When Your Hair Says “House Call… Denied!” – Decoding a Crossword Clue
Ah, the cryptic crossword. A daily mental workout, a linguistic labyrinth, and a constant source of both triumph and head-scratching frustration. Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing clue:
“Hairstyle of doctor greeting reject (7)“
.
This clue, deceptively simple on the surface, is a masterclass in crossword construction. It requires a multi-layered approach, demanding not only a basic understanding of vocabulary but also an ability to think laterally and interpret hidden meanings. We’re not just looking for a type of haircut; we’re dissecting a phrase, playing with word associations, and ultimately, engaging in a clever bit of code-breaking.
Let’s break down the key components of this cryptic puzzle:
“Hairstyle”
: This is our straight definition. It tells us the answer is a specific way someone’s hair is styled or cut. It’s the end product of our search, the “what” we are looking for. Crucially, it confines our thinking to the realm of follicular fashion.
“Doctor greeting”
: This is where the wordplay begins. Think about the most common phrases a doctor might use upon meeting a patient. “Hello”, “Greetings”, “Good morning”… any of these could potentially be a starting point. Consider the formality and frequency of each option. Which greeting resonates most strongly with the common perception of a doctor’s bedside manner?
“Reject”
: This is our crucial indicator of a manipulation taking place. The “doctor greeting” is not being presented to us directly. Instead, it’s being
rejected
. This suggests a reversal, a removal, or a transformation of some kind. “Reject” implies an action performed
on
the greeting, not simply another word associated with it. Consider synonyms for “reject”: dismiss, refuse, turn down, eliminate. Each synonym hints at a different type of manipulation you might need to perform.
(7)
: This number is our lifeline. It tells us that the answer, the “hairstyle”, is a seven-letter word. This drastically reduces the pool of possibilities. We can immediately discard any potential answers that fall outside this length constraint. This number also applies
after
we’ve performed the manipulation indicated by “reject”. We must manipulate the “doctor greeting” until it results in a seven-letter word that represents a hairstyle.
Now, let’s consider potential avenues for exploration. What happens when you take a common doctor’s greeting and reverse it? What happens if you remove a letter or two? Can you rearrange the remaining letters to form a seven-letter word describing a hairstyle?
The beauty of cryptic crosswords lies in the multiplicity of potential solutions. Don’t get fixated on the first possibility that comes to mind. Explore different interpretations of “doctor greeting” and different methods of “rejection”. Try writing out the greeting, physically manipulating the letters, and considering different word combinations.
This particular clue is a fantastic example of how cryptic crosswords engage our creative problem-solving abilities. It’s a challenge that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to think outside the box. Good luck untangling this hairy situation! Remember to consider all angles and experiment with different word manipulations. The satisfaction of cracking this clue will be well worth the effort!
Available Answers:
MOHICAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 23 July 2025