Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the daily delight of cracking open a fresh crossword, is there? That moment when a particularly fiendish crossword clue presents itself, and you just know you’re in for a real treat. Today, I want to dive into one such gem that truly exemplifies the elegant trickery we’ve come to adore in our favourite cryptic crosswords. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you nod in appreciation long after you’ve filled in the grid.
The specific
crossword clue
that had me pondering this morning was: “Road to a building hidden away (7)“.
Now, at first glance, it might seem straightforward. A road leading to a building? Simple enough, right? But seasoned solvers know that in the world of cryptic crosswords, simplicity is often a cleverly disguised misdirection. The art of the
crossword clue
lies in its ability to offer a perfectly legitimate surface reading while simultaneously embedding a completely different, literal instruction for arriving at the answer. This particular seven-letter challenge is a masterclass in just that.
Let’s unpack this fascinating
crossword clue
a bit, without giving away the satisfying solution just yet. The first part, “Road to a building,” immediately conjures images of maps, architecture, perhaps even specific types of structures. Is “Road” meant literally? Or is it part of a larger wordplay construct? This is where the magic of a good
crossword clue
begins: forcing your brain to consider multiple interpretations simultaneously. Could “Road” be a component, a prefix, or a suffix to another word? And what about “building”? Is it a noun, referring to a physical structure, or is it a verb, suggesting the
act
of constructing something within the clue itself? These are the questions that make solving crossword clues so utterly captivating.
Then, we arrive at the latter part of the
crossword clue
: “hidden away.” Ah, a classic indicator! For those new to the joys of cryptic puzzles, phrases like “hidden away,” “part of,” “some of,” “contains,” “in,” or even “secretly” are often strong signals for a particular type of wordplay. They hint that the answer itself might be tucked neatly within the very letters of the clue’s wording, or that a part of the clue is literally ‘hiding’ the solution. Recognising these indicators is a significant step in developing your cryptic solving prowess, turning a seemingly impenetrable challenge into an accessible and enjoyable brain-teaser. This particular phrase is a strong contender for one of the most satisfying “aha!” moments when you finally spot it.
The final piece of information is, of course, the (7) – indicating that our elusive answer is a seven-letter word. This length constraint is vital. It eliminates countless possibilities and narrows down the field considerably, guiding your search once you’ve deciphered the wordplay mechanism. It helps confirm your suspicions when you think you’ve got it, too. Does your potential solution fit the character count? If not, back to the drawing board!
This
crossword clue
is a beautiful example of how clever definitions merge seamlessly with intricate wordplay. It encourages lateral thinking and rewards careful observation. It reminds us that every word in a cryptic
crossword clue
is there for a reason, no syllable wasted. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just starting your journey into the world of cryptic crosswords, take a moment with this one. Think about how those different parts might interact. Consider the subtle nuances of “Road,” the implications of “building,” and especially the strong hint in “hidden away.”
It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you appreciate the constructor’s craft, offering a rewarding challenge that feels less like a task and more like a delightful conversation between minds. And when you finally unravel it, that surge of satisfaction is just unmatched. Happy puzzling, everyone!
Available Answers:
STASHED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 21 June 2025