The world of cryptic crosswords consistently delivers puzzles that demand both linguistic agility and lateral thinking. Today’s featured challenge, the crossword clue ‘Journalist, after ages, expunged (6)‘, is a prime example of a clue designed to make even seasoned solvers pause and consider every angle. Dissecting such a crossword clue requires a methodical approach, breaking down each component to understand its potential role in crafting the final solution.
At first glance, ‘Journalist’ immediately grabs attention. In many crossword clues, a profession or role can be a direct definition, pointing to terms like REPORTER, EDITOR, or SCRIBE. However, in cryptic crosswords, it often serves as a subsidiary indicator or a clever misdirection. Could it be the definition for a part of the word, or perhaps even an anagram indicator if phrased differently? For this particular crossword clue, the straightforward definition approach for ‘Journalist’ might feel a little too obvious if it’s meant to be combined with other elements, suggesting we might need to look beyond the immediate profession. What quality or characteristic might a journalist embody that could be represented by a shorter, more abstract word? This is where the depth of a cryptic crossword clue truly shines.
Moving on to ‘after ages’, this phrase is ripe for classic cryptic wordplay. The word “after” is a common connector in these puzzles, indicating one element follows another. “Ages” is a staple in crossword vernacular, frequently cluing words like ERA, EON, or even simply AGE itself. The key here is to determine which specific “ages” word fits the length and the phonetic or semantic requirements of the evolving solution. When we see ‘after ages’ in a crossword clue, it’s a strong signal that a word or abbreviation representing ‘ages’ will be placed strategically after another element. The precise meaning of “after” can be crucial – does it literally mean one word comes
after
another, or does it hint at a synonym that follows? Understanding this nuanced usage is vital for cracking complex crossword clues.
Finally, we arrive at ‘expunged’. This verb is quite definitive. To expunge means to erase or remove completely. This is a very strong candidate for the primary definition of the entire six-letter solution. When confronted with such a clear-cut definition in a crossword clue, it often means the preceding elements (‘Journalist, after ages’) are working together as the elaborate wordplay mechanism. The challenge then becomes marrying the interpretation of ‘Journalist’ and ‘after ages’ to arrive at a word that precisely means ‘expunged’ and fits the six-letter grid. The precision of this definition cannot be overstated; the resulting word must perfectly capture the essence of being entirely removed or deleted.
The interplay between these parts is what makes this crossword clue so engaging. How does a term related to ‘Journalist’ combine with a word for ‘ages’ to produce a concept meaning ‘expunged’? Solvers must consider synonyms, abbreviations, and common cryptic tricks for each part. Is there a specific type of journalist, or an an action a journalist might take, that pairs elegantly with a synonym for ‘ages’ to then lead to a word meaning ‘expunged’? Navigating this path reveals the true craft behind a compelling cryptic crossword clue. Good luck to all solvers tackling this intriguing challenge!
Available Answers:
ERASED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 25 November 2025