There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finally unravelling a truly devious cryptic crossword clue. It’s a moment of pure intellectual triumph, a tiny victory against the clever minds who craft these puzzles. Today, we’re diving headfirst into a clue that presents just such a delightful challenge: “Tide turns on golden journalist (6).” This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a perfect example of how layers of misdirection and ingenious wordplay combine to hide a surprisingly straightforward answer. If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at a cryptic, wondering where to even begin, this particular crossword clue is a fantastic case study in the art of the breakdown.
Every cryptic crossword clue, at its heart, consists of two main components: a definition and a piece of wordplay. The trick, of course, is figuring out which part is which, and then dissecting the wordplay to arrive at the solution. The definition provides a direct hint to the answer, just like in a standard quick crossword. The wordplay, however, uses a variety of ingenious techniques – anagrams, reversals, hidden words, charades, and more – to clue the same answer in a convoluted fashion. The beauty lies in the solver’s ability to discern these elements amidst the poetic or often misleading language.
Let’s cast our analytical eye over “Tide turns on golden journalist (6).” The first crucial piece of information, always, is the number in parentheses: (6). This tells us our elusive answer is a six-letter word. This constraint is invaluable, acting as a filter for all our potential theories. Without it, the possibilities would be endless.
Now, where’s the definition hiding in this crossword clue? Often, it’s at the beginning or the end. “Golden journalist” immediately jumps out as a strong candidate. This could refer to a journalist who is highly successful, perhaps award-winning, or simply one of great value or esteem. Alternatively, it might denote a journalist associated with gold in some other, less literal way. Keeping this in mind, we’re looking for a six-letter word that fits this description.
Next, we tackle the wordplay: “Tide turns on.” This is where the cryptic fun truly begins. The word “turns” is a classic indicator in cryptic crosswords, frequently signalling an anagram. An anagram requires us to rearrange the letters of another word or phrase to form the answer. If “turns” is indeed an anagram indicator, what are the letters it’s asking us to rearrange?
Could it be “Tide”? If we rearrange the letters of T-I-D-E, we get words like EDIT. However, EDIT is a four-letter word, and our target is six letters. So, “Tide” alone isn’t the fodder for a six-letter anagram if “turns” is the indicator. This eliminates one initial thought process for solving this challenging crossword clue.
What about “golden”? “Golden” itself is a six-letter word. If “turns” indicates an anagram of “golden,” then our answer would be a six-letter rearrangement of G-O-L-D-E-N. Such anagrams might include words like DANGLE or LODGEN. But would DANGLE or LODGEN fit the definition of a “golden journalist”? It seems less likely at first glance, but it’s a possibility worth holding in reserve. This highlights the fluid nature of solving a complex crossword clue; initial assumptions often need to be revisited or discarded.
Another possibility for “turns” is a reversal indicator. If “Tide” were reversed, we’d get EDIT. Again, this doesn’t yield a six-letter word, so a simple reversal of “Tide” isn’t the solution. The word “on” is also interesting. In some cryptic clues, “on” can indicate one word placed atop another, or a word literally contained within another, or it might just be a linking word, part of the surface reading designed to mislead.
The interplay between “Tide,” “turns,” “on,” and “golden journalist” is where the true genius of this crossword clue lies. We have a clear letter count, a strong potential definition, and a very common cryptic indicator in “turns.” The challenge is to combine these elements in a way that logically leads to a single, elegant six-letter word. It demands a methodical approach, testing each potential interpretation against both the letter count and the definition. As we delve deeper into this intriguing crossword clue, remember that patience and an open mind are your best tools.
Available Answers:
EDITOR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 28 September 2025