Every seasoned solver knows the feeling: you’re cruising through a daily crossword, ticking off answers, when suddenly, a particular
crossword clue
brings you to a grinding halt. It’s not just difficult; it’s
intriguing
. It whispers of clever wordplay, a hidden meaning, or a delightful twist of logic. Today, that clue is “Most insignificant set it in motion (7)“.
This particular
crossword clue
, a mere nine words and a number, carries a surprising weight. Seven letters long, it presents itself as a compact enigma. “Most insignificant” immediately grabs your attention. Is it defining something truly trivial, something negligible in the grand scheme of things? Or is it a red herring, cleverly disguised to send your mind down a path of minuscule proportions? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to mislead and illuminate in equal measure.
Then we have “set it in motion.” These four words are where the real magic, or indeed, the real head-scratching, often begins. In the world of crosswords, especially those with a slightly cryptic lean, phrases like this are often indicators. Do they hint at an anagram, suggesting that the letters of “set it in motion” (or perhaps another part of the clue) need to be rearranged? Or do they point to a more literal interpretation, describing an action or a cause? The brilliance of this
crossword clue
is its ambiguity, forcing you to consider multiple angles simultaneously.
When confronted with such a masterful
crossword clue
, a common strategy is to break it down. What exactly does “most insignificant” imply? Is it a superlative of size, importance, or impact? And what about “set it in motion”? Is it literally about initiating movement, or does it refer to something causing a chain of events, perhaps on a grand scale, ironically contradicting “most insignificant”? The tension between these two seemingly disparate halves of the
crossword clue
is what makes it so compelling.
For a moment, let’s consider the numerical constraint: (7). This number is a powerful limiter, immediately narrowing down the vast lexicon of the English language to a precise set of words. It’s the final piece of the puzzle, confirming your deductions or sending you back to the drawing board if your initial ideas don’t fit the bill. The interaction between definition, wordplay, and length is the very essence of a satisfying
crossword clue
.
This isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind the clue. It’s about the constructor’s ingenuity in distilling a complex concept or a playful pun into such a concise form. It’s the delightful “aha!” moment when the light bulb finally clicks on, and the two seemingly unrelated phrases suddenly snap into perfect focus, revealing a single, elegant word. That moment, when the intricate mechanics of the
crossword clue
reveal their simple truth, is what keeps us coming back day after day.
So, take a moment with “Most insignificant set it in motion (7).” Ponder its layers, wrestle with its wordplay, and enjoy the journey of discovery. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of a brilliantly constructed
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
TINIEST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 23 June 2025