The daily dance with the cryptic crossword can be an exhilarating one, a true test of linguistic agility and lateral thinking. Some days, the answers leap out, almost gifting themselves to us. Other days, however, a particularly fiendish crossword clue plants itself firmly in our path, demanding every ounce of our deductive prowess. Today, we’re zeroing in on one such brain-teaser that’s been sparking conversations across the crossword community: “This is inclined to be made unionist, perhaps (12)“.
It’s a beauty, isn’t it? A classic example of a crossword clue designed to make you pause, ponder, and perhaps even pace the room a little. Let’s peel back the layers of this intriguing crossword clue and explore the pathways to cracking it, without giving away the satisfying solution just yet. The thrill, after all, is in the chase.
First, consider the definition: “This is inclined”. This portion of the crossword clue directs us towards the core meaning of the answer. What does it mean to be “inclined”? It could suggest a physical lean or slope, perhaps a gradient or a tilt. Or, it could imply a tendency, a predisposition, an inherent bent towards something. In cryptic crosswords, context is king, and the exact nuance of “inclined” will become clearer as we dissect the wordplay. Keep these possibilities in mind as you grapple with the entire crossword clue.
Next, we move to the wordplay: “to be made unionist, perhaps”. This is where the magic, and the potential frustration, often lie. The word “made” is a very strong indicator of an anagram. When you see “made,” “arranged,” “broken,” “reformed,” or similar verbs in a crossword clue, your anagram-sensing antennae should immediately perk up. The presence of “perhaps” further solidifies this suspicion. It’s a classic signpost in a cryptic crossword clue that you’re likely dealing with an anagram of the letters provided.
So, if we’re looking at an anagram, what’s our fodder? We have “unionist” and “to be”. Combining these letters gives us a pool of characters from which our 12-letter solution will be formed. “Unionist” itself is an eight-letter word. Adding “to be” (four letters) gives us exactly twelve letters in total. This precise letter count is a significant hint within the crossword clue itself, often a sign that you’re on the right track with your parsing. The phrase “to be made unionist” is ingeniously constructed to hide the anagram fodder and the indicator simultaneously. This level of craft is what makes a truly great crossword clue.
Now, the term “unionist” itself can carry multiple meanings. In a political context, it refers to someone who supports union, particularly in relation to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. However, in a broader sense, “unionist” simply means someone who advocates for unity or joining together. Which interpretation is relevant here? The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue is that it often plays on these dual meanings, subtly guiding you without explicitly stating which one is primary. The overall sense of the “inclination” will help narrow down the semantic field.
Tackling a complex crossword clue like this often involves a methodical approach. Write out all the letters from “to be unionist”. Then, look for common prefixes or suffixes that might fit the definition of “inclined”. Think about words related to leaning, bending, sloping, or tendencies. Does a specific arrangement of these letters suggest one of those meanings? The 12-letter length means it’s a substantial word, often a compound word or a less common but perfectly valid entry in the English language.
This particular crossword clue is a brilliant example of how cryptics combine precise definitions with clever wordplay to create a truly satisfying puzzle. It’s not just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the intricate dance between meaning and manipulation. Keep at it, fellow solvers. The satisfaction of cracking a challenging crossword clue like “This is inclined to be made unionist, perhaps (12)” is unparalleled. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
MOUNTAINSIDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 9 June 2025