Your Daily Dose of Crossword Clue Fun: Analyzing “Hinder politician, and journalist that’s outside (6)“
There’s a particular thrill that accompanies the unravelling of a cleverly crafted
crossword clue
. It’s more than just finding the right word; it’s about deciphering the linguistic puzzle, appreciating the wit of the setter, and feeling that satisfying click as all the pieces fall into place. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing
crossword clue
that recently caught my attention and offered a wonderful mental workout: “Hinder politician, and journalist that’s outside (6).”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents a fascinating blend of concepts: an action, a profession, and a spatial descriptor, all converging on a six-letter solution. Let’s break down its components, exploring the myriad ways a setter might guide—or delightfully misdirect—us towards the answer.
The opening word, “Hinder,” often suggests a direct definition in a
crossword clue
. It points to an obstruction, an impediment, or a slowing down. Our minds immediately start sifting through synonyms that fit this meaning. However, in the world of cryptic crosswords, what appears to be a straightforward definition can sometimes be a clever component of the wordplay, or even a subtle hint within a larger phrase. Is “Hinder” truly the defining element, or is it merely setting the stage for something more intricate? This initial ambiguity is part of what makes a good
crossword clue
so engaging.
Next, we encounter “politician.” This term can be a goldmine for setters. Does it imply an abbreviation commonly associated with political figures? Could it be part of an anagram indicator, hinting that the letters within “politician” need to be rearranged? Or perhaps it’s a specific individual, or a class of person, whose name or role might contribute to our six-letter target? Understanding the potential roles of proper nouns or specific categories of people is key when tackling this kind of
crossword clue
. Political terms and figures are frequent fodder for inventive wordplay, challenging solvers to think beyond the obvious.
The phrase “journalist that’s outside” adds another layer of complexity and charm to this
crossword clue
. A journalist by profession is someone who gathers and reports news. But what does “that’s outside” signify? Does it mean a journalist who literally works outdoors? Or one who operates externally to a specific organization or system? ‘Outside’ in a cryptic
crossword clue
can be a powerful positional indicator, suggesting that certain letters or words should enclose others. It could also hint at a type of publication that focuses on external events or perspectives. We must consider the various interpretations of ‘outside’ and how it might modify the concept of a ‘journalist’ to fit our solution. The beauty of such a phrase lies in its evocative nature, prompting us to consider less common interpretations or specific journalistic roles.
Finally, the most concrete piece of information in any
crossword clue
: the (6). This tells us the exact number of letters in our desired answer. It’s the critical filter, allowing us to discard possibilities that don’t fit and to narrow down our search significantly. When piecing together definitions and wordplay, ensuring the letter count aligns is paramount.
Solving a multi-layered
crossword clue
like “Hinder politician, and journalist that’s outside (6)” is a journey of deduction and imaginative leaps. It requires us to consider synonyms, abbreviations, homophones, anagrams, and clever hidden constructions. The challenge is in finding the perfect synthesis where the definition part of the clue harmonizes flawlessly with the wordplay, all while respecting that crucial six-letter constraint.
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how seemingly disparate elements can be woven into a cohesive and satisfying puzzle. It encourages us to explore the nuances of language and to appreciate the artistry behind a well-constructed clue. So, take a moment, ponder the possibilities, and enjoy the process of unlocking this clever linguistic riddle. What connections can you make? What word perfectly encapsulates all these intriguing facets? The joy of a great
crossword clue
is in the discovery, not just the solution.
Available Answers:
IMPEDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 8 October 2025