Here’s a challenging one that popped up recently and had quite a few solvers scratching their heads: “Measure of a king (5)“. This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of why we love these puzzles so much. It looks straightforward enough on the surface, but like many of the best clues, it possesses a delightful ambiguity designed to send your mind down several different paths before hitting on the right one.
When you first encounter a
crossword clue
like this, the immediate instinct might be to jump to literal interpretations. What does a king measure? Perhaps a unit of measurement established during a monarch’s rule, like a royal foot or a standard weight. Or maybe it’s an item used for measuring that belongs to a king? But “5 letters” quickly narrows down those possibilities, and often, such straightforward interpretations don’t quite fit the typical wordplay we see in daily crosswords.
The true beauty of this specific
crossword clue
lies in the word “Measure.” It’s a word packed with multiple meanings. Beyond the literal act of finding dimension or quantity, “measure” can also refer to a course of action, a degree or extent, or even a system or standard. When applied to “a king,” these alternative definitions begin to open up a much richer field of possibilities. Are we talking about the
extent
of his power? The
duration
of his rule? The
impact
of his decisions? Each of these avenues feels plausible, yet only one will be the precise fit for a five-letter answer.
This is where a seasoned puzzle solver learns to look beyond the obvious. A common tactic in crossword setting is to use words with multiple dictionary definitions, especially when one meaning is far more common than the others. The less common, often more abstract or figurative meaning, is frequently the key to unlocking the puzzle. For “Measure of a king (5),” it’s crucial to consider not just
what
a king might measure, but
what defines
a king, or
what can be measured about
a king.
Did this particular
crossword clue
give you pause? It certainly did for many. It’s clues like these that elevate the simple act of filling in a grid into a truly engaging intellectual exercise. They force us to examine language from every conceivable angle, twisting and turning words until their true meaning, in the context of the puzzle, suddenly snaps into focus. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances and the clever misdirection often employed by the clue-setter.
So, how do we approach such a cleverly worded challenge? We start by brainstorming everything associated with “king”: power, crown, throne, kingdom, subjects, rule, dominion. Then we intersect that list with the various meanings of “measure.” Are we looking for something that quantifies his time? His authority? His territory? The five-letter constraint is your ultimate guide, whittling down the options until only the most elegant solution remains. This process of elimination, combined with creative thinking, is what makes solving a particularly tricky
crossword clue
so satisfying. It’s a testament to the power of precise word choice and the elegant design of a well-crafted puzzle. Stick around, and let’s delve deeper into the brilliant simplicity of this clue.
Available Answers:
RULER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 27 June 2025