Another day, another brilliant little head-scratcher arrives on our puzzle pages. Today’s featured crossword clue, “Those checking out at receptions (12)“, might seem straightforward at first glance, but like many of the best clues, it harbours a delightful layer of misdirection, ready to trip up even seasoned solvers. It’s a classic example of how a seemingly simple phrase can lead you down multiple linguistic rabbit holes before the true meaning clicks into place.
We’ve all encountered those cunning crossword clues that play on double meanings, and this one is a prime candidate. The word “receptions” is the immediate suspect for mischief here. When you hear “reception,” what’s the first image that springs to mind? For many, it’s the joyous, often crowded social gathering – a wedding reception, perhaps, or a corporate event. And certainly, people leave these events. But do they “check out”? Not in the literal sense of signing a guest book or settling a bill. You typically just… depart. This initial interpretation, while valid for one meaning of “reception,” doesn’t quite gel with the “checking out” part of our crossword clue.
This is where the seasoned crossword solver’s brain starts to pivot. If “reception” isn’t referring to a party, what else could it be? Ah, yes, the other pervasive meaning: the front desk area of a hotel, an office building, or even a doctor’s surgery. This kind of “reception” is precisely where one
does
“check out.” Suddenly, the second half of the crossword clue, “checking out,” aligns perfectly. It’s a beautifully crafted bit of wordplay, forcing you to reconsider the context.
So, now we’ve narrowed down the setting. We’re talking about the front desk of an establishment, and individuals are performing the action of “checking out.” The key then becomes: who are these people? What is their role or status when they are performing this action? Are they staff? Are they visitors? What’s the common term for someone who performs this specific action at this specific location? The (12) letters in the answer provide a significant hint. A twelve-letter word gives us plenty of room for a descriptive noun or a compound term.
When tackling a crossword clue like this, it’s beneficial to list out synonyms or related concepts once you’ve pinned down the correct context. Think about the opposite action: checking in. Who performs
that
action? The same group of people, just at the beginning of their stay or visit. Consider the purpose of their presence. What are they at this “reception” for? They are there to receive a service, to stay, to visit, to be accommodated. They are the beneficiaries of the establishment’s offerings.
Don’t let the simplicity of the words deceive you. This crossword clue is designed to make you cycle through definitions until you hit on the most precise fit for the entire phrase. It’s not just about what “reception” can mean, but what “checking out” means
in conjunction with
that particular kind of reception. The answer describes the common designation for individuals who conclude their stay or appointment by interacting with the front desk staff. Keep pondering the exact word that encapsulates this role. You’re looking for a formal, widely understood term for the people who are completing their time and departing from a place where a “reception” (front desk) facilitates their entry and exit. It’s a superb example of a logical, well-constructed crossword clue that rewards careful thought.
Available Answers:
INSPECTORATE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 6 December 2025