Sometimes, a
crossword clue
just stops you dead in your tracks, demanding a second, third, or even a fourth look. It’s not about sheer difficulty as much as it is about the elegant misdirection, the clever turn of phrase that makes you question everything you thought you knew about English. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of such a masterfully crafted puzzle: “Preliminary plan exposed, row following (7)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents a fascinating array of possibilities, teasing the solver with multiple layers of meaning. The very structure, with its evocative language and a comma acting as a subtle pivot, suggests a journey through cryptic wordplay. Let’s break down the components, exploring the avenues a seasoned solver might take to unravel its secrets without ever laying eyes on the solution itself.
Consider “Preliminary plan.” This phrase immediately brings to mind concepts of an initial sketch, a draft, a blueprint, or an early strategy. It’s the foundational stage of something larger, perhaps not yet fully formed or perfected. In the world of cryptic crosswords, such a phrase could be a direct synonym, the fodder for an anagram, or a component of a larger wordplay device. We’re looking for a seven-letter word, so a single direct synonym might be too short or too simple, leading us to suspect more complex mechanics are at play for this particular
crossword clue
.
Then we encounter “exposed.” This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. “Exposed” isn’t merely an adjective here; it’s a verb, an action, and crucially, a potent indicator of what kind of wordplay we should be looking for. It could mean “revealed” or “uncovered,” hinting at a hidden word within the clue’s text. However, “exposed” is also a classic indicator for an anagram. When something is “exposed” or “laid bare,” its elements might be scattered, rearranged, or thrown into disarray. If “Preliminary plan” is the fodder, then “exposed” is the instruction to shuffle its letters. The challenge then becomes identifying which letters from “Preliminary plan” are the actual ingredients for our seven-letter answer. Is it the entire phrase, or just a part of it? The length (7) is a crucial constraint that helps narrow down the possibilities.
Finally, we arrive at “row following.” This phrase presents its own delightful ambiguity, characteristic of a brilliant
crossword clue
. “Row” itself is a homograph, a word with multiple meanings and pronunciations. It could be a line of things (a row of houses), a dispute or argument (a marital row), or the act of propelling a boat with oars (to row a boat). “Following” could imply a sequence, a consequence, or simply ‘coming after’. The comma before it, “Preliminary plan exposed, row following,” suggests that “row following” might be the definition part of the clue, telling us
what
the answer means, while the first part, “Preliminary plan exposed,” provides the wordplay. If “exposed” is indeed an anagram indicator for “Preliminary plan,” then “row following” would be the direct definition of the resulting seven-letter word.
Let’s explore the “row” aspect further. If it refers to a dispute, then the answer might be related to conflict or contention. If it refers to a line, the answer could signify arrangement or sequence. And if it’s about propelling a boat, the answer might be connected to movement or effort. The beauty of this particular
crossword clue
is that it forces you to hold these multiple interpretations in your mind simultaneously, testing each against the potential output of the wordplay.
The skillful solver understands that a single
crossword clue
can weave together anagrams, double definitions, charades, and hidden words with incredible subtlety. Here, the interplay between a potential anagram indicator (“exposed”) and a rich, ambiguous definition (“row following”) provides fertile ground for mental gymnastics. The key is to trust the indicators and the structure, allowing them to guide you through the process rather than jumping to conclusions.
Cracking a
crossword clue
like this isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry of its construction. It’s a testament to the setter’s ability to create a miniature linguistic puzzle box, where every word serves a purpose, either to inform or to cleverly mislead. The satisfaction comes not just from writing in the solution, but from the journey of discovery, the moment the pieces click into place, and the elegant simplicity of the answer reveals itself through the complex wordplay. This particular
crossword clue
is a perfect example of how much fun it can be to peel back the layers of a seemingly straightforward phrase to uncover a hidden gem.
Available Answers:
OUTLINE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 2 December 2025