Every now and then, a crossword clue lands on your grid that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even let out a little gasp of admiration. It’s the kind of clue that doesn’t just ask for an answer but invites you into a delightful linguistic dance, a mental tango with the setter. Today, our spotlight shines brightly on precisely such a marvel:
“Large toe removed from Mr Hyde? (5,3)“
At first glance, it’s wonderfully absurd. The very image it conjures – a nefarious literary character undergoing some rather unusual podiatric surgery – is enough to tell any seasoned solver that we are firmly in the realm of cryptic wordplay, far removed from literal interpretations. This isn’t a definition you’d find in a dictionary; this is pure, unadulterated cryptic crossword clue genius, designed to make you think sideways, backwards, and inside out. It’s the kind of crossword clue that instantly differentiates itself, a true testament to the setter’s wit.
The immediate brilliance lies in its misdirection. The surface reading paints a vivid, albeit bizarre, picture. But as anyone who delves into the world of daily crosswords knows, the surface is merely a veil. Beneath it lies the true cryptic instruction, waiting to be unearthed. And this particular crossword clue is layered like a gourmet cake, each component hinting at a path to the solution without giving it away too easily.
Let’s break down the elements, without, of course, giving away the satisfying resolution. You have “Mr Hyde,” a character instantly recognizable from classic literature. How often do setters weave proper nouns and famous figures into their wordplay? It’s a common, yet consistently delightful, technique. Is his name an anagram indicator? Is it a sound-alike? Or are we looking at something deeper, perhaps a characteristic associated with him? The possibilities, when you’re tackling a clever crossword clue, are half the fun.
Then there’s “Large toe.” Anatomy often features in cryptic crosswords, usually as a component of a larger word or a pun. But what kind of ‘large toe’ are we talking about here? Is it merely a description? Could it be a sound-alike for something entirely different? The precision of the phrasing is a crucial aspect of what makes this crossword clue so compelling.
And finally, the operative phrase: “removed from.” This is where the magic of the cryptic instruction truly comes alive. In the world of cryptic crosswords, phrases like “removed from,” “losing,” “without,” or “shedding” are potent indicators. They often point towards a process of subtraction, where letters are taken away from an existing word or phrase to reveal the answer. It’s a classic cryptic device, but deployed here with such elegant misdirection that it feels fresh and invigorating. Deciphering such a crossword clue requires a keen eye for these subtle cues.
The ultimate satisfaction from a crossword clue like this isn’t just about filling in the blanks. It’s about the journey of deduction, the mental wrestling match, and that glorious ‘aha!’ moment when the lightbulb finally flickers on. It’s about appreciating the setter’s artistry in crafting a clue that is simultaneously misleading and perfectly fair, challenging yet ultimately solvable. It encapsulates everything we love about the daily ritual of solving a challenging crossword clue. It truly is a masterpiece of wordplay, designed to both stump and delight in equal measure. A truly exceptional crossword clue.
Available Answers:
ALTEREGO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 6 June 2025