Here’s a crossword clue that truly exemplifies the brilliance of cryptic construction: “Took a chance letting communist hide broken ski (6)“. At first glance, a jumble of seemingly disparate concepts, yet it hides a single, elegant solution. This particular crossword clue is a masterclass in misdirection and precise wordplay, the kind that makes the ‘aha!’ moment so incredibly satisfying for any dedicated solver.
The beauty of a well-crafted cryptic crossword clue lies in its ability to present two distinct paths to the answer: a straightforward definition and a more elaborate, often whimsical, wordplay element. In this specific crossword clue, we’re immediately drawn to “Took a chance” as the likely definition. This phrase suggests an action, a state of being, or an outcome related to risk, daring, or venturing into the unknown. When tackling any crossword clue, it’s always wise to consider the various synonyms and interpretations of the definitional component, as this anchors your search for the six-letter solution. What sort of words come to mind when someone takes a chance? Consider the nuances, the level of perceived danger, and the potential outcomes.
Then comes the real fun: the wordplay. “Letting communist hide broken ski.” This is where the layers of the crossword clue truly unfold. The term “communist” is a classic in the cryptic crossword lexicon. Savvy solvers know to look for common, brief associations. Many political terms, especially those referencing ideologies or affiliations, often boil down to just a few letters in the world of puzzles. Thinking about standard cryptic abbreviations and direct, common synonyms for “communist” is your first step here.
Next, we encounter “hide.” This isn’t just a descriptive verb; in a cryptic crossword clue, it’s a strong indicator of a specific type of wordplay. “Hide” frequently signals that one set of letters or a word is contained within another. It’s a common ‘container’ or ‘insertion’ indicator, meaning you’ll be looking to place one element
inside
another. Understanding these indicator words is key to unlocking the true meaning of many a challenging crossword clue. It tells you
how
the other parts of the wordplay interact.
Finally, we arrive at “broken ski.” The word “broken” is your crucial signal here. In cryptic crosswords, “broken” or similar terms like “mangled,” “ruined,” “mixed up,” or “disordered” are almost invariably anagram indicators. This means the letters of the word that follows – in this case, “ski” – need to be rearranged to form a new sequence of letters. Anagrams are a fundamental building block of many cryptic crossword clues, and recognising the indicators is paramount. Once you’ve identified the letters available from “ski,” you then have a small pool of letters that can be jumbled.
Bringing all these elements together – the definition, the commonly clued “communist” term, the ‘hide’ indicator for containment, and the anagram of “ski” – is the challenging yet rewarding part of solving this intricate crossword clue. It requires piecing together the components, seeing how the anagrammed letters fit within the standard crossword representation of “communist,” and then ensuring the resulting six-letter word perfectly matches the definition “Took a chance.”
This particular crossword clue stands as a testament to the elegant ingenuity found in the best puzzles. It’s more than just guessing; it’s an exercise in linguistic deconstruction, a delightful mental workout that leaves you feeling clever and accomplished once the final piece clicks into place. It’s a prime example of why cryptic crosswords are so captivating and why solvers keep coming back for more, always eager for the next clever wordplay challenge.
Available Answers:
RISKED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 26 June 2025