Round and Round We Go: Untangling a Tricky Crossword Clue
Welcome back, fellow crossword enthusiasts! Today’s puzzle threw a bit of a curveball my way, and I suspect it might have snagged a few of you too. The clue in question? “Wheels, in part, until fatigues, we’re told (5)“.
This one’s a classic example of how crossword setters love to play with words, employing a range of techniques to lead us down (sometimes) the right path. Let’s break it down and see what potential avenues we can explore.
First, we have “Wheels, in part”. This suggests we’re looking for a component, a smaller piece that contributes to the larger concept of wheels. Think about the different elements that make up a wheel – the outer circumference, the central hub, spokes, even the tires themselves. The key is to identify a part of the whole, something intrinsic to the wheel’s function. What pieces spring to mind for you?
The next part of the clue, “until fatigues”, adds a temporal dimension. This phrase hints at a process, a duration, or a point in time where something diminishes or ceases due to fatigue. Consider how this might relate to our “Wheels, in part”. Could it be alluding to the lifespan of a wheel component, how it performs until it wears out? Or perhaps it describes a state of being, a function that continues until a specific point of exhaustion is reached? The connection might not be immediately obvious, but the temporal element is crucial to keep in mind.
Finally, we arrive at “we’re told”. This is a clear indicator that we’re dealing with a homophone, a word that sounds like another word but has a different meaning and spelling. The crossword setter is cleverly disguising the solution within a sound-alike. Think about words that sound similar to “until fatigues”. Could the solution be a word that shares a similar phonetic quality?
Now, let’s consider the length constraint. The solution is five letters long. This severely limits the possibilities. We need a five-letter word that is both a part of “wheels” and related through sound to “until fatigues”.
Remember, the most effective strategy for tackling cryptic crossword clues is to consider all possible angles. Don’t be afraid to brainstorm multiple interpretations and possibilities. Sometimes the answer hides in plain sight, obscured only by the setter’s artful misdirection. Keep turning the clue over in your mind, playing with the words, and exploring the different layers of meaning.
This clue requires you to be observant, and a bit resourceful. Good luck unlocking the solution and be sure to tell me how you worked this one out in the comments! Happy solving!
Available Answers:
TYRES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 25 August 2025