Unravelling a Puzzler: “Paper-folding beginning shortly on a motorway (7)“
There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from staring down a seemingly impenetrable cryptic crossword clue, feeling that familiar knot of frustration, only for a lightbulb moment to flicker and illuminate the path to the solution. It’s a journey many of us crossword enthusiasts know well, and it’s what keeps us coming back for more, day after day, puzzle after puzzle. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing “crossword clue” that recently caught my eye and certainly offered a delightful mental workout: “Paper-folding beginning shortly on a motorway (7)“.
At first glance, this “crossword clue” might seem straightforward, perhaps even a bit whimsical. “Paper-folding” immediately conjures images of delicate origami or perhaps even a more mundane task like tidying documents. But as any seasoned solver of “cryptic crossword clues” will tell you, the surface reading is often merely a charming disguise for the true wordplay lurking beneath. The beauty of these puzzles lies in their clever misdirection and the way seemingly disparate elements converge to form a coherent answer.
Let’s unpack the components of this “crossword clue” bit by bit. We have “paper-folding,” which is the primary subject. Is it a literal act of folding? Or is it something more abstract, a characteristic or a state related to paper? The world of “crossword clues” is rich with such nuances, where everyday words can take on entirely new meanings in context. Thinking outside the literal box is always step one when faced with a “challenging crossword clue” like this.
Next, we encounter “beginning shortly.” This phrase is absolutely critical. In the lexicon of “cryptic crossword clues,” phrases like “shortly,” “initially,” “firstly,” or “at the outset” are often strong indicators that you’re looking for the
start
of a word or an abbreviation of some kind. This particular phrase, “beginning shortly,” is a beautifully concise way to point you in a very specific direction. It’s a classic cryptic device that, once recognized, can unlock many a stubborn “crossword clue.”
Finally, we have “on a motorway.” This element firmly grounds the “crossword clue” in a particular geographical and cultural context. Motorways, especially within the United Kingdom’s road network, are often referred to by a specific initial. This little piece of information is a vital clue in itself, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. It’s a classic example of how “crossword clues” can sometimes rely on specific knowledge – in this case, a common abbreviation tied to infrastructure. Combining this with “beginning shortly” starts to paint a clearer picture, doesn’t it?
The number (7) tells us the length of the answer, which is always useful for confirming our deductions. It helps us discard possibilities that are too short or too long. The genius of this “crossword clue” lies in how these three seemingly disparate elements – paper-folding, a temporal indicator (“beginning shortly”), and a geographical pointer (“on a motorway”) – all coalesce into a single, elegant seven-letter solution.
This “daily crossword clue” is a fantastic example of a well-crafted cryptic puzzle. It demands a multi-faceted approach, combining a bit of general knowledge, an understanding of cryptic wordplay conventions, and a willingness to look beyond the obvious. It reminds us that every “crossword clue” is a mini-mystery waiting to be solved, offering that wonderful “aha!” moment when all the pieces suddenly click into place. So, take a moment, ponder the elements, and see if you can unravel this intriguing “crossword clue” for yourself! The satisfaction is truly immense.
Available Answers:
ORIGAMI.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 11 July 2025