What a gem we’ve got today! The
crossword clue
“Undisclosed infection lad suffered (12)” landed in our laps, and boy, did it get the gears turning. At first glance, it feels like a straightforward medical term, perhaps something a doctor might jot down. But anyone who’s tackled a challenging
cryptic crossword clue
knows that simplicity is often a cleverly disguised misdirection.
Let’s dissect this intriguing
crossword clue
, piece by deceptive piece. We have “Undisclosed infection.” This immediately brings to mind something hidden, something not openly stated. Is the answer itself a type of hidden illness, or is the
method
of finding the answer hidden? That’s the beauty of
crossword puzzles
– the answer often mirrors the construction. An “infection” could be a literal ailment, or in wordplay, it could signify something corrupting or intermingling letters. Think about how words can ‘infect’ or affect other words in an anagram.
Then we have “lad suffered.” Ah, “lad.” This innocent-looking three-letter word can be a goldmine in a
crossword clue
. Does it refer to a common abbreviation for a boy, perhaps a name like LEO or ROB? Or is it part of a larger phrase? “Suffered” is a classic indicator in
cryptic crosswords
. It often points to a transformation, a jumbling, or an alteration. When you see a verb like “suffered,” your internal
crossword clue
alarm should be ringing, shouting “Anagram!” Is the “lad” suffering, leading to an anagram? Or is “suffered” just part of the overall definition, hinting at the state of being afflicted?
The (12) letters in brackets tell us we’re looking for a substantial word. Twelve letters is enough space for complex wordplay, perhaps a multi-word phrase disguised as one, or a long, less common single word. It gives the setter ample room to play with definitions and indicators. Sometimes, long answers like this are simpler than they seem, with the difficulty lying in parsing the initial misdirection. Other times, they combine multiple layers of wordplay.
This
crossword clue
demands a close reading. Are we looking for a direct definition of an “undisclosed infection” where “lad suffered” is simply descriptive? Or is “lad suffered” an anagram indicator, perhaps for “undisclosed infection” itself, or parts of it? The phrasing is wonderfully ambiguous, designed to lead you down several promising paths before revealing the true solution.
Consider the interplay between “undisclosed” and “suffered.” Could “undisclosed” be the
way
something is suffering? Or is it a characteristic of the infection? The setter has brilliantly crafted a scenario that feels complete, yet each word holds potential for a double meaning or a specific
crossword clue
role.
Many solvers might immediately jump to medical terms, but savvy
crossword puzzle
enthusiasts know to look beyond the obvious. Could “undisclosed” hint at a word literally
hidden
within the clue’s text? Or could it mean something not obvious on the surface, like a clever double definition?
The satisfaction of solving a
crossword clue
like this comes from unpicking these layers. It’s not just about knowing the answer; it’s about understanding the journey the setter wants you to take. Is “lad” integral to the wordplay, or is it merely context for the “suffered” part? This particular
crossword clue
has all the hallmarks of a classic, where the seemingly disparate parts come together in a supremely elegant revelation.
We’ll delve deeper into the mechanics of
this
specific solution, exploring how “undisclosed,” “infection,” “lad,” and “suffered” combine with the (12) letter count to form one of those delightful “aha!” moments. Stay tuned to unravel the mystery behind this truly clever
crossword clue
.
Available Answers:
CONFIDENTIAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: –Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 11 July 2025