There are certain cryptic crossword clues that just make you pause, a slight frown forming as you ponder the depths of their misdirection. Today’s featured brain-teaser, “Ties eventually removed by cook? (5,7)“, is a prime example of a deceptively simple crossword clue that hides layers of clever wordplay. It’s the kind of clue that makes you appreciate the art of clue-setting, luring you down one path only to reveal the true solution lies in an entirely different, yet perfectly logical, direction.
At first glance, the imagery is vivid and clear: a culinary professional, perhaps after a long shift, finally untying an apron, a chef’s neckerchief, or even a literal necktie. It paints a picture of relief, of shedding the accoutrements of one’s trade. But as any seasoned solver knows, a cryptic crossword clue rarely means precisely what it first appears to. The beauty of these puzzles lies in their ability to twist common phrases and familiar words into something entirely new, forcing us to think laterally and embrace the multiple meanings of language.
The first word, ‘Ties’, immediately presents a wealth of possibilities. In a literal sense, ties are fastenings, things that bind, or even decorative neckwear. Metaphorically, they can represent connections, bonds between people, or even equality in a game or contest. Each of these interpretations offers a potential starting point for solving this challenging crossword clue, but only one will lead to the correct answer. The setter’s skill lies in presenting such an innocent-looking word, knowing full well the mental gymnastics it will put us through as we cycle through its various definitions.
Then we have ‘removed by cook’. This phrase is particularly rich in its potential for misdirection. Is ‘cook’ a noun – a person diligently preparing food in a kitchen? Or is ‘cook’ a verb, describing the process itself, the act of applying heat to ingredients? If it’s a person, what sorts of ‘ties’ might a cook remove? Apron strings, sure, but what else? If it’s the act of cooking, what ‘ties’ are associated with the transformation of ingredients through heat? This part of the crossword clue expertly guides your mind towards a specific scene, only to reveal later that you should have been thinking along a completely different culinary – or perhaps even non-culinary – path.
The inclusion of “eventually” adds another layer of intrigue. It suggests a process, something that doesn’t happen instantaneously but rather over a period of time, as a result of a specific action or transformation. What sort of ‘ties’ might be ‘eventually removed’ through a process, rather than a single decisive act? This temporal element often provides a subtle hint in cryptic crossword clues, directing solvers towards actions or states that evolve over time.
This specific crossword clue is a classic example of one that demands you shed your literal interpretations and embrace the playful, often pun-laden, world of wordplay. It’s not just about finding synonyms; it’s about understanding the double meanings, the hidden definitions, and the artful way words are manipulated to create a deceptive yet perfectly logical puzzle. The satisfaction derived from cracking such a clever crossword clue, one that makes you chuckle at its ingenuity once you see it, is unparalleled. It’s a testament to the power of language and the cleverness of cryptic setters.
So, what kind of ‘ties’ are we truly dealing with here, and how does ‘cook’ play into their ultimate ‘removal’? The answer, once found, often feels so obvious in hindsight, leaving you wondering why you didn’t see it sooner. It’s this moment of revelation that makes solving a good crossword clue so incredibly rewarding.
Available Answers:
APRONSTRINGS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 2 August 2025