Oh, the sheer delight when a daily crossword clue lands with a particular flourish, doesn’t it? Some clues are straightforward, a quick double definition or a simple anagram. But then there are those, the true gems, that invite you to sit down, pour a fresh cup of coffee, and really
think
. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such masterpiece: “Redeemer coming in various disguises (7)“.
Just reading that crossword clue brings a smile to my face. It’s got layers, doesn’t it? Immediately, “Redeemer” conjures up images of saviors, of liberation, of something profound and significant. It’s a word with a weighty presence, often with spiritual or heroic connotations. But then, juxtaposed against that gravitas, we have “coming in various disguises.” This is where the magic of the wordplay begins to unfold, where the setter tips their hat to the seasoned solver, promising a delightful challenge.
The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in how it prompts us to consider the core components. Let’s pick it apart, piece by delightful piece, without giving anything away, of course!
First, “Redeemer.” Is it a direct synonym we’re looking for, perhaps a less common one? Or is the word “Redeemer” itself merely a clever bit of misdirection, a vehicle to lead us to another concept entirely? In the world of cryptic crosswords, almost anything is possible. It could be a noun, an adjective, or even hint at an action. The profound nature of the word itself adds to the intrigue. Could it refer to something that saves a situation, rather than a person? Or is it a more abstract concept? This initial ambiguity is exactly what makes a well-crafted crossword clue so engaging.
Then we move to the incredibly evocative phrase, “coming in various disguises.” This is the engine of the wordplay here. What does “disguises” suggest to you in the context of a crossword clue? It speaks of transformation, of appearance altering, of something being hidden within something else. This could hint at a number of popular cryptic techniques. Are we looking for a word that literally changes its form, perhaps through an anagram, where letters are shuffled into a new arrangement? Or does it imply multiple meanings, a single word that can take on several ‘disguises’ depending on its context? Perhaps it’s a charade, where different parts come together to form the whole, each part a ‘disguise’ of the final answer. Or, and this is always a possibility with such clever phrasing, could it be a hidden word, cleverly embedded within the clue itself, appearing in ‘disguise’ amongst other words? The possibilities are tantalizingly varied, much like the disguises themselves!
The final piece of the puzzle, of course, is the (7) – the seven-letter length. This constraint is crucial. It narrows down our search considerably, ruling out countless possibilities and pushing us towards words that fit perfectly within that structure. Every letter counts, and the precise length helps to confirm or deny our hypotheses as we brainstorm potential answers. When you finally hit upon a word that fits the letter count
and
explains the wordplay, that’s the ‘aha!’ moment every crossword clue enthusiast lives for.
This “Redeemer coming in various disguises (7)” crossword clue is a testament to the setter’s art. It combines an intriguing concept with brilliant wordplay, inviting the solver to explore the full spectrum of linguistic possibilities. It’s not just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the journey of discovery that a truly excellent crossword clue provides. So, take a moment, ponder, and enjoy the elegant puzzle it presents. The solution, when it clicks, is incredibly satisfying, revealing the cleverness hidden within those seemingly simple words. What are
your
initial thoughts on how this one might work?
Available Answers:
SAVIOUR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 9 July 2025