Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! There are some crossword clues that, at first glance, seem perfectly straightforward, painting a clear picture in your mind. Then there are others that wrap themselves in layers of delightful misdirection, turning a simple phrase into a true test of lateral thinking. Today, we’re dissecting one such magnificent brain-teaser: “Gate I’ll remove during ploughing (7)“.
This particular crossword clue immediately conjures images of rustic fields, the smell of freshly turned earth, and perhaps a sturdy wooden barrier. But as any seasoned solver knows, the world of crossword clues rarely offers such direct paths. That deceptive simplicity is precisely what makes this type of crossword clue so utterly brilliant, drawing you in before revealing its true, multi-faceted nature.
Let’s take a moment to admire the construction of this seven-letter crossword clue. We have “Gate,” a word so common and seemingly unambiguous. It brings to mind an entrance, a barrier, a way in or out. But in the realm of crossword clues, a word like “gate” can be a homophone, a component of a larger word, or even a highly metaphorical descriptor. Is it a physical gate, or something that merely functions
like
one? This is the first delicious layer of ambiguity that demands our attention when tackling this crossword clue.
Then we move to “I’ll remove during ploughing.” This phrase grounds the entire crossword clue in a very specific, earthy setting. “Ploughing” is an agricultural act, an ancient ritual of preparing the land. It’s about turning over soil, clearing the way for new growth, and often, dealing with whatever obstacles might lie beneath the surface or impede the progress of the plough. The action “I’ll remove” is critical here. It’s an active process, indicating something that needs to be taken out, cleared, or dispensed with. What kind of “gate” would one actively “remove during ploughing”? This is where the literal interpretation starts to fray, inviting us to look beyond the obvious.
The tension between “gate” and “ploughing” is the heart of this crossword clue’s genius. A literal gate might be
opened
or
moved
for a plough, but “removed” suggests something more integral to the field itself, something that is an obstruction to the ploughing process, or perhaps even something
created
by the land that acts as a barrier. The challenge lies in connecting these two seemingly disparate ideas – a “gate” and the act of “ploughing” – in a way that resolves into a single, elegant seven-letter solution.
This isn’t just about finding a synonym; it’s about unlocking a clever piece of wordplay. Such a crossword clue encourages us to think about the broader meanings of “gate”—not just as a physical structure, but perhaps as a boundary, an impediment, or even a concept. And how does the act of “ploughing” – a process of clearing and turning over – relate to this non-literal “gate”? The best crossword clues thrive on these kinds of connections, rewarding the solver who can pivot from the obvious to the ingeniously concealed.
Unraveling this particular crossword clue requires a blend of vocabulary, an appreciation for puns, and a willingness to explore the associative meanings of words. It’s a superb example of how everyday language can be twisted and turned to create a satisfying mental workout. As we delve into the solution, remember that the true joy of such a crossword clue often lies not just in finding the answer, but in appreciating the intricate craftsmanship behind the question itself. So, take a deep breath, put on your thinking cap, and let’s explore the clever depths of this agricultural enigma.
Available Answers:
TILLAGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 9 September 2025