Pointing Fingers and Scaling Heights: Decoding a Tricky Crossword Clue
Alright, puzzle aficionados! Gather ’round, because we’ve got a six-letter beast to tackle today. The clue reads: “Point to that woman’s father, a mountain guide (6).”
This one’s got a multi-layered feel to it. We’re dealing with family ties, geographical features, and a specific profession, all mashed together in a surprisingly compact package. Crossword clues often rely on these clever combinations, using wordplay and subtle misdirection to trip us up.
Let’s dissect the elements. The phrase “Point to that woman’s father” screams of kinship. We’re looking at a relationship, specifically the paternal one. The inclusion of “that woman” throws a slightly formal tone into the mix, almost a hint of…demonstration? Are we being asked to literally
indicate
someone? The nuance is key.
Then comes the curveball: “a mountain guide.” This immediately introduces a profession and a geographical setting. Mountain guides are experts in navigating treacherous terrain, leading climbers to summits, and generally being masters of their mountainous domain.
So, we have a relationship and a profession linked by a demonstrative phrase, all squeezed into six letters. It’s a veritable word puzzle within a word puzzle!
Thinking Outside the Box (and Up the Mountain):
When tackling a complex clue like this, it’s helpful to brainstorm potential avenues of thought. Here are a few jumping-off points to consider:
Synonyms and Substitutions:
What are other words for “father?” “Mountain guide?” “Point?” Could a slightly less obvious synonym unlock the solution? For example, instead of a straightforward “father,” could we be looking at a word that implies lineage or ancestry?
Anagrams and Hidden Words:
Could a portion of the clue be rearranged to form the answer? Or perhaps the answer is subtly concealed within the wording of the clue itself? This requires a meticulous examination of each letter and word sequence.
Figurative Language:
Is there a metaphorical element at play? Could the phrase “point to” be interpreted figuratively? Perhaps it doesn’t mean literally pointing a finger, but rather highlighting or emphasizing something.
Unraveling the Nuances:
The real challenge lies in connecting these disparate elements. How do we link the familial aspect with the mountain-guiding profession and the demonstrative phrasing?
Consider the potential double meanings inherent in the words. For instance, does “guide” refer solely to a person who leads climbers? Or could it have a broader meaning, perhaps suggesting direction or influence?
Furthermore, the order of the words in the clue is crucial. The positioning of “mountain guide” after “Point to that woman’s father” suggests a connection. Is the father
also
a mountain guide? Or is the “mountain guide” somehow related to identifying the father?
Leave Your Mark:
Ultimately, solving crossword clues is an exercise in creative problem-solving. It’s about seeing connections where others might not, and embracing the ambiguity that often lies at the heart of these linguistic puzzles.
This particular clue certainly provides ample opportunity for lateral thinking. It invites us to consider various interpretations, explore different word associations, and ultimately, piece together the puzzle to reveal the six-letter solution.
So, grab your metaphorical pickaxe, dust off your dictionary, and prepare to climb the metaphorical mountain of this crossword clue! Let the hunt begin!
Available Answers:
SHERPA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 30 July 2025