Stepping into the world of daily crosswords, certain
crossword clues
immediately grab your attention, not just for their length or apparent complexity, but for the sheer cleverness embedded within their phrasing. Today, we’re zeroing in on a particularly delightful
crossword clue
that exemplifies the rich tapestry of wordplay found in many a challenging grid: ‘One who had a brush with entertainer? (13)‘.
This isn’t your average straightforward definition. Oh no. This is the kind of cryptic
crossword clue
that makes you pause, chuckle inwardly, and then settle in for a satisfying mental workout. The brilliance of this specific
crossword clue
lies in its masterful use of ambiguity, leveraging multiple meanings of key words to lead the solver down several tantalizing paths before the true solution emerges.
Consider the word ‘brush’. In the context of a typical
crossword clue
, ‘brush’ could, of course, refer to a brief, perhaps unexpected, encounter – a fleeting interaction or even a minor conflict. We’ve all had a ‘brush with danger’ or a ‘brush with fame.’ This interpretation immediately conjures images of a celebrity and an individual who crossed paths with them, perhaps a fan, a journalist, or even a rival. The thought process might initially gravitate towards someone involved in the personal life or public sphere of a well-known personality. This common understanding of ‘brush’ is a classic misdirection technique employed by skilled crossword setters, a delightful red herring in the grand ocean of
crossword clues
.
However, the word ‘brush’ carries an entirely different weight in a different artistic domain. It is, quite literally, an essential tool for an artist, specifically a painter. This second meaning unlocks a whole new dimension of interpretation for the astute crossword solver. If ‘brush’ is a tool, then the ‘one who had a brush’ might be someone who
uses
a brush. This shifts the focus from an incidental encounter to a professional or creative relationship with the concept of ‘brush’. This pivot is crucial for deciphering many a tricky
crossword clue
.
Now, let’s turn our attention to ‘entertainer’. While our minds might first leap to the usual suspects – actors, musicians, comedians, stage performers – the beauty of a well-crafted cryptic
crossword clue
is its ability to stretch the conventional definitions. Could ‘entertainer’ be interpreted in a way that ties back to the artistic tool? What if the ‘entertainer’ isn’t just someone who performs for an audience, but someone who creates something that
entertains
the eye, or perhaps is
entertained by
the brush itself? The puzzle setter is subtly nudging us to think beyond the obvious, encouraging a broader perspective on what it means to ‘entertain’ and who an ‘entertainer’ might be. This kind of imaginative leap is often the key to unlocking the most satisfying
crossword clue
solutions.
The clue’s length, ‘ (13) ‘, further guides the solver, indicating a substantial word that perfectly marries these layered meanings. It’s a testament to the setter’s artistry to create a
crossword clue
where two seemingly disparate interpretations of ‘brush’ and ‘entertainer’ converge into a single, elegant solution. The challenge, and indeed the joy, of solving such a complex
crossword clue
is in navigating these semantic overlaps, discarding the obvious and embracing the ingenious. It’s these moments of linguistic revelation that make the daily crossword such an enduring and beloved word puzzle.
Cracking a
crossword clue
like ‘One who had a brush with entertainer?’ requires a flexible mind, an appreciation for linguistic dexterity, and a willingness to explore every nook and cranny of meaning. It’s a prime example of why so many enthusiasts are drawn to the intellectual sport of daily crosswords. This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in wordplay, inviting solvers to delve deep into the nuances of language to uncover a perfectly fitting, and often amusing, answer. Such a
crossword clue
not only challenges but also educates, broadening one’s understanding of English vocabulary and idiom.
Available Answers:
IMPRESSIONIST.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 16 October 2025