Some crossword clues arrive like a direct challenge, a gauntlet thrown across the grid, demanding not just a solution, but a true unraveling of intent. Today’s feature, “Satirical time wrecked mercenary (13),” is precisely that kind of masterpiece. It’s a cryptic crossword clue that immediately captivates, promising a delightful wrestle with wordplay and definition. For any aficionado of a good crossword clue, this one beckons with its intricate layers and mischievous misdirection.
The first pass over this particular cryptic crossword clue often leaves solvers in a delightful tangle. We have “satirical,” suggesting a sense of humor, irony, or perhaps a character known for mocking or lampooning. This adjective sets a certain tone, hinting at the personality or nature of the individual we’re seeking. It’s not just any mercenary; it’s one with a specific comedic or critical bent. Already, this initial descriptor narrows the field significantly, making this a truly distinctive crossword clue.
Then comes the heart of the cryptic challenge: “time wrecked.” This phrase is where the true brilliance of the crossword clue lies. “Wrecked” is a classic indicator, often signaling an anagram. If “time” is to be “wrecked,” it almost certainly implies a rearrangement of its letters. But is it just “time”? Or is “wrecked” describing something
done
to time itself, or by someone who
causes
time to be wrecked? This ambiguity is precisely what makes a cryptic crossword clue so satisfying to dissect. The solver must ponder if “time” is a component of the anagram fodder, or if “wrecked” applies to a concept related to time, or even to the word “time” itself. This element demands careful consideration, as it holds the key to unlocking the wordplay in this challenging crossword clue.
Finally, we arrive at “mercenary.” This serves as the definition, telling us the category or type of person we are looking for. A mercenary is typically a soldier of fortune, someone fighting for pay rather than loyalty to a cause. Combining this definition with the satirical and time-wrecking elements requires a very specific thirteen-letter word. The task then becomes one of synthesizing these disparate threads into a single, cohesive answer that perfectly fits all the given conditions of this superb crossword clue.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in its ability to force a multi-faceted approach. It’s not enough to simply know definitions; one must engage with the cryptic indicators, experiment with letter manipulation, and then cross-reference with the overall meaning. The “aha!” moment, when all the pieces of this complex crossword clue suddenly click into place, is precisely why we adore the mental gymnastics that cryptics demand. It’s a testament to the setter’s ingenuity and a reward for the solver’s persistence, embodying everything that makes a truly great crossword clue so captivating. This particular entry is certainly one for the books, a superb example of how a few words can hide a world of intricate thought.
Available Answers:
MATERIALISTIC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 2 July 2025