Some cryptic crossword clues are just
art
. They land on the page, seemingly innocuous at first glance, but carry layers of cleverness that promise a satisfying unraveling. For those who relish the intellectual sparring that comes with
solving crosswords
, these are the gems that make the daily ritual so utterly compelling.
Today, we’re diving into one such masterpiece: “Unravelling concise ESP, due to false methodology (13)“. Just reading it aloud, one can almost feel the gears turning, the linguistic cogs beginning to whir. It’s a beautifully constructed
crossword clue
that encapsulates everything wonderful about the genre – misdirection, precision, and that exquisite “aha!” moment when all the pieces finally click into place.
The first thing that jumps out is the sheer length of the answer: (13). A thirteen-letter word isn’t something one stumbles upon lightly. It signals a substantial, often complex, solution, and usually means the setter has ample room to play with both definition and wordplay. Such a length adds an extra layer of challenge, ensuring that when the correct answer emerges, the triumph feels truly earned.
Then there’s the opening gambit: “Unravelling”. In the intricate world of
cryptic crossword
puzzles, indicator words are paramount. They are the setter’s subtle instructions, guiding the solver through the required mental gymnastics. “Unravelling” is a particularly evocative choice here, suggesting a process of breaking down, reorganizing, or revealing something hidden. It immediately primes the solver to look for some form of letter manipulation, hinting at the potential for an anagram, a reversal, or perhaps even a subtraction of letters. The very act of “unravelling” is what makes
solving crosswords
such an engaging pastime, and here, the clue itself echoes that very sentiment.
Next, we encounter the heart of the wordplay: “concise ESP”. What a wonderfully intriguing phrase to embed within a
crossword clue
! “ESP” (Extra-Sensory Perception) is a term loaded with connotations of the mysterious, the unproven, and the intangible. Coupled with “concise,” which typically means brief or to the point, this pairing creates a fascinating juxtaposition. It’s a compact idea, yet one that sparks immediate curiosity, making it prime fodder for the kind of linguistic alchemy cryptic setters excel at. The specific combination of these letters, particularly the unusual “ESP” component, is a powerful lure, drawing the solver into the intricate dance of letter rearrangement and reinterpretation.
Finally, we arrive at the definition: “due to false methodology”. This provides the critical anchor, the ultimate destination for our wordplay journey. It’s a very specific and strong definition, pointing towards something that results from an unsound, misleading, or even deceptive approach. It grounds the somewhat ethereal nature of “ESP” in a more scientific, or rather,
anti-scientific
, context. The elegance lies in how this definition, once married with the “unravelled” wordplay, creates a perfectly coherent and logical solution. For any enthusiast seeking a formidable
crossword clue
to conquer, this part of the puzzle is key to confirming the final answer.
This clue is a brilliant example of how a master setter can combine evocative language, precise indicators, and a compelling definition to craft a truly memorable solving experience. It’s the kind of
cryptic crossword
challenge that reminds us why we spend so much time poring over these grids, constantly refining our skills in the art of
solving crosswords
.
Available Answers:
PSEUDOSCIENCE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 12 September 2025