The satisfaction of cracking a truly clever crossword clue is unparalleled. That moment when the penny drops, revealing a simple word hidden behind layers of wit and misdirection – it’s a feeling familiar to any dedicated solver. Today, we’re dissecting a particularly neat little puzzle that combines everyday concepts with a touch of wordplay: “TV programme, slippery thing (4)“. This four-letter gem perfectly encapsulates the charm of a well-constructed cryptic crossword clue. It presents two seemingly disparate ideas, challenging you to bridge the gap with a single, concise answer. Let’s break down the components of this intriguing crossword clue and explore the pathways to its solution.
First, “TV programme” serves as our primary definitional anchor. This general phrase covers a vast landscape, from specific show titles like classic sitcoms or gripping dramas, to broad genres such as documentaries, news broadcasts, or reality series. The ambiguity is intentional, allowing setters to guide thoughts in multiple directions. It could refer to an entire televised series, an individual episode, or a particular type of long-running serial. The key is to keep an open mind about the breadth of what “TV programme” can encompass in the world of crossword clues.
Next, we encounter “slippery thing.” This is where the crossword clue truly begins to tease. Is it a direct, literal definition? Your mind might jump to aquatic creatures like eels or fish, or even inanimate objects slick to the touch. The literal interpretation is often the first instinct, frequently used to set a trap. However, in cryptic crossword clues, “slippery” can also carry a figurative meaning – describing something hard to grasp, elusive, or even morally questionable. A “slippery character” is untrustworthy, for example. The phrase’s beauty lies in its dual potential: a straightforward descriptor or a metaphorical hint.
The greatest challenge in tackling a crossword clue like this is finding a single four-letter word that elegantly satisfies both sides. It must genuinely mean “TV programme” in some context, and simultaneously embody the essence of a “slippery thing,” literally or figuratively. The brevity of the four-letter answer means no room for complex constructions; it must be a succinct word with rich, dual meanings. This strongly points towards a double definition – a very popular construction in cryptic crossword clues where both parts directly define the answer. It often leads to an ‘aha!’ moment when a common word reveals two distinct, yet valid, interpretations. While other techniques like homophones or hidden words could exist, the structure here leans heavily into the cleverness of dual meanings for this type of crossword clue.
The journey to solve such a crossword clue often involves a process of elimination and association. Consider four-letter words related to “TV programme,” then do the same for “slippery thing.” The intersection of these concepts, guided by the four-letter constraint, is where the solution to this delightful crossword clue resides. This particular clue highlights a setter’s skill in crafting a compact puzzle that is both accessible and satisfyingly challenging. It reminds us that often, the simplest words hold the most complex layers of meaning, waiting to be unearthed by the observant solver. The elegance of a single word connecting two seemingly unrelated ideas is what makes the pursuit of a well-solved crossword clue so addictive.
Available Answers:
SOAP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 16 November 2025