Welcome, fellow word-sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a
crossword clue
that truly grabs your attention, painting a vivid picture with just a handful of words. These are the kinds of clues that make the daily crossword not just a challenge, but a delightful journey into the nuances of language. Forget your mundane definitions for a moment; we’re talking about a clue that feels like a mini-narrative, a cryptic whisper of a scene unfolding.
The
crossword clue
in question is “Sordid attempt to pocket ridiculous wad (6)“. Take a moment to let that sink in. Six letters, a whole story packed into a single, intriguing line. As seasoned solvers know, the magic of a compelling
crossword clue
lies not just in finding the right answer, but in the journey of deciphering its layers, peeling back the initial impression to uncover the precise wordplay intended by the setter.
Let’s dissect this beauty. “Sordid attempt.” Right off the bat, we’re dealing with something morally questionable, perhaps even illicit. The word “sordid” itself carries a heavy weight – something ignoble, squalid, or unethical. It immediately sets a tone, steering our minds away from innocent acts and towards something darker, more underhanded. What kind of “attempt” is sordid? An honest one, surely not. This pairing primes us for a solution that reflects a less-than-honourable action.
Then we move to “to pocket ridiculous wad.” Now, this is where the imagery truly comes alive. “To pocket” can mean to put something into one’s pocket, but in the context of money or valuables, it often implies taking something illicitly, stealing or appropriating without permission. It’s a common turn of phrase in
crossword puzzle
circles, often hinting at theft or embezzlement. And what is being pocketed? A “ridiculous wad.” This isn’t a few coins; it’s a significant sum, perhaps even an absurdly large amount. The word “ridiculous” adds a touch of exaggeration, amplifying the scale of the ill-gotten gains. “Wad,” of course, almost universally refers to a roll or bundle of money. So, we have a large, illicit sum being taken underhandedly.
The brilliance of this particular
crossword clue
lies in how it combines these elements. It’s not merely a definition; it’s a descriptive phrase that evokes a very specific scenario. The six-letter constraint is our guide, narrowing down the possibilities once we’ve fully grasped the essence of the clue. When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, the initial strategy often involves brainstorming synonyms for each major component: what are other words for “sordid”? For “attempt”? For “to pocket” in that specific sense? And what six-letter words encompass the idea of taking a large, illegitimate sum in a morally reprehensible way?
This isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding the subtle interplay of words, how they combine to form a precise, yet often misdirecting, meaning. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that offers a satisfying “aha!” moment when the solution finally clicks, revealing the setter’s clever artistry. It’s a classic example of how a well-crafted
crossword clue
can be a compact masterpiece of wordplay, challenging your logical deduction as much as your lexicon.
So, ponder this
crossword clue
. Let the scenario play out in your mind. What six-letter word captures the essence of a shady effort to unlawfully acquire a hefty bundle of cash? The solution, when you find it, perfectly encapsulates the “sordid attempt to pocket ridiculous wad.” Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
TAWDRY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 2 July 2025