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Re: COVID variant - start social distancing? (7)

Minute Cryptic clue · September 27, 2026 · answer and full explanation
By Ahmed Hassan
Answer verified against the live puzzle

The Minute Cryptic clue “Re: COVID variant - start social distancing?” (7) was set for Sunday, September 27, 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 · September 27, 2026

Re: COVID variant - start social distancing?

(7)

The answer isDIVORCE

No spoilers — the answer stays blurred until you tap.

Letters 7Device AnagramSet by Nicky (community)Par 3Solvers 16,962

The clue, colour-coded

Re: COVID variant - start social distancing?
DefinitionWordplay / fodderLinking words

How this clue works

The definition

start social distancing?

Our definition here is 'start social distancing?' with the question mark implying some stretchiness.

The wordplay

Re: COVID

This clue's fodder is 'Re: COVID'. We'll use these letters to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s).

The answer

DIVORCE

The clue reads “Re: COVID variant - start social distancing?” (7). The definition part — “start social distancing?” — points straight at DIVORCE, and the rest of the clue builds it with anagram wordplay.

Minute Cryptic publishes a short walkthrough for this clue — watch Nicky’s own explanation →

This clue’s puzzle day

This clue was the Minute Cryptic for Sunday, September 27, 2026. Open the September 27, 2026 puzzle page for that day’s write-up, or browse the full Minute Cryptic archive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the answer to “Re: COVID variant - start social distancing?”?
The answer is DIVORCE (7 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.