Ah, the daily crossword clue. That delightful mental stretch, the linguistic puzzle that brightens so many mornings. Today, we’re diving into a particularly charming and deceptively simple-looking
crossword clue
that, upon first glance, might just leave you scratching your head. It’s clues like these that truly showcase the wit and cleverness behind expertly crafted
crossword puzzles
, proving that even a short string of words can hide a complex solution.
Our focus today is on the five-letter gem: “Overly sentimental mum hugged by fellow (5)“. Immediately, seasoned solvers of cryptic
crossword clues
will spot the tell-tale signs of a beautifully constructed piece of wordplay. For those newer to the world of cryptics, don’t fret! We’ll explore the common techniques at play here, giving you the tools to unravel not just this clue, but many others you’ll encounter in your daily
crossword solving
.
The beauty of a cryptic
crossword clue
lies in its duality. Every clue contains two distinct parts: a straightforward definition of the answer, and a piece of intricate wordplay that also points to the same answer. Your challenge, dear solver, is to identify both and make them align perfectly.
Let’s dissect the first potential component: “Overly sentimental mum”. This phrase, in its entirety, is likely pointing towards the core meaning of our five-letter answer. When you think of someone “overly sentimental,” what kinds of words come to mind? Are they expressing excessive emotion? Perhaps they’re a bit gushy or prone to dramatic displays of affection. Now, consider the “mum” part of that phrase. Is “mum” integral to the definition of the sentimentality, or is it a clever distraction, or perhaps even a more literal component within the wordplay itself? The best
crossword puzzles
often play with these ambiguities. Your first task is to brainstorm five-letter words that convey the essence of being excessively emotional or sentimental. Don’t worry about the “hugged by fellow” part just yet, but keep that five-letter constraint firmly in your mind.
Next, we turn our attention to the second, often more playful, part of the
crossword clue
: “hugged by fellow”. This is where the magic of cryptic wordplay truly shines. The phrase “hugged by” is a classic indicator in
crossword puzzles
. It signals that one part of the clue is literally “embracing” or “containing” another part. Think of it as a sandwich – something is nestled right in the middle of something else. This technique, known as an inclusion or container clue, requires you to identify the ‘outer’ word and the ‘inner’ word.
And what about “fellow”? This seemingly simple word is a chameleon in the world of
crossword clues
. “Fellow” can signify a generic person – a ‘man,’ a ‘chap,’ or a ‘pal.’ It could even stand for a single letter, perhaps ‘M’ for male, or ‘R’ for ‘regular’ or ‘rank’ (as in ‘rank-and-file fellow’). The key is to consider the common abbreviations and synonyms that cryptic setters frequently employ. So, if something is “hugged by fellow,” you’re looking for a synonym for ‘fellow’ that, when combined with another element, forms our five-letter solution.
The masterstroke of this particular
crossword clue
is how “mum” from the first part might interact with the “hugged by fellow” section. Is “mum” itself the element being “hugged”? Or is it a subtle hint about a letter, like the letter ‘M’? Or does it signify silence, as in “mum’s the word”? These are the kinds of delightful possibilities that make every daily
crossword clue
an adventure.
To solve this, you’ll need to find a five-letter word meaning “overly sentimental,” and then ensure that this word can be constructed by having a component (perhaps related to “mum”) nestled inside a synonym for “fellow.” It’s a wonderfully intricate dance between meaning and construction. Take your time, consider all the permutations, and enjoy the process of unlocking this clever
crossword clue
. The satisfaction of seeing the pieces click into place is what makes
crossword solving
so incredibly rewarding. Keep pondering, and you’ll surely crack it!
Available Answers:
GUSHY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 18 October 2025