Some crossword clues just jump out at you, don’t they? Not always because they’re instantly solvable, but because they carry that specific spark of mischief that only a truly cunning setter can ignite. Today’s featured brain-teaser, ‘Tablet, one back in soup, is hot stuff (6,6)’, is a sterling example of exactly that – a seemingly straightforward set of words concealing layers of intricate wordplay. It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, smile, and then dive headfirst into its delicious depths.
At first glance, the initial word “Tablet” might send your mind off in a dozen different directions. Are we talking about a digital device? A stone inscription from ancient times? Perhaps a medicinal capsule? This initial ambiguity is a hallmark of a brilliant cryptic crossword clue. Setters thrive on these multiple meanings, using them as misdirection to lead us down delightful garden paths before the true meaning of the
crossword clue
reveals itself. It’s the art of using common words in uncommon ways, making you rethink everything you thought you knew about everyday language.
Then we hit the core of the wordplay: “one back in soup.” Now, this is where the magic truly starts to happen for this particular crossword clue. “One back” immediately suggests a reversal of sorts, a flipping of letters. But what precisely is being reversed? And how does it interact with “soup”? The word “soup” itself is a fascinating element here. Is it an anagram indicator, suggesting that its letters are to be rearranged? Or is it a container indicator, implying that something is placed “in” it? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in how these seemingly disparate elements must coalesce into a coherent whole. Deciphering the exact role of each word is key to unlocking the puzzle. It’s about understanding the subtle signals the setter is sending, interpreting the grammatical cues that transform a simple sentence into a clever coded message. This part of the crossword clue often requires a mental leap, a willingness to play with words beyond their literal definitions.
Finally, we arrive at “is hot stuff.” This phrase is almost certainly the definition part of our cryptic crossword clue. “Hot stuff” implies something desirable, exciting, or perhaps even literally high in temperature. The challenge is to find a word or phrase that perfectly encapsulates both the definition and the intricate wordplay derived from “Tablet, one back in soup.” The solution to any great crossword clue must satisfy both parts – the literal meaning and the cryptic instruction. It’s the ultimate test of a solver’s ability to hold multiple ideas in their head simultaneously, piecing together fragments until the complete picture snaps into focus.
This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in combining multiple cryptic techniques. It forces you to consider homophones, anagrams, hidden words, and double definitions, all wrapped up in one concise package. It’s the kind of brain-teaser that offers immense satisfaction when the “aha!” moment strikes and you see how elegantly all the components interlock. If you’re tackling this crossword clue, remember to break it down, consider every possible interpretation of each word, and trust that the setter has provided all the necessary clues – you just need to read between the lines. It’s a journey into the delightful labyrinth of language, and every step of the way, this crossword clue invites you to explore the boundless possibilities of words.
Available Answers:
CHILLIPOWDER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 21 June 2025