There are some crossword clues that, even before you write a single letter, fill you with a certain familiar warmth. They represent a classic trope, a well-trodden path in the world of puzzling, yet still offer that delightful little mental workout. Today, we’re diving into precisely such a gem: “Host of a variety show (7).”
At first glance, this crossword clue seems straightforward enough. Seven letters, a specific role, a clear context. But as any seasoned solver knows, simplicity can often mask a delightful layer of complexity or, at the very least, lead you down a few captivating wrong turns before the
aha!
moment. It’s clues like these that remind us why we love daily crosswords so much. They’re accessible, yet they demand just the right amount of lateral thinking and recall.
When you encounter a crossword clue like “Host of a variety show (7),” your mind likely races through a parade of performers. Variety shows themselves are a rich vein for pop culture references, spanning decades of entertainment history. From the golden age of television to more contemporary iterations, these programs have always revolved around a central figure – the person tasked with keeping the energy high, the acts flowing, and the audience thoroughly entertained. They’re masters of ceremonies, ringleaders, and often, performers in their own right, capable of singing, dancing, or comedic banter.
The seven-letter constraint is, as always, our first critical filter. It immediately eliminates a vast number of possibilities and guides our thoughts towards words of a very specific length. This is where your inner lexicon gets a serious workout. Are we thinking of a general term for such a role, or perhaps a more specific, albeit common, title that fits the bill? Many excellent crossword clues rely on finding that sweet spot between a common noun and a particular epithet.
The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in its ability to evoke a certain nostalgia for a bygone era of television, even if the answer itself is quite timeless. Think about the characteristics of such a host: charisma, quick wit, an ability to command a stage, and an undeniable presence. These are the qualities that transcend specific names and show formats, making the role universally recognizable. This universal recognition is often a key ingredient in a satisfying crossword clue – it’s a concept everyone understands, but the
exact word
might require a moment of focused recall.
For solvers tackling this kind of crossword clue, the process usually involves a mental scan of famous figures who embody the role. But remember, the clue isn’t asking for a
name
. It’s asking for a
title
or
description
of the host. This distinction is vital for accurate crossword puzzle solving. You’re searching for the job title, not the person who held it. It’s about the function, the archetype, the very essence of what a “Host of a variety show” embodies in a mere seven letters. It’s a fantastic example of a well-crafted crossword clue that is both evocative and precise. Mastering these types of crossword clues is a stepping stone to conquering even the most challenging grids.
Available Answers:
COMPERE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 11 July 2025