There’s a certain thrill that comes with staring down a particularly clever crossword clue. It’s that moment where the words on the page seem to twist and turn, hinting at something just beyond your grasp, yet promising a satisfying “aha!” if you just look at it from the right angle. Today, we’re diving into one of those delicious brain-teasers that perfectly encapsulates the magic of cryptic crosswords: “Nervously excited always when swimmer is around (8).”
This particular crossword clue, eight letters strong, is a prime example of the ingenious wordplay that keeps us all coming back for more. Right off the bat, you can feel the energy in the first part – “Nervously excited always.” That phrase alone conjures a vivid image, a specific state of mind. It’s a definition that feels rich with possibility, hinting at a whole spectrum of human emotion. What word could possibly capture that restless, anticipatory buzz, that feeling of being on edge with excitement? Keep that sensation firmly in your mental dictionary as we explore the rest of this intriguing crossword clue.
Now, for the kicker, the part that makes this a truly intriguing challenge: “when swimmer is around.” This is where the truly devious fun begins with this specific crossword clue. The image of a swimmer immediately conjures up thoughts of water, movement, perhaps even a splash, or a ripple. But in the nuanced world of cryptic crossword clues, rarely is anything as straightforward as it seems. Is “swimmer” meant to be taken literally, perhaps referring to a person or even a creature of the water? Or is it a carefully placed piece of misdirection, designed to lead our thoughts astray while subtly pointing to the real answer to this tricky crossword clue?
Think about the actions associated with a swimmer, or even just the
presence
of a swimmer in their natural environment. What effect might they have on their surroundings? What kind of reaction, what sort of impact, might their activity create? This is where the beauty of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue truly shines, inviting us to look beyond the obvious surface meaning. We’re asked to connect the dots between a human emotion and a seemingly unrelated physical action, a hallmark of an expertly constructed word puzzle.
Consider how the two halves of this crossword clue, the descriptive definition and the intriguing “swimmer” element, might interact. Could the swimmer’s presence directly
cause
the state described in the first part? Or is the “swimmer” a clever, metaphorical stand-in for something else entirely, guiding us towards a wordplay element that ties everything together? The setter of this crossword clue has undoubtedly crafted a brilliant, subtle connection between these two seemingly disparate ideas, a link that, once discovered, makes the solution feel utterly inevitable.
It’s this interplay, this delightful dance between literal interpretation and abstract wordplay, that makes solving a challenging crossword clue such a rewarding mental workout. We’re not just finding words; we’re deciphering a carefully constructed puzzle, appreciating the wit and ingenuity embedded in every single phrase. So, take another look at “Nervously excited always when swimmer is around (8).” Ponder the definitions, muse over the potential actions, and let the subtle hints guide you towards that eight-letter solution. The answer, when it clicks into place, will feel perfectly logical, perfectly fitting, and perfectly satisfying. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a miniature masterpiece of word construction, waiting to be unlocked.
Available Answers:
FEVERISH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 21 November 2025