Hello, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a cracker of a
crossword clue
that had me scratching my head – and then grinning – once the penny finally dropped. This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a brilliant example of how cryptic setters weave layers of meaning into seemingly straightforward phrases.
The
crossword clue
in question is:
“Results of running repairs? (8)“
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might conjure up images of frantic mechanics patching up a car mid-race, or perhaps a quick fix to a leaky faucet while the water is still gushing. The idiom “running repairs” is widely understood to mean minor, temporary repairs carried out to keep something operational, often without taking it completely out of service. It’s about keeping things in motion, preventing a complete breakdown, and generally making do with a quick patch-up job. So, if we take the clue at face value, we might be looking for a word that describes the outcome of such a makeshift fix – maybe “temporary,” “functional,” or “patched.” But as any seasoned solver knows, with cryptic crosswords, the surface meaning is often just a cunning disguise for something far more intricate.
This particular
crossword clue
immediately signals that we need to engage our lateral thinking caps. The eight-letter length gives us a good constraint, but it’s the wordplay that truly unlocks the solution. Let’s break down the components of this captivating
crossword clue
.
First, consider “running.” In the world of crosswords, especially cryptic ones, “running” can mean a multitude of things. It could refer to someone jogging or competing in a race. It could mean something is operating, like a machine running. It could even imply a liquid flow, like a running tap or a running nose. The cleverness lies in which interpretation the setter intends for this specific
crossword clue
. Are we thinking about the outcome of physical exertion, or the consequences of a system in motion?
Then there’s “repairs.” What does “repairs” signify? It’s about mending, fixing, restoring. But could “repairs” itself be a cleverly disguised synonym, or even a different part of speech? Is it literal mending, or something more metaphorical? When you consider “repairs” in conjunction with the various meanings of “running,” the possibilities start to branch out, sending you down different analytical paths. This is the beauty of a truly well-crafted
crossword clue
– it forces you to explore every linguistic avenue.
The phrase “Results of” is our key to the solution’s grammatical form and its relationship to the rest of the clue. It indicates we are looking for a noun, something that
comes about
because of the “running repairs.” It’s the consequence, the effect, the byproduct. This is where the magic happens, as you try to bridge the gap between the various interpretations of “running” and “repairs” to find an eight-letter word that represents their combined “results.”
This type of
crossword clue
challenges you to look beyond the obvious. It’s a classic example of a cryptic definition or perhaps a subtle double definition, where both parts of the clue, when interpreted unconventionally, lead to the same word. The trick is to identify the less common, often more physiological or metaphorical, meaning of “running” and then see how “repairs” could describe a natural process that serves a similar function to mending.
So, take a moment to ponder this delightful
crossword clue
. Think about how your body
runs
and what
results
from that. Then, consider how our incredible bodies also perform their own forms of “repairs” or self-regulation. What’s an eight-letter word that encapsulates both these ideas? It’s a real “aha!” moment when you piece it together.
This
crossword clue
truly showcases the linguistic dexterity required for cryptic solving. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding their nuances, their various contexts, and how a clever setter can twist them into a delightful brain-teaser. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you approached this
crossword clue
in the comments below – without giving away the answer, of course!
Happy solving!
Available Answers:
STITCHES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 19 August 2025