Every now and then, a particular crossword clue lands on the page that makes you lean back, furrow your brow, and appreciate the sheer artistry of its construction. It’s the kind of cryptic challenge that embodies everything we love about word puzzles – the layered meanings, the clever misdirection, and that ultimate ‘aha!’ moment when the solution finally clicks. Today, our spotlight falls on one such enigmatic entry: “Watts shortly about to pass out (5)“.
This five-letter marvel is a masterclass in concise complexity, packing multiple layers of potential interpretation into a brief, innocent-looking phrase. For anyone tackling their daily crossword, this particular crossword clue presents a delightful mental workout, demanding a keen eye for detail and a solid understanding of cryptic conventions.
Let’s break down the components of this intriguing crossword clue without revealing its elusive answer. The first word, “Watts,” immediately grabs attention. In the world of word puzzles, proper nouns or specific units often serve as fertile ground for wordplay. Does “Watts” refer to a person – perhaps a famous individual with that surname? Or is it a unit of measurement, an abbreviation that could lead to a single letter? Alternatively, and quite commonly in cryptic crosswords, “Watts” could be a homophone, designed to sound like another word entirely, leading solvers down a phonetic path. Each of these possibilities opens up a different avenue of investigation, making “Watts” a potent starting point for a complex crossword clue.
Next, we encounter “shortly.” This seemingly innocuous adverb is a classic indicator in cryptic crossword clues. It frequently signals that we need to shorten something, perhaps by removing letters from the beginning or end of a word, or taking an abbreviation. “Shortly” can indicate truncation, or it might subtly hint at an imminent action. Its presence here immediately tells a seasoned solver to be on alert for modifications to an existing word or phrase, adding another layer of strategic thinking required to crack this challenging crossword clue.
Finally, we arrive at the heart of the definition: “about to pass out.” As with most definitions in a cryptic crossword clue, this phrase is ripe for multiple interpretations. “Pass out” can mean to faint or lose consciousness, but it can also refer to distributing something, like handing out flyers. The phrase “about to” further refines this, suggesting imminence. The cleverness lies in which interpretation aligns with the other parts of the clue once they’ve been properly decoded. It’s this precise ambiguity, this elegant dance between literal and figurative meanings, that makes a good crossword clue so compelling.
When you combine “Watts,” “shortly,” and “about to pass out,” you’re faced with a microcosm of cryptic crossword solving. It’s a journey through potential homophones, clever abbreviations, and nuanced definitions. Deciphering this kind of crossword clue isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about understanding the unique language of the crossword setter, the subtle winks and nudges that guide you toward the solution.
For those grappling with this particular crossword clue, remember to consider all angles. Don’t be afraid to try out different interpretations for each word. Is “Watts” a sound-alike, a famous name, or an electrical term? How does “shortly” operate within this specific context? And which meaning of “pass out” truly fits the bill when combined with the other elements? The solution to this five-letter puzzle lies at the intersection of these possibilities, a testament to the constructor’s skill in crafting a truly engaging and tricky crossword clue. Keep exploring, and that satisfying solution will surely emerge!
Available Answers:
SWOON.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 29 October 2025