The phrase denotes a common type of puzzle question where the answer is a title of a work by a specific British author. The puzzle provides a hint, often indirect or pun-based, that leads solvers to recall a literary piece penned by David Herbert Lawrence. For example, a clue like “Lady Chatterley’s forbidden reading” would point toward one of his most recognized novels.
The prevalence of literary questions in puzzles highlights the enduring cultural significance of influential authors and their creations. Successfully solving such a clue requires both a familiarity with the author’s body of work and an understanding of how puzzle setters craft deceptive yet solvable hints. These clues often tap into well-known aspects of the work, such as themes, characters, or even the publication history of the literary piece.