Some crossword clues simply present a challenge. Others, like a finely crafted short story, transport you, evoking a specific mood or even a phantom taste. “Stew turns out to be, alas, bilious (13)” is precisely this kind of
crossword clue
– a masterclass in evocative wordplay that lingers long after you’ve stared at it, pondered, and perhaps even winced slightly.
Immediately, the senses are engaged. You picture a culinary endeavor gone terribly awry. Not just a bland meal, but something profoundly, unpleasantly wrong. The word “stew” conjures images of hearty comfort, a slow-cooked promise of warmth and satisfaction. To then be met with “bilious” is a sharp, almost visceral contrast. It’s not just bad; it’s stomach-churning, perhaps even indicating a sour disposition in the cook, or the diner, or both. This isn’t your average, straightforward
crossword clue
; it’s a narrative in miniature.
Then there’s the poignant addition of “alas.” This single word elevates the entire phrase, injecting a note of genuine regret, a shared sigh of disappointment. It transforms a simple descriptive definition into a lament. “Alas” isn’t strictly necessary for the mechanism of the
crossword clue
itself, but it adds layers of personality, making it a joy to unravel. It suggests a certain narrative flair from the setter, a touch that true aficionados of a good
crossword clue
truly appreciate.
But beyond the culinary drama and emotional overtone, lies the intricate dance of letters and meaning. The phrase “turns out to be” is a classic signal to the seasoned solver, a subtle nudge towards a particular type of wordplay. When paired with a defined word like “stew,” it tells a very specific story about how the letters within that word might be interacting. The task then becomes one of careful rearrangement, a playful alchemy with the letters at hand, to arrive at a descriptive word for something truly unpleasant. This isn’t a simple synonym hunt; it’s an exercise in linguistic transformation.
The 13-letter length itself suggests something substantial, a word or phrase that might not be immediately obvious, adding to the satisfying challenge. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that might sit stubbornly in your grid, a blank space mocking you, until suddenly, the pieces click. That moment of realization, when the definition and the wordplay align perfectly, is one of the purest joys of crossword solving. It’s a testament to the setter’s cleverness and the solver’s persistence.
This particular
crossword clue
isn’t just about finding an answer; it’s about appreciating the artistry of its construction. It challenges the mind while tickling the imagination, reminding us why these puzzles remain such a beloved pastime. It encapsulates the very essence of a well-crafted cryptic challenge: a deceptively simple surface reading hiding a deeper, more satisfying truth. Dig into those letters, embrace the unfortunate biliousness, and you’ll find the perfect solution waiting.
Available Answers:
BOUILLABAISSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 3 November 2025