The pursuit of that elusive “aha!” moment is what keeps us coming back to the daily
crossword puzzle
, isn’t it? There’s a unique satisfaction in cracking a cleverly disguised
crossword clue
, especially when it throws a curveball that makes you pause, ponder, and then finally piece together the ingenious
wordplay
. Today, we’re diving deep into one such delightful conundrum that might have left you scratching your head: “Star away after brief thirty days? (4)“.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in cryptic misdirection, packing layers of meaning into just a handful of words. The target is a four-letter word, and as with all good
cryptic crossword
clues, it presents both a definition of the answer and a cryptic instruction on how to construct it. Let’s break it down, element by element, to explore the paths a seasoned
puzzle solving
mind might take.
First, let’s consider the definition part: “Star away”. This is where the clue teases us with multiple interpretations. What does it mean for a “star” to be “away”?
Could “star” refer to a celestial body? If a star is “away,” it might mean it has faded, disappeared, or perhaps even gone supernova – a dramatic exit.
Perhaps “star” refers to a celebrity or a performer. If a star is “away,” they might have left the stage, retired from the limelight, or simply vanished from public view.
Or could “star” be a verb, as in “to star in a production”? If one were to “star away,” it could imply withdrawing from a role, or ceasing to be a prominent figure. The exact nuance here is key for finding the correct four-letter word that fits this definition of departure or disappearance. This initial exploration sets the stage for our
clue analysis
.
Now for the construction part of this fascinating
crossword clue
: “after brief thirty days?”. This is where the true cryptic magic happens.
“Thirty days” immediately brings to mind specific months of the year: April, June, September, and November. These are the months famously known for having exactly thirty days.
The word “brief” is a classic
cryptic crossword
indicator. It almost universally signals an abbreviation or a shortened form of a word or phrase. So, “brief thirty days” strongly suggests that we should be thinking of the three-letter abbreviations for those 30-day months: APR, JUN, SEP, or NOV.
The word “after” is another crucial piece of cryptic instruction. In
crossword puzzle
parlance, “after” often indicates sequence. It tells us that one part of the wordplay should come literally
after
another part in the construction of the final answer. This means the abbreviation derived from “brief thirty days” will likely be followed by another letter or letters to form our four-letter solution.
And then there’s that ever-present question mark at the end. In a
cryptic crossword
, a question mark can serve many purposes. It might indicate a slightly looser definition, a pun, a play on words, or simply a mischievous hint that the surface reading isn’t quite what it seems. It tells us to be a little flexible with our interpretations and to think outside the box.
So, combining these elements, we’re looking for a four-letter word that means “star away,” and is constructed by taking one of the three-letter month abbreviations (APR, JUN, SEP, NOV) and adding one more letter, probably as indicated by the “after” cue. The challenge then becomes identifying which specific month abbreviation is the key, and where that final, crucial letter comes from. Is it a letter hidden within “Star away”? Or is it implied by the definition itself?
This type of
crossword clue
demands not just a good vocabulary but also a keen understanding of cryptic conventions. The satisfaction comes from peeling back each layer of
wordplay
, from the double meanings to the subtle indicators, until the elegant solution reveals itself. Keep those cryptic gears turning, and enjoy the journey of
puzzle solving
!
Available Answers:
NOVA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 22 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 10 July 2025