There’s a unique thrill that comes with tackling a well-crafted
crossword clue
. That moment when the seemingly disparate parts of a phrase click into place, revealing a perfect, often witty, answer. It’s not just about filling squares; it’s about a delightful dance between logic, vocabulary, and clever misdirection. Some days, the answers leap off the page, and other times, a single
cryptic crossword clue
can hold you captive, a delightful enigma demanding your full attention.
Today, we’re diving into one of those wonderfully engaging challenges that might have given you pause, or perhaps brought a knowing smile to your face: “Gift in butter I spread around (7)“.
At first glance, this
daily crossword clue
might seem a bit… buttery, perhaps even a little spread out itself! But that’s the beauty of cryptic crosswords, isn’t it? The surface reading often paints a picture that has absolutely nothing to do with the actual solution. Your mind immediately starts to wander, perhaps conjuring images of culinary mishaps or breakfast woes. Yet, underneath that charming disguise lies a precise piece of wordplay, a common trick employed by setters to test your agility and perception.
The art of solving these
word puzzles
lies in systematically peeling back the layers. First, we hunt for the definition. What is the core meaning we’re looking for, independent of the wordplay? In this particular
crossword puzzle challenge
, “Gift” stands out as a clear candidate. It’s concise, direct, and often a standalone meaning in a clue. So, we’re seeking a seven-letter word that means ‘gift’. Keep that firmly in mind as we delve into the rest of the clue.
Next comes the magic: the wordplay. “in butter I spread around”. This is where the setter truly earns their stripes, crafting a phrase that, while perfectly sensible on its own, holds the key to unlocking the definition through a different lens. The phrase “spread around” is a huge signal for seasoned solvers. It’s a classic indicator, pointing us towards a particular type of
cryptic crossword clue
construction. This is where the letters get to play musical chairs, rearranging themselves to form our elusive answer. Identifying these anagrinds – words that tell you to scramble letters – is one of the foundational
crossword solving tips
for tackling the more complex puzzles.
The trick, then, is to figure out
which
letters are being spread around. Is it all of them? Just a part? This is where the subtle brilliance of this specific
crossword clue
truly shines. It forces you to look beyond the immediate and consider which components of the fodder are truly ripe for rearrangement. It’s a testament to how seemingly ordinary words can be transformed into something entirely new and meaningful with just a little bit of lateral thinking.
For those who love to
solve crossword clues
, especially the cryptic variety, this sort of construction provides a mini-adventure. The joy isn’t just in finding the
crossword puzzle solution
, but in the journey of parsing, analyzing, and ultimately, seeing the elegant construction that leads to the answer. This clue is a fantastic example of how a simple definition can be paired with surprisingly rich and clever wordplay. It encourages you to break down the phrase, isolate the elements, and then reassemble them with fresh eyes.
So, take a moment. Look at “Gift in butter I spread around (7)” again. If you haven’t cracked it yet, don’t worry. The beauty of these
word puzzles
is in the mental workout. Think about the anagrind, consider the exact letters at play, and remember that ultimate definition. The “aha!” moment, when the letters align and the meaning suddenly becomes clear, is one of the most satisfying experiences a solver can have. It’s a reminder of the power of words and the ingenuity of the human mind, both in setting and solving.
We’ll dissect the full breakdown and reveal the answer in the next section, but for now, let’s savor the challenge.
Available Answers:
TRIBUTE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 22 September 2025