Feeling stumped by a particularly tricky
crossword clue
? You’ve landed in the right spot. The world of cryptic crosswords often presents ingenious linguistic puzzles, designed to make you think laterally, sometimes even sending you down a delightful rabbit hole before the “aha!” moment strikes. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of this intellectual sport: “Number eleven comeback by neutral president (5)“. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and clever construction, characteristic of the more challenging grids.
This five-letter gem is a fantastic illustration of how multiple layers of meaning can be woven into a concise phrase. At first glance, it might seem like a historical trivia question, demanding knowledge of past world leaders and their political leanings. But as seasoned solvers know, cryptic
crossword clues
rarely give up their secrets so straightforwardly. The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to simultaneously present a plausible-sounding surface reading while hiding a completely different meaning within its structure.
Let’s unpack the components of this specific
crossword clue
. We have “Number eleven.” What immediately comes to mind when you see a number in a cryptic setting? Is it a letter’s position in the alphabet? A Roman numeral? Perhaps a common abbreviation for a number, or even a subtle hint at a specific numerical concept? Each possibility opens up a distinct avenue of exploration within the labyrinth of a
crossword clue
. Then there’s “comeback.” This word, especially in the context of
crossword clues
, is a classic signal. Does it suggest a reversal of letters, an anagram requiring you to re-arrange existing letters, or simply a return to a previous state or position? Understanding these common indicators is half the battle in cracking complex puzzles.
Next, we encounter “neutral president.” This part of the clue feels like a double-barreled attack. “Neutral” itself can be interpreted in numerous ways – impartial, unaligned, or even chemically inert. When combined with “president,” it points towards a historical figure, yet simultaneously could be part of a clever wordplay device. Is the “neutral” aspect referring to a president’s policy, or is it an instruction for modifying part of the wordplay? The brilliance of well-crafted
crossword clues
is their ability to blend these potential meanings seamlessly, often making you question your initial assumptions about what the words truly signify.
The parenthetical “(5)” is, of course, the length of our desired solution, a crucial piece of information that helps confirm our theories once we’ve started building potential answers. It acts as a final validator, ensuring our wordplay deductions align with the required number of letters. Without this crucial detail, the challenge would be exponentially harder, highlighting its importance in every
crossword clue
.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the best of cryptic design: a seemingly straightforward definition (a type of president, perhaps one known for a certain characteristic) combined with intricate wordplay that guides you, sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly, to the exact sequence of letters. It requires you to look beyond the obvious, to dismantle the phrase, and to reassemble its constituent parts based on the established rules of cryptic crosswords. The satisfaction of solving such a clue is immense, turning a moment of frustration into a flash of insight. For anyone grappling with this specific puzzle, remember to consider all the angles, and trust that the answer is cleverly hidden in plain sight, waiting for your mental gears to click into place. The journey to the solution is often as rewarding as the solution itself, making every challenging
crossword clue
a miniature adventure.
Available Answers:
NIXON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 16 October 2025