Oil Spilled in January Column – A Cryptic Challenge
Ah, the cryptic crossword. A world of wordplay, misdirection, and hidden meanings. It’s a puzzle that rewards those who can decipher the clues, unravel the layers of obfuscation, and ultimately arrive at the satisfying click of the right answer.
Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing clue:
“Oil spilt in January column (8)“
.
This clue is a classic example of the double meaning that often appears in cryptic crosswords. The word “oil” doesn’t just refer to the liquid substance. It’s also a word that can be used to describe something that’s smooth or slick.
“January column” is the other part of the clue that demands closer examination. It might refer to a column of numbers in a calendar, or a specific column in a newspaper dedicated to January events. Or perhaps it’s something else entirely?
The “8” in brackets indicates that the answer is an eight-letter word. This gives us a good starting point, narrowing down the possibilities.
To crack this clue, we need to think about how “oil spilt” and “January column” relate to each other. What connection can we find? Is there a word that embodies both concepts?
This is where the art of cryptic crosswords truly shines. It’s not about brute force or simple definitions. It’s about finding the hidden link, the clever wordplay that reveals the answer.
So, grab your pencil and paper, dear puzzlers, and let’s delve into the depths of this cryptic clue. Can you unravel the layers of this word puzzle and find the eight-letter word that satisfies both parts of the clue? Let’s see if you can crack this cryptic challenge!
Available Answers:
MONOLITH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 1 August 2024