Welcome back, word wizards and puzzle fanatics! Today, we’re ladling out a rather intriguing little number that might have you stirring for answers: “Not clear barley soup (6)“. If this particular crossword clue has left you feeling a bit muddled, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a classic example of how setters can take seemingly simple ingredients and whip up a delightfully devious challenge.
This type of crossword clue is a prime candidate for that glorious “aha!” moment, but getting there often requires a detour through the linguistic pantry. The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to simultaneously inform and misdirect, and this one does both with a delicious flair.
Let’s break down the elements of this six-letter wonder. First, we have “Not clear.” This modifier is crucial. What does “not clear” typically imply when we’re talking about liquids, especially soups? Is it about opacity, thickness, or perhaps something more profound about its composition? Cryptic crossword clues often hinge on interpreting such simple descriptive phrases in unexpected ways. It forces us to think beyond the literal transparency and delve into qualities that might make something cloudy, dense, or even indistinguishable. When you encounter “not clear” in a crossword clue, your mind should immediately begin to explore synonyms and characteristics that go beyond the visual.
Then, we have the core ingredient: “barley soup.” Barley is a hearty grain, often used to add substance and texture to broths. Many types of barley soup are naturally robust and, well, not always perfectly transparent. But is the crossword clue asking for a specific
kind
of barley soup, or is “barley soup” acting as a pointer to a characteristic that such a soup might possess? This is where the setter’s cunning truly comes into play. They’re inviting you to consider the essence of barley soup, rather than just the dish itself. Is it its texture, its consistency, or something more metaphorical? This subtle twist is a hallmark of an expertly crafted crossword clue.
The magic truly happens when you combine “not clear” with “barley soup,” all while keeping that vital six-letter constraint in mind. This isn’t just about identifying a food item; it’s about discerning a particular
aspect
or
state
of a food item that perfectly fits both descriptors. It’s the kind of cryptic prompt that encourages lateral thinking, making you ponder common culinary terms in an entirely new light.
For many solvers, deciphering a complex crossword clue like this involves a mental journey through related concepts. You might find yourself listing types of soups, then filtering them by consistency, and finally checking which ones fit the letter count and the “not clear” aspect. The satisfaction of unraveling such a cleverly constructed crossword clue is, for many of us, the very essence of why we dedicate so much time to these daily brain teasers. It’s a testament to the power of words and the endless fun of linguistic puzzles. Keep at it, and you’ll find that the solution, much like a perfectly simmered dish, will eventually present itself.
Available Answers:
BLEARY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 22 June 2025