Some crossword clues just beckon you to unravel their layers, don’t they? Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing one that recently caught my eye: “Intended victim in open mine (6)“. This isn’t just any daily crossword clue; it’s a prime example of brilliant wordplay that requires a keen eye for cryptic nuances and a solid crossword solving strategy. For any dedicated puzzle solver, understanding how such a clue is constructed is as rewarding as finding the solution itself.
Let’s dissect this challenging clue, beginning with its definition: “Intended victim”. This part of the crossword clue guides us towards the meaning of the answer. An “intended victim” suggests someone or something specifically targeted for harm, exploitation, or sacrifice. Think about synonyms: a mark, a dupe, a target, or perhaps someone caught in a perilous situation by design. The definition points us firmly towards a noun, something that
is
an intended victim. The six-letter length, indicated by “(6)”, is crucial here, narrowing down our lexical search significantly. This initial step, accurately identifying the definition, is a fundamental crossword tip for tackling any cryptic crossword puzzle.
Now, for the wordplay: “in open mine”. This is where the magic, and often the trickery, of the cryptic crossword comes alive. We need to consider each component and how it might contribute to building our six-letter answer.
First, let’s look at “in”. In crossword puzzles, “in” often acts as an inclusion indicator, meaning one set of letters is placed inside another. For example, “fruit in box” might suggest a word for fruit being nestled within letters for a box. However, “in” can also simply be a part of the solution, representing the actual letters ‘I’ and ‘N’ within the final word. Deciding which role “in” plays is key to unlocking the clue.
Next, we have “open”. This word is a goldmine (pun intended!) for clever cryptic wordplay. In many crossword clues, “open” can signify:
Removal of outer letters
: If we had “open door”, it might suggest the letters ‘D’ and ‘R’ (from D-O-O-R) are removed, leaving ‘OO’. If applied to “mine”, “open mine” might strip away the ‘M’ and ‘E’, leaving just ‘IN’. But then, how does that fit a six-letter word for “intended victim”? This interpretation often requires a further component.
The first letter
: Sometimes “open” refers to the
opening
letter of a word. For instance, “open road” might just refer to ‘R’. “Open mine” could point to the letter ‘M’.
To reveal or expose
: “Open” can also denote something being exposed, visible, or unprotected. An “open mine” could be a literal mine that is uncovered or operational, bringing a specific image to mind.
Finally, “mine”. This word itself has multiple meanings that a crossword setter loves to exploit. It could refer to:
A geological excavation
: A pit where minerals are extracted.
A military explosive device
: A landmine or sea mine.
A possessive pronoun
: “That is mine.”
Each of these interpretations could lead us down a different path, and the cleverness of the crossword clue lies in guiding us to the correct one through the surrounding words.
So, how do “in,” “open,” and “mine” combine to form a six-letter “intended victim”? Are letters from “mine” being “opened up” by ‘IN’? Is “in” a literal part of a word derived from “open mine”? Is “open mine” a descriptive phrase for a situation where an “intended victim” would be found? The art of solving this particular crossword puzzle lies in skillfully blending these interpretations. It’s about looking for hidden relationships, common abbreviations, or perhaps a clever charade where parts of words are joined together.
This type of challenging clue forces you to consider all possibilities and patiently test them against the definition and the letter count. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary, but about understanding the cryptic language itself. This “Intended victim in open mine” crossword clue is a fantastic exercise for honing your cryptic solving strategy, encouraging you to think laterally and consider every angle before settling on the perfect six-letter answer. Keep pondering, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
QUARRY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 18 October 2025