Tackling the ‘Opposite of ‘south-westerly’ Crossword Clue (5-8)
Welcome, crossword aficionados, to another dive into the fascinating world of cryptic clues and wordplay! Today, we’re setting our sights on a particularly intriguing entry: “Opposite of ‘south-westerly’ (5-8).” This clue presents a couple of immediate challenges, the first being the hybrid numerical indicator. We know the solution is going to be two words, one consisting of five letters, and the other of eight.
The core of this clue hinges on understanding the concept of “opposites.” In this case, we’re not necessarily looking for a direct antonym in the traditional sense. We’re navigating the realm of directional opposites, specifically in relation to the compass point “south-westerly.” This is where the fun begins.
Let’s dissect “south-westerly.” It denotes a direction that lies midway between south and west. Think of a compass rose. South-westerly sits comfortably nestled between those two cardinal directions. Therefore, to find its opposite, we need to consider the direction that is diametrically opposed to this point on the compass.
Considerations of spatial relationships is key, and can be simplified as visualizing a straight line extending from south-westerly, passing through the center of the compass, and emerging on the other side. What direction does it point to? That is the question the crossword setter wants you to ask.
When facing a directional clue, it’s always a good idea to jot down a simple compass rose:
N
|
W—O—E
|
S
This visual aid can be incredibly helpful in orienting your thoughts and identifying the opposing direction. It provides a clear framework for visualizing the relationships between cardinal and ordinal points.
Notice how each letter in ‘south-westerly’ can be associated with an actual direction. Perhaps the solution will be directional too? The (5-8) numerical indicator suggests we are aiming for a compound solution, this means that each part of the solution might refer to a single, distinct compass point.
Think about the symmetry of a compass, too. North opposes south, east opposes west. How can we apply this logic to a direction that lies between two cardinal points? What lies
between
their
respective opposites?
Remember, crossword clues often employ clever wordplay. The term “opposite” might not be a literal antonym. It could be interpreted figuratively or even humorously. But with directional clues, the interpretation is usually more straightforward. The main task is to get familiar with the names of the compass points and intermediate directions to see if any familiar ones fit the length of the answer.
Therefore, armed with our compass rose and understanding of directional relationships, you should be well-equipped to crack this particular crossword clue. Keep visualizing, keep thinking about opposites on the compass, and remember to consider the numerical constraints of (5-8). Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
NORTHEASTERLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025