Today, we dive into a truly captivating example of cryptic wordplay, a challenge that embodies everything we love about a well-crafted
crossword clue
. The spotlight falls on: “Service cuts, hates to find fault with state (13)“. A 13-letter solution awaits, and just by reading it, you can feel the gears turning, the linguistic knots begging to be untangled.
This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a testament to the ingenious minds behind cryptic puzzles. At first glance, it presents a seemingly disjointed collection of phrases, typical of the misdirection and cleverness cryptics are renowned for. The art of solving such a
crossword clue
lies in discerning which part offers the definition – the actual meaning of the answer – and which part provides the intricate wordplay that leads you there.
Take “Service cuts,” for instance. In a cryptic
crossword clue
, phrases like this can be a goldmine of possibilities. Is it a literal reference to a reduction in services? Or is it a hint at an anagram, where “cuts” signifies the reordering of letters within “service,” or perhaps “service” is the fodder from which letters are ‘cut’ and rearranged? This ambiguity is precisely what makes tackling a complex
crossword clue
so rewarding. It forces you to consider multiple angles, to think beyond the obvious.
Then we move to “hates to find fault with.” This segment of the
crossword clue
strongly suggests a definitional component. What kind of person or entity “hates to find fault with” something? This phrase points towards a characteristic, an attitude, or a state of being that is accepting, perhaps even blindly so, or unwilling to criticize. Identifying this core meaning is often the first crucial step in cracking any challenging
crossword clue
.
Finally, there’s the word “state.” This simple, yet incredibly versatile, word is a master of disguise in a cryptic
crossword clue
. It could refer to a nation, a condition, or even act as a homophone indicator (something that sounds like something else). Its inclusion adds another layer of delightful complexity to this 13-letter enigma. Does it connect with the definition, or is it an integral part of the wordplay, perhaps nudging us towards a specific type of phonetic trick or a synonym that fits the overall puzzle?
The journey to solve such an intricate
crossword clue
is a puzzle in itself. It’s about dissecting each component, experimenting with different interpretations, and allowing the potential answers to emerge from the linguistic interplay. For anyone who appreciates the subtle art of words, deciphering a
crossword clue
like this one is an absolute joy. It demands patience, lateral thinking, and a keen eye for the clever deceptions that make cryptic crosswords so addictive. We’ll delve deeper into the fascinating mechanics that lead to its unraveling, exploring the cleverness embedded within this truly standout
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
MASSACHUSETTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 24 June 2025