There’s nothing quite like that moment of triumph when a particularly knotty crossword clue finally unravels in your mind. It’s a delightful spark of connection, a sudden burst of clarity that makes all the head-scratching worthwhile. Today, we’re diving into one of those beautifully crafted brain-teasers that had me doing a double-take: “It has the measure of the king (5)”. Oh, what a gem of a crossword clue this is! Short, seemingly straightforward, yet packed with layers of potential meaning that can lead even the most seasoned solver down a delightful rabbit hole.
At first glance, your mind might jump to literal interpretations. What exactly
measures
a king? Is it a royal tailor’s tape? A ceremonial staff used to gauge dominion? A historical unit of land or power associated with monarchies? The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue, however, lies in its exquisite misdirection. It’s rarely as simple as a direct definition, especially when the word count is as compact as five letters. That brevity often signals a clever play on words, a specific idiom, or a surprising turn of phrase. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of that elegant linguistic dance.
Let’s unpack the components of this intriguing crossword clue. First, we have “measure.” This single word is a chameleon in the English language. It can refer to a unit of length, a quantitative assessment, a particular action taken to achieve something, a musical tempo, or even a legislative bill. Each of these interpretations opens up a different avenue of thought. Is it about physical dimension? About an evaluation? About a regulated movement? The possibilities are rich, and exploring them is half the fun of tackling any challenging crossword clue.
Then, we have “the king.” Instantly, our thoughts drift to royalty: crowns, castles, majestic figures on thrones. But in the world of crosswords, especially cryptic ones, “king” is often a much more versatile character. It can, of course, signify a monarch, but it can also refer to a specific piece on a chessboard – the most vital, yet often the slowest, moving piece. Or perhaps it’s a brand name, a common noun used in an unexpected context, or even part of a larger phrase. The clever solver always keeps an eye out for these alternative identities. This is where the magic of a well-constructed crossword clue truly shines.
So, how do these two powerful words – “measure” and “king” – combine to form a single, five-letter word? This is where your lateral thinking skills truly come into play. Are we looking for something that literally measures a royal figure? Or perhaps something that measures
of
the king, meaning something belonging to or characteristic of him? Could “measure” be a verb, indicating an action the king performs or experiences? Or is it a noun, a specific thing that provides a measurement, or
is
a measurement in itself?
Consider the double meanings, the homophones, and the subtle allusions that often pepper these types of puzzles. This particular crossword clue invites you to think beyond the obvious, to peel back the layers of its wording. It’s not just about finding a definition; it’s about understanding the unique logic of crossword construction. The solution to this crossword clue, when you finally arrive at it, will likely elicit an “aha!” moment, a clear sense of satisfaction from appreciating the constructor’s ingenuity. It’s a word that perfectly encapsulates both concepts in a surprisingly elegant way, hiding in plain sight.
Don’t rush to guess. Take a moment. Let the words tumble around in your mind. What 5-letter word can encompass both the idea of ‘measure’ and ‘king’ in a way that feels both precise and delightfully punny or cleverly misleading? This is the kind of crossword clue that makes you appreciate the art form, prompting you to marvel at how much meaning can be packed into so few words. And that, my friends, is why we love our crosswords! Keep pondering, and you’ll find that perfect fit.
Available Answers:
RULER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 3 September 2025