Okay, let’s delve into another intriguing crossword clue! Get your thinking caps on, because this one is all about imagery and wordplay.
Today’s puzzle piece revolves around the phrase: “
Gushes about opening of rose’s buds (7)
“. Immediately, we’re drawn into the world of floriculture, specifically the delicate beauty of roses. The length indicator, (7), tells us we’re searching for a seven-letter word. That’s our foundational constraint.
The clue itself paints a vivid picture. We have the “opening of rose’s buds,” which suggests a process of unfolding, revealing, or perhaps even a bursting forth. Think about the visual of a rosebud, tightly closed, slowly unfurling its petals to the sun. What verbs and adjectives might we associate with this transition?
Now, let’s consider the “gushes about” element. This indicates a strong expression of enthusiasm, admiration, or even effusiveness. It implies that the solution isn’t simply about the
act
of the rose opening, but rather someone or something
celebrating
that event. This element adds a layer of emotional context to the clue, potentially pointing us towards words with positive connotations and strong verbs of expression.
Breaking down the clue further, we can look at synonyms for both “gushes about” and “opening”. For “gushes about,” we might consider words like: raves, admires, praises, extols, celebrates, enthuses, or even is lyrical about. For “opening,” we could think of: blooming, unfurling, blossoming, emerging, or unveiling.
The key is to find a seven-letter word that encompasses both the enthusiastic expression AND the imagery of the rosebud’s unfolding. It’s a combination of action and emotion, a celebration of natural beauty.
Let’s explore some potential avenues of thought:
Figurative Language:
Could the clue be using figurative language? Is there a metaphorical connection between the rosebud’s opening and something else that might be “gushed about”? Thinking outside the literal box is crucial for cracking cryptic clues.
Wordplay:
Is there any hidden wordplay within the clue? Double meanings, hidden words, or reversed letters are common tricks employed by crossword setters. Pay close attention to the precise wording; every word could be a potential clue.
Associations:
What words immediately come to mind when you think of roses? Romance, beauty, spring, gardens, perfume… are any of these related to the concepts of “gushing about” or “opening”?
Context:
Consider the overall theme or difficulty of the crossword puzzle. Is it a general knowledge puzzle, or does it focus on a specific topic like nature, literature, or history? The context can sometimes provide valuable clues.
Remember, the art of solving crosswords lies in meticulous analysis, creative thinking, and a dash of lateral thinking. Good luck! Let me know how you worked it out!
Available Answers:
SPROUTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 31 July 2025