“Soup in lesser disarray with fellowship (13)” – This crossword clue is a delectable puzzle, a true masterclass in cryptic construction that has many a solver stirring their brains for the perfect solution. If you’ve landed here, chances are this particular crossword clue has left you pondering its depths, much like a gourmet broth simmering with hidden flavours. And what a clue it is! It’s the kind of complex, multi-layered challenge that embodies the very best of cryptic crosswords, promising both frustration and immense satisfaction upon its conquest.
At first glance, this 13-letter challenge might seem to present a straightforward anagram. The term “disarray” is a classic beacon for solvers, immediately signaling that a jumble of letters is in play. This word, a staple in the cryptic setter’s toolkit, invariably directs our attention to the surrounding text, implying that its letters are ripe for rearrangement. The question, as always with such a promising indicator, becomes: which letters are we meant to disarray? Is it the ‘soup’? Is it ‘lesser’? Or is it a combination, cleverly blended to conceal the final answer? Unraveling this aspect of the crossword clue is often the first step in cracking these delightful brain-teasers, demanding a careful parsing of the words that precede the indicator.
Then we come to “with fellowship”. In the intricate world of cryptic crossword clues, this phrase almost certainly points to the definition of our elusive 13-letter word. “Fellowship” itself evokes a rich tapestry of meanings: community, companionship, a shared journey, an association of like-minded individuals, or perhaps even a grant for academic pursuits. The breadth of meaning here adds another layer of intrigue. How does a term suggesting a close-knit group or a shared bond relate to a “soup in lesser disarray”? This is where the true artistry of the clue emerges, weaving together seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole, a hallmark of a well-crafted crossword clue.
The 13-letter length of the answer adds significant weight and opportunity. It’s long enough to allow for intricate wordplay, perhaps combining several elements or requiring a substantial anagram fodder. A longer crossword clue often means more letters to work with, but also more opportunities for the setter to misdirect or hide the crucial components of the puzzle. This isn’t just a simple four or five-letter quickie; this is a clue designed to make you savour every potential interpretation, demanding more than a fleeting glance to unravel its clever construction. It’s the kind of cryptic challenge that truly tests one’s mettle.
Solving this type of crossword clue requires a keen eye for detail, an understanding of common cryptic conventions, and a willingness to play with words. Is “soup in lesser” a direct source of letters, waiting to be rearranged? Or does “lesser” hint at something more subtle, a modification or a removal of certain letters? Cryptic crossword clues often employ such linguistic nuances to guide—or misguide—the solver. The joy, of course, comes from discerning the setter’s true intent amidst these layers of wordplay.
We’re diving deep into the fascinating world of cryptic crosswords with this particular clue. It demands that we look beyond the surface, to explore how “disarray” can transform a simple phrase into a profound definition of “fellowship”. This crossword clue is a testament to the elegant craftsmanship that goes into creating these daily mental workouts, offering a rewarding intellectual journey for every solver. Stay tuned as we delve further into how all these elements come together to form that satisfying 13-letter answer that completes this challenging crossword clue.
Available Answers:
BROTHERLINESS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025