Unraveling the Wicked Web: A Deep Dive into Today’s Devilish Crossword Clue
Another day, another brilliant
crossword clue
to wrestle with! If you’re anything like me, the sheer joy of cracking a particularly devious bit of wordplay is what keeps you coming back to these marvelous
word puzzles
time and again. Today’s offering is no exception, a truly intriguing brain-teaser that sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole of cryptic thought. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that begs for a moment of quiet contemplation, a strong cup of coffee, and perhaps a good scratch of the head.
The
crossword clue
in question, a tantalizing twelve-letter beast, reads: “Infernal goings-on, wicked sins shed round about (12)“. Right off the bat, you can tell this isn’t your average straightforward definition. Oh no, this is the realm of the
cryptic crossword
solver, where every word is a potential breadcrumb or a clever misdirection.
The imagery here is wonderfully evocative, isn’t it? “Infernal goings-on” and “wicked sins” paint a vivid picture of something truly dark and perhaps a little chaotic. These phrases immediately set a tone, suggesting a solution that isn’t light and fluffy. When tackling a
challenging clue
like this, I always find it helpful to first absorb the overall ‘vibe’ the setter is going for. Is it humorous? Grandiose? Or, in this case, decidedly shadowy?
Let’s first consider the definitional aspects. “Infernal goings-on” and “wicked sins” both point towards a core concept. What kind of single, twelve-letter word could encompass such weighty, morally fraught notions? This part of the
clue analysis
is crucial. Think about the synonyms for ‘infernal’ – hellish, damnable, diabolical. And ‘wicked sins’ – depravity, immorality, transgression. Finding that perfect fit, that singular word that captures both sentiments, is often half the battle in
puzzle solving
.
Then we pivot to the magnificent wordplay. “Shed round about.” This phrase is a classic cryptic indicator, laden with potential. Does ‘shed’ suggest removal, as in shedding layers or discarding letters? Or perhaps it implies a specific type of container or structure? And ’round about’ – oh, the possibilities! It could hint at an
anagram
, a jumbling of letters to form something new. Or it might suggest a reversal, or indeed, the act of placing letters ’round’ other letters. The beauty of these
cryptic crossword
mechanisms is their versatility. The setter has masterfully woven these elements together, inviting us to unravel their intricate design.
Bringing these two elements together – the powerful definition and the artful
wordplay
– is where the magic of
solving crosswords
truly happens. We’re looking for a word that not only fits the definition perfectly but can also be derived precisely from the fodder and indicators provided. It’s a testament to the skill of the crossword setter that they can craft a
crossword clue
that feels so natural yet is so cleverly constructed. This particular clue, with its dark undertones and cunning construction, is a prime example of why we love the intellectual sport of the
daily crossword
.
So, before you scroll down for the reveal (if you haven’t already cracked it, you genius!), take another moment. Ponder those “infernal goings-on” and “wicked sins.” Think about how letters might be “shed round about.” This
crossword clue
is a delightful challenge, a truly satisfying solve once all the pieces click into place. Stay tuned as we break down exactly how this brilliant bit of
word puzzle
wizardry works. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
DEVILISHNESS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 15 October 2025