A Golden Puzzle at the Academy: Deconstructing a Crossword Clue
Alright, crossword aficionados, let’s dive headfirst into a particularly intriguing clue that’s been making the rounds: “Workmate loses gold at place of learning (7)“. This seemingly simple string of words packs a surprising amount of unpacking, and it presents a great opportunity to explore the nuances of crossword construction.
At first glance, the most obvious elements are the length of the answer – seven letters – and the rather straightforward vocabulary. “Workmate,” “loses,” “gold,” and “place of learning” are all words we encounter regularly. However, the real challenge lies in how these elements interact and how we can leverage them to deduce the solution.
The core of many cryptic crossword clues lies in clever wordplay, and this clue is no exception. The presence of “loses” is a strong indicator that we’re dealing with some kind of subtraction or removal. In crossword parlance, this might translate to “without,” “excluding,” or a similar term implying that something is being taken away from another word.
Now, let’s consider “workmate.” This term likely points to a synonym for a colleague, fellow employee, or associate. Think broadly about words that describe someone you work alongside. Don’t limit yourself to the most common terms; sometimes, crossword setters favor less conventional synonyms to add an extra layer of complexity.
Next up is “gold.” While it could literally mean the precious metal, in the context of a crossword clue, it almost certainly refers to its chemical symbol: Au. This is a classic crossword trick, utilizing abbreviations and symbols to add a touch of misdirection. The clue instructs us to do something with the ‘gold’ so we know we need to remove the Au from our workmate answer.
Finally, we have “place of learning.” This phrase acts as the definition portion of the clue. It tells us what the seven-letter word ultimately represents. Think beyond just ‘school’ or ‘college’. Consider all the locations specifically designed for the acquisition of knowledge, skill, or training. Libraries? Academies? Institutions of various sorts? The possibilities are more numerous than you might initially think.
So, putting it all together, we need to identify a synonym for “workmate,” remove “Au” (the chemical symbol for gold) from that word, and the resulting seven-letter word should be a “place of learning.”
This clue exemplifies the art of misdirection so common in cryptic crosswords. It uses familiar words but manipulates them in unexpected ways to create a challenging and rewarding puzzle. The key is to break down the clue into its constituent parts, identify the wordplay elements, and then consider the possible synonyms and meanings for each component.
Remember to think creatively, explore various interpretations, and don’t be afraid to consult a thesaurus. Good luck cracking this crossword clue!
Available Answers:
COLLEGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Saturday, 16 August 2025