Unpacking a Clever Cryptic Crossword Clue: ‘Practical joke by mimic held in little credit (5)‘
Every seasoned crossword solver knows the distinctive thrill of encountering a truly brilliant cryptic
crossword clue
. It’s more than just finding the right word; it’s about deciphering a miniature poem of misdirection, a linguistic puzzle box that challenges your assumptions and rewards your lateral thinking. Cryptic
crossword clues
, in particular, are a special breed, demanding that you look beyond the surface, blend definition with wordplay, and sometimes, even embrace a touch of the absurd.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on a truly artful example that recently caught my eye and, I’m willing to bet, has given many a solver a delightful pause: “Practical joke by mimic held in little credit (5).” This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in how layers of meaning can coalesce to form a single, elegant solution. Let’s peel back some of those layers and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this particular brain-teaser, without, of course, giving away the answer just yet. That’s for the ‘Aha!’ moment you’ll have with this
crossword clue
later!
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward. We have “Practical joke” which immediately points us towards the potential definition. A good cryptic
crossword clue
always offers a clear definitional element, even if it’s cleverly disguised. So, our minds naturally gravitate towards words like ‘prank’, ‘hoax’, or ‘trick’. The number in brackets, (5), swiftly tells us that whatever solution we conjure must fit neatly into five letters, a crucial constraint when you’re navigating the potential minefield of synonyms for ‘practical joke’. Already, we’re narrowing down the possibilities for this challenging
crossword clue
.
But as always with a cryptic
crossword clue
, the devil is in the delightful detail – and the wordplay. The next phrase, “by mimic,” is where the gears truly begin to turn. This isn’t just descriptive; it’s an active component of the wordplay. What does a mimic
do
? What actions are associated with someone who mimics or imitates? This element is the key to unlocking the construction of the word itself, guiding you to understand how the letters are assembled. It’s a common tactic in a tricky
crossword clue
to have an action verb lead to the core of the wordplay, and “by mimic” is a superb example of this technique.
However, the true linguistic acrobatics lie within “held in little credit.” This phrase is a masterclass in misdirection, serving as a classic cryptic indicator that transforms the rest of the
crossword clue
. It’s precisely these layers that make a challenging
crossword clue
so rewarding. This isn’t just an extra bit of description; it’s a vital clue on how to manipulate the other parts of the phrase to arrive at the five-letter solution. When you encounter a
crossword clue
with such a nuanced phrase, it’s often a sign that you need to think about abbreviations, partial words, or perhaps even a subtle reversal or inclusion. This particular part of the
crossword clue
is arguably the most intricate and the one that will separate the seasoned solver from the novice.
Tackling such a nuanced
crossword clue
isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about understanding the art of the setter, appreciating the double meanings, and piecing together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. This specific
crossword clue
is a prime example of why we keep coming back to these daily puzzles, always eager for the next verbal challenge.
So, before we delve into the full explanation of this intriguing
crossword clue
, take a moment to ponder “Practical joke by mimic held in little credit (5).” What initial thoughts spring to mind? How do you approach a
crossword clue
that seems to have so many moving parts? Let me know in the comments if this
crossword clue
had you stumped, or if you managed to crack it right away! The journey of solving a challenging
crossword clue
is often as enjoyable as the solution itself.
Available Answers:
CAPER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 7 June 2025