Ever stared blankly at a
crossword clue
, feeling the mental gears grind to a halt before they even start? You know the feeling: a seemingly innocuous phrase, innocent at first glance, yet capable of tying your brain in knots. Today, we’re diving into one of those delightful
brainteasers
, a
crossword clue
that perfectly encapsulates the blend of everyday language and clever misdirection that makes these puzzles so addictive. The clue? “Sunny place is a potential source of trouble (7).” Seven letters. A simple enough description, perhaps, but as any seasoned
crossword solver
knows, simplicity often masks profound depths in the world of word puzzles.
“Sunny place.” Immediately, your mind conjures images: a beach, a tropical island, perhaps even a solar observation. It feels bright, inviting, pleasant. But then comes the twist: “is a potential source of trouble.” Suddenly, the idyllic scene takes a turn. What kind of sunny locale could possibly harbor peril? Is it a literal place, or is “sunny place” a metaphorical construct designed to lead us astray? This is where the true beauty of a challenging
crossword clue
lies – in its ability to force us to question our initial assumptions and dig deeper into the nuances of language.
This particular
crossword clue
masterfully plays with ambiguity, a hallmark of many
cryptic crosswords
. Is “potential source of trouble” the entire definition, with “sunny place” acting as the
wordplay
? Or is “sunny place” the definition, and “potential source of trouble” the cryptic instruction? The number (7) is our only firm anchor, reminding us to search for a seven-letter word that elegantly bridges these two disparate concepts. It’s a classic setup for a
crossword clue
that demands more than a superficial glance, pushing us to explore synonyms, double meanings, and perhaps even a clever anagram or homophone.
Every experienced
crossword solver
develops their own arsenal of
solving strategies
for tackling such perplexing
crossword clues
. Do you focus on the definition first, trying to guess what “source of trouble” might be in seven letters, and then see if “sunny place” can somehow justify it? Or do you lean into the “sunny place” aspect, listing every seven-letter word associated with it, hoping one aligns with the troubling outcome? The journey itself is part of the fun – the trial and error, the sudden flashes of insight, the moments where a seemingly unrelated thought unexpectedly unlocks the solution. This is not just about finding an answer; it’s about engaging in a delightful mental workout.
Unlocking a
crossword clue
like this isn’t just about filling in a blank square; it’s about the satisfaction of deciphering a carefully crafted linguistic
puzzle
. It’s the “Aha!” moment when the pieces click, revealing the elegant simplicity behind the initial complexity. For those who relish the challenge of a good
brainteaser
, this
crossword clue
offers a prime example of expert
wordplay
. It reminds us why we keep coming back to our
daily crosswords
, eager to test our wits against the clever minds that design them. So, let’s explore the layers of this fascinating
crossword clue
and appreciate the ingenuity it represents, without giving away the secret just yet.
Available Answers:
HOTSPOT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 21 September 2025