Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There are days when the daily grid offers up straightforward definitions, and then there are the days when a single
crossword clue
makes you stop, scratch your head, and wonder if the setter is secretly a stand-up comedian. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one of those absolute gems that’s likely tripped up more than a few of you: “Game of thrones? (7,6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems almost too easy, doesn’t it? The mind immediately conjures images of dragons, White Walkers, and epic political machinations in Westeros. You might even start mentally scrolling through character names or iconic locations, trying to force a fit into the (7,6) structure. But that, my friends, is precisely the cunning brilliance of a well-crafted
crossword clue
– it leverages popular culture against your solving instincts.
The moment you see that question mark at the end of a
crossword clue
, especially one referencing something so globally recognizable, a little alarm bell should go off in your brain. It’s the setter’s subtle wink, telling you, “Don’t take me literally! I’m here to play.” This isn’t a direct factual recall; it’s a brilliant piece of wordplay, a pun, or a cryptic twist designed to make you think outside the box. The initial association with the blockbuster TV series is merely a red herring, a masterstroke of misdirection in the art of
crossword clue
setting.
So, how do we approach such a fiendish
crossword clue
? The trick is to divorce yourself from the obvious and dig deeper into the actual words. Forget the HBO series for a moment. What does “thrones”
really
mean, in its most fundamental sense? Think about the literal objects. What are they? What is their purpose? Where would you find a collection of them? And what kind of “game” could possibly be associated with such items, not in a metaphorical sense of power struggles, but in a physical, literal way?
Consider the structure of the answer: two words, seven letters followed by six. This split is crucial. It tells you that the wordplay likely involves both parts of the phrase “Game of thrones,” twisted to create an entirely new meaning that fits those specific lengths. This type of
crossword clue
often relies on a common phrase being reinterpreted through a different lens, often with a humorous or unexpected result. It’s the kind of brain teaser that forces you to consider homophones, double meanings, or even clever rephrasing of familiar terms.
Unpacking this particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic exercise in appreciating the linguistic gymnastics involved in puzzle design. It highlights how the simplest words, when placed in a clever context, can become the most challenging obstacles. Don’t get frustrated if you’re still pondering; that’s the very essence of the solver’s journey. The “aha!” moment, when the true meaning of such a deceptive
crossword clue
finally clicks, is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world of daily puzzles. Keep chipping away, rethink your initial assumptions, and you’ll be well on your way to conquering this deceptively simple
crossword clue
. The satisfaction of unravelling such a brilliant piece of wordplay is its own reward.
Available Answers:
MUSICALCHAIRS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 15 August 2025