for ‘Frank and journalist began (6)‘. If ‘began’ is indeed indicating a first letter, what are the words whose ‘beginnings’ we should be looking at? Are ‘Frank’ and ‘journalist’ two separate entities whose initial letters combine in some way? Or is ‘began’ referring to the
beginning
of something else entirely that’s hinted at by the rest of the clue? The beauty of such a complex
crossword clue
lies in its potential for elegant construction.
We’re looking for a six-letter word. Could ‘Frank’ be acting as a definition or a synonym, while ‘journalist began’ points to the construction of that word? Or is ‘Frank’ part of the wordplay, leading to the meaning of ‘journalist began’ in a more abstract sense? The careful placement of ‘and’ is also something to ponder; it often indicates a combination or addition of elements within the clue’s structure.
This isn’t just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about understanding the unique and often playful language of
cryptic crosswords
. Every word is a potential breadcrumb, a cleverly disguised red herring, or a crucial piece of the puzzle. Take a moment with ‘Frank and journalist began (6)‘. Try to detach the words from their most obvious everyday meanings and think about their potential roles in a cryptic charade, a hidden wordplay, or a clever abbreviation. What if ‘Frank’ is not a name, but an adjective, and we need a synonym for that adjective that somehow combines with the start of ‘journalist’ to form our six-letter answer?
The journey to solving such a well-crafted
crossword clue
is often more rewarding than the solution itself. The ‘aha!’ moment, when all the pieces click into place and the cleverness of the setter is revealed, is precisely why we keep coming back to our daily
crossword puzzles
. So, ponder ‘Frank and journalist began (6)‘. What brilliant insight will lead you to that six-letter word? Keep those cryptic gears turning!
Available Answers:
OPENED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025