Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and cryptic puzzle enthusiasts! There are some
crossword clues
that immediately catch your eye, not just for their intriguing phrasing but for the promise of a truly satisfying unraveling. Today, we’re dissecting one such gem: “Is a lie contrived to make contact? (6)”.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem like a philosophical musing more than a direct path to a six-letter word. But that’s the beauty of expertly crafted cryptic
crossword puzzles
. They invite you into a linguistic dance, where every word matters, and misdirection is just part of the fun. This particular
crossword clue
is a prime example of how clever wordplay can lead you to an elegant solution, provided you know how to spot the hidden signals. It’s not just about guessing; it’s about understanding the intricate mechanics of the clue itself. For anyone looking to improve their daily
crossword solver
skills, deconstructing such phrases is invaluable.
The brilliance of many cryptic
crossword clues
lies in their dual nature. You always have a straightforward definition, which is exactly what it sounds like—a meaning for the final answer. But then there’s the wordplay, a hidden instruction on how to construct the answer from other words or parts of the clue. In “Is a lie contrived to make contact? (6)”, we clearly have a definition asking us about a way “to make contact.” This part guides you to the general meaning of the word you’re searching for. The real challenge, and the true joy of solving, comes from deciphering the other half, the part that hints at how the letters are put together.
Consider the phrase “Is a lie contrived.” The word “contrived” here is a powerful signal in the world of
crossword clues
. Often, such a word acts as an indicator, suggesting that letters need to be rearranged or manipulated in some way. It’s a subtle nod to the solver that the letters immediately preceding it might hold the key to an anagram, or perhaps some other form of linguistic jumbling. Learning to spot these “indicator words” is a game-changer for anyone tackling cryptic
crossword puzzles
. They transform seemingly random phrases into direct instructions for assembling the answer. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of
crossword puzzle
setters that they can embed such clear directions within seemingly innocuous sentences.
Then we return to the definition: “to make contact?”. This simple phrase requires us to think about all the ways one might “make contact.” Is it a physical touch? A communication? A connection between entities? The richness of the English language allows for many interpretations, and narrowing it down to a single six-letter word that also fits the intricate wordplay is where the magic happens. This
crossword clue
truly tests your vocabulary and your ability to connect abstract concepts to concrete words. It’s a fantastic exercise for any aspiring
crossword solver
looking to deepen their understanding of subtle meanings.
Ultimately, “Is a lie contrived to make contact? (6)” is a masterclass in concise, effective
crossword clue
design. It’s a clue that rewards careful thought, a keen eye for linguistic cues, and a willingness to play with words. When you finally piece together the definition and the wordplay, the “aha!” moment is profoundly satisfying. It’s these moments that keep us coming back to our daily
crossword puzzles
, eager for the next challenge and the next expertly crafted linguistic mystery. What a brilliant
crossword clue
to ponder.
Available Answers:
LIAISE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 13 July 2025