Welcome back, fellow word nerds, to another deep dive into the fascinating world of crossword puzzles! Today, we’re tackling a particular cryptic crossword clue that’s been buzzing around the solving community, sparking plenty of “aha!” moments and a fair share of head-scratching. If you’re a seasoned solver or just dipping your toes into the delightful complexities of cryptic crosswords, you know the thrill of deciphering a truly clever clue. This one certainly fits the bill, presenting a delightful challenge that combines common cryptic devices with a dash of misdirection.
The clue in question is:
“Thoroughly clean acid round top of cylinder (5)“
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Just five letters, folks! Five letters to capture a definition that feels straightforward, yet conceals a cryptic mechanism that’s anything but. This is precisely the kind of crossword clue that makes you pause, sip your coffee (or tea!), and genuinely ponder the layers of meaning hidden within a seemingly simple sentence. It’s a perfect example of why so many of us are utterly hooked on the daily ritual of solving crosswords.
Let’s begin, as always, by isolating what we believe to be the definition part of this enigmatic crossword clue. “Thoroughly clean” seems to be the most direct indicator of what our five-letter answer should mean. When you hear “thoroughly clean,” what immediately comes to mind? We’re looking for a verb, something indicating a deep, complete cleansing action. Think about words associated with scrubbing, purifying, or making something absolutely spotless. There are several strong contenders in the English language that could fit this description, and many of them are indeed five letters long. This is where a good thesaurus can be your best friend, helping you explore the semantic field around “thoroughly clean” and keep those potential answers in mind as we move to the trickier part – the wordplay.
Now, for the juicy bit – the cryptic wordplay that truly makes this a memorable crossword clue. “acid round top of cylinder.” This phrase is a masterclass in combining multiple cryptic elements. Let’s break it down piece by piece, considering all the potential angles, which is a crucial step for anyone looking for crossword help.
First, we have “acid.” In cryptic crosswords, single words like this can often be full components, abbreviations, or even parts of a larger word. Is “acid” to be taken literally? Or does it represent a common chemical symbol or perhaps the first letter of a word associated with acid? Experienced solvers know to keep an open mind here when tackling any challenging crossword clue.
Next up is “round.” This is a classic cryptic indicator with a few common interpretations. It could refer to the letter ‘O’, symbolizing its shape. It might also suggest a word or letters “going around” another, acting as a container indicator. Sometimes, it can even point to the letter ‘R’ itself. Considering the limited length of our answer, its role here is pivotal for solving crosswords.
Finally, “top of cylinder.” Ah, a beloved cryptic staple! “Top of [word]” almost invariably points to the
first letter
of that word. So, “top of cylinder” strongly suggests we’re looking for the letter ‘C’. This is one of those reliable devices that, once you learn it, unlocks countless crossword puzzles.
The real art of solving this crossword clue, and indeed many cryptic challenges, lies in how these seemingly disparate elements—”acid,” “round,” and “top of cylinder”—come together to form our five-letter solution for “thoroughly clean.” We have to consider how they might be arranged. Is it a charade, where elements are placed end-to-end? Is one element acting as a container for another? Or is “round” indicating an anagram of some combination of letters?
This is where the process becomes a delightful puzzle within a puzzle. If we have ‘C’ from “top of cylinder” and ‘O’ from “round,” how does “acid” fit in? Does “acid” provide all the remaining letters needed to complete the five-letter word, or just some of them? Could “acid” itself be an abbreviation that, when combined with ‘O’ and ‘C’, spells out our definition? The elegance of this particular crossword clue is in its tight construction, demanding precision in interpretation. Every piece of the wordplay has to earn its place and contribute to the final answer.
This is a truly engaging cryptic clue, perfect for honing your solving crosswords skills. Don’t rush to an answer; instead, savor the journey of deconstruction. Think about how ‘C’ and ‘O’ might integrate with whatever “acid” brings to the table. Consider the order. Experiment! This is the essence of good crossword help – guiding you through the thought process without giving away the satisfying conclusion.
What are your initial thoughts? How would you combine “acid,” “round,” and “top of cylinder” to arrive at a five-letter word meaning “thoroughly clean”? Share your process, not necessarily the answer, in the comments below. Let’s revel in the joy of solving this fantastic crossword clue together. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
SCOUR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 9 November 2025