Some crossword clues just demand a second, third, and even fourth look. They sit there, seemingly innocent, yet packed with layers of misdirection and brilliant wordplay. Today’s featured challenge, “Haughty rook swooping (13)“, is a masterclass in elegant deception, a real treat for anyone who appreciates the finer points of cryptic crosswords.
At first glance, this 13-letter crossword clue conjures vivid imagery: a proud bird descending from the sky. And indeed, the avian interpretation of ‘rook’ is a perfectly valid initial thought. Who hasn’t pictured a raven-like bird, perhaps with a touch of avian arrogance, diving earthward? But as seasoned solvers know, the best cryptic crossword clues rarely offer their secrets so readily. The word ‘rook’ itself is a prime candidate for a double meaning, a classic piece of misdirection that separates the casual solver from the true aficionado. Is it the black-feathered corvid, or perhaps something more strategic, found on a checkered board? The ambiguity is deliciously frustrating and a hallmark of a great cryptic crossword clue.
Then we have ‘haughty’. This adjective sets a particular tone, suggesting an air of superiority, pride, or even disdain. How does this characteristic intertwine with the action of ‘swooping’? Is it merely descriptive of the subject’s attitude, or does it hold a deeper, more structural role in forming the answer to this complex crossword clue? Thirteen letters is a substantial length, often hinting at a compound word, a descriptive phrase, or perhaps an anagram of impressive scope – though here, the structure leans more towards a definition and wordplay combination, typical of a challenging cryptic crossword clue.
The real beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in how these elements, ‘haughty’, ‘rook’, and ‘swooping’, conspire to create a single, cohesive answer. It’s a testament to the artistry of crossword setters, who can weave together disparate concepts into a surprisingly fitting whole. Unpacking a clue like this isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about understanding the subtle interplay of language, the way words can be bent and repurposed to lead you down a delightful path of discovery. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s an invitation to a linguistic puzzle that reveals its genius upon closer inspection.
Available Answers:
CONDESCENDING.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 16 November 2025