Decoding the Cryptic: “Sharp-cornered rug Alan remade (7)“
There’s a unique thrill that washes over you when you encounter a perfectly crafted cryptic crossword clue. It’s that blend of elegant misdirection and ingenious construction that makes the “aha!” moment so incredibly satisfying. For those of us who spend our leisure time wrestling with these linguistic puzzles, each new challenge is an invitation to a delightful mental gymnastics session. Today, we’re going to dive into one such intriguing specimen:
“Sharp-cornered rug Alan remade (7)“
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This particular crossword clue immediately stands out with its evocative imagery and a tantalizing hint of wordplay. It’s the kind of clue that makes you pause, reread, and then reread again, a small smile playing on your lips as you begin to peel back its layers. Cryptic crosswords, unlike their more straightforward quick crossword counterparts, are designed to make you think laterally, to look beyond the surface meaning of the words. They’re not just about vocabulary; they’re about understanding a set of unwritten rules, a shared language between setter and solver. Every cryptic crossword clue is a mini-puzzle in itself, often containing two parts: a precise definition and a hidden wordplay mechanism. The trick, of course, is discerning which is which.
When faced with a cryptic crossword clue like “Sharp-cornered rug Alan remade (7)“, the first step is always to identify the definition. This is the part of the clue that, if standing alone, would accurately describe the answer. Sometimes it’s at the beginning, sometimes at the end, and sometimes even split. The definition for this crossword clue seems quite clear on the surface, referring to a specific type of item with distinct features. But remember, setters love to mislead, so always consider alternative interpretations for every word. Could “sharp-cornered” be a literal description of the item, or could it be a description of the word itself? That’s part of the fun in unraveling any cryptic crossword clue.
Next, we turn our attention to the wordplay. This is where the magic truly happens, where letters are rearranged, words are abbreviated, or homophones come into play. The phrase “Alan remade” in our crossword clue is particularly suggestive. The word “remade” is a classic indicator in the world of cryptic crosswords. It often signals a specific type of wordplay that involves reordering letters. If you’ve been solving cryptic crossword clues for a while, certain words like ‘broken’, ‘mixed’, ‘shuffled’, or ‘arranged’ immediately put you on high alert for this common device. The key is to figure out what letters are being “remade.” Are they just the letters in “Alan”? Or does “Alan” combine with other letters from the clue to form the fodder for this clever trick? Understanding the full extent of the fodder is crucial for cracking the code of any challenging crossword clue.
Finally, we have the number in parentheses: (7). This is your golden rule, your non-negotiable constraint. The answer must be exactly seven letters long. This number is invaluable, helping to confirm your hunches, eliminate false starts, and guide your letter manipulation. When you’re playing with the letters you suspect are part of the wordplay, always keep that target length in mind. It’s the ultimate arbiter, confirming whether your potential solution fits the grid and the setter’s design.
The journey to solving a complex crossword clue is a highly personal one, filled with moments of frustration, flashes of insight, and ultimately, the immense satisfaction of discovery. “Sharp-cornered rug Alan remade (7)” is a splendid example of a crossword clue that promises a rewarding mental workout. Take your time, consider all the angles, and enjoy the process of dissecting this beautifully constructed puzzle. The solution is out there, waiting for your keen eye to uncover it, bringing that delightful sense of accomplishment that only a well-solved crossword clue can provide.
Available Answers:
ANGULAR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 4 September 2025