There are some crossword clues that just jump off the page, demanding your full attention. Not because they’re immediately obvious, but precisely because they tantalize you with multiple layers of interpretation, making you pause, ponder, and perhaps even let out a soft groan of delightful frustration. Today’s featured
crossword clue
is a prime example of such a masterfully crafted enigma. It’s concise, seemingly straightforward, yet packed with potential twists that can send even the most seasoned solver down a delightful rabbit hole.
The
crossword clue
we’re diving into today reads:
“Young herring is killed every now and again (4)“
.
At first glance, your mind might immediately gravitate towards the literal. “Young herring” suggests a specific, perhaps well-known, term for juvenile fish. But this is a cryptic crossword, and things are rarely as they seem. The joy – and indeed, the challenge – of a cryptic
crossword clue
lies in its clever misdirection, its ability to use everyday language in unexpected ways to point you towards a completely different path.
Let’s dissect this particular
crossword clue
for a moment, thinking about the common techniques it could be employing. When we see a phrase like “young herring,” our cryptic radar immediately starts buzzing. Is it a direct definition? A less common synonym? Or is it part of a more elaborate wordplay mechanism, a charade where different elements combine to form our four-letter answer? The number in parentheses, (4), is our constant guide, confirming the precise length of the word we’re hunting for.
Then there’s the intriguing second half: “is killed every now and again.” This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. Phrases such as “every now and again” are often potent indicators in the cryptic lexicon. They can signal a whole host of possibilities: an alternating letter pattern within a phrase, a definition relating to intermittence, or even a more abstract instruction to manipulate other parts of the clue. When coupled with “is killed,” the potential for a deceptive surface reading becomes even greater. Are we looking for an anagram? A reversal? A hidden word? Or something else entirely, playing on the meaning of “killed” in a non-literal sense?
The beauty of a well-constructed
crossword clue
like this one is how it invites you to consider multiple possibilities, to test different theories against the given components. You might initially focus on “young herring” as the primary definition, then try to make “is killed every now and again” fit as the wordplay. Or perhaps you’ll consider the entire phrase as one grand, poetic misdirection, with a hidden gem tucked away in plain sight. It’s a puzzle that rewards careful thought, lateral thinking, and a good grasp of the cryptic conventions.
This particular
crossword clue
offers a wonderful workout for the brain, a miniature logic puzzle wrapped in charming language. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that, once solved, elicits that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment, where all the pieces click into place and the cleverness of the setter truly shines through. It reminds us why we love these linguistic gymnastics so much, transforming simple words into an engaging intellectual quest.
So, take a moment with “Young herring is killed every now and again (4).” What are your initial thoughts? How do you approach such a multi-layered
crossword clue
? The journey to the solution is often as rewarding as the destination itself, filled with discovery and the sharpening of your cryptic skills. We’ll unravel the ingenious solution to this
crossword clue
shortly, exploring the specific cryptic device that unlocks its meaning.
Available Answers:
SILD.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 11 September 2025