Are you staring blankly at your daily crossword, convinced that today’s compiler has developed a personal vendetta against you? You’re not alone. Every seasoned solver knows that feeling of hitting a wall, especially with those seemingly innocuous clues that hide layers of misdirection. Today, if your journey into the grid has brought you to the intriguing phrase, “Turn away and set out for mountains (8),” then you’ve stumbled upon a truly delightful brain-teaser. This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a prime example of the clever wordplay that makes crosswords so addictive.
This particular crossword clue, ‘Turn away and set out for mountains (8)‘, is a masterclass in suggestive language. The initial thought might lead you down a path of literal interpretation: someone physically turning their back and heading towards a large geological feature. But as any experienced crossword enthusiast knows, very rarely is a crossword clue quite so straightforward. The beauty, and often the frustration, lies in peeling back these layers. Is “turn away” a literal movement, or does it hint at rejection, aversion, or a change of heart? And what about “set out for mountains”? Is it about escaping, seeking refuge, or perhaps even an archaic term for a specific kind of exodus? The number (8) is your steadfast companion here, a crucial constraint that narrows down the field of possibilities considerably.
When approaching a cryptic crossword clue like this, it’s vital to consider all angles. Could “mountains” be a red herring, or perhaps part of a larger idiom? Is there a more profound, metaphorical meaning to “turning away” in a context that involves “mountains”? Sometimes, a crossword clue will use familiar phrases in an entirely new light, forcing us to reconsider common expressions. Think about the actions involved: departure, redirection, and a specific destination. Each word in this eight-letter challenge is placed with precision, designed to either guide you towards the solution or lead you delightfully astray.
The art of solving crosswords, especially when faced with a tricky crossword clue such as ‘Turn away and set out for mountains (8)‘, is all about pattern recognition and lateral thinking. It’s about understanding the compiler’s mindset, predicting their linguistic traps, and celebrating the “aha!” moment when the true meaning unfurls. For those delving into a daily crossword or a weekend cryptic, clues like this one are the gems that make the entire puzzle worthwhile. They challenge, they frustrate, but ultimately, they reward with a surge of satisfaction. This isn’t just about filling squares; it’s about mastering language, one perplexing crossword clue at a time.
If you’ve been wrestling with this specific crossword clue for hours, cycling through synonyms for “turn” and “mountain,” you’re on the right track, albeit potentially a challenging one. The key often lies in identifying the core action or concept being described and then finding that perfect eight-letter word that encapsulates both the turning away and the mountain-bound journey. It’s a word that marries departure with a specific, elevated destination or perhaps even a state of being associated with such a landscape. We’re looking for something that captures the essence of both actions in a single, elegant term. So, take a deep breath, revisit the phrasing, and prepare for that moment of revelation that makes tackling any difficult crossword clue so incredibly rewarding. This particular crossword clue might seem formidable, but with a bit of linguistic gymnastics, its secret will reveal itself, adding another notch to your crossword-solving belt.
Available Answers:
ESTRANGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 2 November 2025