The daily ritual of tackling a new
crossword clue
is one many of us cherish. It’s that moment of quiet concentration, a delightful wrestle with words and wit, that can turn an ordinary morning into an intellectual adventure. Today, we’re diving into a clue that, at first glance, seems remarkably concise: ‘Rock containing tip of fossil is plausible (4)‘. Just four letters, yet brimming with potential twists and turns that make the pursuit of a
crossword clue
so utterly compelling.
This isn’t your average straightforward definition. Oh no, the best
crossword clues
are seldom so simple. This one immediately raises an eyebrow, inviting us to explore its layers rather than leap to the obvious. The brevity of ‘(4)’ is a double-edged sword: it limits the possibilities, but it also means every single letter, every single word in the clue, must pull its weight.
Let’s start dissecting. We have ‘Rock’. What immediately springs to mind when you encounter ‘Rock’ in a
crossword clue
? Is it a geological formation – granite, shale, limestone? Or perhaps it refers to a movement, like to rock a cradle or rock and roll? The setter might be leading us down a specific path, or simply laying a clever decoy. The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is its ability to suggest multiple meanings, only one of which truly fits the puzzle’s intricate design. Keep those different interpretations in mind; they’re often key to unlocking the riddle.
Next, we encounter ‘containing tip of fossil’. This phrase is a goldmine for experienced
crossword clue
solvers. The word ‘containing’ is a classic indicator that one element is nestled inside another. And ‘tip of’ – well, that’s another tell-tale sign in the world of cryptic
crossword clues
. When you see ‘tip of’ followed by a word like ‘fossil’, what does it usually point to? More often than not, it directs your attention to a specific letter. Think about the very first part, the beginning, the ‘tip’. Consider what single character that might yield from the word ‘fossil’.
Then there’s the intriguing addition: ‘is plausible’. This isn’t just filler text; it’s an active component of the
crossword clue
. Does ‘plausible’ define the entire answer? Or does it refer to a part of the wordplay, perhaps confirming the validity of a constructed word or suggesting a certain characteristic of the solution? Sometimes, such a phrase acts as a double definition, with the answer needing to fit both a literal and a more nuanced meaning. At other times, it’s a vital clue to the nature of the word itself. Untangling its precise role is crucial for deciphering the whole
crossword clue
.
So, we have a four-letter word that needs to satisfy a definition related to ‘plausible’, while incorporating a concept of ‘rock’, and also somehow ‘containing’ a ‘tip of fossil’. How do these elements combine in such a compact space? This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the elegant economy of language that setters often achieve. It forces us to consider synonyms, look for homophones, or even explore cleverly hidden words within the structure itself.
The key to solving a
crossword clue
like this lies in patience and a willingness to try out different combinations. Don’t be afraid to jot down ideas, even if they seem a little far-fetched at first. Sometimes, the most unusual interpretation is the one that leads to that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment. This clue is a fantastic exercise in lateral thinking and a testament to the diverse ways language can be played with. Take your time, ponder each component, and revel in the challenge presented by this superb
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
GLIB.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 23 November 2025