There’s a singular delight in confronting a particularly ingenious crossword clue. It’s not just about filling in the blanks; it’s about admiring the setter’s craftsmanship, the intricate dance of words, and the moment the layers of misdirection peel away to reveal an elegant truth. Today, we’re spotlighting a superb example that perfectly encapsulates this joy: “Splinter almost removed, but remained under cover? (5,2).”
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a miniature masterclass in linguistic dexterity, demanding a blend of lateral thinking, an ear for wordplay, and an appreciation for the subtle nuances of the English language. Let’s unpack why this particular crossword clue is such a gem, without giving away its wonderfully satisfying resolution.
Consider the first phrase: “Splinter almost removed.” Immediately, our minds might jump to the literal image of a tiny shard of wood embedded in skin, causing irritation, and the act of trying to extract it. But in the world of a challenging crossword clue, “splinter” can mean so much more. Is it a hint towards a fragment of a larger word? Does it suggest something small and sharp? Or is it guiding us towards a concept related to division or separation? The phrase “almost removed” adds another layer of intrigue. It implies an action that was nearly completed but fell short. What remains when something is “almost removed”? Something that persists, something that clings on, or perhaps a core element that resists full extraction. This part of the crossword clue compels us to think about things that are partially gone, or items that stubbornly refuse to vanish entirely. It’s a brilliant setup for a word that needs to convey this lingering presence or an incomplete state.
Then we move to the conjunction “but remained under cover?” The word “but” signals a shift, a contrast, or a continuation of the initial state described. And “remained under cover?” – now, here’s where the crossword clue truly begins to sparkle. “Under cover” is a phrase rich with multiple interpretations. Literally, it could mean beneath a blanket, protected from the elements, or hidden from view. Figuratively, it speaks of secrecy, disguise, or protection. In the context of a crossword clue, this ambiguity is a goldmine. Are we looking for something that is literally hidden? Or something that is disguised? Or could it even be a clever play on words relating to what one might wear, providing a form of ‘cover’? The question mark at the end is the setter’s friendly wink, confirming that we’re dealing with wordplay, an idiom, or a clever pun, not a straightforward definition.
The structure of the answer, indicated by (5,2), is another vital piece of the puzzle. It tells us we’re looking for two distinct words, a five-letter word followed by a two-letter word, which together form a coherent phrase that answers the entire crossword clue. This structural hint is crucial, guiding our search and helping us to piece together the separate threads of the clue’s meaning.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in how seamlessly all these elements weave together. “Splinter almost removed, but remained under cover?” isn’t just a jumble of words; it’s a perfectly calibrated linguistic puzzle that offers multiple pathways to misdirection before guiding the astute solver to a single, elegant solution. Deciphering this complex crossword clue delivers that inimitable “aha!” moment, a feeling of intellectual triumph that keeps us coming back for more. It’s a testament to the setter’s art, proving that even a few words can hold a world of wit and wonder.
Available Answers:
SLEPTIN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 18 October 2025