Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like that moment when a particularly fiendish crossword clue lands on your desk (or screen!), ready to test your linguistic mettle. Today, we’re diving into a prime example of cryptic brilliance, a real brain-teaser that offers a masterclass in misdirection and clever construction. If you’re searching for “crossword clue” insights, you’ve come to the right place!
Our featured challenger for today is:
“One NHS worker run off occupied (2,3)“
Just reading it, you can almost hear the gears grinding in your head, can’t you? This isn’t just a simple synonym hunt; this is the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you truly appreciate the art form. Let’s break down why this particular “crossword clue” stands out and how we can approach solving such a gem without giving away the satisfying ‘aha!’ moment.
First, let’s consider the structure:
(2,3)
. This is our golden key, immediately telling us the length and segmentation of our elusive answer. It’s a two-part answer, a two-letter word followed by a three-letter word. This constraint alone significantly narrows down the field of possibilities, making the task of tackling this challenging crossword clue a little less daunting, but no less intriguing.
Now, let’s look at the individual components of the “crossword clue” itself. We have “One NHS worker,” “run off,” and “occupied.” Each of these phrases carries weight and potential for cunning wordplay, typical of the best cryptic clues.
“One NHS worker”
: In the world of cryptic crosswords, specific professions or groups often have standard abbreviations or common representations. “One” can also be a clue in itself, sometimes pointing to a single letter or an indefinite article. Thinking about common abbreviations used in medical contexts, or how “one” might indicate a particular form, is crucial here. This part of the “crossword clue” is designed to make you think about typical representations or common short forms.
“run off”
: This phrase is a chameleon in language, and in crosswords, it can mean many things. Does it suggest an anagram, where letters are “run off” into a new order? Or does it imply escaping, fleeing, or perhaps even something being produced or copied rapidly? The beauty of a cryptic “crossword clue” lies in these double meanings. “Run off” could be an action, a state, or even an indicator for a different kind of wordplay entirely. Consider what it means to be ‘run off’ in various contexts – how might that translate into letters or a sound?
“occupied”
: This word feels like a strong candidate for our definition. It implies being busy, engaged, or having a space taken up. In cryptic crossword clues, the definition is usually at one end or the other of the clue. If “occupied” is indeed our definition, then the rest of the clue, “One NHS worker run off,” must be the intricate wordplay that leads us to that definition. Think about phrases that mean ‘busy’ or ‘engaged’ and fit the (2,3) structure.
When you’re faced with a challenging “cryptic crossword clue” like this, it’s about piecing together these different elements. Does “One NHS worker” lead to a specific two-letter part, and “run off” cleverly craft the three-letter part? Or does the entire phrase “One NHS worker run off” work together to form a descriptive piece of wordplay that points to “occupied”?
The joy of solving crossword clues comes from exploring these avenues. It’s about recognizing the common tricks – the abbreviations, the homophones, the charades, the removals, and the containers. This particular “crossword clue” is a fantastic example of how multiple layers of meaning can be compressed into a concise phrase.
So, take another look at “One NHS worker run off occupied (2,3).” Consider how the elements could combine. What common phrases or expressions mean ‘occupied’ and fit the (2,3) pattern? And how could “One NHS worker run off” cleverly lead you there? The solution is elegant and satisfying once you untangle its threads. Happy solving, and keep those grey cells active!
Available Answers:
INUSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 14 September 2025