Another day, another brilliant cryptic crossword clue to unravel! If you’re anything like me, the satisfaction of cracking a particularly knotty
crossword clue
is truly unmatched. There’s a unique thrill in peeling back the layers of wordplay, a clever definition, and a perfectly placed indicator. Today, we’re diving into a particularly intriguing one that masterfully blends a touch of historical knowledge with some classic cryptic trickery. This
crossword clue
has a delightful twist that will have you digging into linguistic history and phonetic fun.
The clue on our plate today is:
“Many loudly queue for amount of coal, once (13)“
. Just reading it, you can already sense the depth and potential for a truly satisfying “aha!” moment, right? A 13-letter solution staring us down, promising a journey through sound, history, and a good old-fashioned brain teaser. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a mini-adventure waiting to be explored.
Let’s begin our dissection of this formidable
crossword clue
. Cryptic clues famously combine a clear definition with some ingenious wordplay. The perennial challenge, and indeed the joy, lies in figuring out which part serves as the definition and how the various wordplay elements interlock to form the complete solution. It’s a delicate dance of linguistics and lateral thinking.
When you encounter a phrase like “loudly queue” within a
crossword clue
, what immediately springs to mind for seasoned cryptic solvers? Often, it’s a signal to engage your auditory senses very carefully. Homophones, or words that sound alike but carry different spellings and meanings, are a common and beloved tool in the cryptic crossword setter’s arsenal. Could “loudly queue” be subtly nudging us towards a particular sound, or perhaps even a specific letter or sequence of letters that shares a phonetic similarity? This part of the
crossword clue
truly tests our listening skills.
Then we shift our focus to “amount of coal, once”. This segment of the
crossword clue
immediately transports us back in time. The inclusion of the word “once” is a colossal indicator here, a bright beacon telling us to think historically, perhaps of an archaic term, an old unit of measurement, or a specific historical context related to “coal” itself. What did people call coal, or particular quantities of it, in bygone eras? This isn’t merely about general knowledge; it’s about
historical
general knowledge, specifically tied to this ubiquitous fossil fuel. It’s a fantastic illustration of how a
crossword clue
can send you down an etymological rabbit hole, exploring the evolution of language.
Bringing these distinct pieces together to forge a single, coherent, 13-letter answer is where the real intellectual fireworks begin. If one part strongly suggests a specific sound or letter sequence through its phonetic properties, and the other distinctly points to an archaic or historical term, how do these seemingly disparate elements coalesce into a single, cohesive word? We’re searching for something that perfectly marries the cunning soundplay suggested by “loudly queue” with the historical definition encapsulated in “amount of coal, once.” The precise length—13 letters—is our ultimate guide and constraint, ensuring that every element of the puzzle fits perfectly into the final solution, leaving no ambiguity. It’s this exact fit that makes a meticulously crafted cryptic
crossword clue
so profoundly satisfying.
This specific
crossword clue
perfectly encapsulates why we, as enthusiasts, adore these puzzles. It simultaneously challenges our auditory perception, our grasp of historical terminology, and our fundamental ability to discern intricate connections between seemingly unrelated elements. It’s a truly wonderful example of a clue that elicits that delightful “Aha! Of course!” moment once you finally manage to crack it. So, pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, don your most formidable thinking cap, and let’s revel in the pure joy of solving this delightful
crossword clue
together.
Available Answers:
HUNDREDWEIGHT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 5 November 2025