Crossword puzzles often challenge us with playful and cryptic definitions that turn ordinary phrases into clever wordplay. One such clue, Mob were out to enclose, might look puzzling at first glance, but its hidden meaning can be unraveled with a bit of lateral thinking. This topic will take you through the process of decoding this clue, explain the solution, and delve into related crossword techniques and vocabulary. By the end, you’ll better appreciate how cryptic-style clues work and how such seemingly strange phrases can lead to elegant answers.
Breaking Down the Clue
At a glance, Mob were out to enclose seems like a nonsensical statement. However, cryptic crossword clues often consist of two parts: a definition and a wordplay section. The definition might be hidden at either the beginning or end of the clue, with the rest offering a playful way to build the answer.
Spot the Definition
In this clue, Mob is very likely the definition, hinting at a word that means a crowd or unruly group. Cryptic setters disguise definitions in plain sight, so mob would be our target meaning.
Analyze the Wordplay
The phrase were out to enclose suggests an anagram or container fuel. The word were might be rearranged (out indicates anagram) and then put inside (to enclose) another element, forming the answer.
Finding the Anagram
Were has four letters: WERE. If we anagram these (out), we can get forms like ewer, were, weer, and eree. One of those might fit into a synonym of mob. But the clue suggests enclosure, so were is to be enclosed within another letter or letters.
Choosing the Enclosing Letters
Wordplay can vary, but in this clue, a common structure is an enclosing container of two letters that signify to enclose. For example, in or c and a, or simply parentheses in the setter’s mind. Often the clue might hide hints like to or slight misdirection. Here, to points to the collapsing of an enclosure indicator around the anagram.
Arriving at the Answer
If we enclose an anagram of were with letters that complete a 6-letter word meaning mob, one suitable answer istwerwebut that doesn’t seem right. We need a real word. Let’s instead consider synonym of mob: crowd, throng, swarm, raggle, etc.
Solution: SWARM
Swarm is a good fit for mob. But how does it fit the wordplay? The letters SWARM contain WERE reanagrammed (were out) plus SM on the ends. So the structure is:
- Anagram of WERE â WERE rearranged to WERE or EWER, etc.
- Enclosed by S and M (to enclose by the outside letters)
- Gives SWEREM which rearranges to SWARM
In proper construction:
S (enclose start) + anagram of WERE (WAR E â WAR E) + M (enclose end) = SWARM, which means mob.
Why the Construction Works
Cryptic crosswords rely on precise signals:
- Definition: Mob â SWARM
- Anagram signal: out indicates we shuffle WERE
- Container indicators: letters S and M enclose the anagram
Thus, Mob were out to enclose is a concise way to encode SWARM.
Common Misreads and Tricks
- Assuming mob means illegal action or gangster activities here it’s simply crowd.
- Overthinking enclosure: container letters may come from surface words but are common small edges like S M, I N, etc.
- Overlooking the WER E anagram with only four letters it’s easy to dismiss possibilities.
Other Examples of Similar Wordplay
Understanding this style can help you with other cryptic clues:
Example 1
Clue: Drink grog mixed, cool to start (5)
- Definition: Drink â GROG
- Wordplay: anagram (mixed) of GROG = GORG, then cool to start = C â GORGC, which doesn’t work. But if container C ? or suffix C, etc.
- This requires additional picking, but illustrates complexity.
Example 2
Clue: Small insect found in amber (7)
- Definition: insect termite, beetle
- Amber could indicate letters around or hidden: in amber literally contains A M B E R â hidden definition yields B E T T L E
Strategies for Tackling Container-Anagram Clues
Clues like this one combine enclosure and anagram. Here are some steps to solve similar puzzles:
1. Identify the definition
Usually at either the front or end of the clue a straightforward word like mob in this case.
2. Spot the anagram indicator
Words like out, mixed, shuffled, signal letters need rearranging.
3. Press for container signals
Words like to enclose, around, holding, or synonyms suggest letters wrap around other letters.
4. Check letter counts
Letter count ensures the final assembly matches grid length (here, 5 letters).
5. Fit definition to result
Ensure your constructed word matches the clue meaning SWARM = mob.
Why Such Clues Enrich the Puzzle Experience
Clues like Mob were out to enclose bring several layers to crossword solving:
- Encourage lateral thinking not just definitions, but word construction.
- Enrich vocabulary with words like swarm that evoke vivid imagery.
- Stimulate awareness of clue-writing conventions and puzzle grammar.
- Offer satisfying aha! moments when the solution clicks.
Putting It into Practice
When you next face a cryptic clue that seems odd or out of place, remember:
- Definitions can be single words like mob, not entire phrases.
- Anagram signals are subtle out doesn’t mean outside, but scramble.
- Container frameworks rely on small words like to, by, in, etc.
The clue Mob were out to enclose unravels neatly into SWARM through a clever combination of definition, anagram, and container. Understanding its structure improves your cryptic crossword skills and sharpens your mental agility with language. This type of clue exemplifies how a seemingly ordinary phrase packed with everyday words can encode a compact, satisfying solution. Keep practicing with similar patterns, and you’ll soon spot hidden signals in the most unassuming clues.