Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and
crossword clue
connoisseurs! Every now and then, a
crossword clue
pops up that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then marvel at its sheer brilliance once the penny finally drops. Today, we’re dissecting one such head-scratcher that has been making the rounds and prompting many a thoughtful frown: “Number, for instance, in Bury (7)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward, or perhaps bafflingly obscure, depending on your initial interpretation. It’s a classic example of a
crossword puzzle
setter’s craft, blending multiple layers of meaning and potential misdirection into a concise package. The seven-letter length provides a useful constraint, but it’s the linguistic gymnastics required to unpack this one that makes it a true gem for any
crossword enthusiast
.
Let’s break down the elements of this intriguing
crossword clue
. We have “Number, for instance,” followed by “in Bury,” and finally, the word length of seven letters. Each component offers a rich seam of possibilities, and the true challenge lies in identifying the precise combination that leads to the elusive answer.
Consider “Number, for instance.” What kind of ‘number’ are we talking about here? Is it a cardinal number like “one,” “two,” “three”? Is it an ordinal number like “first,” “second”? Could it refer to a specific type of mathematical number – prime, even, odd, rational, irrational? Or is “Number” itself an example, an
instance
, of a broader category? This is where the ambiguity of
crossword clues
truly shines. The phrase “for instance” often signals that the preceding word is an example of something, but it can also simply mean “for example,” referring to the answer being an example of a number. This duality is a common trick in
crossword puzzle
construction, designed to make you think laterally.
Now, let’s turn our attention to “in Bury.” This is arguably the most potent source of misdirection in this particular
crossword clue
. Our minds immediately jump to Bury, the market town in Greater Manchester, famous for its black pudding. Is there a number specifically associated with this location? Perhaps a postcode element, a historical date, or a local landmark with a numerical significance? Many
crossword puzzles
use geographical references to pinpoint a specific word, often playing on local knowledge or common associations. If the answer is indeed “in Bury” the town, then we’re looking for something numerical found within that context.
However, the beauty of
cryptic crossword clues
lies in their ability to exploit homophones and alternative meanings. “Bury” can also refer to the act of putting something into the ground or covering it up. If we consider “in Bury” in this sense – as in, “within something that is buried” – then the entire dynamic of the
crossword clue
shifts dramatically. What kind of number could be found ‘within’ something that is buried? This opens up a more abstract or metaphorical interpretation, requiring a different kind of conceptual leap. This dual meaning of “Bury” is a classic
crossword puzzle
setter’s move, designed to lead you down one path before revealing another, more subtle, interpretation. It’s this kind of wordplay that elevates a good
crossword clue
to a truly great one.
The interplay between “Number, for instance” and “in Bury” is what unlocks the solution to this
crossword clue
. You must consider how one phrase might redefine the other, forcing you to think beyond the obvious. Is “Number” an instance of something buried? Or is a specific number found
within
the town of Bury? The careful construction ensures that both interpretations initially seem plausible, yet only one will lead to the correct seven-letter answer.
This “Number, for instance, in Bury (7)“
crossword clue
perfectly encapsulates the joy and frustration of
solving crosswords
. It’s a testament to the cleverness of the setters and a wonderful exercise for the brain. It demands not just vocabulary knowledge, but also a keen eye for wordplay and an openness to multiple meanings. So, take another look, ponder those possibilities, and see if you can crack this excellent
crossword clue
before you check the solution!
Available Answers:
INTEGER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 13 July 2025