The pursuit of a perfectly crafted crossword clue is a delightful journey for any solver. It’s the moment when language bends, twists, and reveals its hidden connections, pushing the boundaries of conventional meaning. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a particularly intriguing specimen that exemplifies the beauty and challenge inherent in a well-constructed crossword puzzle. Forget the mundane fill-ins; this is the kind of
crossword clue
that sparks genuine curiosity and demands a thoughtful approach.
We’re looking at a
crossword clue
with a generous thirteen letters, promising a substantial answer that’s likely to be rich in meaning and potentially complex in its construction. Longer answers often mean a more intricate dance between definition and wordplay, offering layers for the discerning
crossword clue
solver to peel back. The clue in question presents itself as: “Laid aside tiff, perhaps, but ended official link with (13)“.
Right off the bat, a few elements jump out that signal this isn’t your average, straightforward dictionary definition. The presence of “perhaps” is a classic indicator in the world of cryptic crosswords, hinting that the preceding phrase – “Laid aside tiff” – might be a less direct, more suggestive definition, or perhaps a component of the wordplay itself. It invites us to consider synonyms, related concepts, or even a metaphorical interpretation of resolving a minor disagreement. When you encounter “perhaps” in a
crossword clue
, your mental antennae should immediately perk up, ready for a touch of lateral thinking.
Then comes the pivotal “but.” In many
crossword clues
, “but” can act as a crucial hinge, connecting two disparate parts of the clue or, as is often the case, signaling a contrast or a different facet of the ultimate answer. It’s a word that demands a re-evaluation of what came before and sets the stage for what follows. Here, “ended official link with” provides another strong descriptive phrase. Is this a separate definition entirely, making our
crossword clue
a double definition? Or is it working in tandem with the first part, each piece illuminating a different aspect of the same thirteen-letter solution? The interplay between these two seemingly distinct phrases is what makes this a truly captivating
crossword clue
.
The challenge with a
crossword clue
like this lies in harmonizing these different components. “Laid aside tiff” speaks to reconciliation or resolution, while “ended official link with” suggests a formal break or termination. The art of solving such a
crossword clue
is finding that singular word or phrase that encapsulates both ideas, bridging the gap between an informal disagreement and a formal severance. It requires a mental agility to switch between registers and contexts, a hallmark of advanced
crossword clue
solving.
For any enthusiast tackling their daily
crossword puzzle
, this type of clue is a goldmine. It’s not about rote memorization but about understanding the subtle language of setters – how they use everyday words to create intricate puzzles. The length of the answer, thirteen letters, gives ample room for a word that might elegantly weave together these threads. Could it be a compound word? A portmanteau? Or a single, complex verb or noun that embodies both the idea of putting aside a minor dispute and formally breaking ties?
Approaching this
crossword clue
means considering all possibilities. What verbs or nouns can signify both the calming of a “tiff” and the definitive action of “ending an official link”? This is where the true detective work begins, where vocabulary meets logic, and where the satisfaction of cracking a tough
crossword clue
truly blossoms. We’re on the hunt for that perfect, thirteen-letter fit, the word that makes all the pieces click into place with an audible “aha!” moment.
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of why we love crosswords. It presents a miniature linguistic puzzle, a brain-teaser wrapped in clever wordplay, inviting us to explore the nuances of the English language. It’s an opportunity to stretch our minds and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating these daily challenges. So, let’s consider this intriguing
crossword clue
and ready ourselves for the deep dive into its hidden solution.
Available Answers:
DISAFFILIATED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 10 October 2025