Deciphering the Daily Grind: Untangling a Tricky Five-Letter Crossword Clue
Welcome, fellow cruciverbalists, to another deep dive into the fascinating world of crossword clues! Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing five-letter gem: “In practice one deputises (5).”
This clue presents a classic crossword challenge: it’s deceptively simple on the surface, yet holds layers of meaning that require careful unpicking. The brevity of the clue adds to the intrigue. Five letters offer a limited canvas, forcing us to consider every nuance and possible interpretation.
The phrase “In practice” immediately suggests something related to routine, habit, or real-world application. It implies a process, a customary action, or a situation encountered regularly. Think about your daily life. What activities are you “in practice” of doing? What skills are you constantly honing through repeated use?
Then we have the intriguing phrase “one deputises.” The word “deputises” is the crux of the matter. It speaks to delegation, entrusting responsibility to another, or acting as a substitute. Consider the scenarios where someone might deputise. A boss might deputise an employee. A parent might deputise an older sibling. A leader might deputise a second-in-command.
The key lies in understanding how the act of deputising connects to the idea of “practice.” How does delegating responsibility relate to everyday routines or established processes? Is there a common five-letter word that embodies both the concept of regularly performing a task and the act of entrusting it to someone else?
To crack this crossword clue, we need to consider multiple angles. Let’s break down the potential thought processes:
Synonyms for “Practice”:
Think beyond just “training.” Consider words like “custom,” “method,” “exercise,” “procedure,” “routine,” and even “performance.” Could any of these, when cleverly manipulated, lead to a five-letter word connected to deputising?
Synonyms for “Deputise”:
Expand your vocabulary. Think of words like “delegate,” “assign,” “empower,” “substitute,” “replace,” or “authorise.” Are there any subtle five-letter synonyms lurking in this list that also resonate with the idea of practical application?
Wordplay and Hidden Meanings:
Crossword setters are masters of wordplay. Could there be a hidden homophone (words that sound alike but are spelled differently)? Could the clue be an anagram in disguise? Consider all the possibilities, even the seemingly far-fetched ones.
Context is King:
Don’t forget to consider the surrounding clues. The intersecting letters from already solved clues can provide invaluable hints. They can narrow down the possibilities and steer you towards the correct solution.
Think Verbally and Noun-ally:
Is the word a verb, or a noun? Both “practice” and “deputises” can be used in either case.
This crossword clue is a testament to the cleverness of crossword constructors. It requires us to engage our minds, expand our vocabularies, and think critically about the relationships between words. So, put on your thinking caps, explore the possibilities, and see if you can unravel this intriguing five-letter puzzle! Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
LOCUM.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 19 September 2025