There’s a unique thrill that comes with unraveling a particularly clever
crossword clue
. That moment of insight, when the disparate parts of a phrase suddenly click into place to reveal the perfect answer, is incredibly satisfying for any puzzle enthusiast. It’s what keeps us coming back, day after day, to tackle the latest brain-teasers and stretch our mental muscles. Every
crossword clue
offers a new mini-mystery to solve, a fresh linguistic puzzle to decode.
Today, we’re turning our attention to an intriguing
crossword clue
that recently caught my eye: “Took liquid from ditch opening – filthy! (5)“. It’s a five-letter challenge that, at first glance, seems to combine a vivid, almost visceral image with a straightforward definition, yet it has a wonderful way of keeping solvers on their toes. This kind of
crossword clue
is a prime example of the setter’s art, blending misdirection with precision.
Let’s dissect this fascinating
crossword clue
. The definition, “filthy!”, is our clear starting point. We know our target word must be a synonym for filthy, or describe something that is filthy. That’s the relatively easy part. The real enjoyment, and the true challenge, lies in deciphering the wordplay itself: “Took liquid from ditch opening”.
This is where the magic of a cryptic
crossword clue
truly shines. What exactly does “took liquid from ditch opening” suggest? Is it a literal action? How does the “opening” of a ditch play into it? Often, in a
crossword clue
, specific words like “opening” can hint at the first letter of the word they precede. So, could “ditch opening” be pointing towards the letter ‘D’? Or is it more complex, perhaps hinting at a sound or a part of a larger word?
We need to consider how “took liquid from” combines with “ditch opening” to lead us to a five-letter word meaning “filthy.” Is it an anagram concealed within the phrase? Is it a charade, where different parts of the clue lead to different components of the answer? Or perhaps a clever double-entendre, playing on multiple meanings of the words involved? When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, it’s essential to consider all the classic cryptic techniques.
This particular
crossword clue
beautifully illustrates the layers of thought that go into crafting these daily puzzles. It pushes us to think beyond the obvious, to explore synonyms and homophones, and to consider how words can be broken down or combined in unexpected ways. The best
crossword clues
are those that make you smile when you finally crack them, appreciating the setter’s ingenuity. It’s not just about finding the answer; it’s about understanding the journey the clue takes you on.
What are your initial thoughts on this clever five-letter
crossword clue
? Does the imagery of “ditch opening” immediately spark an idea for you? Or are you, like many, still mulling over how “took liquid” combines with “filthy” in a five-letter word? Share your first impressions or perhaps a similar
crossword clue
that recently gave you a delightful mental workout. It’s challenging
crossword clues
like these that remind us why we love the intellectual sport of puzzle-solving so much.
Available Answers:
DRANK.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 17 August 2025