Decoding Deviousness: A Dive into Cryptic Crosswords and ‘Put into cipher, including poem (6)‘
Welcome, fellow word nerds and puzzle aficionados, to another exploration of the fascinating world of cryptic crosswords. Today, we’re wrestling with a clue that’s got a particularly intriguing structure: “Put into cipher, including poem (6)“. This deceptively simple string of words packs a punch, hinting at both action and artistry within its six-letter solution.
The beauty (and sometimes the frustration) of a cryptic crossword clue lies in its multi-layered nature. It’s rarely a straightforward definition; instead, it’s a wordplay extravaganza designed to test your lateral thinking, vocabulary, and understanding of common crossword conventions. This clue, in particular, exemplifies this perfectly.
Let’s break it down, element by element, to see what secrets we can uncover.
“Put into cipher”
: This is our first key phrase. “Cipher” immediately suggests some form of code, encryption, or substitution. We need to think about processes that transform text into a different, often obscured, form. The verb “put into” implies an action, a transformation being applied to something. So, we’re looking for a word, or a process, that represents the act of encoding or enciphering something.
“Including poem”
: Now this is where the plot thickens. The word “including” is a classic indicator of an
inclusion
or
container
clue. This suggests that a shorter word, in this case, one related to “poem,” is hidden
inside
another word or phrase derived from the “put into cipher” part of the clue. This means we need to be actively searching for a synonym or related term for “poem” that can be nestled within our coded answer.
(6)
: This, of course, is the most straightforward part of the clue – the length of the solution. Six letters. Always a helpful constraint to keep in mind as we explore potential answers. It immediately eliminates a vast swathe of vocabulary, allowing us to focus our mental energies on words of the correct length.
So, what should we be considering?
Synonyms for “cipher” and “encode”
: Think about words that describe the act of changing text into a coded form. There are numerous possibilities, ranging from the technical to the more metaphorical.
Words related to “poem”
: This is our hidden element. Sonnet, ode, verse, rhyme – the possibilities are abundant, but we need one that fits neatly inside our encoded solution.
Thinking laterally:
Cryptic clues often require us to think outside the box. Could there be a double meaning hidden within the phrasing? Is there a homophone at play? Don’t be afraid to let your mind wander and explore unusual connections.
This clue is a testament to the ingenuity of crossword constructors. It’s a delicious puzzle that requires careful dissection and a playful approach to language. Good luck cracking this one, and happy solving! Remember to consider all the different angles before settling on your final answer. Let me know what you come up with!
Available Answers:
ENCODE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 8 September 2025