Every crossword enthusiast knows that feeling: you’re cruising through a grid, steadily filling in squares, when suddenly, you hit a wall. A single, enigmatic
crossword clue
stares back, demanding a unique blend of linguistic agility and lateral thinking. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one such tantalizing puzzle: “Praise a grown-up about energy (7)“.
This particular
crossword clue
, with its seven-letter answer, is a delightful example of the setter’s art, combining a clear definition with a cryptic construction that requires a moment of inspired deduction. It’s clues like this that transform a simple pastime into a genuine intellectual workout, offering a satisfying “aha!” moment when the pieces finally click into place.
At first glance, the clue seems straightforward enough. We’re looking for a seven-letter word that means “praise.” The world of synonyms for praise is vast – laud, commend, extol, applaud, admire – but only one will perfectly fit the setter’s ingenious wordplay. This is the cornerstone of cryptic crosswords: a dual nature where one part of the clue defines the answer, and another cryptically indicates how to construct or derive it. For our “Praise a grown-up about energy (7)“
crossword clue
, the challenge lies in unraveling the second half.
“A grown-up about energy” is where the real fun begins. Cryptic clues often employ specific techniques to lead us to the solution. Could “a grown-up” refer to a common abbreviation for an adult, perhaps “man” or “pro”? Or is it a more subtle reference, a characteristic or role? The beauty of these puzzles is in their ambiguity, offering multiple paths of interpretation until the correct one resonates with the definition.
Then we have “about energy.” The word “about” is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords, often signaling a reversal, an inclusion, or even a homophone. Depending on its context, “about” could mean “around” (suggesting one word embracing another), “concerning” (leading to an abbreviation like ‘RE’), or even hinting at a circling motion. And “energy”? This could be a single letter (like ‘E’ or ‘V’ for volt), a short word representing power or vigor (like ‘vim’ or ‘zip’), or even a part of a longer word to be extracted. The setter’s choice here is crucial, steering us towards a very specific component of the answer.
The magic of such a
crossword clue
is in how these seemingly disparate elements – a definition of “praise,” a reference to “a grown-up,” and a phrase involving “about energy” – must all combine perfectly to form that elusive seven-letter word. It’s a testament to precision and elegant misdirection. We might try to put “man” and “E” together in various ways, using “about” as an instruction, but only one configuration will ultimately make sense and lead to a word meaning “praise.”
Solving this kind of
crossword clue
isn’t just about finding the answer; it’s about appreciating the cleverness of the construction. It’s about the journey of parsing each word, considering its multiple meanings and potential roles within the cryptic framework. The satisfaction comes not only from filling in the squares but from understanding
why
the answer is correct, how the setter wove such a tight and logical web of words.
So, take a moment with “Praise a grown-up about energy (7).” Consider the possible interpretations for each segment. How might “a grown-up” be represented cryptically? What common abbreviation or term for “energy” could fit? And how does “about” function as a connective or an instruction? The path to the solution is paved with careful thought and an open mind. This isn’t just a clue; it’s a mini-mystery waiting to be unraveled.
Available Answers:
ADULATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 3 September 2025