Welcome, fellow puzzle solvers, to another dive into the delightfully perplexing world of cryptic crossword clues! Today, we’re wrestling with a particularly intriguing seven-letter challenge that’s bound to spark some serious head-scratching and a few ‘aha!’ moments. This one combines vivid imagery with classic cryptic wordplay, making it a perfect brain teaser for anyone who loves a good crossword puzzle.
Our featured cryptic crossword clue for today reads:
“Resin plastered around church – honest (7)“
. Just a quick glance reveals multiple layers of potential interpretation, a hallmark of expertly crafted cryptic clues. The ‘(7)’ immediately tells us the length of our target word, a crucial piece of information in any crossword solving endeavor. This detail helps narrow down the possibilities significantly, a helpful starting point for any daily crossword clue.
Let’s unpack this cryptic crossword clue, piece by tantalizing piece. We start with “Resin”. Is this the primary definition we’re seeking? Or is it a component of the wordplay, perhaps hinting at a specific substance that gives us a few letters to work with? Cryptic clues often employ common synonyms for words in unexpected ways, so “resin” could be a stand-in for something else entirely, requiring a deeper dive into the nuances of language in your crossword puzzle.
Then we have the rather evocative phrase, “plastered around church”. This immediately conjures an image, doesn’t it? Something applied to the exterior of a sacred building. But in the realm of cryptic wordplay, “plastered” can carry multiple meanings. It might suggest something being ‘spread’ or ‘applied’, but in a more colloquial sense, it could hint at something entirely different – a common trick in cryptic puzzle solving. And “around” is a classic indicator for a container clue, suggesting one set of letters enveloping another. What about “church”? Seasoned solvers of cryptic crossword puzzles know that certain common abbreviations frequently appear for religious institutions. Could this be our little ‘CH’ making an appearance, nestled within other letters as part of the intricate wordplay? This section alone offers ample opportunity for creative puzzle solving.
Finally, we arrive at “honest”. This word feels like a declaration, almost a double-check on the truthfulness of the statement. But in the context of a cryptic crossword clue, “honest” could be functioning in several ingenious ways. Is it the actual definition of our seven-letter answer? Could our target word mean both ‘resin’ and ‘honest’, pointing towards a clever double definition? Or perhaps “honest” is an anagram indicator, suggesting that some letters need to be jumbled to reveal part of the solution? The beauty of these clues lies in their ability to lead you down various garden paths before the true meaning snaps into focus. This is where the real fun of crossword solving comes in – discerning the setter’s true intent amidst the clever misdirection.
This particular crossword challenge is a masterclass in how setters use everyday language to create a truly perplexing yet ultimately satisfying crossword puzzle. It demands careful consideration of each word’s primary and secondary meanings, alongside an understanding of standard cryptic conventions. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your journey into the world of crossword puzzles or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh brain teaser, this cryptic crossword clue offers plenty to chew on.
So, take a moment to ponder this seven-letter enigma. How do these elements – ‘resin,’ ‘plastered around church,’ and ‘honest’ – coalesce into a single word? What cryptic conventions are at play here? Don’t rush to the solution; instead, enjoy the process of dissection and discovery. The joy of solving crosswords often lies not just in finding the answer, but in unraveling the intricate logic behind the clue itself. Stay tuned for the full breakdown and the ultimate reveal, but for now, let those gears turn!
Available Answers:
SINCERE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 23 August 2025