A Roaring Crossword Challenge: Untangling ‘Skip Round English Review with the Lion’s Share’
Welcome, fellow cruciverbalists, to another deep dive into the fascinating world of crossword puzzles! Today, we’re tackling a particularly intriguing clue: “Skip round English review with the lion’s share (13).” At thirteen letters long, this is no quick solve; it demands careful consideration of each element within the clue itself.
The beauty (and sometimes frustration!) of a good crossword clue lies in its clever misdirection. Words often have multiple meanings, and setters are masters at exploiting these ambiguities. So, let’s break down this beast of a clue and explore the different paths that might lead us to the correct answer.
First, we have “Skip.” This seemingly simple word can refer to a light, hopping movement,
but
it can
also
suggest missing something out or omitting it altogether. Think about “skipping a page” or “skipping breakfast.” Which meaning is more relevant here? That’s part of the fun!
Next, the phrase “round English” presents another potential fork in the road. “English” quite plainly refers to the English language, but what about “round”? Does it describe the
shape
of something
related
to English, or does it imply an
action
performed
on
the word “English”? Is the word being bent, folded, or somehow manipulated? Keep those ideas circulating!
Then comes “review.” This could be a simple recap or summary, but in the context of wordplay, it often signals something more involved, like a critical examination, a
reversal
of letters, or even a
re-arrangement
of sorts. Don’t underestimate the power of anagrams in these longer clues!
Finally, we arrive at “with the lion’s share.” This is an idiomatic expression, meaning the largest or best portion of something. Could this indicate that we need to take the bulk of something and
combine
it with other elements suggested by the clue? Or perhaps it represents the
result
of the previous actions described?
The interplay between these different elements is key. The cleverness of a crossword clue is the way it interweaves these seemingly disparate parts into a cohesive whole. The final answer must satisfy
all
the conditions implied by the clue.
Remember, crossword solving is as much about deduction as it is about knowledge. Start by considering the common letters that might fit into a thirteen-letter word, especially if you have any crossing answers from other clues in the grid. Think about common word endings and prefixes. Do any of the words suggested by the clue’s individual components suggest a possible solution?
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try writing out the different possibilities. Consider anagrams, reversals, and substitutions. Sometimes, simply seeing the letters on paper can spark a new connection or idea.
This particular clue is a worthy challenge, but with patience, persistence, and a healthy dose of lateral thinking, you’ll conquer it. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
PREPONDERANCE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 8 September 2025