Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like settling down with a fresh crossword puzzle and encountering a clue that immediately sparks both curiosity and a smile. Today, we’re diving into a particularly appetising little number: “Open with usual starter – prawn cocktail (6)“.
At first glance, this crossword clue seems almost disarmingly straightforward. You’re presented with a classic dish, the prawn cocktail, and a phrase that firmly grounds it in the culinary world: “usual starter.” But as any seasoned solver knows, the best crossword clues are rarely
just
what they appear to be. There’s always an extra layer, a clever twist of wordplay, or a subtle redirection designed to make you think just a little harder, to peel back the layers of meaning before that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment.
Let’s unpack this fantastic crossword clue piece by delicious piece. The phrase “usual starter” immediately conjures images of a menu. What do you typically begin a meal with? A starter, of course! And the prawn cocktail has, for decades, held a revered, almost iconic status as
the
go-to starter, especially in a certain era of dining. It’s a dish synonymous with the very concept of starting a meal. So, the first part of our crossword clue perfectly defines the function and commonality of a certain type of dish.
Then we have “prawn cocktail.” Here, the crossword clue gives us a very specific example. It’s not just
any
starter; it’s
the
prawn cocktail, a beloved (or perhaps nostalgic, depending on your palate!) classic of British cuisine. The interplay between the general concept (“usual starter”) and the specific example (“prawn cocktail”) is often a hallmark of wonderfully crafted crossword clues. They lead you down a very particular path, ensuring you’re thinking along the right lines, even if the final leap of logic is yet to be made.
The cleverness of this particular crossword clue, however, really shines when you consider the dual meaning embedded within the word “starter.” While we’ve just discussed its culinary context, think about what else “starter” can mean. What do you use to
start
something? What is something that gets a process going, or a piece of equipment ignited? This is where the magic of a cryptic or semi-cryptic crossword clue often lies – taking an everyday word and finding an alternative, yet perfectly valid, interpretation that opens up a whole new avenue for the solution.
For those of us who adore tackling a challenging crossword clue, this blend of direct definition and subtle wordplay is what makes the hobby so utterly compelling. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding how language can be bent and shaped, how a single word can hold multiple meanings, and how those meanings can be ingeniously woven together to form a coherent, yet elusive, answer. The number (6) at the end, as always, is our crucial helper, confirming the exact length of the word we’re looking for. It acts as a final filter, ensuring that our proposed answer fits the constraints of the puzzle.
So, when you see a crossword clue like “Open with usual starter – prawn cocktail (6)“, don’t just see a meal. See the intricate dance of words, the subtle misdirection, and the brilliant simplicity that makes solving a crossword clue such a rewarding mental workout. It’s a testament to the skill of the clue setter, and a delightful challenge for us, the solvers. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
UNWRAP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 16 September 2025