Hello, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of staring down a particularly enigmatic
crossword clue
, that perfect blend of wordplay and wit that promises a delicious mental workout. Today, we’re diving into a real head-scratcher that has been doing the rounds and piquing the curiosity of many a solver: “
I am married, verbal and unprincipled (7)
.”
Isn’t that a beauty? This isn’t just any ordinary
crossword clue
; it’s a prime example of the kind of clever, multi-layered construction that makes cryptic crosswords so utterly addictive. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward descriptor, but seasoned solvers know that appearances in the world of cryptic
crossword clues
can be delightfully deceptive.
Let’s break down our initial thoughts on approaching this intriguing
crossword clue
. First, we have the phrase “I am married.” In cryptic crosswords, a first-person declaration like “I am” can be a fantastic piece of misdirection. Sometimes, it literally means the letter ‘I’ is part of the answer, referring to itself. Other times, it’s part of the fodder for an anagram or a charade. It might even be a homophone, or hinting at something much more subtle. The key is to keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions too quickly when confronted with such a personal statement in a
crossword clue
.
Next, we encounter the word “verbal.” This is a particularly juicy part of this specific
crossword clue
. In the lexicon of cryptic crossword indicators, “verbal” often signals something to do with words being rearranged or spoken aloud. It’s a classic signpost for an anagram – indicating that the letters of another part of the clue need to be jumbled up to form the solution. However, it could also be a hint for a homophone, where something sounds like the answer, or even part of the definition itself. The ambiguity is part of the fun, isn’t it? Deciphering whether it’s an instruction or part of the descriptive wordplay is crucial to cracking this type of
crossword clue
.
Finally, we arrive at “unprincipled.” This element usually serves as the definition for the answer we’re seeking. In most cryptic
crossword clues
, you’ll find one part of the clue giving you the direct definition, while the rest provides the wordplay. “Unprincipled” gives us a clear sense of the
meaning
of the word we’re trying to find. It’s a seven-letter word, as indicated by the (7) at the end, which always narrows down the possibilities significantly.
So, we have “I am married,” “verbal,” and “unprincipled,” all combining to point towards a seven-letter answer. The challenge, as always with a brilliant cryptic
crossword clue
, is figuring out exactly how these pieces interlock. Is “verbal” purely an anagram indicator for “I am married”? Or is “I am married” part of the anagram fodder, with “verbal” also contributing to the letters or suggesting a different type of wordplay?
This is where the magic happens. A
crossword clue
like this forces you to consider multiple possibilities, to experiment with different combinations of letters and meanings. It’s a testament to the skill of the clue-setter, who has woven together a seemingly simple statement into a complex linguistic puzzle.
Take a moment to ponder this clever
crossword clue
. How would you approach it? What initial thoughts come to mind? Do you see the potential for a hidden word, a charade (where word parts are joined), or a full-blown anagram? Share your thought process, but remember – no spoilers yet! We’ll explore the brilliant solution and the clever wordplay behind it in an upcoming post. For now, let the contemplation begin!
Available Answers:
IMMORAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 29 August 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 9 August 2025