Well, hello there, fellow word puzzle enthusiasts! Grab your favourite beverage and settle in, because this week we’re diving into a
crossword clue
that’s a real head-scratcher – the kind that makes you stare blankly at the grid, then chuckle admiringly when the penny finally drops. It’s a prime example of cryptic brilliance, packed with misdirection and clever wordplay that truly tests your lateral thinking.
Today’s little gem is:
“Return draught container for fur (6)“
Just reading it aloud, you can practically hear the gears turning in your brain, can’t you? Six letters. A fur. And a whole lot of intriguing potential meanings wrapped up in those first few words. This isn’t just a challenge; it’s an invitation to a linguistic treasure hunt, where every word could be a clue, a red herring, or both!
Let’s unpack this fascinating
crossword clue
piece by tantalising piece, as we often do when a puzzle has us delightfully stumped.
First up, we have
“Return”
. Oh, “Return,” you sneaky, slippery word! In the world of cryptic crosswords, “return” is a classic double-agent. Does it mean to reverse a word or letters? Is it hinting at “RE” as in “about” or “concerning”? Or could it be a more literal “return” – perhaps something that comes back to you, like a boomerang or a deposit? The very first word sets the stage for multiple interpretations, immediately making us ponder which path the setter wants us to follow. What a brilliant way to kick off a
crossword clue
!
Next, we encounter
“draught container”
. Now, this phrase is a chameleon of meaning, isn’t it? “Draught” itself is wonderfully ambiguous. Are we talking about a draught of ale or beer, implying a keg, a cask, or a barrel? Or perhaps a draught of air, a current, suggesting something that carries or contains wind? It could even refer to a ‘draught’ as in a drawing or a sketch, or even a game piece (like in checkers, often called draughts). And then there’s “container.” This could be anything from a simple box or can to a more obscure vessel, or even a metaphorical holding place. Combining “draught” with “container” creates a rich tapestry of possibilities, each one pulling us in a slightly different direction. The brilliance of this
crossword clue
lies in its layered misdirection.
Finally, we arrive at the definition:
“for fur (6)”
. This is our anchor, our ultimate destination. We know the answer is a six-letter word that refers to a type of fur. Immediately, our minds start sifting through common furs – mink, sable, ermine, rabbit, fox. Which of these, if any, could possibly emerge from the cryptic alchemy of “Return draught container”? The numerical hint “(6)” is crucial, narrowing down our options significantly.
So, how do all these disparate elements – the reversal hint, the multiple meanings of “draught,” the various types of “container,” and the final definition of “fur” – cleverly intertwine to form a single, elegant solution? That, my friends, is the true challenge and joy of this particular
crossword clue
. It’s a masterclass in how setters use everyday words to construct intricate puzzles.
Don’t rush to Google! Take a moment. Play with the words. Twist them, turn them, consider every angle. What happens when you combine a ‘returned’ version of one meaning of ‘draught’ with a type of ‘container’ to get a ‘fur’? The ‘aha!’ moment, when it finally clicks, is truly satisfying.
What’s your initial take on this
crossword clue
? Which meaning of “Return” are you leaning towards? What kind of “draught container” first springs to mind? Share your thoughts (but no spoilers, please!) in the comments below. Let’s unravel this beauty together, without revealing the secret just yet! Happy solving!
Available Answers:
NUTRIA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 23 November 2025