What a fantastic day for a crossword puzzle! There are those days when the grids just flow, and then there are the days when a single, brilliantly crafted
crossword clue
stops you dead in your tracks, demanding your full mental might. Today, we’re dissecting one of those truly satisfying brain-teasers that combines a touch of everyday terminology with a clever artistic twist. If you’re a fan of the kind of cryptic
crossword clue
that makes you groan and then grin, you’re in for a treat.
The clue that caught my eye and held it captive was:
“Small measure given to gaffer for carving, that’s a relief (6)“
. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward, if slightly unusual, scenario. But the beauty of a well-designed
crossword clue
lies in its layers, its potential for misdirection, and the glorious “aha!” moment when all the seemingly disparate elements click into place.
Let’s break down this intriguing
crossword clue
. We’re looking for a six-letter word, a crucial piece of information for any solver tackling today’s
crossword puzzle clue
. The phrase “small measure” immediately sets off a cascade of possibilities. Are we talking about a unit of volume, a tiny quantity, or perhaps something even more abstract? The world of “small measures” is vast, and knowing which direction to lean often comes from the surrounding context within the
crossword clue
itself.
Then we have “given to gaffer for carving.” This is where things get really interesting for deciphering this particular
crossword clue
. A “gaffer” traditionally refers to an old man, a foreman, or even a chief electrician in a film crew. But in the context of “carving,” which interpretation makes the most sense? What would a person involved in carving – be it wood, stone, or another medium – be
given
a “small measure” of? This part of the
crossword clue
seems to point towards a very specific item or action. It’s the kind of precise detail that often unlocks the definitional half of a cryptic
crossword clue
. We’re thinking about the practicalities of craftsmanship, the materials, or the tools involved in sculpting and shaping.
But the real genius, the true heart of this
cryptic crossword clue
, lies in its concluding phrase: “that’s a relief.” This isn’t just a casual remark about the feeling of successfully completing a task. Oh no, not in the world of
crossword clues
! This phrase is a masterclass in double meaning, a brilliant piece of wordplay that immediately signals a connection to the act of “carving.” When you see “relief” alongside “carving,” your mind should instantly leap to a specific artistic technique. It’s the kind of clever hint that seasoned solvers live for, twisting an everyday idiom into a direct pointer towards the solution of a challenging
crossword clue
.
The challenge with this kind of
difficult crossword clue
is to weave together these disparate threads. How does a “small measure” given to a “gaffer” for “carving” ultimately lead to something that is literally a “relief”? It requires stepping back, considering the multiple definitions of each word, and allowing your brain to make the creative leap. The answer isn’t just a definition; it’s an elegant synthesis of all these elements, where every part of the
crossword clue
contributes to the whole.
Unpacking such a well-constructed
crossword clue
is immensely satisfying. It’s a testament to the skill of the puzzle setter and a joyful exercise for anyone who loves the intricate dance of words and logic. So, take another look at “Small measure given to gaffer for carving, that’s a relief (6)“. Ponder the artistic connections, consider the practical applications, and let the wordplay guide you. The solution to this engaging
crossword clue
is right there, waiting for you to uncover its elegant simplicity. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
EMBOSS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 28 August 2025