Today’s featured cryptic crossword clue is a delightful little brain-teaser that had me scratching my head in the best possible way. The clue: ‘Material, lard turning up with cheese (7)‘. What a mouthful, right? This seven-letter gem perfectly exemplifies why we love tackling cryptic crossword clues – it blends a straightforward definition with a wonderfully clever piece of wordplay that initially seems utterly nonsensical. If you’re looking to solve crossword clue challenges and deepen your understanding of cryptic techniques, this is an excellent one to unpack.
Let’s start with the definition, which is often the anchor in any good cryptic crossword puzzle clue. Here, we’re simply looking for a ‘Material’. That’s clear enough. It tells us the type of word we’re seeking. When you encounter a definition like this, it’s wise to keep a mental list of various materials – synthetic, natural, fibrous, solid – to see what fits once the wordplay starts to unravel. This upfront clarity from the definition is a welcome guide, but don’t let it lull you into a false sense of security; the wordplay here is where the true brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies.
Now, for the heart of the matter: the wordplay. ‘Lard turning up with cheese’. This is where the magic (and potential frustration!) of this challenging crossword clue really begins. We have two distinct parts here that need careful consideration. First, ‘lard turning up’. In the world of cryptic crossword clues, ‘turning up’ is a classic indicator for a reversal. So, our first task is to take ‘lard’ and reverse its letters. That gives us a promising four-letter sequence right off the bat. Jot that down; it’s a crucial stepping stone to cracking this daily crossword clue.
But then we hit ‘with cheese’. Ah, ‘with cheese’! This is the part that will separate the seasoned cryptic solvers from those just starting their journey to understand crossword clues. It’s concise, innocent-looking, and yet it hides a crucial two-letter piece that completes our seven-letter answer. This isn’t an anagram of ‘cheese’, nor is it merely appending the letters C-H-E-E-S-E to our reversed ‘lard’. The ‘with cheese’ element points to something far more subtle, a common phrase or association that links to cheese in a very specific, abbreviated way. Think about everyday expressions or common pairings that include cheese. What small, simple word often accompanies ‘cheese’ in a familiar context? This is where your general knowledge and lateral thinking come into play when trying to solve this particular crossword puzzle clue.
The beauty of such a cryptic crossword clue is in that moment of realization – the ‘aha!’ moment when the seemingly disparate elements suddenly click into place. You’ve got your definition, your reversed ‘lard’, and then the penny drops on what ‘with cheese’ truly signifies. It’s a wonderfully elegant construction, proving why these best crossword clues are so satisfying to conquer. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, to consider common phrases, and to let your mind wander a bit when you’re stuck on a tricky element like ‘with cheese’. The solution is often simpler than you initially imagine, tucked away in plain sight within a familiar idiom.
So, take a moment. Ponder ‘Material, lard turning up with cheese (7)‘. Apply the reversal to ‘lard’. Then, think hard about that ‘with cheese’ indicator. What two letters could it possibly hint at to complete your seven-letter material? The satisfaction of figuring out such a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue is immense, and it’s these moments that keep us coming back for more, eager to tackle the next challenging crossword clue that comes our way. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
TAFFETA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 12 November 2025