Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts and cryptic crossword aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of staring down a particularly devious
crossword clue
, feeling that initial pang of bewilderment, and then having the pieces click into place. Today, we’re dissecting a brilliant little brain-teaser that’s been making the rounds, challenging even the most seasoned solvers to flex their linguistic muscles.
The
crossword clue
in question is:
“Obliterate every feature initially on dial (6)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can almost hear the gears grinding, can’t you? This isn’t your average, straightforward definition clue. No, this is the kind of cryptic crossword clue that demands a multi-layered approach, asking you to consider definitions, hidden meanings, and clever wordplay indicators all at once. For those who love the intellectual gymnastics of solving crosswords, this one is a true gem.
Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is so intriguing, without giving away the answer just yet. The first word, “Obliterate,” immediately gives us a strong hint towards the definition. It’s a powerful verb, suggesting destruction, removal, or complete erasure. This is often the anchor point for a cryptic clue – a direct, albeit sometimes misleading, definition of the answer. So, we’re looking for a six-letter word that means to obliterate. Simple, right? Not so fast!
The real magic, and the real challenge for any
crossword puzzle
solver, lies in the rest of the phrase: “every feature initially on dial.” This is where the cryptic genius shines through, leading us down a path of clever misdirection and subtle signals. Many solvers, when confronted with a phrase containing words like “initially,” “first letters,” “at the start,” or “primarily,” immediately think of initialisms or acrostics. This is a classic
crossword clue
device where the first letters of subsequent words spell out part or all of the solution.
But with only six letters to fill, how do “every feature initially on dial” combine to form a coherent word that also means “obliterate”? Does “initially” apply to every single word that follows it? Or does it refer to just a select few? What role does “on dial” play in all of this? Is it another layer of definition, a sound-alike clue, or perhaps even another source of letters? These are the questions that make a cryptic
crossword clue
such a rewarding experience to solve.
The beauty of such a well-crafted
crossword clue
is how it forces you to slow down, to consider each word for its literal meaning, its potential as a sound-alike, and its role as a cryptic indicator. It’s not just about knowing words, but about understanding the intricate language of crosswords themselves. Getting to that “Aha!” moment when the definition aligns perfectly with the wordplay, and the full six-letter answer reveals itself, is what makes tackling these puzzles so utterly addictive.
If you’ve been scratching your head over this particular
crossword clue
, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a prime example of how constructors can take seemingly disparate elements and weave them into a single, elegant solution. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the mechanics of this brilliant
crossword puzzle
gem, exploring the journey from initial bewilderment to ultimate victory. Ready to unravel the mystery? Let’s dive in!
Available Answers:
EFFACE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 13 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 24 August 2025