Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts and puzzle masters! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a
crossword clue
that recently popped up and immediately had my mental gears grinding. You know the feeling – that perfect blend of challenge and intrigue that only a well-crafted cryptic
crossword clue
can deliver. It’s not just about filling in boxes; it’s about unraveling a miniature linguistic mystery, a true test of lateral thinking.
The
crossword clue
we’re dissecting today is a magnificent 13-letter beast:
“Oddly natural, due to boy being pure (13)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can almost hear the subtle hum of cryptic brilliance. This isn’t your average definition; it’s a masterclass in misdirection and ingenious wordplay. For those new to the thrilling world of cryptic crosswords, a
crossword clue
like this might seem impenetrable at first glance. But fear not, for within its layers lies a delightful solution, waiting to be unearthed by a keen eye and a playful mind.
What makes this particular
crossword clue
so captivating? Firstly, its length. A 13-letter solution offers ample room for the setter to weave a complex narrative through their wordplay. It demands more than a quick flash of inspiration; it often requires breaking down the clue into its constituent parts, identifying potential indicators, and then carefully reassembling the pieces. This isn’t just a
crossword clue
; it’s a mini-epic.
The phrase “Oddly natural” immediately piques the interest of any seasoned solver of cryptic
crossword clues
. In the world of cryptic puzzles, words like “oddly,” “rearranged,” “broken,” or “mixed” are often tell-tale signs. They whisper hints of anagrams – those wonderful jumbles of letters that, when reordered, reveal a completely different word or phrase. Could “Oddly natural” be an anagrind, pointing us towards a hidden rearrangement of letters? It’s a common technique, and one that often leads to those satisfying “aha!” moments.
Then we move to the latter part of the
crossword clue
: “due to boy being pure.” This section is where the cryptic setter truly earns their stripes. Cryptic
crossword clues
rarely give direct definitions. Instead, they provide a series of components that, when combined, point to the answer. Phrases like “due to” can act as connectors, while “boy” and “pure” might be elements that contribute letters or concepts to the final solution, perhaps through a charade (where parts of the answer are clued separately) or even a subtraction or insertion. Identifying these specific cryptic devices is a core skill in advanced
crossword puzzle
solving.
The beauty of a well-constructed
crossword clue
like this lies in its ability to simultaneously define the answer and provide a cunning route to it through wordplay. It’s a double-edged sword, a delightful puzzle in itself. It forces you to think beyond the obvious, to consider the nuances of language, and to appreciate the cleverness embedded within seemingly straightforward words. It’s a challenge that engages your vocabulary, your logic, and even your creativity.
This particular
crossword clue
is a prime example of why cryptic crosswords are so addictive. They aren’t just about finding the right word; they’re about understanding the setter’s thought process, anticipating their tricks, and ultimately, mirroring their linguistic agility. Every time you tackle a
crossword clue
of this caliber, you sharpen your own puzzle-solving skills, making the next one even more approachable.
So, take a moment to ponder “Oddly natural, due to boy being pure (13)“. What are your initial thoughts? How do you approach a
crossword clue
that seems to have so many layers? Do you spot any familiar cryptic indicators that jump out at you? Share your first impressions, and let’s appreciate the artistry behind this compelling
crossword clue
. Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the mechanics of solving it, but for now, let the contemplation begin!
Available Answers:
UNADULTERATED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 20 June 2025