There are those moments in solving crosswords when a single clue just stops you dead in your tracks. You’ve sailed through the grid, feeling smug about your linguistic prowess, only to hit a brick wall that leaves you staring blankly, cup of tea growing cold. Today, for many, that moment undoubtedly arrived with the eight-letter enigma: “Haul away, sometimes held by regular (8).” This particular crossword clue isn’t just a simple definition; it’s a masterclass in subtle misdirection and clever wordplay, precisely the kind that makes the daily crossword puzzle both maddening and utterly addictive.
When confronted with a challenging crossword clue like this, the first instinct is often to dissect it. “Haul away” immediately brings to mind actions of removal, pulling, or perhaps even dismissal. Our minds race through synonyms:
remove, extract, tug, drag, clear, discard
. But none of these seem to immediately leap out as having an obvious connection to the latter half of the clue, especially when constrained by the eight-letter count. This is where the true beauty – and torment – of cryptic-style crossword clues really shines. The definition is clear enough, but the path to it is anything but straightforward.
Then we turn to the wordplay: “sometimes held by regular.” Ah, “regular.” A word brimming with possibilities in the crossword constructor’s lexicon. Does “regular” refer to something ordinary, commonplace, a consistent pattern? Or perhaps a “regular” in the sense of a steadfast customer or a soldier? Each interpretation opens up a new avenue of thought, a new mental rabbit hole to explore. The phrase “held by” is equally intriguing. Is something literally contained within the letters of “regular”? Or does “held by” suggest support, possession, or even a phonetic link? And “sometimes”? That little adverb can be a giant signal for an example, an abbreviation, or even just a part of a larger word or concept. It’s a classic trick of the trade, a way to hint at a component without explicitly stating it.
This “Haul away, sometimes held by regular (8)” crossword clue is a prime example of how constructors craft elegant puzzles that force us to think laterally. It requires us to move beyond the surface meaning of each word and consider its myriad interpretations within the confines of a crossword grid. It’s not enough to simply know definitions; you need to understand the constructor’s language, their particular brand of logic. The genius lies in how all these disparate elements – the evocative “haul away,” the multifaceted “regular,” and the suggestive “held by” and “sometimes” – must coalesce into a single, cohesive eight-letter solution.
Many solvers will find themselves circling back to “regular,” trying to extract specific letters or concepts from it. Is it the
regular
letters of a word, i.e., every other letter? Is it a common term that incorporates a part of the definition? The ambiguity is intentional, designed to make you work for that satisfying “aha!” moment. It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you want to throw your pen down in frustration one minute, and then pump your fist in triumph the next. The journey to understanding how “sometimes held by regular” leads to “haul away” is what makes this particular challenge so memorable.
Unpacking such a finely tuned crossword clue is more than just finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry of construction. It’s about dissecting the wordplay, understanding the potential components, and seeing how the definition guides you without giving everything away. For those who found themselves scratching their heads over this one, rest assured you’re in good company. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a wonderfully crafted mini-puzzle in itself, designed to test your deduction skills and your understanding of the subtle nuances of language.
The path to solving “Haul away, sometimes held by regular (8)” involves carefully considering each element, exploring the double meanings, and ultimately piecing together the constructor’s ingenious design. It’s a testament to the power of a well-written crossword clue to both challenge and delight. If you’ve been wrestling with this one, you’re about to discover the elegant simplicity hidden beneath its deceptive complexity.
Available Answers:
HABITUAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 18 September 2025