There are some days, aren’t there, when a
crossword clue
leaps off the page and instantly sparks that familiar thrill? That moment when you read it, and a tiny electric jolt goes through your brain, signaling that this isn’t just any old word puzzle prompt. This is a challenger. This is a clue designed to make you pause, to reread, and to eventually, hopefully, gasp with delight at its sheer cleverness. Today, we’re talking about one such gem that has had me pondering, smiling, and feeling that delightful mix of frustration and fascination that only a truly well-crafted
crossword clue
can inspire.
The
crossword clue
in question is: “Lulu, say, going out by habit (7)“.
Just reading it aloud, you can feel the layers, can’t you? It’s a seven-letter answer, and already, my internal
crossword clue
parsing engine is whirring. Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is such a masterclass in cryptic construction and why it resonates so deeply with anyone who loves to unravel these linguistic puzzles.
First, “Lulu, say.” This phrase immediately introduces a classic
crossword clue
technique: providing an example to hint at a broader category, or perhaps, a specific type of thing. Is “Lulu” a person? A famous singer? A character from literature or film? Or is “Lulu” a more generic term, an example of something bigger? The comma and “say” are crucial here, signaling that “Lulu” isn’t necessarily the direct subject, but rather a guidepost. This kind of nuanced hinting is what elevates a simple word prompt into a true
crossword challenge
. It forces you to think beyond the obvious, to consider synonyms, categories, and the playful misdirection inherent in so many brilliant
crossword clues
.
Then we move to “going out.” Oh, the glorious ambiguity of “going out” in a
crossword clue
! It could mean leaving a building. It could mean becoming unfashionable or obsolete. It could refer to a light extinguishing. It might even imply a social gathering, a date, or an event. Each interpretation opens up a completely different path of thought, leading you down various linguistic rabbit holes. This is the beauty of a truly engaging
crossword clue
– its ability to hold multiple meanings in suspension, forcing the solver to consider context, wordplay, and the potential for a lateral leap of thought. What kind of “going out” would perfectly align with a seven-letter answer and the other elements of this
crossword clue
? The possibilities feel endless, yet tantalizingly specific.
Finally, we have “by habit.” This phrase adds another layer of intrigue to our
crossword clue
. Does “by habit” refer to routine, to something done automatically and without conscious thought? Or could “habit” itself be used in a more specific, perhaps even literal sense, as in an article of clothing? This is where the magic of a cryptic
crossword clue
truly shines, leveraging the multiple meanings of words to create a clever misdirection. The phrase “by habit” can fundamentally alter the perceived meaning of “going out” and “Lulu, say,” demanding that the solver consider the interplay of all three parts to unlock the solution. It’s a testament to the artistry involved in constructing a compelling
crossword clue
.
This specific
crossword clue
is a perfect example of why we keep coming back to these daily puzzles. It’s not just about filling in squares; it’s about the mental gymnastics, the linguistic detective work, and the sheer joy of cracking the code. It embodies the essence of a truly satisfying
crossword puzzle prompt
– challenging, witty, and ultimately, deeply rewarding.
Available Answers:
USUALLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 30 September 2025