Oh, hello fellow word wranglers and linguistic gymnasts! Welcome back to the blog where we celebrate the sheer brilliance and occasional frustration of the humble crossword clue. If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like that moment of pure satisfaction when a particularly cunning clue finally unravels in your mind, revealing its elegant solution. It’s a mental workout, a daily dose of brain-bending fun, and sometimes, a delightful test of patience.
Today, I want to talk about one of
those
clues – the kind that makes you smile, groan, and then eventually marvel at the setter’s ingenuity. It’s a perfect example of how much fun you can have grappling with a really well-crafted piece of wordplay. The crossword clue in question? It’s a gem: “To stop a cheque, mention artist (5,2,6).”
Just take a moment to read that again. “To stop a cheque, mention artist (5,2,6).” Go on, let it marinate. Isn’t that absolutely delicious? From the first glance, you know this isn’t going to be a straightforward definition. It screams “cryptic crossword clue,” even if it appears in a general knowledge grid that leans heavily on wordplay. The structure (5,2,6) immediately tells us we’re looking for a multi-word phrase, which often adds an extra layer of complexity and elegance to a crossword clue.
What makes this particular crossword clue so compelling? Well, for starters, it brilliantly brings together two seemingly disparate concepts: the practical, everyday action of banking, specifically concerning a cheque, and the world of fine art, referencing an “artist.” How on earth do these two worlds collide in a way that forms a coherent answer? That’s the beauty of a truly great crossword clue. It forces your brain to make unusual connections, to think laterally, and to explore the myriad meanings and sounds of words.
This kind of crossword clue is a masterclass in misdirection and linguistic acrobatics. Is there a famous artist whose name somehow relates to financial transactions? Is it a pun, playing on the sound of words? Could it be a double definition, where both parts of the clue lead to the same solution through different paths? These are the questions that whirl through a puzzle solver’s mind when faced with such an intriguing challenge. Cracking a tough crossword clue like this isn’t just about knowing facts; it’s about understanding the mechanics of language itself.
The setter of this crossword clue has clearly had a lot of fun, weaving together common phrases and unexpected twists. It’s the kind of brain teaser that keeps you coming back to your daily crossword puzzle, eager to unpick the next knot of words. The satisfaction of finally seeing the light, of understanding the subtle wink and nudge from the setter, is what makes this hobby so incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just filling in squares; it’s a conversation with the clue-setter, a dance of wits.
So, as you ponder this magnificent crossword clue, think about the possibilities. Consider the nuances of each word. Where might the trick lie? Is it in the “stopping” of the cheque? Is it in a famous artist’s name, or perhaps a lesser-known one whose moniker lends itself perfectly to a clever turn of phrase? These are the mental leaps that define the joy of puzzle solving. It’s these challenging crossword clues that truly sharpen our minds and remind us why we adore this timeless pastime. Keep those grey cells buzzing!
Available Answers:
REFERTODRAWER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 17 November 2025