The latest five-letter challenge to grace our screens and puzzle pages is a brilliant one: “Set to pinch regularly and long-suffering (5).” This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in the clever wordplay that keeps us all coming back for more. It’s a perfect example of how setters combine direct definition with an intricate cryptic instruction, demanding a specific kind of mental agility to crack.
On one side, we have “long-suffering,” a clear and concise definition that immediately sets us thinking about character traits, endurance, and quiet resilience. What five-letter word encapsulates the essence of someone who patiently bears hardship, who faces adversity with an unwavering spirit? This is the anchor, the semantic heart of the
crossword clue
, providing the ultimate goal for our linguistic quest. We’re looking for that perfect synonym that fits precisely within the five-letter constraint.
Then comes the real meat of the puzzle: “Set to pinch regularly.” This phrase is where the setter’s genius truly shines, offering a delightful twist of logic. “Regularly” is a classic signal in cryptic crosswords, a powerful indicator that often points towards a systematic extraction of letters. It’s an instruction to look for a pattern, an interval, a rhythmic selection that will lead us to the precise letters needed. Coupled with “Set to pinch,” it invites us to consider how ‘pinching’ might relate to ‘taking’ or ‘extracting’ letters from the words presented. Is “pinch” meant as a small quantity? Or is it a verb, urging us to ‘steal’ or ‘select’ specific elements from the phrase itself? Often, in these ingenious word puzzles, a common word is repurposed, its everyday meaning shifted to serve a specific, often playful, directive. This part of the
crossword clue
is designed to make you think outside the box, to consider not just what the words mean, but what they instruct you to
do
.
The ultimate satisfaction comes from harmonizing these two components. We seek a five-letter word that not only precisely fits the definition of “long-suffering” but can also be cleverly constructed or found using the intricate instructions hidden within “Set to pinch regularly.” It’s the moment when the abstract meaning aligns perfectly with the concrete, letter-by-letter construction – that flash of insight that every
crossword clue
enthusiast lives for. This intricate dance between definition and ingenious wordplay is what elevates cryptic crosswords from mere vocabulary tests to truly engaging mental challenges. This particular
crossword clue
stands as a testament to that elegant complexity, inviting us to delve into its layers and discover the solution waiting to be unearthed. Get ready to flex those mental muscles and explore the fascinating depths of this compelling five-letter enigma.
Available Answers:
STOIC.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 23 August 2025