Hello, fellow word warriors and puzzle enthusiasts!
There are days when a crossword clue just pops up and seems to defy all logic, doesn’t it? You stare at the grid, you re-read the clue for the tenth time, and you’re convinced it’s speaking a language only known to the most seasoned cryptic solvers. But then, a flicker of an idea, a subtle shift in perspective, and suddenly, the pieces start to click into place, revealing a truly elegant solution. That’s the magic of a brilliant
crossword clue
, and today, we’re diving into one that’s a perfect example of this delightful dance between confusion and clarity.
Our focus today is on this gem:
“Telephone everybody taken in by vessel (4,2)“
.
Just reading it aloud, you can almost hear the gears grinding in your brain, can’t you? It’s the kind of cryptic
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem like a straightforward definition, but then quickly reveals layers of playful misdirection. Let’s unpick it slightly, without giving anything away, of course!
First, we have “Telephone.” In the world of word puzzles, a simple word like this can be a verb, a noun, an instruction, or even a homophone indicator (sounding like something else). Does it mean the device itself? The act of making a call? Or something entirely different? This single word holds immense potential for meaning, making it a powerful component of any
cryptic crossword clue
.
Then we move to “everybody.” This is a classic component in many
crossword clues
, often hinting at a very common short word. But remember, in cryptics, nothing is ever
too
obvious. Could it be a collective noun? A specific pronoun? Or something else entirely that clever setters use to denote ‘all’ or ‘everyone’? This part of the clue is a great example of how familiar words get twisted just enough to make you think outside the box.
The phrase “taken in by” immediately flags up a specific type of wordplay for many
crossword solvers
. It often suggests a ‘container’ element – one word being swallowed or surrounded by another. Imagine one part of the answer literally being “taken in” by another. This is where the construction of the wordplay often gets really clever, as you try to figure out what’s doing the taking and what’s being taken. It’s a fundamental trick in the cryptic setter’s toolkit, designed to make you visualize the answer’s formation.
Finally, we arrive at “vessel.” Ah, “vessel.” This is another word with glorious ambiguity, isn’t it? A vessel could be a large ship sailing the seas, a container for liquid, or even a blood vessel in the body. The beauty of this kind of word in a
crossword clue
is its ability to send your mind down multiple paths, only one of which will lead you to the correct solution. Which kind of vessel is relevant here? That’s the ultimate question!
And let’s not forget the crucial
(4,2)
at the end. This isn’t just a formatting note; it’s a vital piece of information! It tells us the exact structure of our answer – two words, the first four letters long, the second two letters long. This structure is often key to unlocking a complex
word puzzle
, guiding your wordplay construction and confirming your final answer. It’s like having a blueprint for the solution.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in misdirection and multi-layered meaning. It demands that you consider every word from multiple angles, combine them in unexpected ways, and trust the often-eccentric logic of cryptic wordplay. It’s the kind of
puzzle clue
that makes you smile once you finally crack it, appreciating the ingenuity of the setter.
So, take a moment. Ponder “Telephone everybody taken in by vessel (4,2).” Let your mind wander through the possibilities. What initial thoughts come to mind? How might these disparate elements combine to form a four-letter word followed by a two-letter word that relates to “Telephone”? The journey to the answer is often as rewarding as the answer itself, especially with such a brilliantly constructed
crossword clue
.
Happy puzzling, and may your ‘aha!’ moments be plentiful!
Available Answers:
CALLUP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 3 December 2025