The thrill of encountering a fresh
crossword clue
is an experience shared by puzzle enthusiasts the world over. It’s a unique blend of linguistic detective work, lateral thinking, and a profound appreciation for the English language’s boundless flexibility. Each new
crossword clue
presents a miniature mystery, a compact challenge designed to spark our cognitive gears and lead us down a rewarding path to discovery. Whether you tackle a daily
crossword puzzle
over coffee or delve into more intricate weekend grids, the satisfaction of cracking a particularly clever
crossword clue
is unparalleled.
Today, we’re zeroing in on a delightful example that perfectly encapsulates the artistry of
crossword puzzle
construction: “Locate broken crate (5)“. This seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
carries within it layers of potential interpretation, a hallmark of excellent clue-writing. The five-letter constraint immediately sets the parameters, narrowing the field of possibilities and focusing our attention on words of a specific length. This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about finding
the
word that perfectly fits both the definition and any hidden wordplay indicators. For anyone who relishes the challenge of a good
crossword clue
, this one provides ample opportunity for thought.
The phrase “broken crate” is the first element that truly makes this
crossword clue
shine. In the intricate world of
crossword puzzle
solving, certain words act as signposts, guiding us towards specific types of wordplay. When we see a word like “broken,” “mixed,” “jumbled,” “shattered,” or “rearranged” in a
crossword clue
, it’s often a strong hint that the letters of an adjacent word are not in their original order. This is a classic technique employed by
crossword puzzle
setters to obscure the solution, transforming a simple word into a jumbled mess that requires a bit of mental reassembly. The key is to identify
which
word is being “broken” and then to see what new word can be formed from its component letters. This clever misdirection is precisely why a well-constructed
crossword clue
can be so captivating, inviting solvers to think outside the literal box.
Then there’s “Locate.” This part of the
crossword clue
serves as the definition, the anchor that grounds our search. Once we’ve identified the potential rearrangement from the “broken” element, we then need to ensure that the resulting word is a direct synonym or a closely related concept to “Locate.” The beauty of a great
crossword clue
is in this elegant convergence: an indicator pointing to a manipulation of letters, and a definition pointing to the meaning of the result. It demands both a flexible approach to letter order and a precise understanding of vocabulary. The best
crossword puzzles
master this balance, offering both a challenge and a clear path to the correct solution for those who understand the conventions.
Navigating such a
crossword clue
is a journey of deduction. We consider the implications of “broken” on “crate,” exploring the possibilities that emerge when those five letters are put into a different order. Simultaneously, we hold the meaning of “Locate” in our minds, searching for a perfect five-letter match among the reassembled possibilities. It’s this interplay, this intellectual dance between definition and wordplay, that makes solving a
crossword clue
so utterly satisfying. It’s more than just finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the ingenuity of the clue itself.
This particular
crossword clue
, “Locate broken crate (5),” is a prime example of how much fun can be packed into just a few words. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you smile when the penny drops, a testament to the elegant simplicity and profound depth that
crossword puzzles
offer. It’s a classic for a reason, challenging us to look closely, think critically, and ultimately, find that perfectly fitting word.
Available Answers:
TRACE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 20 October 2025