Ah, the ever-delightful world of cryptic crosswords! Few things get the old grey matter buzzing quite like a cleverly constructed
crossword clue
that seems simple on the surface but hides layers of linguistic trickery. Today, we’re diving deep into a particularly intriguing example that’s been causing a stir among solvers: “Lad set about finding type of peanuts? (6)“. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a prime illustration of how setters blend everyday language with specific cryptic grammar to lead us down delightful rabbit holes.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem like a simple general knowledge question. A “type of peanuts”? Sounds straightforward enough. But seasoned solvers know that in the realm of cryptic puzzles, directness is often a red herring. The real challenge lies in dissecting the other parts of this
crossword clue
: “Lad set about finding”. This is where the magic, and the misdirection, truly begins.
Let’s break down the components of this fascinating
crossword clue
. First, we have “Lad”. In cryptic crosswords, common nouns like ‘lad’ can be straightforward synonyms (boy, young man) or, less frequently, part of a more elaborate wordplay mechanism. When you encounter ‘lad’ in a
crossword clue
, your mind should immediately consider its most common definitions and any potential abbreviations. Is it a direct substitute for a two or three-letter word that forms part of the solution, or is it a container for something else? This single word often holds a crucial key to unlocking the puzzle.
Next, we grapple with the phrase “set about finding”. This is where the cryptic indicators are likely to reside. The phrase “set about” is particularly interesting. In everyday English, it implies starting an action or even attacking something. However, in the precise language of a
crossword clue
, ‘about’ frequently functions as an inclusion indicator, suggesting that one set of letters is placed
around
another. It can also imply a reversal or an anagram, though its most common use with ‘set’ in this context points towards a container structure. What is being ‘set about’ what? Is ‘lad’ surrounding another word, or is another word surrounding ‘lad’? These are the questions a good solver asks when presented with such a complex
crossword clue
. The word ‘finding’ then acts as a potential linker or part of the definition, urging the solver to ‘discover’ the answer through the preceding wordplay.
Finally, we have the definition part of the
crossword clue
: “type of peanuts?”. This seems relatively unambiguous. We’re looking for a specific variety of this popular legume. The crucial piece of information here, though, is the (6) letters at the end. This numerical hint is your best friend in cryptics. It allows you to test potential answers against the wordplay you’ve deciphered. As you brainstorm types of peanuts, keep that six-letter constraint firmly in mind. It immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps confirm your cryptic breakdown. For any
crossword clue
, checking the letter count against your derived answer is non-negotiable.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the beauty of cryptic puzzles. It demands attention to detail, a nuanced understanding of English, and a familiarity with common cryptic devices. It challenges you to look beyond the obvious, to dismantle the surface meaning, and to piece together the true meaning from its cleverly hidden instructions. Tackling a
crossword clue
like this is not just about finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry of wordplay. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you feel genuinely accomplished when the penny drops and the whole thing clicks into place. So, take a moment, ponder “Lad set about finding type of peanuts? (6)“, and see if you can untangle its delightful mystery. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
SALTED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 8 October 2025