Every now and then, a crossword clue lands that truly tests the mettle of even the most seasoned solvers. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such brain-teaser: “Hole contained tiny retreating lapwing (6)“. This isn’t just any old cryptic crossword clue; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and layered wordplay, designed to make you re-read it multiple times, each time peeling back a new potential meaning.
Let’s be honest, the word ‘hole’ immediately sets the cryptic gears grinding. Is it a literal cavity? A specific word like ‘gap’ or ‘pit’? Or does it hint at a container, a space
within
which something else resides? In the world of crossword clue construction, ‘contained’ is a classic indicator of an insertion, suggesting that one element is nestled snugly inside another. The cleverness here lies in how the setter uses seemingly straightforward vocabulary to point to a much more intricate construction, setting the stage for what proves to be a truly satisfying challenge for any enthusiast of a good crossword clue.
Then we encounter ‘tiny’. This diminutive descriptor often signals a short version of a word, an abbreviation, or even a single letter. But coupled with ‘retreating’, the plot thickens considerably. ‘Retreating’ is a go-to cryptic indicator for reversal. Are we looking at a word spelled backward? Or perhaps a part of a word that needs to be reversed before being placed inside our ‘hole’? The synergy between these two words alone presents a delightful puzzle, demanding careful consideration of their potential interplay within the wider crossword clue context. It’s a perfect example of how a well-crafted crossword clue uses every word to its fullest potential.
And finally, the ‘lapwing’. A specific bird. Is its name an anagram? Is it a definition? Or perhaps a source for some letters that, when ‘retreated’ and made ‘tiny’, fit into the ‘hole’? The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in how it weaves these disparate elements into a cohesive whole, challenging you to deconstruct each component while simultaneously holding the entire cryptic structure in your mind. It’s a prime example of why cryptic crosswords remain such an enduring and rewarding pastime for millions, each crossword clue a miniature puzzle box in itself, waiting to be unlocked.
The journey to unraveling a complex crossword clue like this is often as rewarding as the solution itself. That moment when the penny drops, and all the seemingly disconnected pieces suddenly click into place – that’s the magic. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill and your own deductive reasoning. Did this crossword clue give you pause? Did you find yourself staring at it, trying to make sense of the ‘retreating lapwing’ or the ‘contained tiny hole’? Share your initial thoughts on this challenging crossword clue before we delve deeper into its elegant solution.
Available Answers:
PEEWIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 9 January 2026
–Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 13 July 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 12 June 2025