Hello, fellow word wranglers and linguistic adventurers! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a perfectly crafted
crossword clue
, is there? The way a few carefully chosen words can twist and turn, leading your mind down a delightful labyrinth before the triumphant ‘aha!’ moment. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one such a gem that recently graced our puzzling sessions, prompting head-scratches and a fair bit of admiration for the setter’s genius: “Go late, terribly smoothly (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem deceptively straightforward. “Go late” – perhaps a synonym for procrastination or a delay? And “terribly smoothly” – that sounds like an adverbial phrase describing a movement or process, doesn’t it? But as any seasoned solver knows, in the world of cryptic crossword puzzles, the surface reading is almost always a cunning misdirection. It’s designed to lure you into a trap, while the true meaning lies hidden beneath layers of clever wordplay, often involving anagrams, hidden words, or cunning double definitions.
This particular six-letter
crossword clue
is a splendid example of how setters weave together seemingly disparate ideas into a coherent, yet wonderfully perplexing, whole. Is “terribly” an anagram indicator, pointing to some jumbled letters? Or is it simply an intensifier, directing us to focus on the ‘smoothly’ aspect? And how does ‘go late’ fit into the equation? Is it the definition, or part of the wordplay, hinting at something that takes its time or occurs after an expected point? The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its ambiguity, forcing you to consider multiple interpretations before the penny finally drops.
For those of us who live and breathe crosswords, the challenge isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about dissecting the clue itself. It’s about understanding the grammar of the cryptic language, recognizing the tell-tale signs of an anagram, identifying the precise definition, and appreciating the elegant way the setter has disguised the solution. This “Go late, terribly smoothly (6)“
crossword clue
absolutely delivers on all fronts, offering a delightful mental workout that epitomizes the joy of cryptic solving. It’s the kind of clue that makes you nod in appreciation once you’ve cracked it, wondering how you didn’t see it sooner.
So, before we delve deeper into the mechanics of this brilliant puzzle, take a moment. Ponder this six-letter marvel. What initial thoughts spring to mind? How do you approach a
crossword clue
that seems to offer two distinct paths? Share your first impressions, and let’s revel in the fascinating world of cryptic crosswords together. The journey to the answer is often as rewarding as the solution itself!
Available Answers:
LEGATO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 22 August 2025