Follower Of Four Or Six But Not Five Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 18, 2025

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Unlocking the Mystery: Follower of Four or Six, But Not Five – A Crossword Clue Deep Dive

This article delves into the cryptic crossword clue "Follower of four or six, but not five," providing a comprehensive analysis of its solution and the reasoning behind it. We'll explore the wordplay involved, discuss potential alternative clues, and examine the broader context of cryptic crossword construction. For crossword enthusiasts, this article will offer valuable insights into solving techniques and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of cryptic clues.

Understanding the Clue:

The clue "Follower of four or six, but not five" is a classic example of a cryptic crossword clue that utilizes wordplay rather than a direct definition. Let's break down its components:

• "Follower of four or six": This part of the clue acts as a cryptic definition. It suggests a word that comes after the numbers four and six in a specific sequence. This hints at a numerical or sequential context.

• "But not five": This crucial phrase acts as a restrictive element, eliminating possibilities and guiding the solver towards the correct answer. It specifically rules out the number five, indicating that the solution isn't simply the next number in a straightforward sequence.

The Solution and Wordplay:

The solution to this clue is SEVEN.

Here's why:

The clue plays on the sequence of dice faces. A standard six-sided die has the numbers one through six. The numbers four and six are present on the die. The number following four on a die is five, and the number following six is one; however, neither of those directly follow the numerical order implied by 'follower of'. Instead, the solution requires us to consider the arrangement of the numbers on a die. If we consider that dice commonly have numbers positioned opposite each other that add to 7 (1 opposite 6, 2 opposite 5, 3 opposite 4), then 7 is the "follower" we're looking for. It's the number that always completes the sum of opposite sides. The clue cleverly uses this "following" relationship in a non-linear, spatial sense, rather than a purely numerical progression. The clause "but not five" acts as a crucial misdirection to further solidify the dice-based solution.

Alternative Clue Construction:

This clue's effectiveness stems from its elegance and subtlety. However, many alternative clues could achieve the same solution. Here are a few examples:

• "Number after four and six, on a die." This clue is more direct and less cryptic but still retains the core wordplay element.

• "Comes after four or six, depending on your perspective." This clue hints at the spatial arrangement on a die without explicitly mentioning it.

• "Seven: the number that completes the pairs on a die." This clue is more of a definition clue but still incorporates the core concept.

• "Dice's hidden number." (A very short, perhaps too obscure clue)

These alternative clues highlight the versatility of cryptic clue construction. The best clues are those that are both challenging and fair, providing enough information for the solver to deduce the answer without resorting to guesswork.

The Art of Cryptic Crosswords:

Cryptic crosswords rely heavily on wordplay, misdirection, and double meanings. They demand a blend of logic, lateral thinking, and linguistic dexterity. The clue "Follower of four or six, but not five" exemplifies the artistry of cryptic clues:

• Misdirection: The initial impression suggests a straightforward numerical sequence. This is deliberately misleading.

• Concision: The clue is concise and elegant, conveying a complex idea in few words.

• Fairness: While challenging, the clue provides sufficient clues for a solver to arrive at the correct answer through logical deduction.

• Ambiguity: The clue is deliberately ambiguous, playing on multiple interpretations of "follower" and "sequence".

Conclusion:

The crossword clue "Follower of four or six, but not five" is a prime example of a well-crafted cryptic clue. Its solution, SEVEN, is elegantly derived through wordplay based on the unique arrangement of numbers on a standard die. Analyzing this clue provides valuable insights into the construction and solving techniques used in cryptic crosswords, reminding us that the true challenge lies not just in finding the answer, but in understanding the intricate logic behind it. Understanding the various levels of wordplay allows solvers to better understand the intricacies and hidden depths of seemingly simple clues. The puzzle element, combined with the ingenious wordplay, showcases the enduring appeal of cryptic crossword puzzles.