You know that feeling, right? That moment when you’re cruising through a crossword, all the answers falling into place, a delightful rhythm to your solving… and then you hit it. A wall. Not just any wall, but a wall built out of pure, unadulterated
trickery
. A crossword clue that makes you throw your pen down (metaphorically, of course – we treat our pens with respect!) and exclaim, “Seriously?! That’s just not fair!”
Well, today’s blog post dives headfirst into one such beast: “It’s not fair when this is used! (8)“. Oh, the audacity of that crossword clue! The sheer cheek of it, practically taunting us from the grid. As if the constructors aren’t already masterminds of misdirection, they throw in a crossword clue that
explicitly
acknowledges its own perceived ‘unfairness.’ It’s like they’re winking at us, daring us to crack their linguistic code.
What exactly constitutes ‘unfair’ in the world of crosswords? Is it an obscure proper noun from a forgotten 19th-century novel? A foreign word only known to a handful of polyglots? Or perhaps a deep dive into some hyper-specific scientific jargon? Sometimes, yes. But then there are the clues that feel unfair not because of their obscurity, but because of their
structure
. They play on our expectations, they twist common phrases, they exploit the very fabric of language in ways that are both infuriating and, let’s admit it, brilliantly clever. This particular crossword clue, “It’s not fair when this is used! (8)“, falls squarely into that latter category. It’s a meta-clue, a self-aware challenge that forces us to think beyond the literal.
When faced with a crossword clue that seems to be operating on a different plane, what’s a dedicated solver to do?
1.
Embrace the Meta
: First, recognize that the crossword clue itself is part of the puzzle. The words ‘It’s not fair when this is used!’ aren’t just descriptive; they’re
instructive
. They’re hinting at the nature of the answer, or perhaps the
type
of wordplay involved. The constructor is giving us a meta-hint, and our job is to figure out what that hint means.
2.
Count Your Letters
: The ‘(8)’ is your lifeline. Eight letters. This immediately narrows down the possibilities. Start thinking of eight-letter words that could relate to ‘unfairness,’ ‘trickery,’ ‘language,’ or ‘crossword techniques.’ This numerical constraint is often the key to unlocking the puzzle.
3.
Consider Homophones, Puns, and Red Herrings
: Is the clue literally asking about something unfair, or is ‘fair’ a pun? Is ‘used’ a verb, or could it be a noun, or even part of a common phrase? Crossword constructors are masters of double meanings and subtle misdirection. This specific crossword clue practically screams ‘wordplay ahead!’ You’re not just solving for a definition; you’re solving for a linguistic play.
4.
Look for Context
: What are the crossing letters? This is always your best friend when tackling a stubborn crossword clue. A single confirmed letter from an intersecting word can unlock the entire mystery of a tricky entry. Don’t stare blankly at the single clue; fill in everything else you can. The surrounding entries might provide a crucial letter, or even spark an idea about the
category
of the word.
5.
Think Outside the Box
: Sometimes the ‘unfairness’ comes from a convention you hadn’t considered. Are there specific types of words that frequently appear in such ‘trick’ clues? Are there common crossword tropes related to breaking rules or ‘cheating’ that might apply here? Ponder the
mechanics
of crossword construction.
The beauty – and occasional agony – of the crossword clue lies in this constant battle of wits. We, the solvers, pit our linguistic acumen against the constructor’s devious brilliance. And when a clue like “It’s not fair when this is used! (8)” appears, it’s not just a test of vocabulary; it’s a test of lateral thinking, a challenge to our assumptions about how language works within the confines of the grid. It reminds us that every single word, every punctuation mark, every parenthetical hint in a crossword clue is there for a reason. There are no wasted syllables, no accidental phrasing.
So, the next time you encounter a crossword clue that feels like it’s breaking the rules, don’t despair. Lean into the challenge. Understand that the ‘unfairness’ is often the point, a clever layer of the puzzle designed to make that ‘aha!’ moment all the more satisfying. It’s a powerful reminder of why we love these linguistic labyrinths – they constantly surprise us, push our boundaries, and make us look at words in entirely new ways. Happy solving, and may your ‘unfair’ crossword clues always lead to triumphant breakthroughs!
Available Answers:
UMBRELLA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 5 October 2025