Home/Minute Cryptic/Clue

Newest member of staff knocks over store branch and leaves area? (6)

Minute Cryptic clue · August 18, 2026 · answer and full explanation
By Ahmed Hassan
Answer verified against the live puzzle

The Minute Cryptic clue “Newest member of staff knocks over store branch and leaves area?” (6) was set for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Below is the answer — blurred until you tap — followed by the definition, the wordplay and why the letters land where they do.

Minute Cryptic · August 18, 2026

Newest member of staff knocks over store branch and leaves area?

(6)

The answer isFOREST

No spoilers — the answer stays blurred until you tap.

Letters 6Set by Eamonn S, Liam & Angas (community)Solvers 81,775

How this clue works

The answer

FOREST

The clue reads “Newest member of staff knocks over store branch and leaves area?” (6).

What FOREST means

/ˈfɒɹɪst/noun / verb
noun

A dense uncultivated tract of trees and undergrowth, larger than woods.

noun

Any dense collection or amount.

“a forest of criticism”
verb

To cover an area with trees.

This clue’s puzzle day

This clue was the Minute Cryptic for Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Open the August 18, 2026 puzzle page for that day’s write-up, or browse the full Minute Cryptic archive.

More Minute Cryptic clues

Outdated version of Messenger pinged endlessly, glitching over nothingAug 27See answer →0 = no value, inherentlyAug 26See answer →Stylish family saying "au revoir" to French friendAug 25See answer →Child flies military aircraft, gaining ground on the slower pilotsAug 24See answer →Yo yo-yo yo! Ha!Aug 23See answer →Naked extrovert flings away last piece of underwear and plays TwisterAug 22See answer →Give medal to Jan's predecessor and make a speechAug 21See answer →Whispered: "See you inside?" Yelled: "8:00 SHARP!"Aug 20See answer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the answer to “Newest member of staff knocks over store branch and leaves area?”?
The answer is FOREST (6 letters). Tap the reveal button above to see it in the answer card.
How do I read a cryptic clue like this?
Every cryptic clue has two halves: a straight definition (at the start or the end) and a piece of wordplay that builds the same word letter by letter. Find the definition first, count the letters from the enumeration, then work out which trick the rest of the clue is playing.
Is there a new Minute Cryptic every day?
Yes — one cryptic clue a day at minutecryptic.com, plus community-set clues. We publish each day’s answer and breakdown here shortly after it goes live.