Welcome back, puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the daily ritual of diving into a fresh crossword puzzle, is there? Each grid presents a new linguistic landscape, a fresh set of challenges designed to test our vocabulary, our wit, and our ability to think outside the box. Today, we’re zeroing in on one of those particularly delightful – and at first glance, deceptively simple – entries that can really make you pause. We’re talking about the kind of crossword clue that seems to offer its meaning on a silver platter, only to snatch it away with a clever twist.
The specific head-scratcher we’re dissecting today is a five-letter gem:
“Raises elevators (5)“
.
Just read it again: “Raises elevators.” Your immediate thought, if you’re anything like me, probably goes something like, “Well, yes, that’s what an elevator
does
, isn’t it? It raises things!” And that’s precisely where the brilliance of a good crossword clue lies. It baits you with the obvious, the literal, the first definition that pops into your mind, knowing full well that the true answer demands a deeper dive into the myriad possibilities of language.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection. On the surface, it’s a straightforward description of function. Elevators are machines designed to raise and lower people or goods. So, what could possibly be the puzzle here? The word count, five letters, immediately tells us it’s not simply “lifts” or “ascends.” And that’s your first clue (pun intended!) that something more nuanced is at play.
Experienced crossword solvers know this dance well. When a clue seems
too
easy,
too
direct, it’s often a signal to abandon the most obvious interpretation and start exploring synonyms, alternative definitions, or even homophones. This isn’t just a simple synonym hunt; it’s a test of lateral thinking. Is “raises” being used in a less common sense? What about “elevators”? Could it refer to something
other
than the mechanical conveyances we ride in tall buildings? Perhaps “elevators” refers to something that
causes
elevation in a figurative sense, or something that
is
elevated?
The beauty of such a
challenging crossword clue
lies in its ability to force us to consider the elasticity of words. “Raises” can mean to lift physically, yes, but it can also mean to bring up a topic, to cultivate (as in, ‘raise crops’), to collect (as in, ‘raise funds’), or even to awaken (as in, ‘raise spirits’). Similarly, while “elevators” almost universally brings to mind the lift, are there other, more obscure meanings, or perhaps a different part of speech being implied?
This is where your brain becomes a linguistic detective agency, sifting through the various shades of meaning until that “aha!” moment hits. It’s a moment of pure satisfaction, that flash of insight when the hidden wordplay reveals itself and the answer, which once seemed elusive, suddenly appears perfectly logical and elegantly simple. That’s the magic of a well-crafted
crossword puzzle
.
So, for those of you wrestling with this particular
crossword clue
, take a deep breath. Forget the conventional wisdom for a moment. Think about common phrases, explore the less-used definitions of both “raises” and “elevators,” and consider what a single five-letter word could possibly encompass to bridge these two concepts in a clever, unexpected way. It’s a brilliant piece of wordplay that exemplifies why we love these daily brain teasers so much. Stay tuned for the reveal that will undoubtedly make you nod your head in admiration!
Available Answers:
LIFTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 July 2025