There’s a unique thrill that comes with staring down a deceptively simple string of words in a crossword puzzle, knowing a brilliant piece of wordplay is just waiting to unravel. It’s that moment of delightful anticipation, the mental gears whirring, as you sift through layers of meaning to pinpoint the elusive solution. Today, we’re dissecting one such gem that’s likely caused more than a few furrowed brows: “Sent up a mad cartoon strip (7).”
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents itself with an almost playful air, a vignette of chaos involving animation and perhaps a bit of mischief. But for any seasoned solver, the real work begins when we break down each component, understanding that every word, every punctuation mark, and especially those parenthetical numbers, holds a vital piece of the puzzle. The (7) immediately tells us our target word is seven letters long, a crucial constraint that helps narrow down the vast lexicon of possibilities.
Let’s start with “Sent up.” This is classic
crossword clue
territory for multiple meanings. In common parlance, “sent up” can mean dispatched or launched – perhaps a rocket, or even a letter. But in the cunning world of cryptic crosswords, it frequently refers to mockery, parody, or caricature. Think of a comedian “sending up” a public figure. This immediately feels like a strong contender given the context of “cartoon strip.” The idea of a cartoon being parodied or mimicked fits perfectly.
Next, we have “a mad cartoon strip.” This phrase feels like the definition part of our
crossword clue
. What kind of cartoon strip is “mad”? We’re talking zany, wild, absurd, perhaps even unhinged. It paints a vivid picture, hinting at a genre or style of comic that eschews conventional narrative for something more chaotic and humorous. The “a” is a simple article, yet its presence often helps confirm the definition part of the clue.
Now, how do “Sent up” and “a mad cartoon strip” weave together to form our seven-letter answer? If “sent up” acts as the indicator for parody, and “a mad cartoon strip” is what’s being parodied or is itself the definition, we’re looking for a seven-letter word that encompasses both the act of parodying and the essence of a wild, crazy cartoon. Could the “mad” be a subtle hint for an anagram, urging us to rearrange letters within the phrase? While possible in other
crossword clues
, here it feels more like an adjective describing the “cartoon strip” itself, making it part of the definition.
The genius of this particular
crossword clue
lies in its ability to combine a precise definition with a clever bit of wordplay, all while conjuring a vivid image. It challenges you to consider the multiple meanings of a common phrase, guiding you towards the less obvious, more playful interpretation that’s so characteristic of great crosswords. Many a solver will initially chase down paths related to literal launching or dispatching, only to find the dead ends and return to the more metaphorical, and ultimately correct, interpretation of “sent up.”
This
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how compilers use everyday language to craft intricate puzzles. It requires not just a broad vocabulary but also a keen understanding of idiom and an openness to playful misdirection. The satisfaction of finally cracking such a clue, understanding the layers of wit involved, is what keeps us coming back to the grid day after day. So, take another look at “Sent up a mad cartoon strip (7)” and let those mental cogs grind. The answer, no doubt, will feel perfectly fitting once you uncover it.
Available Answers:
PEANUTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 17 September 2025