Some crossword clues hit differently, don’t they? You read them, a little spark ignites, and suddenly you’re picturing something utterly absurd yet wonderfully vivid. Today, we’re diving into one of those gems, a cryptic
crossword clue
that serves up a generous dollop of wordplay and leaves you grinning:
Start of a river of ketchup, we hear! (6)
Isn’t that just brilliant? As you stare at this six-letter puzzle, the immediate imagery alone is enough to bring a smile. A river of ketchup? Whether you imagine a deliciously messy landscape or a slightly unsettling culinary disaster, it’s certainly a memorable scene. This is the kind of
crossword clue
that reminds us why we love these linguistic gymnastics so much.
For anyone who’s tackled a daily crossword, you know that the true joy often isn’t just in filling the grid, but in unravelling the intricate layers of a well-crafted
crossword clue
. And this one, my friends, is a masterclass in misdirection and auditory trickery.
The phrase “we hear!” is a classic signal for experienced solvers. It’s the cryptic crossword setter’s playful wink, letting you know that a homophone – a word that sounds like another – is lurking somewhere in the definition. This little linguistic nudge is a powerful tool, guiding us not by what words look like on the page, but by how they echo in our minds. When you see “we hear!” or “audibly” or “said to be,” your ears, not just your eyes, become crucial tools in solving the
crossword clue
.
Then there’s the delightful juxtaposition of “river” and “ketchup.” In the world of cryptic crosswords, every single word, every comma, every conjunction, is there for a reason. Sometimes a word acts as a definition, sometimes as a component of the wordplay, and sometimes it’s an indicator of how to combine those components. Identifying these roles is key to cracking any complex
crossword clue
. Is “river” a straightforward definition, or is it merely pointing to a letter or a concept? And “ketchup” – is it the entire definition, or is it part of the clever soundplay suggested by “we hear!”?
The (6) is, of course, our length indicator, a vital constraint that narrows down the possibilities. Six letters. Not too short to be simple, not too long to be overly complex. Just right for a satisfying “aha!” moment once you piece together all the components of this intriguing
crossword clue
.
This specific
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how setters take everyday concepts – like a condiment – and twist them into something wonderfully puzzling. It challenges you to think outside the box, to listen carefully, and to trust that seemingly disparate elements will, in the end, snap together perfectly. It’s a rewarding journey of deduction, and one of the many reasons why the pursuit of a tricky
crossword clue
becomes such a delightful daily challenge. So, take a moment, let that “river of ketchup” flow in your imagination, and ponder how these elements might combine to create a familiar six-letter word. It’s a truly spicy little number!
Available Answers:
SOURCE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 11 November 2025