Every seasoned crossword solver knows the distinct thrill that comes with encountering a truly brilliant
crossword clue
. It’s that perfect blend of straightforward definition and cunning misdirection, a little linguistic puzzle that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even groan aloud once the solution clicks. Today, we’re dissecting one such gem: “Irritates but doesn’t start on joints (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents itself as a classic cryptic challenge. We have a clear definition (“Irritates”) and a seemingly perplexing piece of wordplay (“but doesn’t start on joints”), all pointing to a six-letter answer. For anyone passionate about solving crosswords, this immediately signals a delightful mental workout.
Let’s begin by separating the two main components of this
crossword clue
. The first half, “Irritates,” is our definition. When approaching any cryptic
crossword clue
, identifying the definitional element is paramount. What synonyms come to mind for “irritates”? Annoy, vex, chafe, grate, needle, rankle – these are all potential candidates, and keeping their letter counts in mind is crucial. Our target word has six letters, so “grate” (if pluralised, or as a verb) or “needle” (as a verb) or “rankle” might immediately jump out, providing a fertile ground for exploring the wordplay.
Now, we turn our attention to the second, more enigmatic part of the
crossword clue
: “but doesn’t start on joints.” This is where the true brilliance of cryptic
crossword clue
construction shines. The word “but” often acts as a pivot in cryptic clues, indicating a change in direction for the wordplay or a contrasting element. “Doesn’t start on” is a fascinating phrase. In the world of word puzzles, phrases like “starts without,” “lacking a beginning,” or “first letter removed” are common indicators for deletion. Could “doesn’t start on” be hinting at something similar?
Then there’s “joints.” Oh, “joints”! This is the masterstroke of misdirection. For anyone tackling a complex
crossword clue
, the word “joints” can conjure a multitude of images and interpretations. Are we talking about anatomical joints – knees, elbows, knuckles? Or perhaps the points where things connect, like in carpentry? Could it be a play on the letter ‘J’ itself, a common abbreviation in many contexts, including cryptic crosswords where ‘J’ might stand for “justice” or “junction”? The temptation is strong to immediately look for a six-letter word for ‘irritates’ that conspicuously
doesn’t
begin with ‘J’. While a valid line of thought for some
crossword clue
types, this often proves too simplistic for such cleverly phrased cryptics.
The art of solving crosswords, especially cryptic ones, lies in not committing too early to one interpretation. The word “joints” could be a red herring, or it could be the very key to unlocking the wordplay, but not in the way you first expect. “Doesn’t start on” might describe a relationship between the answer and “joints” that isn’t about literal letter deletion. It could describe an action, a state, or even a nuanced interaction.
Consider the interplay: if “Irritates” leads you to a specific six-letter word, how does that word then cleverly interact with the phrase “doesn’t start on joints”? Is it a word that, by its very nature or function, avoids or doesn’t initiate contact with a “joint”? This kind of subtle, almost poetic wordplay is the hallmark of advanced
crossword clue
setting. It’s not just about finding synonyms; it’s about understanding the deeper connections and the setter’s intended journey for your mind.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies why so many of us are captivated by word puzzles. It forces us to think laterally, to consider multiple meanings, and to appreciate the English language’s incredible flexibility. Whether you’re a daily solver or an occasional dabbler in brain teasers, clues like these are what make the pursuit of the final square so incredibly rewarding. What a fantastic way to engage the grey matter!
Available Answers:
ANKLES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 29 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 22 October 2025