Welcome back, fellow word enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a particularly intriguing crossword clue that might have left some of you scratching your heads. The daily crossword often throws up these little linguistic puzzles, and this one is a prime example of clever misdirection. We’re talking about the seven-letter enigma: “Star not working by nightfall (7)“. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that looks straightforward on the surface, but hides a delightful twist beneath.
At first glance, your mind might jump to astronomical bodies or perhaps a famous personality taking a well-deserved break. But as seasoned solvers of a challenging crossword clue know, true cryptic brilliance often lies in playing with multiple meanings and unexpected angles. This particular word puzzle invites you to think beyond the obvious, to consider what ‘not working’ truly implies in a wordplay context, especially when paired with ‘by nightfall’. It’s not just about what a star does, but what
kind
of star, and what
not working
could literally mean in an unexpected sense.
Is it a literal interpretation, or is there a more figurative, even pun-filled, understanding at play? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to lead you down one path before revealing an entirely different, yet perfectly logical, solution. This isn’t just about finding a word; it’s about deconstructing a mini-mystery. The interplay between the subject (‘Star’), the action (‘not working’), and the timing (‘by nightfall’) is crucial here. Each element of this fascinating crossword clue holds a key to unlocking its secret. So, before we delve deeper into the layers of this fascinating clue, take a moment to ponder the possibilities. What could a ‘star’ be doing – or not doing – by the time dusk settles, that results in a seven-letter answer? It’s a classic example of why we love a good cryptic challenge.
Available Answers:
SUNDOWN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025