Greetings, fellow word wranglers and linguistic adventurers! There are days when the daily crossword unfurls before us like a gentle breeze, each answer slotting into place with satisfying ease. And then there are
those
days, when a single, seemingly innocuous crossword clue stares back, daring you to unravel its hidden layers of brilliance. Today, friends, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a marvel that graced our grids recently.
The clue in question? “Long skirt from endless saying (4)“.
At first glance, it feels almost whimsical, doesn’t it? “Long skirt” conjures images of flowing fabric, perhaps a gentle swirl on a breeze. It’s a beautifully evocative definition, painting a clear picture in our minds. But a seasoned solver knows that in the world of the cryptic crossword clue, things are rarely as straightforward as they appear. The true artistry lies in the misdirection, the clever linguistic dance that leads us down one path only to reveal another, far more intricate one.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in combining a direct definition with a wonderfully inventive piece of wordplay. Let’s dissect it, piece by glorious piece, and appreciate the mind behind its construction.
First, the “Long skirt” part. As solvers, we immediately know this is our definition. It’s what the answer
means
. But in crosswords, especially those with a cryptic flavour, definitions can be incredibly precise, hinting at a specific type of skirt, or wonderfully broad, encompassing a whole category. The four-letter constraint immediately narrows our mental lexicon of sartorial terms. We’re sifting through synonyms, thinking about different styles, historical garments, even cultural attire. It’s a delightful exercise in vocabulary recall, pushing us to consider every possible four-letter word that could fit the bill.
Then we pivot to the truly intriguing part: “from endless saying.” Ah, the magic of the indicator! This is where the solving muscle truly gets its workout. “Saying” immediately makes us think of a common phrase, a proverb, an adage, a maxim perhaps. Our brains start scrolling through the rolodex of well-known expressions, snippets of wisdom, or everyday utterances. But it’s the word “endless” that holds the key to the transformation. In crossword parlance, “endless” is a classic indicator for a truncation – either the removal of the first letter, the last letter, or sometimes both, depending on the precise wording and the setter’s intent. It’s a playful instruction, nudging us to take something familiar and subtly alter it, revealing the hidden gem within.
The beauty of this
crossword clue
lies in how perfectly the two components – the definition and the wordplay – intertwine. We have a clear target (a type of long skirt) and a precise instruction on how to derive it from a common “saying” by making it “endless.” The four-letter length is the final, crucial constraint, the tight little box that forces absolute precision. It’s the moment where the gears in our minds grind, connect, and with a glorious
clunk
, the solution suddenly emerges, feeling utterly inevitable once seen.
This is the very essence of why we dedicate hours to these puzzles. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about the intellectual thrill, the joyous discovery, the appreciation for the setter’s ingenious craftsmanship. Every challenging
crossword clue
is a miniature puzzle in itself, a delightful linguistic riddle waiting to be cracked. It reminds us that language is a playground, full of hidden pathways and surprising connections. So, next time you encounter a clue like “Long skirt from endless saying (4)“, take a moment to savour the journey, not just the destination. The “aha!” moment, when the pieces finally align, is truly one of life’s simple, yet profound, pleasures.
Available Answers:
MAXI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 16 June 2025