Stumped by “Half the brides have small fortune (7)“? Let’s Crack This Crossword Clue!
Ah, the crossword. A delightful puzzle, a brain teaser, a source of both satisfaction and frustration. Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing clue: “Half the brides have small fortune (7)“. Seven letters, a cryptic element involving “half the brides,” and the tantalizing promise of a “small fortune.” Where to begin?
This clue is a classic example of a cryptic crossword clue, meaning it plays on words and uses misdirection to lead you away from the obvious. The surface reading – “Half the brides have small fortune” – sounds like a statement about wealth distribution at weddings. But that’s precisely the deceptive part! The clue is designed to make you think in terms of economics, while the solution lies elsewhere entirely.
Let’s break down the components:
“Half the brides”
: This is clearly not literal. We need to find a word or phrase that relates to “brides” and can be somehow halved. Think about common terms associated with weddings, bridal parties, or the word “bride” itself. Can any part of it be divided?
“small fortune”
: This phrase hints at the answer’s nature. It suggests something valuable, but not excessively so. This might indicate a length or a type of word. Consider the connotations of “small fortune”—it usually implies something precious, possibly rare or unique, but not necessarily large in physical size.
To solve this, we need to move away from the surface meaning and explore the potential cryptic elements. Consider wordplay, anagrams, hidden words, or reversals. Is there a word relating to weddings that can be split in half, or a word that sounds like “half the brides” when manipulated?
The number of letters, seven, is a crucial piece of information. This limits the possibilities significantly. Make a list of words associated with weddings, keeping the seven-letter constraint in mind. Then, examine each word for any possible connection to the phrase “small fortune.” Can you find a word that fits both the wedding theme and the implication of a small but valuable item?
Remember, cryptic crosswords often rely on double meanings and clever wordplay. Don’t be discouraged if the answer doesn’t immediately jump out at you. The process of unraveling these clues is half the fun. Take your time, consider the possibilities, and enjoy the mental exercise. Good luck! Let me know your thoughts and guesses in the comments below. I’d love to hear your approaches to this particularly challenging clue. And, of course, I’ll reveal the solution in a future post – but only after giving you all ample time to ponder!
Available Answers:
DESTINY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 15 November 2024