Unveiling the Mystery: “Prudish about cattle raids” (6-5)
This week’s crossword clue has me scratching my head! “Prudish about cattle raids” (6-5) is a real head-scratcher. It’s a classic example of a cryptic clue, a challenge that demands a bit of lateral thinking and a willingness to embrace wordplay.
At first glance, the clue seems straightforward. “Prudish” suggests someone with strict moral standards, and “cattle raids” are a historical act of aggression. But how do these seemingly disparate concepts connect to a 6-letter word followed by a 5-letter word?
The key, as with all cryptic clues, lies in understanding the hidden layers of meaning. The “prudish” part could be a red herring, or it could be a clever hint at a particular type of behavior. The “cattle raids” might be a straightforward reference to an historical event, or it could be a metaphorical clue pointing towards something entirely different.
To crack this puzzle, we need to approach it systematically. Let’s break down the clue into its individual components and explore the possible meanings behind them:
“Prudish”
: This word suggests someone who is overly concerned with moral propriety, someone who might be considered “prim and proper.”
“About”
: This word can have multiple meanings in a crossword clue. It could indicate a relationship between two things, or it could simply mean “regarding” or “concerning.”
“Cattle raids”
: This phrase could be a literal reference to historical cattle raids, or it could be a metaphorical term for a different type of conflict or aggression.
By dissecting the clue in this way, we can begin to identify potential solutions. We can look for words that relate to moral propriety or strictness, and words that have a connection to conflict or aggression.
The combination of the two words needs to make sense in the context of the whole clue. Could “Prudish” be a hidden clue about a specific type of behavior, a behavior that might be related to “cattle raids” in a metaphorical sense?
This is where the 6-5 format comes into play. The clue demands two words, one of six letters and one of five. This adds another layer of complexity to the puzzle, further narrowing down the possible solutions.
Are you ready to tackle this challenging clue? Take a deep breath, grab your pen and paper, and join me in the pursuit of the solution.
Available Answers:
STRAITLACED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 October 2024