The Subtle Art of the Six-Letter Dessert Clue
Right, another day, another crossword. Let’s dive straight into this head-scratcher: “Pudding set far off (6)“.
Immediately, the two key elements jump out. We have “Pudding,” our subject matter, and “set far off,” a phrase suggesting a potential manipulation or hidden meaning within the wordplay.
My initial instinct is to consider common puddings that fit the six-letter constraint. We are talking about the word ‘pudding’ as a noun in a crossword clue, therefore we can assume its a foodstuff and not something else like a paste or material. Think beyond the obvious chocolate pudding – consider regional varieties, old-fashioned names, or even desserts that
resemble
puddings in consistency and texture.
The “set far off” portion is where the real trickery lies. “Set” implies a solidifying or congealing process, which aligns with the nature of many puddings. But “far off” suggests a displacement, a manipulation of letters, or a perhaps even a homophone.
Let’s explore some avenues of thought.
Anagrams & Letter Shifting:
Could the solution be an anagram of something related to pudding? Perhaps rearranging the letters of a synonym for “sweet treat” or a key ingredient in pudding-making could lead us to the answer.
Homophones:
“Far off” could be a phonetic indicator. Is there a word that sounds like “far off” that, when combined with “set,” hints at a pudding? This approach usually throws up a few left-field options, so keep an open mind.
Regional Delights & Obscure Terms:
Crosswords often delve into the realms of culinary history and geographical specialties. Is there a lesser-known pudding, perhaps specific to a certain region, that fits the six-letter bill and aligns with the “set far off” concept? Thinking globally can broaden your chances of hitting the right term.
Hidden Words & Embedded Meanings:
Sometimes, clues are more abstract. “Set far off” might not literally mean a distance, but rather a figurative separation. Could it be that the word “set” has been “set” away from something, or is implied to be?
Thinking Laterally:
Don’t get too bogged down in literal interpretations. Crossword setters love to use puns, double meanings, and unconventional wordplay.
Consider the
feeling
of “set far off”. What does that phrase evoke? Isolation? Distance? Detachment? Maybe these emotional or conceptual associations have a loose connection to a particular type of pudding.
Remember, the beauty of crosswords lies in their ambiguity. This clue is designed to make you think, explore, and ultimately experience that “aha!” moment.
Available Answers:
AFTERS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 27 November 2025