Ah, the delightful dance of cryptic crosswords! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a clue that’s quite the catch: “Touches headless fish (4)“. This particular crossword clue offers a fantastic example of a common wordplay device, often seen in daily puzzles and more challenging grids alike.
When you encounter a crossword clue that mentions something being “headless” – be it a person, an animal, or an object – your solver’s brain should immediately think of a specific wordplay mechanism. It’s the classic trick where the first letter of a word is removed, leaving you with a shorter, transformed word. This technique, often called “beheading” or “decapitation” in crossword lingo, is a staple for a reason: it’s elegant, precise, and wonderfully deceptive for those new to these types of brain teasers.
In this instance, the target word for our crossword clue is a four-letter answer that describes the act of “touches”. But it’s not just any four-letter word; it’s the result of literally decapitating a fish! So, your task with this crossword clue is twofold: first, identify a common five-letter fish name. Then, imagine that fish losing its head – the very first letter. What remains should be a four-letter word that perfectly describes the act of touching.
The “fish” element is another common category used in crossword clues. From animals to plants, colours to countries, crosswords love to draw from defined sets of words. Fish, with their varied names and often succinct spellings, are prime candidates for this kind of wordplay. You might want to brainstorm a list of five-letter fish names you know. Think about species commonly found on menus or in aquariums.
Now, let’s consider the “touches” part of this compelling crossword clue. This requires us to think about synonyms. Are we looking for a word that implies a gentle caress, a brief tap, or perhaps even a softening effect? Cryptic crosswords often play on multiple meanings of a word, so consider all the ways something can “touch” another, whether physically or metaphorically. The answer to this crossword clue will fit snugly into one of those interpretations.
Solving this kind of crossword clue often involves a bit of trial and error. What five-letter fish names come to mind? Once you have a few candidates, meticulously remove the first letter from each and see if the remainder aligns with a synonym for “touches.” Don’t get hooked on the first fish you think of! Sometimes, less common fish names make an appearance to truly test your knowledge and expand your vocabulary, adding another layer to the challenge of a good crossword clue.
These clever constructions make the daily crossword puzzle a true mental workout, pushing us to explore the nuances of language and the inventive ways words can be manipulated. This particular crossword clue is a prime example of how two seemingly disparate ideas – a headless fish and the act of touching – can unite to form a single, satisfying solution through the magic of wordplay.
What are your go-to strategies for tackling “headless” crossword clues? Do you have a favorite fish-related crossword clue that has stumped or delighted you in the past? Share your thoughts below – we love hearing about your solving journeys! Keep practicing, keep brainstorming, and soon you’ll be swimming through even the trickiest crossword clues with ease!
Available Answers:
EELS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 3 August 2025