Reams written to defame (5)

“Reams written to defame” – A Crossword Clue Challenge

Today’s crossword puzzle presents us with a tricky little clue that’s got me scratching my head. It’s one of those clues that seems deceptively simple at first glance, but the longer you ponder it, the more elusive the answer becomes.

“Reams written to defame” – it’s a real head-scratcher, isn’t it? The clue evokes a sense of negativity, of someone being targeted with a barrage of written criticism, aimed at tarnishing their reputation.

But how do we translate that feeling into a single five-letter word?

Let’s break down the clue to see if we can find some hidden clues within its structure.

“Reams”

– This immediately suggests a large quantity of something, likely written material.

“Written to defame”

– This tells us the purpose of the writing – to damage someone’s reputation.

Now, let’s consider some potential avenues to explore. We could look for five-letter words related to:

Defamation

: Words like “slander” or “libel” come to mind, but they don’t quite fit the five-letter requirement.

Large quantities of writing:

“Paper” or “scroll” might be possibilities, but they lack the specific connotation of negativity.

Attacking someone’s reputation:

“Abuse” is a potential answer, but again, it’s a bit too straightforward.

So, how can we find a word that encapsulates all these elements?

Stay tuned as I delve deeper into this cryptic clue, exploring the nuances of language and the art of crossword puzzle solving. I’ll share my thought process and hopefully uncover the elusive answer.

But in the meantime, feel free to leave your own thoughts and potential solutions in the comments below! Let’s crack this clue together!

Available Answers:

SMEAR.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 10 September 2024