There’s a unique satisfaction that washes over you when grappling with a truly elegant cryptic crossword clue. It’s not just about finding the right word; it’s about peeling back layers of linguistic cleverness, appreciating the setter’s artistry, and experiencing that delightful “aha!” moment when everything clicks into place. Today’s featured crossword clue is a five-letter gem that exemplifies this perfectly: “One embraced by fat landowner (5).”
From the very first read, this crossword clue whispers promises of a classic cryptic construction. Five letters. A concise phrase packed with potential. Immediately, the mind begins to spin, considering the various ways these seemingly disparate elements could intertwine to form a single, elusive solution.
Let’s first consider the phrase “One embraced by.” This isn’t just descriptive language; in the world of cryptic crosswords, it’s a potent indicator. The word “embraced” is a tried-and-true signal for insertion. It suggests that a specific letter or short word, often represented by “one” – which frequently translates to “I” (as in the Roman numeral for one), or sometimes “A” or “AN” – is nestled snugly inside another word. This is the heart of a “container and content” clue, a beloved staple of cryptic puzzles. The trick lies in identifying the larger “container” word.
That brings us to the second, and arguably more colourful, part of this challenging crossword clue: “fat landowner.” This evocative phrase immediately conjures images. Is “fat” literal, referring to physical bulk or girth? Or does it hint at something metaphorical – perhaps ‘rich,’ ‘fertile,’ or ‘plentiful’? And “landowner”? This could be a specific historical title, a general term for someone who holds property, or even a less common synonym that perfectly fits the setter’s design. The breadth of possibilities here is what makes this a particularly engaging crossword clue. Do we think of a squire, a lord, a baron, or something else entirely? Each avenue offers a fresh pathway for exploration.
The beauty of a clue like “One embraced by fat landowner (5)” lies in how these two components – the precise mechanical indicator (“embraced by”) and the descriptive, often misleading, definition (“fat landowner”) – must coalesce. The solution isn’t just a word that fits the definition; it’s a word that
also
contains the “one” in a way that makes logical sense according to the container clue. The definition itself isn’t explicitly stated but rather implied by the end result of the wordplay. It’s an elegant dance between straightforward meaning and ingenious misdirection, a hallmark of what makes deciphering a cryptic crossword clue so rewarding.
When grappling with such a crossword clue, the key is to allow your mind to wander through synonyms, homophones (though less likely with “embraced by”), and various word lengths, all while keeping the five-letter constraint firmly in mind. The “fat landowner” might be a compound word, or a single word that captures the essence of both concepts. The “one” might be a vowel, a consonant, or a short word. The satisfaction comes not just from writing in the answer, but from fully unpacking the journey the setter laid out for you. It’s a testament to the art of the crossword clue, turning a simple phrase into a mental workout that leaves you feeling smarter.
Stay tuned for the full breakdown of how this masterful clue works its magic.
Available Answers:
LAIRD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 3 July 2025