Here’s a captivating challenge from the world of wordplay that’s sure to spark your imagination: “Strike right a fire-breathing monster (7).” This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a beautifully crafted puzzle prompt designed to make solvers pause, ponder, and eventually, exult in discovery. The moment you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, the gears in your mind instantly begin to turn, sifting through definitions and dissecting potential wordplay.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
presents us with a clear definition: “a fire-breathing monster.” For a solver, this is the anchor, the concrete image to which the wordplay must ultimately lead. Our minds immediately conjure up images of mythical beasts, creatures of legend known for their fiery breath. But what specific seven-letter entity fits this description? The beauty of a well-constructed
crossword clue
is that while the definition might seem straightforward, there are often multiple candidates that fit the initial description, making the wordplay absolutely critical to pinpointing the exact answer. Consider the rich tapestry of fantasy and folklore; several powerful, formidable beings could potentially fit the bill. The number (7) is our crucial constraint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
However, the real head-scratcher, the true essence of this particular
crossword clue
, lies in its wordplay component: “Strike right.” This is where the artistry of cryptic
crossword clue
construction truly shines. These two seemingly simple words are loaded with potential meanings and interpretive layers. “Strike” itself is a versatile verb in the English language. Does it refer to hitting something, perhaps forcefully? Or does it imply lighting something, like a match? Could it be a theatrical term, meaning to take down a set? Or is it hinting at an industrial action, a protest? Each interpretation opens a different pathway into the puzzle.
Then we have “right.” In the intricate world of the
crossword clue
, “right” can be a direction, the opposite of left. It can signify correctness or accuracy. Crucially, in many cryptic crosswords, “right” often stands as an abbreviation for the letter ‘R’, adding another layer of potential complexity. So, is “Strike right” an instruction to combine elements, an indicator for an anagram, or perhaps a clever charade where parts of words come together? The ambiguity is deliberate, a hallmark of a challenging yet fair
crossword clue
.
The genius of this type of
crossword clue
lies in how these two elements—the definition and the wordplay—must perfectly intersect to form one coherent, satisfying solution. You’re not just looking for a seven-letter word that means “fire-breathing monster”; you’re looking for one that can also be cleverly derived from the phrase “Strike right” through one or more of the established cryptic devices. This interplay is what makes solving a
crossword clue
like this so incredibly rewarding. It requires a blend of vocabulary, lateral thinking, and an understanding of the common conventions and delightful tricks that
crossword clue
setters employ.
Approaching such a
crossword clue
demands patience and a willingness to explore various avenues. You might try to see “Strike right” as an anagram indicator, but of what letters? Is “right” part of the fodder, or an instruction on its own? Is “strike” hinting at a deletion, or a sound-alike? The journey to unlocking this
crossword clue
is as much fun as the destination itself, providing that wonderful “aha!” moment that every solver lives for.
Available Answers:
CHIMERA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 31 October 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 22 August 2025