Hello, fellow word sleuths and cryptic puzzle aficionados! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a truly fascinating
crossword clue
that has been making the rounds and prompting some serious head-scratching. It’s one of those clues that, at first glance, seems straightforward enough, but then you find yourself circling it, pen poised, for far longer than you’d care to admit.
The clue we’re dissecting (without revealing the solution, of course!) is:
“Nearly recognise large lake below hillock (5)“
.
Isn’t that just a beauty? Five letters of pure, unadulterated cryptic challenge. As soon as I read it, I knew we had a proper brain-teaser on our hands. Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is such a masterclass in misdirection and elegant construction.
First, let’s look at the initial phrase: “Nearly recognise”. In the world of cryptic crosswords, “nearly” is a word that instantly piques a solver’s interest. It’s a common indicator, but one with several potential meanings, making it deceptively tricky. Does it mean we should take most of a word, perhaps all but the last letter? If so, which word? “Recognise” itself is nine letters long, far too long for our five-letter target. So, are we meant to consider a synonym of “recognise,” or perhaps a word strongly associated with it, and then apply the “nearly” rule to that? Or could “nearly recognise” be a subtle hint towards a homophone – something that sounds like it’s
almost
recognition, or a partial sound of the word ‘recognise’ itself? This is where the beauty of cryptic clues truly shines; the setter gives you just enough rope to hang yourself, or to swing to success!
Then we move to the descriptive part of the clue: “large lake below hillock”. This section clearly points towards a definition, guiding us towards a specific type of geographical feature. We’re looking for something that fits the description of a “large lake” – perhaps a specific term for a lake, or a more general word for a body of water – that is situated “below a hillock.” A “hillock,” for those unfamiliar, is simply a small hill. So, we’re picturing a landscape: water, and a small hill. This part of the clue feels quite literal on the surface, which is often a sign in cryptic crosswords that the definition is indeed straightforward, but the wordplay leading to it is anything but! Common terms for lakes or small hills might spring to mind – “loch,” “tarn,” “knoll,” “mound” – but how do they fit into a five-letter answer, especially when combined with the “nearly recognise” wordplay?
The challenge here lies in expertly combining these two distinct elements – the cryptic wordplay of “nearly recognise” and the descriptive definition of “large lake below hillock” – into a single, five-letter word. It requires not just a good vocabulary and an understanding of cryptic indicators, but also a willingness to think laterally about the meanings of words and their sounds. Is there a word that perfectly encapsulates a specific type of valley or hollow that often contains water and is situated in a hilly area? And how does that word’s pronunciation or its components cleverly link back to “nearly recognise”?
This kind of
crossword clue
exemplifies why we love these puzzles. They’re not just about knowing words; they’re about understanding the playful, often ingenious, language of the setter. It’s a true test of observation, lateral thinking, and sometimes, a little bit of intuition.
So, what are your thoughts on this corker? Have you encountered similar challenges with “nearly” indicators before? Share your insights and musings (but remember, no spoilers for the answer itself!) in the comments below. Let’s appreciate the artistry behind this brilliant
crossword clue
together!
Available Answers:
KNOLL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 4 July 2025