There are
crossword clue
moments that stand out, aren’t there? Those ingenious little puzzles that twist your brain in just the right way. Some clues are straightforward definitions, others clever puns, and then there are the ones that demand a bit more, asking you to look beyond the immediate grid.
Today, we’re diving into one of those delightfully intricate challenges: “It’s caught in letters 2-6 of 59-Across.” Ah, the meta-clue! The cross-reference. The one that makes you pause, perhaps groan, and then, inevitably, smile when it finally clicks into place. It’s a fantastic example of how
crossword puzzles
evolve beyond simple word-matching into multi-layered intellectual exercises.
These types of
crossword clue
are a testament to the constructor’s art. They don’t just ask for a word; they ask for a sequence of letters
within
another word that you’re also trying to solve. It’s like having two locks to pick, but the key to the second lock is hidden inside the first. This particular clue, specifying “letters 2-6 of 59-Across,” tells us a few crucial things. First, 59-Across is our primary target. Without that solved, this secondary clue remains stubbornly opaque. Second, once 59-Across is revealed, we’re looking for a five-letter segment, starting from the second letter and extending five letters in total.
So, how do you approach a
crossword clue
like this? Patience, dear solver, is paramount. Your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to conquer 59-Across. Focus all your energy there. Look at its surrounding clues, its length, its theme, anything that might give you a foothold. Is it a common phrase? A proper noun? Once 59-Across falls, the real fun begins.
With 59-Across proudly displayed in your grid, carefully write it out. Then, count. “Letters 2-6” means you’ll skip the first letter, then extract the next five. That five-letter sequence
is
your answer to “It’s caught in…”
Consider the nature of “It.” Is it an object? A feeling? A concept? The beauty of these hidden words is that they often stand alone as perfectly valid answers to their own phantom definitions. Sometimes, the “it” might even subtly relate to the theme of 59-Across or the puzzle as a whole, adding another layer of elegance to the construction. It’s a brilliant way to integrate two pieces of the
crossword puzzle
fabric.
These cross-referencing
crossword clues
can sometimes feel like a roadblock. You’re cruising along, filling in words, and then boom – you hit a clue that depends on an as-yet-unknown answer. The trick is to not get discouraged. Leapfrog over it if you need to, tackle other areas of the grid, and come back. Often, once you’ve gained more letters in the surrounding words, 59-Across will reveal itself, making the hidden “it” almost pop out at you. It’s a truly satisfying moment when that final piece slots into place, isn’t it? The sheer ingenuity of the
crossword clue
designer truly shines in these moments.
What are your thoughts on these “clue within a clue” constructions? Do you find them exhilarating or exasperating? Share your strategies for tackling them in the comments below. They certainly add a unique flavour to the daily
crossword experience
!
Available Answers:
HORSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Universal Crossword – Did You Catch That? By Zhouqin Burnikel