The Weekly Crossword Conundrum: A Feathered Enigma
Welcome back, puzzle aficionados! This week, we’re diving headfirst into a deceptively simple, yet subtly tricky, five-letter crossword clue. It’s a classic example of how brevity in clue-writing can mask a wealth of wordplay and a surprisingly layered solution. We’re dissecting a clue that speaks of fragility, reversal, and an unexpected surge of inner strength.
The clue itself presents a miniature drama: “Spirit shown by weak dove coming back in (5).” Let’s unpack this little narrative piece by piece.
Firstly, we have the notion of “spirit.” In the context of a crossword, “spirit” is a word ripe with potential meanings. It could refer to courage, morale, an ethereal being, or even a type of alcoholic beverage. Discerning the correct interpretation of “spirit” is crucial to unlocking the entire clue. Think synonyms – what words capture the essence of inner strength, resolve, or a positive attitude?
Next, we encounter a “weak dove.” A dove, traditionally a symbol of peace and gentleness, is here portrayed as being “weak.” This adds another layer of complexity. We need to consider what synonyms for a “weak dove” might exist. Crucially, we are not necessarily looking for a
literal
weak dove. The clue is playing with our expectations, prompting us to think metaphorically and look for alternative representations of this image. Could this refer to a specific word associated with doves, or perhaps a term evoking its vulnerable state? Consider the characteristics typically associated with doves. Think about words that suggest the opposite of strength, or the presence of a slight deficiency.
The most intriguing element of this clue is the phrase “coming back in.” This is a clear indicator of a reversal being necessary. The word or words that represent the “weak dove” must undergo a transformation, with its letters rearranged in reverse order. This backward manipulation is a common device in cryptic crosswords, and recognizing it is key to unraveling the solution. Reversal indicators often suggest a backward reading of a part of the clue, something being reflected or turned around.
The phrase “coming back in” implies that the reversed portion of the word representing our weakened dove is inserted
within
something else. This is a vital piece of information. We are not simply reversing the “weak dove” synonym and calling it a day. No, the reversed string of letters must be nestled
inside
another letter, or group of letters.
To further clarify, if we were to represent the “weak dove” synonym as “ABCD,” and its reversal as “DCBA,” the final answer should then take the format of
something DCBA something
, or
DCBA something something
, and so on, where the “somethings” are usually one letter only.
Finally, we need to consider the word count: “(5).” This tells us the final answer must be a five-letter word. This is a vital constraint, limiting the possibilities and helping us to focus our efforts. It means the “spirit” synonym and the transformed “weak dove” must combine to form a word precisely five letters in length.
So, armed with these insights, let’s re-examine the clue. We’re looking for a synonym for “spirit” that can be formed by reversing a synonym for “weak dove” and placing it
inside
something. Remember to consider synonyms, metaphors, and the power of anagrams.
Good luck, crossword solvers! May your wits be sharp and your deductions swift. Check back next week for the solution and another challenging clue dissected.
Available Answers:
VODKA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 22 November 2025