The moment of truth in any good word puzzle isn’t just about filling in the squares; it’s about that exquisite click in your brain, the sudden clarity that transforms a jumble of words into a perfectly formed solution. For us dedicated solvers, it’s a feeling that’s hard to beat, whether you’re tackling a quick daily or diving deep into a complex cryptic. And sometimes, a particular crossword clue comes along that just, well,
sings
. It might confound you for a while, lead you down a few delightful dead ends, and then, BAM! The elegance of its construction is revealed, and you’re left marveling at the sheer cleverness of the setter.
Today, I want to shine a light on one such gem, a crossword clue that recently landed on my desk and provided a masterclass in misdirection and wit. It’s a beautifully crafted piece of wordplay that perfectly encapsulates why we love these linguistic challenges so much. This specific cryptic crossword clue involved a common barnyard fowl, a sense of international travel, and an indication of multiple locations. Immediately, your mind starts to race, doesn’t it? Is “the hen” literal, or is it a clever play on words, perhaps hinting at a sound, a person, or even a part of speech? This is the delightful dance a well-crafted crossword clue invites us into.
When faced with a cryptic crossword clue like this, the initial instinct is often to take the words at face value. A “hen,” you think, clucking away in a foreign land. But seasoned solvers know better. We know that in the world of cryptic crosswords, almost nothing is as it seems. “Reared abroad” could indeed refer to geographical origins, but it could also be a homophone, or a clever anagram indicator, or even a subtle hint towards a specific type of upbringing or training. The beauty of this particular crossword clue lies in its ability to suggest multiple avenues of thought, each seemingly plausible until you hit the definitive wall of the word count.
Ah, the word count! The ever-present structure (4,3,5) that acts as both a guide and, sometimes, a torturous restraint. For this specific crossword clue, it immediately tells us we’re not looking for a single word, but rather a multi-part phrase. This opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for the setter. Are we dealing with a pun spread across several words? A famous saying or idiom? Or perhaps a definition that cleverly breaks down into its constituent parts? The brilliance of such a challenging crossword clue is how it forces your brain to operate on multiple levels simultaneously. You’re not just looking for a definition; you’re looking for a
performance
by the words themselves.
The phrase “in various places” adds yet another layer to this intricate crossword clue. Does it reinforce the “abroad” notion, suggesting a nomadic existence? Or does it hint at something scattered, dispersed, or found across a spectrum? Cryptic crossword setters are masters of ambiguity, using everyday language to create elegant traps and delightful revelations. Each component of this crossword clue works in concert, designed to pull you in one direction while subtly nud nudging you towards another. It’s this intricate web of meaning that makes unraveling a tricky crossword clue so incredibly satisfying.
It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you put down your pen, stare blankly at the page, and then, perhaps after a cup of tea or a short walk, return with a fresh perspective. That moment when the pieces finally align, and the seemingly disparate elements of “the hen,” “reared abroad,” and “in various places” coalesce into one perfectly logical and often humorous answer – that’s the true magic of solving a well-constructed word puzzle. It’s a testament to the power of language and the endless creativity of those who craft these daily brain teasers.
So, if you ever encounter a crossword clue that makes you scratch your head, remember that sometimes the most straightforward words hide the most ingenious puzzles. Keep pondering, keep exploring the linguistic possibilities, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey of the solve.
Available Answers:
HEREANDTHERE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 8 August 2025