Unraveling a Tricky Cryptic Crossword Clue: ‘Hear those making reparation to novelists (7)‘
Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a particularly knotty cryptic crossword clue, is there? Today, we’re diving into one that truly tested my linguistic gears, a real head-scratcher that perfectly exemplifies the delightful trickery these puzzles employ. If you’ve ever stared blankly at a daily crossword clue, feeling that familiar mix of frustration and fascination, then you’re in good company. This one, in particular, showcases how even a seemingly straightforward phrase can hide a cleverly disguised answer.
The crossword clue we’re dissecting today is:
“Hear those making reparation to novelists (7)“
.
At first glance, this cryptic crossword clue might seem impenetrable. Seven letters, a somewhat abstract phrase about “reparation,” and then “novelists”—it’s a rich tapestry of potential misdirection and ingenious wordplay. Let’s break down how we might approach such a challenging crossword clue, focusing on the elements that make it sing.
Firstly, whenever you encounter a crossword clue starting with words like “Hear,” “Sounds like,” “Audibly,” or “Reportedly,” your cryptic senses should immediately tingle. These are classic indicators of a
homophone clue
. This means the solution isn’t just about finding a direct synonym, but rather a word or phrase that
sounds like
another part of the clue. For our current cryptic crossword clue, “Hear” is undoubtedly pointing us towards an auditory connection. So, a key strategy here is to identify which part of the clue we need to ‘hear’ and what that might sound like. This is where the real fun, and sometimes the real challenge, of a cryptic crossword clue lies.
Next, let’s look at the definition part of this crossword clue. The phrase “to novelists” clearly functions as the definition. We’re looking for a seven-letter word that broadly relates to novelists, writers, storytellers, or perhaps even their craft or audience. This is usually the most straightforward part of a cryptic crossword clue, guiding us towards the semantic field of the answer. Don’t be too narrow in your thinking here; cryptic definitions can be quite broad. “Novelists” might imply people who write novels, people who tell stories, or even terms associated with those professions. Keeping an open mind is crucial when tackling any complex crossword clue.
Now, for the really cunning part of this particular crossword clue: “those making reparation.” This phrase is what we need to ‘hear’ (or at least, sound like something that relates to it). This is where the magic of a cryptic crossword clue truly unfolds. How can “those making reparation” sound like a word that defines “novelists”? This requires a flexible imagination and a willingness to explore various synonyms, related concepts, and even slightly archaic uses of words. Think about what “reparation” means: making amends, fixing something, restoring. Who or what performs these actions? And what could those words
sound like
when spoken aloud? This is the tricky balance that makes this crossword clue so rewarding when you finally get it.
When you’re faced with a tough crossword clue like this, try isolating the different components.
1.
Homophone Indicator:
“Hear”
2.
Sound-alike Phrase:
“those making reparation”
3.
Definition:
“to novelists”
4.
Length:
(7)
Start by brainstorming seven-letter words related to novelists. Then, for each potential word, consider if there’s a plausible homophone that links back to “those making reparation.” It’s often an iterative process of trial and error. Don’t be afraid to jot down ideas and sound them out loud. Sometimes, just hearing the words spoken helps to unlock the connection in a complex crossword clue.
This particular cryptic crossword clue is a prime example of why we love these puzzles. It demands not just vocabulary, but an understanding of wordplay mechanics and a creative leap. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about deciphering a linguistic riddle. I won’t give away the answer here—the joy is in the solve! But I hope this breakdown helps you appreciate the cleverness embedded in such a challenging crossword clue and gives you some strategies for tackling similar ones in your future puzzling adventures. Keep those brains buzzing, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
WRITERS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 8 November 2025