Today’s daily crossword clue, ‘Post away for police surveillance (5-3),’ is a brilliant little puzzler that perfectly encapsulates the joy and occasional frustration of tackling a cleverly worded crossword. It’s the kind of cryptic yet direct challenge that makes us avid solvers keep coming back for more, constantly refining our approach to deciphering even the most opaque crossword clues.
When you first encounter this particular crossword clue, the words ‘Post away’ might immediately conjure up images of sending mail or maybe a soldier leaving a position. It’s a natural misdirection, a common technique in the world of crossword puzzles, designed to send your mind down a garden path before the real meaning clicks. Then you see ‘for police surveillance,’ and the mental gears really start grinding. How does ‘posting something away’ relate to the keen, often clandestine, observation carried out by law enforcement? This is where the fun of solving crossword clues truly begins.
The beauty of a well-constructed crossword clue lies in its ability to exploit the multiple meanings and nuances of the English language. ‘Post’ itself is a chameleon of a word. It can be a noun (a fence post, a mailing post, a job post), or a verb (to mail, to assign to a station, to make an announcement). The addition of ‘away’ further refines or redefines its potential action, transforming a simple word into a springboard for deeper interpretation. Are we talking about placing something, removing something, or perhaps even positioning oneself discreetly? Each possibility demands careful consideration when you’re attempting to solve this crossword clue.
Now, consider the second half: ‘for police surveillance.’ This is our definition, the ultimate target. Police surveillance involves observing, often secretly, to gather information. It requires discretion, strategic positioning, and sometimes the deployment of specific tools or personnel to a particular location. The challenge then becomes bridging the gap between the action implied by ‘Post away’ and the precise nature of ‘police surveillance.’ What specific action, hinted at by ‘Post away,’ directly leads to or is synonymous with a method of surveillance? It’s a linguistic tightrope walk, and finding the balance is the key to unlocking this tricky crossword clue.
The (5-3) format is another crucial hint, signalling a two-word answer, likely a common phrase or a descriptive term comprising five letters followed by three. This structure narrows down the possibilities considerably, guiding your thoughts toward specific idiomatic expressions or well-known operational terms. The hyphen isn’t just for show; it’s a vital piece of information, confirming that you’re looking for a compound expression rather than a single, long word. For experienced solvers of daily crossword clues, this format immediately sets certain expectations for the type of answer required.
Ultimately, this crossword clue is a masterclass in wordplay, demanding that you discard initial assumptions and delve into the less obvious interpretations of its components. It’s about finding that elegant pivot where the double meaning or alternative usage of ‘post away’ perfectly aligns with a common method used in police surveillance. The “aha!” moment, when it finally clicks, is incredibly satisfying – that feeling of pure logic and lateral thinking combining to reveal the hidden solution. It’s precisely why we dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of cracking every last crossword puzzle clue.
Available Answers:
STAKEOUT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 11 November 2025