Today, we’re diving headfirst into a particularly engaging piece of wordplay that might have left a few solvers scratching their heads: “Incomplete job, less complicated with tufts (7)“. This crossword clue is a fantastic example of how compilers blend definition, wordplay, and misdirection into a single, compact challenge, promising a truly satisfying “aha!” moment when it finally clicks.
At first glance, this cryptic crossword clue might seem to demand a Herculean mental effort. But like many of the best crossword clues, it rewards a careful, systematic approach. The magic lies in breaking down its distinct components and understanding how they interact to form a coherent, seven-letter solution.
Let’s start with the numerical indicator: (7). This is our anchor, telling us precisely how many letters we’re looking for in our answer. This crucial piece of information guides our brainstorming, narrowing down the field of potential words considerably. When tackling any challenging crossword clue, always keep that number front and centre.
Next, we separate the clue into what are typically two main parts: the definition and the wordplay. In cryptic crossword clues, one part will define the answer, while the other will provide a cunning linguistic trick that leads you to the same word. The challenge is often figuring out which is which, and then cracking both.
Consider the phrase “Incomplete job”. This is a classic indicator of wordplay in the world of crossword clues. When you see “incomplete,” “unfinished,” or “short of” alongside a noun, it often points to a word from which a letter (usually the last) has been removed. Think of a common word for a “job” or “task,” and then imagine it without its final flourish. This truncated version then needs to fit seamlessly into the broader solution, or perhaps act as an anagram indicator, or even a starting point for further manipulation. Cryptic crossword clues frequently employ such devices to test your flexibility of thought.
Then we have “less complicated with tufts.” This is almost certainly the definitional element of our crossword clue. We’re looking for something that can be described as both “less complicated” and possessing “tufts.” What kind of words spring to mind when you think of “tufts”? We might consider textures – fuzzy, woolly, shaggy – or objects that naturally feature small, distinct bundles of material. And how does “less complicated” fit into that picture? Does it describe the
nature
of the tufts, or the
overall simplicity
of the item being described? This dual aspect of the definition is what makes this crossword clue so intriguing. It requires you to find a word that perfectly embodies both concepts simultaneously.
The real art of solving this kind of cryptic crossword clue lies in bringing these two disparate elements together. Can you find a word that fits the description “less complicated with tufts” and simultaneously incorporates or is derived from an “incomplete job”? It’s a puzzle of convergence, where the literal definition meets the clever wordplay.
Approaching complex crossword clues like this one requires patience and a willingness to play with words. Don’t be afraid to jot down synonyms for “job” and “tufts,” and then experiment with removing letters or combining concepts. The satisfaction of unravelling such a finely crafted crossword clue is immense, proving that even the most perplexing puzzles can yield to a methodical mind.
This particular crossword clue is a testament to the ingenuity of crossword setters, offering a rewarding mental workout. Keep those two components – the “incomplete job” wordplay and the “less complicated with tufts” definition – firmly in your mind, and you’re well on your way to uncovering its brilliant solution. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
TASSELS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 26 September 2025