There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from deciphering a particularly brilliant cryptic crossword clue, the kind that initially baffles you with its innocent surface reading before revealing a hidden layer of clever wordplay. It’s that exquisite moment when the mental gears finally mesh, and a seemingly impossible puzzle snaps into crystal-clear focus. These are the gems that make the daily crossword puzzle a truly indispensable ritual for so many, a rewarding mental workout that stretches our linguistic muscles.
Recently, one such captivating crossword clue caught my eye, a masterclass in misdirection and intelligent construction: “Very good safari business? (1,7,5)“. Just reading it conjures images of sun-drenched plains, incredible wildlife, and perhaps the thrill of a well-organized adventure. But as any seasoned solver of cryptic crosswords knows, the immediate, literal interpretation is often just the beginning of the journey, a cleverly constructed façade designed to lead us down the garden path. The true ‘business’ of this crossword clue lies not in literal economics or exotic travel, but in the delightful game of language itself.
Let’s unpack this intriguing crossword clue and appreciate its artistry. We have “Very good,” an adjective that speaks to excellence, success, or top-tier quality. This component acts as a strong indicator of the kind of outcome or quality we should be looking for in the final answer. Then, the evocative phrase “safari business.” The word ‘safari’ immediately suggests adventure, exploration, and a journey into the wild or unknown. ‘Business’ here can be interpreted in multiple ways – not just a commercial enterprise, but also an affair, a matter, a particular undertaking, or even a situation. The setter cleverly uses these layers of meaning to create a rich landscape for misdirection.
The numerical enumeration, (1,7,5), is our crucial structural roadmap. This pattern tells us the exact length and composition of the solution: a single letter, followed by a seven-letter word, and finally a five-letter word. For many exceptional crossword clues, this format often points towards a common idiom, a well-known phrase, or an expression that fits the overall cryptic definition when viewed through a different lens. The challenge for us as crossword solvers is to find a multi-word phrase that, when ingeniously reinterpreted through the lens of cryptic wordplay, perfectly captures the essence of something “very good” and links it thematically, if not literally, to the concept of a ‘safari’ – perhaps an adventurous undertaking or a wild situation that turns out to be excellent.
When I approach a challenging cryptic crossword clue like this, my strategy often involves breaking down each element and brainstorming synonyms or related concepts. For “Very good,” I might consider terms like excellent, splendid, first-rate, or highly successful. For “safari,” the associated ideas are expedition, journey, adventure, wilderness, wild encounter, or even a particular kind of pursuit. And for “business,” the options expand to affair, matter, deal, enterprise, or situation. The magic happens when these seemingly disparate threads weave together into a cohesive phrase that fits the (1,7,5) pattern and satisfies the hidden cryptic mechanics. It’s about seeking out phrases that carry a sense of successful outcome or a positive, perhaps even exciting, resolution, while subtly echoing the adventurous spirit hinted at by ‘safari.’
This particular crossword clue is a prime example of why the process of solving crosswords is so endlessly rewarding. It transforms a simple question into a captivating linguistic puzzle, demanding lateral thinking and a keen appreciation for the nuances of language. The satisfaction isn’t just in cracking the code, but in admiring the ingenious craftsmanship of the setter who created such a clever piece of wordplay. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the daily crossword and the thrill of the chase for the perfect answer.
Available Answers:
AROARINGTRADE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 21 September 2025