Unpacking the “Saying American lawyer is in time (5)” Crossword Clue
Ah, the daily joy of a new crossword clue! Some clues are straightforward, a simple definition and you’re off. Then there are those that make you pause, scratch your head, and maybe even let out an audible groan of delightful frustration. The clue “Saying American lawyer is in time (5)” is a superb example of the latter – a truly intriguing piece of cryptic wordplay that promises a satisfying “aha!” moment once deciphered.
Let’s break down this fascinating crossword clue, piece by perplexing piece. The first element to always pinpoint in a cryptic clue is the definition. Here, “Saying” seems to be the most likely candidate. When we think of a “saying,” we might consider a proverb, an adage, a maxim, or a common phrase. The five-letter constraint immediately helps us narrow down the possibilities for this definitional aspect. Could it be a simple noun, or perhaps an action related to uttering words? This is the core meaning we’re aiming for in our five-letter solution.
Next, we tackle the meat of the wordplay: “American lawyer.” This is where a good cryptic crossword clue truly earns its stripes. Is “American lawyer” meant to be taken literally, perhaps referring to a specific type of legal professional in the United States? Or is it a more abstract reference, perhaps to an abbreviation, a sound-alike, or even a particular characteristic associated with American legal practice? Sometimes, “American” might simply hint at “US” or “A,” while “lawyer” could be “bar” or a short form like “esq.” The brilliance of such a crossword clue lies in its ability to mislead while subtly guiding you. Could it be a well-known figure, or simply a generic term for someone in the profession? The possibilities are surprisingly vast, making this part of the clue a delightful puzzle in itself.
Then comes the phrase “is in time.” This little snippet is a classic component in many cryptic crossword clues, often serving as an indicator for a particular kind of wordplay. “In time” could literally mean punctual or on schedule. This might hint at a word like “PROMPT,” for instance, or something related to punctuality. Alternatively, it could be an anagram indicator, suggesting that some letters are “rearranged” or “mixed up” to form part of the solution. If it’s an anagram, the letters for the anagrammatic fodder must come from somewhere within “American lawyer.” Or, it could be a charade, where “IS” and “IN” and “TIME” (or parts of them) are combined with other elements to form the answer. The key is to consider how the words interact. Does “in time” point to a specific letter or a group of letters? The five-letter answer will certainly need to incorporate whatever this phrase signifies.
Finally, we have the crucial “(5)” at the end. This is our letter count, an indispensable guide that works in tandem with every other part of the crossword clue. It forces us to discard any ideas that don’t fit the length, no matter how clever they might seem. It’s the ultimate filter, helping us to confirm or deny our theories about the definition and the wordplay. Every single letter in the five-letter solution must be accounted for by the ingenious construction of “American lawyer is in time.”
Solving a crossword clue like this is a mental workout, a delightful dance between logical deduction and creative interpretation. It’s a testament to the cleverness of crossword setters and the endless possibilities of the English language. So, take another look at “Saying American lawyer is in time (5),” let your mind wander through the interpretations, and savor the journey to that satisfying moment of discovery. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
ADAGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 15 July 2025