Some crossword clues demand a second, third, and even fourth look. They sit there, unassuming, yet concealing a depth of wordplay that can either ignite a flash of insight or plunge you into a delightful abyss of contemplation. It’s these specific challenges that elevate the daily puzzle experience from a simple test of vocabulary to a true exercise in linguistic gymnastics. And when a crossword clue manages to pack such layers into a seemingly straightforward statement, it truly stands out.
Consider the crossword clue: “Illustration was more than enough (7).” At first glance, it might appear disarmingly simple, perhaps even leading one down a garden path toward obvious synonyms for “illustration.” But for any seasoned solver, the seven-letter constraint immediately signals that direct substitution is unlikely. The real magic, and the real challenge, lies in deciphering how the various components of this crossword clue interact to lead to a very particular seven-letter solution.
The word “illustration” itself is multifaceted. Beyond its most common meaning of a picture or drawing, it also signifies an example, a demonstration, or a clarification. In the intricate world of crossword clues, every potential meaning, every nuance, becomes a viable avenue for wordplay. Is the clue asking us to consider “illustration” in its visual sense, or perhaps its explanatory capacity? The answer often hinges on the cryptic interpretation of the rest of the phrase.
Then there’s the crucial phrase: “was more than enough.” This isn’t merely descriptive; in the context of a cryptic crossword clue, such phrases are often indicators of specific operations. Does it suggest an excess, a surplus, or perhaps a sufficiency? Is it hinting at something left over after a process, or defining a state of complete adequacy? Understanding these cryptic signals is paramount to unlocking the solution to any challenging crossword clue. It forces a shift from literal interpretation to a more abstract, puzzle-centric mode of thought.
Many a clever crossword clue of this type relies on misdirection. Solvers might initially try to find a word that
means
“illustration” and
also
implies “more than enough.” However, the power of a well-constructed cryptic crossword clue often lies in its ability to split the phrase into distinct definitional and wordplay components. One part might be fodder for an anagram or a hidden word, while another acts as the precise definition of the resulting word.
The elegance of a crossword clue like “Illustration was more than enough (7)” is in how it invites you to dissect each word, to play with its sounds and spellings, and to consider its less common usages. It’s a puzzle within a puzzle: first, to recognize the type of wordplay being employed, and then to execute that operation to arrive at the correct word. The satisfaction doesn’t just come from filling in the blanks, but from understanding the ingenious mechanism the clue designer has crafted. This particular seven-letter crossword clue demands that kind of careful, methodical approach, challenging you to look beyond the obvious and embrace the subtle artistry of cryptic construction. It’s a testament to how much depth can be found in a mere handful of words within a single crossword clue.
Available Answers:
EXAMPLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 15 October 2025