There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a truly well-crafted crossword clue. It’s that “aha!” moment, isn’t it? The one where all the misdirections fall away, the clever wordplay clicks into place, and the answer, which seemed so elusive just moments before, suddenly feels inevitable. For avid puzzle solvers, it’s the daily dose of linguistic gymnastics that keeps our brains buzzing. Whether you’re tackling a quick daily crossword or diving deep into a cryptic masterpiece, each
crossword clue
presents its own unique challenge and charm.
Today, we’re zeroing in on a particularly delightful and deceptively simple
crossword clue
that recently caught my eye: “Minimum, it’s said, granted to a tenant (6)“. On the surface, it looks straightforward, but as with all the best cryptic crosswords, there’s a layer of linguistic trickery that makes this one a true gem.
Let’s break down why this specific
crossword clue
is such a brilliant piece of puzzle design, without giving away the satisfying solution just yet. Firstly, we have “Minimum.” This word itself carries multiple meanings. It can refer to the smallest possible amount or degree, the lowest limit. But in the world of cryptic crosswords, a word like “minimum” can be a fantastic setup for wordplay. Is it describing something? Is it part of an anagram? Or is it something else entirely, designed to send you down a particular mental rabbit hole?
Then comes the crucial phrase, “it’s said.” For seasoned crossword enthusiasts, these two little words immediately light up a mental siren. “It’s said,” “we hear,” “reportedly,” “audibly,” “in speech” – these are all classic indicators for a homophone. This means that part of the
crossword clue
will sound like the answer, even if spelled differently. So, we’re looking for something that, when spoken, sounds uncannily like “minimum.” Now, think about how “minimum” can sound when pronounced. Are there any subtle variations, or perhaps a core sound within it, that could unlock a different word entirely? This is where the beauty of a clever homophone
crossword clue
truly shines, forcing you to think beyond the printed word to its phonetic counterpart, and sometimes even the nuances of pronunciation.
Finally, we have the definition part of this compelling
crossword clue
: “granted to a tenant.” This is where we anchor our phonetic possibility. What kinds of things are typically “granted” to a tenant? We’re looking for a specific term, agreement, or right that a person renting property would receive. This part of the clue provides the precise meaning that our sound-alike word must fulfill, ensuring that only one specific six-letter word fits both the phonetic requirement and the definition. Combine the sounds of “minimum” with a common term in the world of property rental, and you’re well on your way to deciphering this answer.
The brilliance of this particular
crossword clue
lies in its seamless integration of a common word with a precise phonetic twist and a perfectly matched definition. It’s a testament to the skill of the clue setter, who can take an everyday word like “minimum” and turn it into a brain-teasing challenge that delights and frustrates in equal measure. For anyone seeking daily crossword help or looking to sharpen their cryptic solving skills, analyzing clues like this is invaluable. It teaches you to look beyond the obvious and to consider every word, every phrase, as a potential piece of the larger puzzle. It’s truly a masterclass in how a simple
crossword clue
can hide a brilliant solution.
So, take a moment. Ponder that six-letter slot. What sounds like “minimum” and is something a tenant receives? It’s a rewarding one to figure out, promising that lovely little spark of triumph when you finally connect the dots. We’ll explore the full solution and the intricacies of this
crossword clue
in the rest of the post, but for now, let the contemplation begin!
Available Answers:
LEASED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 5 August 2025