Slough’s Dark Side: Delving into a Tricky Crossword Clue
Hello fellow puzzle enthusiasts!
Tonight, we’re grappling with a particularly evocative clue: “Slough shines again with macabre behaviour (12).” It’s a clue that immediately conjures images – perhaps of a town unexpectedly basking in a newfound glory, tainted by something sinister lurking beneath the surface. Or maybe it’s a straightforward geographical reference with a rather grim twist. Whatever the correct interpretation, this clue presents a delightful challenge that demands careful consideration of both definition and wordplay.
My initial instinct is to focus on the dual nature of the clue. We have “Slough,” a place name, suggesting a potential anagram or hidden word trick related to the town itself. And then we have “shines again with macabre behaviour,” which clearly points to the definition of the answer – something related to dark, morbid actions. The conjunction “with” indicates a connection between these two elements, meaning they are both essential components to arriving at the solution.
Let’s first consider “Slough.” Is it simply a geographical marker? Or could it be a signal for some more devious wordplay? We know that place names often act as anagram indicators in cryptic crosswords. Perhaps the letters in SLOUGH need to be rearranged. However, the presence of “shines again” also suggests a potential reversal indicator. Could the solution be derived from reversing something found within the letters of “Slough” or a word strongly associated with Slough? It’s definitely worth exploring both avenues.
Next, we turn our attention to the definition. “Macabre behaviour” strongly implies something ghoulish, death-related, or even criminal. We need to think of words and phrases associated with horror, morbidity, and generally unpleasant actions. Words like “gruesome,” “ghastly,” “morbid,” “hideous,” or even legal terms relating to death or murder spring to mind. Are there any 12-letter words encompassing such themes that could potentially be connected to “Slough”?
The phrase “shines again” is also interesting. It could imply a sense of renewal or resurgence. Perhaps the “macabre behaviour” is something that was dormant or forgotten, but is now making a comeback. This adds another layer of complexity to the definition, pushing us to consider words that convey not just the morbid act itself, but also the idea of it being repeated or re-emerging.
It’s important to remember the length of the answer: twelve letters. This constraint is crucial, and we must continuously check potential solutions against it. Trying to force a solution that doesn’t fit the letter count is a common pitfall in crossword solving.
Given the complexity and the potential for multiple interpretations, this clue likely relies on a clever combination of wordplay and definition. We need to look for a solution that accurately reflects the “macabre behaviour” described, while also cleverly incorporating “Slough” through either an anagram, hidden word, or some other form of manipulation. The “shines again” element adds a crucial layer, suggesting repetition or revival.
I’m really curious to see how you all approach this one. What initial ideas are popping into your heads? Are you focusing on the “Slough” aspect first, or the “macabre behaviour”? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below! Let’s unravel this enigmatic clue together.
Available Answers:
GHOULISHNESS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 18 November 2025