The world of cryptic crosswords constantly delivers linguistic delights, and occasionally, a particularly brilliant challenge emerges that warrants a dedicated moment of contemplation. Today’s featured brain-teaser, the crossword clue “Owner of many tables fixed suture at rear (12),” stands out as a prime example of a setter’s ingenuity, weaving together a seemingly disparate collection of words into a cohesive, yet initially elusive, solution.
When encountering a sophisticated cryptic crossword clue such as this, the immediate instinct for any seasoned solver is to dissect it into its constituent parts: the definition and the wordplay. The beauty of these puzzles lies in how seamlessly these two distinct elements must converge to pinpoint the exact 12-letter answer. This particular crossword clue, with its intriguing imagery and precise phrasing, invites a deep dive into its layers.
Let’s first consider the definitional aspect: “Owner of many tables.” On the surface, this might evoke images of a furniture retailer or a grand dining hall. However, the true art of deciphering a cryptic crossword clue often lies in looking beyond the literal and exploring the myriad connotations of common words. What other kinds of “tables” might someone own or be associated with? Perhaps tables of data, statistical tables, mathematical tables, or even celestial tables used in astronomy. Each possibility opens a new avenue of thought, making the process of isolating the correct definition a rewarding mental exercise in itself. The ambiguity is deliberate, designed to lead the solver down several delightful but ultimately incorrect paths before the true meaning clicks into place. This part of the crossword clue requires not just vocabulary, but also a broad general knowledge and an imaginative spirit to consider all potential interpretations.
Then we turn our attention to the wordplay: “fixed suture at rear.” This is where the cryptic magic truly unfolds. Each word here carries significant weight, acting as a potential indicator for a specific type of manipulation. The word “fixed” in a crossword clue can be a versatile instruction. It might suggest an anagram, indicating that letters need to be rearranged. Alternatively, it could imply something stationary, or even mended, pointing towards a specific word part. “Suture,” a precise medical or anatomical term, is ripe for clever exploitation. It could refer to the word itself, a part of it, or perhaps a phonetic connection. And finally, the phrase “at rear” is classic cryptic crossword territory. Such indicators frequently point towards the end of a word or phrase, or perhaps even suggest a reversal of letters. The challenge with this crossword clue is to correctly identify how these three elements – “fixed,” “suture,” and “at rear” – combine and interact to form a part of the solution, which then aligns perfectly with the definition.
Solving this type of crossword clue is a testament to the power of lateral thinking and linguistic dexterity. It’s not simply about knowing the answer, but about appreciating the elegance of the construction. The setter has masterfully crafted a puzzle that demands attention to detail, a flexible understanding of language, and a willingness to explore multiple avenues before arriving at that satisfying “aha!” moment. This particular crossword clue serves as an excellent reminder of why these word games continue to captivate and challenge enthusiasts worldwide, proving that the most enigmatic puzzles often hide in plain sight.
Available Answers:
RESTAURATEUR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 15 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 13 October 2025