The world of crossword puzzles is a labyrinth of wit, wordplay, and often, delightful frustration. Few things spark the solver’s mind quite like a well-crafted crossword clue that seems straightforward on the surface but hides layers of ingenious misdirection. Today, we delve into one such intriguing example that recently caught our eye: “Skinflint’s endless sorrow (5).”
This particular crossword clue immediately sets a scene. “Skinflint” conjures images of Ebenezer Scrooge or a dragon jealously guarding its hoard – someone incredibly tight-fisted, perhaps even pathologically so. This part of the crossword clue provides a strong anchor for the definition. But then we pivot to “endless sorrow,” which is where the true beauty, and challenge, of the clue lies. The five-letter constraint further refines our search, demanding precision in our linguistic acrobatics.
Any seasoned solver knows that an “endless” component in a crossword clue often signals a specific type of wordplay. It might suggest removing the first and last letters of a longer word, leaving a central core. Or, in some cryptic contexts, it could imply a word that cyclically repeats, or perhaps even a core concept that, by its very nature, is unending. The “sorrow” element could be a direct synonym for grief, sadness, or distress, but given the cryptic nature that such a crossword clue often employs, it’s equally likely to be a more abstract representation of a miser’s plight or a feeling associated with their character. Do skinflints experience a particular kind of sorrow? Perhaps the sorrow of parting with money, no matter how small the sum? Or the sorrow that their own stinginess brings upon them or others? This duality is what makes dissecting a compelling crossword clue so rewarding.
The art of solving a complex crossword clue lies in considering all angles. Is this a double definition, where both parts of the clue offer a direct synonym for the answer? Unlikely, given the contrasting nature of “skinflint” and “sorrow” unless there’s a very clever pivot. Could it be an anagram? If so, what letters would be involved? Often, the definition part of a crossword clue leads us to a range of potential words, and then the wordplay part helps us narrow it down. Here, “skinflint” feels like the primary definition, while “endless sorrow” drives the wordplay.
The beauty of this type of crossword clue is how it forces a re-evaluation of common words and phrases. We often use “endless” colloquially, but in a crossword, it takes on a precise, almost mathematical function. Similarly, “sorrow” can range from mild disappointment to profound grief, and understanding its specific nuance in the context of a skinflint is key. Is it a sound-alike (homophone)? A hidden word, cunningly tucked away within the letters of “skinflint’s endless sorrow”? Given the brevity of the clue and the five-letter answer, a hidden word seems less probable, but never impossible when tackling a tricky crossword clue.
Ultimately, “Skinflint’s endless sorrow (5)” is a fantastic example of a crossword clue that blends clear definition with nuanced, challenging wordplay. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in crafting a puzzle that is both evocative and logically sound, demanding more than just a dictionary lookup. It requires a deep dive into the mechanics of language and the clever conventions of the crossword grid. Take a moment to ponder the layers of this particular crossword clue; the solution, once revealed, often seems blindingly obvious, but the journey to get there is half the fun.
Available Answers:
MISER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 17 July 2025