Welcome back, fellow word-wizards and cryptic connoisseurs! There’s nothing quite like the mental workout a truly clever crossword clue provides, is there? That moment of quiet triumph when a particularly knotty phrase unravels itself, revealing a hidden gem of a word – it’s pure bliss for any crossword enthusiast. And today, I’ve got a fantastic one to chew on, a delightful example of how setters weave intricate puzzles from seemingly simple words.
We’re diving headfirst into this beauty:
“It’s entertaining, sending Len back to ship’s chimney (6)“
Just reading it aloud, you can almost hear the gears grinding, right? This single crossword clue packs a punch, blending a seemingly straightforward definition with a wonderfully inventive piece of wordplay. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, smile, and then immediately reach for your pen (or keyboard, let’s be modern!).
Let’s break down why this particular crossword clue is such a treat. Firstly, we have “It’s entertaining.” This is what we call the ‘definition’ part of the crossword clue. In a cryptic, the definition can sometimes be a bit misleading, but often it’s quite direct, pointing you towards the general meaning of the word you’re seeking. Here, “entertaining” gives us a solid starting point for our six-letter target word. What kind of words fit that description? Keep those in mind!
Then comes the real meat of the puzzle, the ‘wordplay’ section: “sending Len back to ship’s chimney.” Oh, the fun! This is where the magic of the cryptic crossword clue truly shines. We have a proper noun, “Len,” making an appearance. Names are often used strategically in these puzzles, either as direct letters or as part of a larger anagram. The phrase “sending… back” is a classic indicator in crossword clue design. It usually suggests a reversal of letters. So, if Len is being “sent back,” what does that suggest you should do with those three letters?
And finally, “ship’s chimney.” This is where your general knowledge and vocabulary come into play. What’s another, more specific, term for a ship’s chimney? Think about nautical architecture. Once you pinpoint that synonym, you’ll have a key component to integrate with our reversed “Len.” The instruction “to” often implies placement or integration – are we putting Len
inside
the chimney? Or is the chimney a container for a reversed Len, or part of an anagram? This is the kind of careful consideration that elevates a simple word game into a true intellectual sport.
The genius of this crossword clue lies in how it combines these elements. You have a definition that guides you, a name that’s part of an operation, a reversal instruction, and a descriptive phrase that needs a synonym. All these pieces, when correctly interpreted and assembled, will slot perfectly into that six-letter space, delivering that satisfying “aha!” moment that keeps us coming back for more crossword clues.
It’s a testament to the setter’s skill to craft such an elegant, yet challenging, puzzle from such common words. So, grab a cup of tea, sharpen your pencil, and let this fantastic crossword clue percolate in your mind. Happy solving, and may your logical leaps be swift and true!
Available Answers:
FUNNEL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 18 September 2025