Greetings, fellow wordplay enthusiasts! There are days when a particular
crossword clue
just leaps off the page, grabbing your attention with its sheer cleverness and complexity. Today, we’re diving deep into one such gem that truly tested the grey matter:
“Person named in court as journalist runs out (2-10)“
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Isn’t that a beauty? At first glance, it paints a vivid, almost cinematic scene: a courtroom drama, a pivotal moment, and a frantic journalist making a hasty exit. But, as we all know, the world of cryptic crosswords is rarely as straightforward as it seems. This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection, weaving together a seemingly simple narrative with layers of linguistic trickery.
Let’s unpack this fascinating puzzle. Every good
crossword clue
provides a definition and a cryptic indication, often cleverly intertwined. Here, “Person named in court” immediately points us towards the definition. We’re looking for an individual or a role associated with legal proceedings. Think about who gets identified or called out in a court setting – the possibilities are broad, from participants in a trial to official roles. This is the bedrock of our search for the answer.
Now, for the really intriguing part: “as journalist runs out.” This phrase is where the cryptic genius of this
crossword clue
truly shines. On the surface, it’s an action – a journalist leaving. But in the realm of cryptic crosswords, “runs out” is almost certainly an instruction or a subtle hint about how to manipulate letters. Could it be an anagram? A deletion? Or perhaps an indicator for a hidden word, or even a more intricate form of wordplay? The possibilities are tantalizing. When you see a verb like “runs out” in a cryptic
crossword clue
, especially following a noun, your mind should immediately shift from literal interpretation to considering what it might mean for the letters within “journalist.”
Adding another crucial layer to this intricate
crossword clue
is the (2-10) structure. This hyphenated format is a significant indicator, telling us the final answer will be a two-part word or phrase, with the first part being two letters long and the second part ten letters long. This constraint is incredibly helpful, narrowing down the potential solutions and offering vital clues about how the wordplay – specifically “journalist runs out” – will manifest in the final answer. It forces us to think about how the manipulated letters of “journalist” (or a derivation thereof) might fit neatly into a two-letter and a ten-letter segment that also defines “Person named in court.”
Deciphering such a multi-layered
crossword clue
requires a methodical approach. First, focus on the definition. Then, carefully consider the cryptic wordplay, experimenting with different interpretations of “runs out” in relation to “journalist.” Finally, fit your theories into the (2-10) structure. The brilliance of this
crossword clue
lies in its ability to lead you down several plausible, yet ultimately incorrect, paths before the true solution becomes clear. It’s a testament to the art of
crossword clue
construction, offering both a challenge and immense satisfaction when solved.
We’ll delve into the full solution and its clever mechanics in just a moment, revealing how all these disparate elements perfectly align to form one exceptionally satisfying answer. What are your initial thoughts on this brain-teaser?
Available Answers:
CORESPONDENT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 2 August 2025