There’s a special kind of thrill that comes from staring down a particularly clever crossword clue. It’s that moment when your brain tangles with the words, trying to untangle the constructor’s genius, and then,
snap
, it all falls into place. Today, we’re diving into a delightful little brain-teaser that exemplifies the charming complexity of a well-crafted cryptic.
The crossword clue in question is:
“Woollen clothes for quaint police officer (6)“
.
At first glance, it might seem deceptively simple, but like many of the best
crossword clues
, it holds layers of meaning waiting to be peeled back. For those new to the world of cryptic
crossword clues
, these puzzles often involve two main parts: a definition and some wordplay. Both lead you to the same answer, providing that satisfying double-check that you’re on the right track.
Let’s break down this intriguing
crossword clue
without, of course, giving away the satisfying solution. The first part, “Woollen clothes,” clearly serves as our definition. We’re looking for an item or category of clothing, something warm and made of wool, that is six letters long. Immediately, your mind might start conjuring images of jumpers, cardigans, or other cosy garments. Keep that list in mind; it’s our first filter for potential answers.
Now for the wordplay, the true heart of this
cryptic crossword clue
: “quaint police officer.” This is where the magic happens, and where the most delightful misdirection often resides. The word “quaint” is a crucial indicator. It suggests something old-fashioned, charmingly unusual, perhaps a term that isn’t in common parlance today, but was once. It pushes us away from modern slang or official titles and towards something more historical or perhaps even colloquial.
Then we have “police officer.” How many ways can we refer to someone in law enforcement, especially using older or less common terms? Think about historical figures, nicknames, or even abbreviated forms that might have been popular in bygone eras. Combine that “quaint” sensibility with the various ways to denote a “police officer,” and you’ll find yourself on the path to uncovering the cleverly hidden wordplay.
The beauty of such a
crossword clue
lies in its ability to combine these two disparate elements—warm garments and an old-fashioned term for law enforcement—into a single, elegant solution. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about lateral thinking, understanding word associations, and appreciating the constructor’s linguistic gymnastics. Mastering these kinds of
word puzzles
is incredibly rewarding.
This particular clue is a fantastic example of what makes solving
daily crossword clues
so addictive. It challenges you, makes you smile when you finally get it, and expands your understanding of language. It’s more than just filling in blanks; it’s an exercise in mental agility and linguistic exploration.
So, take a moment. Ponder the “woollen clothes.” Reflect on what makes a “police officer” quaint. And remember that satisfying feeling when the perfect six-letter word emerges from the delightful intertwining of these two ideas. Happy solving, and may your
crossword puzzle
journey be filled with many such “aha!” moments!
Available Answers:
TWEEDS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 1 November 2025