Some crossword clues offer a straightforward path to their solution, a clear definition leading directly to the answer. Others, however, are masterclasses in misdirection, wordplay, and layered meaning, inviting you to truly
think hard
before the penny drops. Today, we’re diving into one such brilliant example that epitomizes the joy of a good linguistic puzzle: “Think hard and resolve a dispute – about time! (8).”
What a captivating challenge this particular
crossword clue
presents! It immediately grabs the solver’s attention with its intriguing structure and the promise of a delightful mental workout. The beauty of ‘Think hard and resolve a dispute – about time! (8)‘ isn’t just about finding an eight-letter word; it’s about unravelling a carefully constructed narrative, where every phrase and punctuation mark holds potential significance.
Let’s begin to peel back the layers of this fascinating
crossword clue
. We have distinct components, each vying for our interpretive faculties. First, the imperative “Think hard.” This isn’t merely a suggestion to the solver; it often serves a dual purpose in cryptic puzzles. It could be a direct hint at the nature of the solution itself, pointing towards an act of deep contemplation or analysis. Alternatively, it might be an indicator for a specific type of wordplay, subtly guiding us towards a particular technique. The elegance lies in its ambiguity, forcing us to consider multiple angles right from the start.
Next, we encounter “resolve a dispute.” This phrase offers a more traditional definitional element, hinting at the core meaning of the target word. It evokes scenarios of reconciliation, arbitration, or the successful conclusion of a disagreement. When tackling any cryptic
crossword clue
, identifying the definitional component is crucial, as it provides the essential meaning our eventual answer must convey. Here, it seems quite clear, yet in the world of crosswords, even the clearest definitions can sometimes hide subtle twists.
But it’s the final flourish, “about time!”, that truly elevates this
crossword clue
into something special. The exclamation mark, far from being mere punctuation, often serves as a significant indicator in cryptic crosswords. It can suggest an idiom, a well-known phrase, or even a specific form of wordplay where the words are taken literally in a non-standard way. The word “about” itself is a frequent player in cryptic clues, often signaling anagrams, reversals, or indicating that letters need to be placed ‘around’ another element. Coupled with “time,” which can be represented by various abbreviations or concepts within a puzzle, “about time!” becomes a potent source of potential manipulation and clever misdirection.
Deciphering a
crossword clue
of this calibre requires a blend of lateral thinking, a solid vocabulary, and an understanding of the common mechanisms of cryptic puzzles. The satisfaction derived from correctly interpreting all these elements – the instruction to ‘think hard,’ the definitional ‘resolve a dispute,’ and the cryptic brilliance of ‘about time!’ – is immense. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill in crafting a challenge that is both perplexing and ultimately solvable, rewarding the persistent mind. This particular eight-letter answer truly encapsulates the multifaceted nature of its prompt.
Available Answers:
MEDITATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 28 September 2025