The sheer brilliance of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue is something that never ceases to amaze me. It’s not just about finding a word; it’s about deciphering a miniature puzzle, a linguistic riddle wrapped in wit and often a healthy dose of misdirection. There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from staring at a seemingly nonsensical phrase, only to have the solution suddenly click into place, revealing the cleverness behind the seemingly absurd. It’s the ultimate brain workout for any crossword clue enthusiast.
Today’s featured brain-teaser is a prime example of such brilliance, the kind of crossword clue that hooks you with its sheer absurdity: “Opera heroine started courting ape! (5)“. Just read that aloud a few times. Go on, I’ll wait. “Opera heroine started courting ape!” It’s quite the image, isn’t it? A dramatic diva, perhaps in full regalia, making advances towards a primate. It’s ludicrous, it’s hilarious, and it’s precisely why this particular crossword clue stands out in the vast landscape of daily puzzles.
This crossword clue immediately engages on multiple levels. Firstly, there’s the definition, the part of the clue that gives you a hint about the final answer’s meaning. Here, we’re explicitly told we’re looking for an “Opera heroine.” That narrows things down considerably in the vast lexicon of English words, but still leaves us with a multitude of possibilities, from the tragic Aida to the spirited Carmen, the doomed Butterfly to the passionate Tosca. The number in parentheses, (5), further refines our search, confirming the exact length of the word we’re trying to uncover. This standard structure is a constant guide in every crossword clue you encounter.
But the real magic, and the true challenge of a cryptic crossword clue, lies in the second part: the wordplay. “Started courting ape!” This is where the constructor truly shines, taking ordinary words and twisting them into a new context, forcing our brains to think laterally, to consider alternative meanings and constructions. This is where the “aha!” moment is truly earned for any crossword clue.
Let’s dissect this curious phrase, “started courting ape!” What is the constructor trying to tell us here? Is ‘ape’ functioning as a noun, referring to the animal itself? Or is it a verb, meaning to imitate or mimic? Both are valid interpretations in the English language, and a cunning crossword setter will play on these ambiguities to lead us down a delightful garden path.
Then there’s the phrase “started courting.” In everyday language, it’s straightforward: beginning a romantic relationship. But within the arcane world of cryptic crosswords, words like “started” or “beginning” often serve as indicators, pointing to the first letter of a word that follows, or perhaps hinting at a foundational element. Does “courting” have a specific role here beyond its literal meaning? Could it be a hidden instruction? Perhaps it suggests an embrace, a surrounding, or even a pursuit that’s more figurative than literal. The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue is its ability to transform the mundane into the mysterious.
The humour inherent in the image of an “Opera heroine started courting ape!” also serves a classic cryptic purpose: misdirection. It’s designed to make you smile, to draw you into the scenario, but also to distract you from the more mechanical, logical steps required to solve the puzzle. You might find yourself picturing the scene rather than focusing on the individual components of the wordplay. And that’s perfectly fine; it’s part of the fun! But the seasoned solver knows to detach from the narrative and focus on the linguistic mechanics of the crossword clue.
Solving a crossword clue like this one is an exercise in pattern recognition, vocabulary, and creative thinking. It’s about looking past the obvious and seeing the hidden connections. It requires you to consider all the ways words can be manipulated – through anagrams, charades, containers, and removals – even when the indicator isn’t explicitly shouting it out. While this particular crossword clue doesn’t immediately suggest a jumbled word or a hidden phrase, the potential for clever wordplay is immense.
So, take a moment with “Opera heroine started courting ape! (5)“. Ponder the possibilities. Consider the dual nature of cryptic clues: the definition and the deceptive wordplay. Think about how ‘started’ might function, or how ‘courting ape’ could be broken down. It’s a truly satisfying moment when you finally crack a tough crossword clue, and this one certainly delivers that potential for a triumphant “aha!” moment. It’s a wonderful example of how setters make us work for our victory, and why we keep coming back for more. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
MIMIC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 7 August 2025