Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delightful depths of a particular
crossword clue
that really embodies the charm and challenge of cryptic puzzles. You know the kind – where the surface reading paints one picture, but the hidden mechanics whisper something entirely different. These are the moments that make
solving crosswords
such an addictive pursuit, aren’t they?
The clue in question is: “Porters’ rooms, eg, sold off (6)“.
Now, if you’re a seasoned
cryptic crossword
solver, your brain probably immediately lights up with a few common pathways. If you’re newer to the game, don’t fret! We’ll explore the elements that make this type of
crossword clue
so engaging, without giving away the final answer, of course. The beauty is in the journey to the solution.
Let’s break down the components of this intriguing little puzzle. First, we have “Porters’ rooms, eg”. This part typically serves as your definition. In
cryptic crosswords
, definitions can be wonderfully straightforward or delightfully misleading. Sometimes, the setter uses a common phrase to hint at a less common, but perfectly valid, synonym or concept. When you see a plural word like “rooms,” remember to consider if the answer should also be plural, or if the plural is just part of the overall definition for a singular item. The “eg” is also a fascinating little addition; sometimes it’s just part of the natural flow of the definition, indicating an example. Other times, it can be a subtle hint towards an abbreviation within the wordplay itself. Here, it seems to slot more into the definitional side, guiding us towards a specific type of dwelling or space associated with porters. Think beyond the obvious! What
else
could “porters’ rooms” refer to in a more abstract or traditional sense?
Then we hit the second part of the
crossword clue
: “sold off”. This, my friends, is where the
wordplay
truly shines. In the world of
cryptic crossword
setting, certain phrases are reliable indicators of specific types of manipulation. “Sold off” is a fantastic example of what we call an anagram indicator. When you see phrases like “mixed up,” “rearranged,” “broken,” “confused,” “damaged,” or indeed, “sold off,” they’re often signalling that the letters of a word (usually derived from the definition part, or a hidden word within the clue) need to be jumbled to form the answer. The key here is to identify
which
letters are being “sold off” and then rearrange them. It’s a delightful challenge to untangle.
Finally, we have the number in parentheses: “(6)”. This is your length indicator. It’s absolutely crucial because it confirms the number of letters in the solution. Once you’ve got a potential answer from your
wordplay
analysis, you can cross-reference it with the definition and, most importantly, check if it’s precisely six letters long. This little number is your best friend for validating your hunches and confirming your solve.
This particular “Porters’ rooms, eg, sold off (6)“
crossword clue
is a masterclass in how setters combine a clear definition with a strong
anagram
indicator to lead you to an elegant solution. It encourages you to think flexibly about words and their many meanings, and to appreciate the cleverness embedded in the construction. It’s exactly the kind of puzzle that brings that glorious “aha!” moment when all the pieces click into place.
So, take a moment. Ponder the possibilities. Consider the different facets of “Porters’ rooms” and how “sold off” might rearrange a set of letters into a six-letter word that fits the bill. There’s immense satisfaction in cracking these types of
cryptic crossword
challenges yourself. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
LODGES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 July 2025