Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There are some days when a crossword clue jumps out at you, not just as a challenge, but as a miniature work of art. It stands apart from the rest of the grid, demanding a moment of quiet contemplation, perhaps even a cup of coffee and a comfortable chair. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a gem: “Tend, when queuing, to hold cape (7)“.
At first glance, this 7-letter crossword clue might seem like a fairly straightforward instruction, perhaps even a little whimsical. But the beauty of a truly well-crafted crossword clue lies in its layers, its capacity to mislead before it illuminates. And this particular daily crossword clue has layers aplenty.
Let’s unpack the first part: “Tend, when queuing”. Immediately, our minds might jump to actions or habits associated with waiting in line. Does ‘tend’ here refer to a general inclination or a usual behavior? Or could it be a more active verb, like ‘to care for’ or ‘to look after’? The setting of ‘when queuing’ grounds the first part of the phrase, suggesting a context of patience, order, or perhaps even a certain kind of spatial awareness. It prompts us to consider verbs that describe what one might
do
while waiting, or how one
behaves
when part of a queue. This initial segment of the crossword clue alone offers several intriguing avenues for thought.
Then we shift to the second, seemingly disparate, phrase: “to hold cape”. This is where the plot thickens for this challenging crossword clue. Is ‘cape’ referring to the garment, a flowing cloak often associated with heroism, magic, or dramatic flair? If so, what does it mean to ‘hold’ it in the context of queuing? Is it being clutched, displayed, or merely kept in possession? Or could ‘cape’ be a geographical feature – a piece of land jutting into the sea? Or even a less common, perhaps historical, use of the word? The verb ‘hold’ itself can carry multiple meanings: to grasp, to contain, to maintain a position, or even to believe firmly. The brilliance of this kind of crossword clue often hinges on these multiple interpretations.
The magic of this particular crossword clue truly lies in the clever juxtaposition of these two distinct concepts. How do “Tend, when queuing” and “to hold cape” combine to form a single, coherent 7-letter word? This isn’t just a simple definition; it’s a masterclass in wordplay, typical of the kind of thought-provoking challenges we relish. Is it a cryptic crossword clue that relies on a hidden meaning, a subtle pun, or perhaps an elegant charade where two words combine to form the answer? Or could it be an anagram where the letters themselves are rearranged in a subtle way, despite no obvious anagram indicator?
For anyone who delights in the intellectual gymnastics required for solving crossword clues, “Tend, when queuing, to hold cape (7)” provides an exquisite mental workout. It forces you to think laterally, to consider not just the most obvious definitions, but the less common ones, the homophones, and the clever twists of phrase that clue-setters love to employ. It’s the kind of daily crossword clue that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even groan slightly before the “aha!” moment dawns. It exemplifies why we spend hours poring over grids, testing our linguistic limits, and celebrating the intricate beauty of the English language. This particular crossword clue is a testament to the artistry involved in designing puzzles that are both challenging and utterly satisfying to unravel. It encourages a deep dive into vocabulary and a playful approach to semantics, making the journey to the solution as rewarding as the answer itself.
Available Answers:
INCLINE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 14 August 2025