It’s one of those days where a single crossword clue can hold you captive, demanding your full attention until its clever layers finally unravel. The kind that makes you pause, scratch your head, then grin as the ‘aha!’ moment hits. Today, we’re dissecting a particularly intriguing one that has been popping up and causing quite a stir among solvers: “Having property taken away, response is so twisted (12)“.
This isn’t just any regular crossword clue; it’s a beautifully crafted example of the wordplay that makes crosswords so addictive. On the surface, it presents a clear definition, but the path to the solution lies hidden within a delightful twist – literally. Let’s break down why this specific crossword clue might have you momentarily stumped and how to approach its ingenious construction.
At first glance, the definition seems straightforward enough: “Having property taken away.” This immediately brings to mind terms related to legal proceedings, loss, or perhaps even forceful acquisition by another party. Your mind might jump to words like eviction, confiscation, or seizure. However, the accompanying phrase, “response is so twisted,” is the true key, and the length indicator (12) solidifies its role in guiding us to the correct answer for this complex crossword clue.
The phrase “response is so twisted” is a classic indicator of an anagram. In the world of crossword clues, words like “twisted,” “muddled,” “broken,” “shaken,” “rearranged,” “confused,” or “mixed up” almost always signal that you need to rearrange the letters of a nearby word or phrase to form part of the solution. Here, the cleverness lies in the
entire
phrase “response is so” being the fodder for the anagram. Count the letters: R-E-S-P-O-N-S-E-I-S-S-O. Twelve letters. Precisely the number needed for a 12-letter solution! This is a common and highly satisfying construction for a challenging crossword clue – where the entire indicator phrase doubles as the fodder.
So, for anyone grappling with this specific crossword clue, the strategy becomes clear. You have your definition: a state of losing property. And you have your anagram fodder: the letters from “RESPONSESISO.” Your task is to unscramble these twelve letters to form a word that perfectly matches the definition. It’s a classic cryptic crossword clue mechanism, testing both your vocabulary and your ability to spot clever linguistic manipulation.
When faced with such a tricky crossword clue, it’s often helpful to write down the letters of the anagram fodder on a piece of paper: R, E, S, P, O, N, S, E, I, S, S, O. Then, try to see if any common prefixes or suffixes jump out at you that might relate to the definition. Consider the common double letters, the vowels, and the consonants. Sometimes, just staring at the jumbled letters for a moment can trigger the recognition of a familiar pattern or root word.
This type of crossword clue is a brilliant example of how constructors weave together meaning and misdirection. The “twisted” part doesn’t just mean “rearranged”; it also cleverly hints at a certain kind of
response
to having property taken away – one that is perhaps convoluted, or indeed, twisted. It’s this dual layer of meaning that elevates a good crossword clue to a great one, offering a satisfying challenge that feels incredibly rewarding once solved.
So, if you’ve been stuck on this particular crossword clue, take a fresh look. Remember the anagram. Remember the definition. And trust that the answer, a single 12-letter word, is lurking within those letters, waiting to be untangled. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that reminds us why we love these linguistic puzzles so much – the elegant simplicity of a perfectly disguised answer, just waiting for the right key to unlock it. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
REPOSSESSION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 24 November 2025
–Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 26 August 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 28 June 2025