Greetings, fellow word wranglers and cryptic crossword connoisseurs! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a real head-scratcher that recently popped up and has certainly sparked some lively debate among the online crossword community. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re grappling with the enigmatic
crossword clue: ‘Prophet given ring, kind of clear (6)‘
. And let me tell you, you are in excellent company! This isn’t just any six-letter filler; it’s a beautifully crafted piece of wordplay that exemplifies the sheer brilliance and occasional deviousness of cryptic crosswords.
For many of us, spotting a clue like this immediately sends our brains into overdrive. Six letters – that’s a decent length, enough to hide some clever misdirection but not so long as to offer too many wild possibilities. The true joy, and sometimes the frustration, of a good cryptic crossword clue lies in its dual nature: one part defines the answer, while the other provides the wordplay that leads you there. Our task, as seasoned (or aspiring!) solvers, is to peel back these layers.
Let’s take a moment to admire the construction of this particular
crossword clue
. We have what appears to be two distinct phrases separated by a comma: “Prophet given ring” and “kind of clear.” The number in parentheses, of course, tells us our answer is a concise six letters. When dissecting such a clue, my first instinct is always to consider which part might be the straightforward definition and which part holds the intricate wordplay. Does “kind of clear” directly define a six-letter word? Or is it “Prophet given ring” that’s our key to the meaning?
The phrase “kind of clear” is particularly intriguing. In the world of cryptic crosswords, qualifying words like “kind of,” “somewhat,” or “perhaps” often serve as subtle nudges, suggesting a slightly nuanced definition, or even hinting at an anagram or a sound-alike. It prompts us to think beyond the obvious, to consider synonyms or states of being that aren’t perfectly transparent but aren’t entirely opaque either. What six-letter words immediately spring to mind when you hear “kind of clear”? Perhaps something that implies translucence, haziness, or even a degree of obscurity.
Then there’s the first part: “Prophet given ring.” This is where the magic of the cryptic
crossword clue
truly shines. “Prophet” could be a specific biblical figure, a more general term for someone with foresight, or even a common abbreviation used in puzzle circles. And “ring”? That simple word can take on so many forms in a cryptic context! It could signify the letter ‘O’ (the shape of a ring), imply an insertion (one word ‘ringing’ another), or even refer to something circular in a broader sense. Is there a famous prophet associated with a ring? Or is it a more abstract connection? The beauty is in the potential for multiple interpretations, all designed to lead you down the garden path before the ‘aha!’ moment strikes.
This
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and clever construction. It’s the kind of brain-teaser that makes solving crosswords such a rewarding pursuit. It forces you to think laterally, to delve into the nuances of language, and sometimes, to even brush up on your general knowledge or, dare I say it, a little bit of French! Yes, sometimes the solution to a challenging
crossword clue
might involve a cheeky nod to another language, adding another layer of depth to the puzzle.
So, if you’re staring at ‘Prophet given ring, kind of clear (6)‘ with a furrowed brow, know that you’re not alone. This is precisely the kind of challenge that keeps us coming back to our daily puzzles. It’s a testament to the wit of the clue-setter and an invitation for us, the solvers, to unravel a truly elegant piece of linguistic art. Let’s explore the possibilities and dissect the layers of this fascinating
crossword clue
together, unlocking its secrets without giving away the final reveal just yet!
Available Answers:
ORACLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 18 August 2025