Welcome back, fellow wordplay enthusiasts, to another deep dive into the fascinating world of cryptic puzzles! Today, we’re tackling a particular gem that perfectly exemplifies the delightful complexity and clever misdirection that makes these challenges so utterly addictive. We’re shining a spotlight on a
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem to lead you down a very specific path, only to reveal layers of intricate wordplay upon closer inspection.
The
cryptic crossword clue
in question is:
“Wandering Mohicans have no name for antelope (7)“
.
This isn’t just any old
crossword clue
; it’s a masterclass in combining an explicit definition with a cunningly crafted anagram. For any seasoned
crossword solver
, the term “wandering” immediately lights up a particular section of the brain: we’re almost certainly dealing with an anagram. An anagram, for those newer to the
puzzle solving
scene, is a type of wordplay where the letters of a word or phrase are rearranged to form a new word or phrase. The beauty of these
anagram clues
lies in their indicators – words like “wandering,” “disordered,” “broken,” “confused,” or “mixed up” – that subtly tell you to shuffle the letters.
So, with “Wandering” firmly established as our anagram indicator, the next step in analyzing this
crossword clue
is to identify the anagram fodder – the letters themselves that need rearranging. And here’s where the clue truly earns its cryptic stripes: “Mohicans have no name.” This phrase is the heart of the puzzle’s ingenuity, and it’s where many
crossword solvers
might find themselves pausing for thought.
In
cryptic crossword clues
, phrases like “have no name” are rarely as straightforward as they appear. They often signal a subtle manipulation of the preceding words. Does “no name” mean to remove the letters N-A-M-E from “Mohicans”? Or does it imply something more abstract, like removing a specific letter that
represents
a name, perhaps the first letter “M” as in the ‘name’ of Mohicans? Or could “no” itself be a component (like the letter ‘O’ for zero) that interacts with “name” in a unique way? This is the kind of subtle
wordplay
that elevates
cryptic puzzles
beyond mere vocabulary tests. Deciphering the exact instruction embedded within “have no name” is the key to unlocking the correct set of letters for our anagram.
Once we’ve successfully navigated the linguistic labyrinth of “Mohicans have no name” to isolate our anagram fodder, we turn our attention to the definition. In this
crossword clue
, the definition is refreshingly clear: “for antelope.” This tells us that our seven-letter solution will be a type of antelope. The final piece of the puzzle, of course, is the (7) in parentheses, which tells us the exact length of our elusive answer. This number is vital, acting as a critical filter for potential solutions derived from the anagrammed fodder.
This particular
crossword clue
is a brilliant example of how constructors weave together different elements – a clear definition, a distinctive anagram indicator, and a cunningly disguised fodder phrase – to create a challenging yet ultimately satisfying
puzzle solving
experience. It compels the
crossword solver
to engage deeply with the English language, to think laterally, and to appreciate the intricate dance between meaning and letters. Unpacking the layers of a
cryptic crossword clue
like this one is precisely what makes the hobby so rewarding for countless enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more insights into conquering those tricky
cryptic puzzles
!
Available Answers:
CHAMOIS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 9 October 2025