The hallmark of a truly great crossword clue lies in its ability to simultaneously intrigue and mislead, offering just enough information to guide the solver without ever giving the game away too easily. It’s a delicate dance of definition and wordplay, a linguistic puzzle box designed to delight and challenge in equal measure. Few elements in the world of puzzles are as satisfying as cracking a particularly elegant cryptic crossword clue, and the one we’re exploring today, “So far, time to love festive fruit (2,4)“, is a prime example of such masterful construction.
At first glance, this crossword clue presents a charming image: a festive fruit, perhaps something seasonal and bright. But the beauty of a cryptic crossword clue, and what sets it apart from a standard definition, is that this straightforward appearance is often just the tip of the iceberg. Every word, every comma, every numerical bracket in a cryptic crossword clue serves a specific, often dual, purpose.
Let’s unpack the layers of this fascinating crossword clue, starting with “So far”. This seemingly simple phrase is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords, frequently signalling an initialism or an abbreviation. When encountering “So far” in a crossword clue, the seasoned solver immediately considers possibilities like the first letters of subsequent words, or a well-known acronym that means ‘up to this point’. It’s a subtle nudge that diverts the mind from a literal interpretation towards a more abstract, wordplay-centric approach inherent in every good crossword clue.
Next, we have “time”. In the lexicon of cryptic crosswords, ‘time’ is a frequently used and highly versatile element. It can represent ‘T’ (a common abbreviation), or a period, an age, or even a specific moment. The setter of a crossword clue often relies on these conventional representations to guide, or misguide, the solver. The trick is discerning which specific interpretation of ‘time’ is intended, and how it interacts with the other components of the crossword clue.
Then comes “to love”. This segment introduces another layer of potential misdirection. Is “love” to be taken in its romantic sense? Or perhaps in its sporting context, where ‘love’ denotes zero points in tennis? This dual meaning is a classic technique for misdirection within a cryptic crossword clue, prompting the solver to consider less obvious interpretations. The setter’s genius often lies in presenting a common word and then twisting its meaning just enough to make the solver work for the solution.
Finally, we arrive at “festive fruit”. This part of the crossword clue appears to be the definition, the straightforward meaning of the word we are seeking. Our minds might immediately jump to cranberries, oranges, pomegranates, or perhaps even a mince pie filling. However, in a cryptic crossword clue, the definition is rarely isolated. It works in tandem with the wordplay, often presenting a clever double-bluff. The real solution will be something that perfectly matches the intricate wordplay derived from “So far, time to love”, while simultaneously fitting the description of a “festive fruit” in an unexpected way.
The structure “(2,4)” is an invaluable piece of information for any crossword clue. It tells us not only the total number of letters in the answer but also that it consists of two words: the first with two letters, and the second with four. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and provides crucial confirmation once a potential solution starts to emerge from the wordplay. It acts as a final sanity check, ensuring that the deduced answer fits the required pattern.
This particular crossword clue exemplifies the elegance and challenge that makes cryptic crosswords so addictive. It’s not merely about knowing words, but about understanding the setter’s clever syntax and the nuanced language of the puzzle itself. Each component of this crossword clue works in harmony, weaving a tapestry of clever hints and artful misdirections, inviting solvers to peel back its layers and discover the satisfying solution hidden within. The journey of unraveling such a well-crafted crossword clue is as rewarding as finding the answer itself.
Available Answers:
TODATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 9 July 2025