Welcome back, fellow word sleuths, to another dive into the fascinating world of
crossword clue
analysis! Today, we’re dissecting a brilliant little gem that perfectly illustrates how much rich meaning can be packed into just a few words. The clue that caught my eye, and likely yours too, is: “I tear around, being very angry (5).”
What a fantastic
crossword clue
this is, offering a delightful blend of action, emotion, and just enough ambiguity to make you pause and truly think. At first glance, you might find yourself considering the verb “tear” in its dual capacities. Does it refer to the act of ripping something apart, as in tearing paper? Or does it imply moving with great speed and urgency, as in “tearing down the street”? The inclusion of “being very angry” is the key to unlocking its true intent and understanding which interpretation of “tear” the setter is leaning towards, or perhaps ingeniously combining.
When we’re tackling a
crossword clue
like this, the first step is often to identify the definitional component. Here, “being very angry” is a strong candidate. We’re looking for a five-letter word that conveys intense rage or fury. But it’s not just about the emotion; the clue explicitly links it to an action: “I tear around.” This suggests a physical manifestation of that anger, a way in which someone might move when consumed by rage. Think about how a person might act when they’re truly incensed – what kind of movements or behaviors accompany such a powerful emotion?
The phrase “tear around” strongly implies rapid, perhaps uncontrolled, motion. Combine this with the idea of extreme anger, and you start to paint a picture of someone whose fury propels them into a specific kind of agitated movement. This is where the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
shines. It’s not simply asking for a synonym for “angry.” It’s asking for a word that encapsulates both the internal state of anger and the external, dynamic way that anger might express itself through motion.
Consider the five-letter constraint. This numerical hint is always invaluable in
crossword puzzles
, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. It forces precision. You might think of several words related to anger or rapid movement, but only one will fit both the definition, the action, and the specific letter count. This is why
solving crosswords
is such a rewarding exercise – it demands not just a broad vocabulary, but also a keen eye for nuance and a good understanding of how words interact.
This particular
crossword clue
is a prime example of the kind of linguistic challenge that makes daily crosswords so engaging. It encourages you to think beyond the obvious, to explore the subtle connections between words and concepts. Is there a single word that describes both the act of moving quickly and wildly,
and
the state of being intensely angry? What five-letter word bridges that gap so perfectly, making you nod your head in appreciation once the solution clicks?
Take a moment to ponder the possibilities. How do you physically express extreme anger in a way that suggests tearing or rapid movement? The synergy between “tear around” and “being very angry” is what makes this
crossword clue
so compelling and satisfying to unravel. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
IRATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 11 July 2025