Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! Another day, another delightful challenge served up fresh from the minds of our favorite setters. There’s nothing quite like that moment you encounter a truly perplexing
crossword clue
, one that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then dive deep into the lexical labyrinth. And today, we’ve got a fantastic specimen that’s been causing quite a stir: “More and more shifty reclining, say (12)“.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection, a prime example of how seemingly simple words can combine to form a linguistic puzzle box. It’s the kind of clue that separates the casual dabbler from the dedicated crossword aficionado, demanding a blend of lateral thinking, wordplay intuition, and a keen eye for subtle signals. If you’re here, chances are you’ve already spent a good few minutes staring at it, perhaps jotting down a few false starts, or simply marveling at its cryptic charm. That’s perfectly normal! This isn’t your average definition; it’s a beautifully constructed piece of verbal engineering.
Let’s unpack this intriguing
crossword clue
piece by intricate piece, without, of course, giving away the satisfying conclusion just yet. Think of this as our collective warm-up, a shared exploration of the setter’s crafty intentions.
First, consider the phrase “More and more.” This is a classic indicator in
crossword clue
construction. Does it suggest a doubling? An intensification? A repetition of a sound or an idea? Or is it hinting at a comparative or superlative form? Setters often use such phrases to guide us towards an answer that builds upon itself or signifies a growing quantity or degree. The beauty lies in its ambiguity, leaving us to ponder which specific ‘more’ they have in mind. Is it a direct word, or a subtle instruction for how to construct the answer from other elements of the clue? This is where the magic of a cryptic
crossword clue
truly shines.
Next, we encounter “shifty.” Oh, “shifty”! What a wonderfully evocative word for a
crossword clue
! In everyday language, “shifty” implies deceit, evasiveness, or a lack of trustworthiness. It makes us think of someone unreliable, perhaps even a bit sneaky. But in the world of crosswords, such adjectives often take on entirely new meanings. Could “shifty” be an anagram indicator, telling us to rearrange the letters of another word or phrase? Or perhaps it describes something literally shifting or moving? It could even refer to a characteristic of the eventual solution, giving us a definition or a synonym to chase down. The setter might be playing on the literal movement implied, or the metaphorical trickery inherent in the word itself.
Then comes “reclining.” This word immediately paints a picture, doesn’t it? Someone leaning back, perhaps on a sofa, in a chair, or just resting comfortably. It’s a physical act. But as seasoned solvers know, definitions in
crossword clue
often aren’t quite so straightforward. Is it merely a descriptive term, a direct definition of part of our twelve-letter answer? Or is it a clever pun, a homophone, or even a hidden word indicator, where the answer might be found ‘reclining’ within the very letters of the phrase itself? The literal image it conjures can sometimes be the biggest misdirection of all, leading us away from the wordplay that truly unlocks the answer.
Finally, we have the ubiquitous “say.” This tiny word is a perennial favorite of
crossword clue
setters, a powerful tool that often signals a phonetic clue, a homophone, or an example. When you see “say,” your brain should immediately start considering words that sound like something else. Does “reclining, say” mean a word that sounds like ‘reclining’ but is spelled differently? Or does it simply mean ‘for example,’ offering a type of something that the answer represents? The possibilities are tantalizingly open, adding another layer of complexity to an already multi-faceted clue.
So, “More and more shifty reclining, say (12)” isn’t just a tough
crossword clue
; it’s a testament to the artistry of crossword construction. Each element contributes to a larger whole, designed to test your vocabulary, your powers of deduction, and your ability to think outside the box. It demands that you consider not just what the words mean, but what they
do
in the context of a cryptic puzzle. Stay tuned as we unravel the full solution and illuminate the brilliant wordplay behind this truly memorable clue!
Available Answers:
INCREASINGLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 9 June 2025