There are some days when a crossword clue just hits differently. You know the feeling – that initial glance, a flicker of recognition, then a full-on head-scratching pause as your brain begins to whir, sifting through possibilities. It’s that exquisite moment of cognitive wrestling that makes the daily puzzle so utterly addictive. And when a clue manages to be both deceptively simple and wickedly clever, it elevates the entire experience.
Today, we’re talking about a prime example of such a marvel: “Obtruded when I’m sat (7)“. Just reading it, you can almost hear the gears grinding, can’t you? This isn’t just any old
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in concise misdirection, a little linguistic puzzle box designed to delight and challenge in equal measure.
At first blush, “Obtruded when I’m sat (7)” might seem a little opaque. “Obtruded” itself isn’t a word we toss around in casual conversation every day. It carries a sense of forcing oneself or something unwelcomely into a situation, of becoming noticeable in an intrusive way. Combine that with the seemingly straightforward phrase “when I’m sat,” and you have the makings of a truly intriguing
crossword clue
. The word count, seven letters, looms like a silent promise of elegance once the solution finally reveals itself.
What makes a
crossword clue
like this so compelling? It’s the way it forces you to think beyond the obvious. Is “obtruded” to be taken literally? Is “when I’m sat” a direct description of a physical state, or is it a more abstract pointer to a wordplay mechanism? This is where the beauty of cryptic clues, or indeed any well-constructed general knowledge clue with a twist, truly shines. They invite you to dissect, to analyse, to look for the hidden meaning nestled within the seemingly plain language.
My initial approach to a
crossword clue
of this calibre often involves breaking it down. “Obtruded” – what synonyms come to mind? What are its core connotations? Is it hinting at something that appears, protrudes, or interrupts? Then, the “when I’m sat” component. This is often the anchor, the part of the clue that, once understood, unlocks the rest. Could it refer to something you experience
while
sitting? Or is ‘sat’ itself a component, perhaps reversed, or part of a larger wordplay? The mental gymnastics begin, exploring every conceivable angle.
The best
crossword clues
often have a delightful ‘aha!’ moment, a sudden click where all the disparate parts fall into place, revealing a solution that is simultaneously surprising and perfectly logical. This particular clue exemplifies that sensation. It’s the kind that might have you staring blankly for a minute, maybe even walking away and coming back, only for the answer to suddenly manifest itself, accompanied by that satisfying feeling of intellectual accomplishment. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in crafting a clue that uses common words in an uncommon way, hinting at a very specific concept without ever giving it away too easily. This is why we keep coming back to the daily challenge, isn’t it? For those moments of pure, unadulterated problem-solving joy, sparked by a brilliantly constructed
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
IMPOSED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 9 August 2025