There’s a unique satisfaction in the moment a well-crafted crossword clue clicks into place. It’s not just about finding the answer, but about appreciating the cleverness, the misdirection, and the pure joy of wordplay that the setter has meticulously woven into each line. Today, we’re diving into a particularly engaging one that promises a delightful cerebral workout for any keen solver.
The crossword clue at hand is:
“Opposed to disorderly raves before start of evening (6)“
This six-letter cryptic crossword clue offers a fantastic blend of definition, anagrammatic trickery, and a subtle charade element. To successfully decode such a puzzle, a good strategy is to break it down into its constituent parts, examining how each phrase contributes to the final solution.
Let’s start with the definition. The phrase “Opposed to” immediately grabs our attention. In a cryptic crossword clue, this could be a straightforward synonym, an antonym, or perhaps even a word describing a state of being in opposition. The key is to keep an open mind about the exact nature of this “opposition.” Is it a general feeling, a specific stance, or something more nuanced? Considering the six-letter length, we’re looking for a word that succinctly encapsulates this concept of being contrary or resistant. This initial hint sets the stage for what kind of word we’re trying to build, but it’s the wordplay that truly guides us.
Next, we encounter “disorderly raves.” This section screams “anagram” to the experienced crossword solver. The word “disorderly” is a classic indicator, signaling that the letters within the following word or phrase need to be rearranged to form part of the solution. Here, the word to be jumbled is “raves.” Five letters, full of potential. The beauty of a cryptic crossword clue often lies in how these indicators subtly (or not so subtly) guide our thinking without giving everything away. Understanding that “disorderly” means we’ll be playing with the letters in “raves” is a significant step towards unlocking this particular crossword challenge.
Finally, we have the intriguing phrase “before start of evening.” This is where the artistry of the crossword setter truly shines. “Start of evening” is a well-known cryptic device that points directly to the first letter of the word “evening,” which is ‘E’. The word “before” then suggests a positional relationship. Does this ‘E’ precede the anagram we’ve just identified? Or does ‘E’ get incorporated
into
the anagram fodder before the jumbling occurs? The careful placement of “before” is crucial here, guiding how we combine this single letter with the scrambled letters of “raves.” This kind of precise instruction is what makes solving a cryptic crossword clue so rewarding.
Putting these pieces together requires a bit of experimentation. We have a definition indicating opposition, an anagram of “raves” (five letters) cued by “disorderly,” and the letter ‘E’ derived from “start of evening,” which needs to be placed “before” something. The task for the solver is to skillfully blend these components, ensuring the final six-letter word not only fits the definition but also perfectly aligns with the wordplay indicators. It’s a testament to the elegance of a well-constructed cryptic puzzle, where every word matters and every hint is a stepping stone.
Take a moment to mull over these elements. How do “raves,” ‘E’, and the concept of “disorderly” opposition intertwine to form a single, six-letter word? The satisfaction of unraveling such a finely spun crossword clue is immense, and the process itself is a testament to the power and flexibility of the English language. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
AVERSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 9 September 2025