Every so often, a crossword clue lands on the page that immediately signals it’s going to be a real head-scratcher, a delightful challenge that promises a rewarding “aha!” moment if you just stick with it. Today, we’re diving into precisely that kind of cryptic crossword clue: “Outed about ten in smart suit (6)“.
At first glance, this six-letter crossword clue presents a vivid image. You might picture someone being exposed, perhaps a secret revealed, relating to a group of ten, all dressed rather sharply. That’s the beauty and the deception of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue – its surface reading often tells a perfectly coherent, if slightly unusual, story designed to distract you from the actual mechanisms at play. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of how everyday language can be twisted and turned into a clever puzzle, demanding a keen eye and an understanding of the specific conventions of cryptic crosswords.
For seasoned solvers, the phrase “Outed about ten” immediately sets off a series of alarms and opportunities. What does “outed” truly signify in the context of a cryptic crossword clue? Is it an indicator for anagrams, suggesting letters need to be revealed or rearranged? Cryptic clues frequently employ words that hint at manipulation, and “outed” certainly has that flavour of exposure and re-arrangement. Then there’s “about ten.” The number ten often appears in crosswords, sometimes as its numerical form (X), sometimes spelled out, and sometimes as part of a larger wordplay construct. Here, “about” could be a classic charade instruction, suggesting one set of letters surrounds another, or it could amplify the anagrammatic hint. Deciphering these nuances is key to unlocking any complex crossword clue, transforming a seemingly random phrase into a logical path to the solution.
The second part of this intriguing crossword clue, “in smart suit,” provides what we expect to be the definition. But even definitions in cryptic crosswords aren’t always straightforward. A “smart suit” could refer to an article of clothing, certainly, but in the world of word puzzles, “smart” can also imply intelligence or quick wit, and “suit” can relate to a legal action, a type of playing card, or even to ‘fitting’ something. The solver’s task is to consider all possible meanings and contexts, aligning them with the potential outcome of the wordplay indicators. The brilliance of a truly great cryptic crossword clue lies in how it seamlessly integrates these disparate elements into a cohesive whole, with the definition guiding you towards the answer that emerges from the wordplay. It’s a constant exercise in mental flexibility and a deep dive into the multiple layers of meaning embedded within a single crossword clue.
Understanding the interaction between these two distinct parts – the definition and the wordplay – is the essence of tackling any cryptic crossword clue. Is “Outed about ten” leading us to a jumbled set of letters that, once resolved, perfectly describes something “in smart suit”? Or is there a more subtle interplay of parts, where a hidden word or a clever substitution might be at play? The length, six letters, gives us a valuable constraint, narrowing down the possibilities once we start to form potential solutions from the wordplay hints. It’s a common strategy for solving a tricky crossword clue to use the letter count as a powerful filter.
This kind of sophisticated crossword clue demands patience and a willingness to explore different avenues of thought. It’s a reminder that every word in a cryptic clue is there for a reason, acting either as fodder for the wordplay, an indicator of the wordplay type, or a component of the definition. The joy comes not just from finding the answer, but from appreciating the cleverness of the setter who crafted such a nuanced puzzle. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the crossword clue that continues to challenge and delight word enthusiasts worldwide. Cracking this one offers a profound sense of accomplishment, a satisfying victory over linguistic dexterity and a testament to one’s own puzzle-solving strategies.
Available Answers:
TUXEDO.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 28 November 2025