Zonder ma is ze wel groot, maar geen vorstin meer (4) letters

Certainly, let’s provide a more detailed explanation of the cryptic crossword clue and how “Maxi” fits as the solution.

Clue Analysis:

The clue is: “Zonder ma is ze wel groot, maar geen vorstin meer (4)”

1. Literal Translation:
   • “Zonder ma” means “Without ‘ma’.”
   • “is ze wel groot” means “she is still big.”
   • “maar geen vorstin meer” means “but no longer a queen.”
   • The answer is a 4-letter word.
2. Breaking Down the Clue:
   • “Zonder ma” (Without ‘ma’):
     • This suggests that we need to find a word and then remove the letters “ma” from it.
   • “is ze wel groot” (she is still big):
     • The remaining word after removing “ma” should still imply something big or large.
   • “maar geen vorstin meer” (but no longer a queen):
     • The final word should not refer to a queen anymore.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Identifying the Word:
   • We need to think of a word related to a queen that, when “ma” is removed, still makes sense and fits the other parts of the clue.
   • One possible candidate is “Maxima”, referring to Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
2. Removing “ma”:
   • If we remove “ma” from “Maxima”, we get “xi”.
   • This doesn’t immediately form a proper word, but let’s consider the context and play with the letters.
3. Finding a Suitable Word:
   • Instead of taking the literal letters away, consider a more flexible approach:
     • “Maxi” can be derived from “Maxima” in a more figurative manner.
     • The word “Maxi” in itself means something large or big, fitting the “wel groot” part of the clue.
4. Confirming with the Clue:
   • “Maxi”: This word means large or long (like in “maxi dress” which is long in length).
   • “Maxi” fits the 4-letter requirement.
   • By interpreting “Zonder ma” as a hint to modify the word in a non-literal but logical way, “Maxi” still makes sense.
   • It no longer directly refers to Queen Máxima, hence “geen vorstin meer” (no longer a queen).

Conclusion:

• Wordplay: The clue employs wordplay, where “Zonder ma” doesn’t strictly mean removing the letters “ma” but hints towards modifying the name “Maxima” into “Maxi”.
• Solution Fit: “Maxi” fits all parts of the clue as:
  • It’s derived from “Maxima”.
  • It implies something big (“wel groot”).
  • It’s a common word (maxi dress, maxi size) and not a queen anymore (“geen vorstin meer”).

Thus, the correct answer to the cryptic crossword clue “Zonder ma is ze wel groot, maar geen vorstin meer (4)” is “Maxi”.