Ever found yourself staring at a particularly perplexing crossword clue, convinced the setter is either a genius or just slightly devious? You’re not alone! The beauty of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue lies in its ability to challenge, entertain, and occasionally, stump even the most seasoned puzzle solvers. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating example that has likely given many a solver pause: “Strict writer in tiara again (13)“.
Thirteen letters – a generous length that often hints at a compound word, a full name, or perhaps even a short, evocative phrase. When tackling any challenging crossword clue, the first step is always to break it down, looking for both the definition and the wordplay components. This particular cryptic crossword clue is a prime candidate for such an analysis, offering layers of meaning and potential misdirection.
Let’s consider the phrase “Strict writer.” What immediately comes to mind? A person known for their rigid adherence to rules? Someone who writes with exceptional precision, perhaps in a very formal style? Or could “strict” be a more subtle hint, referring to a type of control or even a specific literary genre? The world of “writers” is vast, encompassing everyone from novelists to scribes, composers to legal drafters. The ambiguity is deliberate, designed to make you ponder various interpretations before you arrive at the correct one for this unique crossword clue. Think about synonyms for ‘strict’ – severe, rigorous, unyielding, precise, accurate – and how they might combine with different types of ‘writers’. This part of the crossword clue could be the straight definition, or it could be part of a more elaborate charade.
Then, we encounter the wonderfully whimsical and arguably the most cryptic part of this challenging crossword clue: “in tiara again.” This is where the magic of cryptic puzzles truly shines. A “tiara” conjures images of royalty, pageantry, or perhaps a more elegant, adorned form. The addition of “again” is particularly intriguing. Does it imply a reappearance? A second time in a particular role or state? Or is it a subtle nod to an anagram, where “again” forms part of the jumbled letters, a common and beloved device in cryptic crosswords? Puzzle solvers often look for words like “again,” “new,” “broken,” or “mixed” as indicators for anagrams. For this crossword clue, the presence of “again” certainly warrants consideration of such a mechanism.
When unraveling a cryptic crossword clue of this nature, it’s essential to keep an open mind to various cryptic techniques. Could “Strict writer” be one part of a multi-part definition, with “in tiara again” hinting at the wordplay? Or might the entire crossword clue be a cryptic definition, where the answer is subtly defined by the whole phrase rather than just one part? The best crossword clues often blend these elements seamlessly. Could “tiara again” be a phonetic hint, a homophone, or even a hidden word within a longer phrase not explicitly stated? The possibilities are part of the fun of solving crosswords.
The 13-letter count is a crucial anchor. Sometimes, with longer answers, puzzle solvers can deduce parts of the word from surrounding clues, but for now, let’s focus on unlocking this particular crossword clue on its own merits. Consider how “strict writer” could combine with a hidden word or an anagram from “in tiara again.” Look for overlap in sounds, meanings, or even letter patterns.
This type of crossword clue demands lateral thinking and a good grasp of wordplay. It’s a classic example of how setters take seemingly disparate ideas and weave them into a cohesive, satisfying solution. We are searching for a 13-letter solution that perfectly marries a sense of rigidness with an unexpected, almost regal, re-appearance. As you ponder this challenging crossword clue, remember to break it down, experiment with different cryptic mechanisms, and trust that ‘aha!’ moment when it inevitably strikes. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
AUTHORITARIAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 July 2025