There’s a certain thrill, isn’t there, in sitting down with your morning coffee and the daily crossword? It’s a ritual, a mental warm-up, a chance to flex those wordplay muscles before the world truly kicks into gear. Some days, the answers leap off the page, almost as if the constructor is whispering them directly into your ear. And then there are
those
days. The days when a single, deceptively simple-looking crossword clue stares back at you, daring you to unravel its layered mystery.
Today, one particular cryptic crossword clue stopped me dead in my tracks, demanding extra attention, a fresh perspective, and perhaps a second cup of coffee. The clue in question? “Landlady runs around for everybody (3,3,6)“. Just reading it, you can almost hear the gears grinding, can’t you? This isn’t your average straightforward definition; this is a masterclass in misdirection, a delightful linguistic puzzle designed to test the limits of even the most seasoned crossword solver.
Let’s talk about why this particular crossword clue is such a fascinating beast. Firstly, the surface reading. “Landlady runs around for everybody.” It paints a vivid picture, doesn’t it? You can almost imagine a busy, perhaps slightly flustered, proprietor bustling about, ensuring everyone’s needs are met. But as anyone familiar with cryptic crosswords knows, the surface meaning is often just a cunning disguise, a red herring designed to lead you astray from the true path of the wordplay. The true meaning of a cryptic crossword clue lies beneath this charming facade.
The structure of the clue itself, with its parenthetical (3,3,6) breakdown, offers critical insight. We’re looking for a three-word phrase, with each word having a specific length. This immediately narrows down the possibilities, but also adds another layer of complexity. It’s not just about finding
a
word; it’s about finding
three
words that fit perfectly into the overall ingenious construction of this challenging crossword clue.
Consider the individual components. “Landlady.” Is it a direct synonym for the first word? Or is it part of a larger anagram indicator, or perhaps a component of a charade? In cryptic crosswords, every word, every punctuation mark, is there for a reason, a breadcrumb leading you towards the hidden solution. Then there’s “runs around.” This phrase, in the lexicon of cryptic crosswords, is almost a siren call for an anagram. “Runs” often implies movement or rearrangement, and “around” solidifies that idea. If it is an anagram, what letters are we rearranging? This is where the real brain-tickling begins when tackling such a complex crossword clue.
And finally, “for everybody.” This could be the definition part of the clue, or it could be another element contributing to the wordplay. It forces you to think about collective terms, about things that are universal or widely accessible. The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in its ability to make you consider multiple interpretations simultaneously, holding them in your mind until one clicks into place with a satisfying thud.
This particular “Landlady runs around for everybody” crossword clue truly exemplifies the art of cryptic construction. It’s the kind of riddle that initially prompts a groan, then a determined furrow of the brow, and finally, a surge of satisfaction when you eventually crack its code. It’s a testament to the fact that even a seemingly simple string of words can hide a world of intricate linguistic puzzles. For those who relish the intellectual sparring match that is a daily crossword clue, this one is a pure delight. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best challenges are the ones that make you work for that “aha!” moment. It’s not just about getting the answer; it’s about the journey of deciphering the brilliant mind of the crossword constructor.
We’ll dive deeper into the full unraveling of this magnificent crossword clue in a moment, exploring each element of the wordplay that leads to its ingenious solution. Get ready to see how seemingly disparate parts converge to form a perfectly logical, and wonderfully clever, answer.
Available Answers:
ALLANDSUNDRY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 27 June 2025