Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the daily ritual of unfurling a fresh grid, coffee in hand, ready to pit your wits against the clever minds of the constructors. Every now and then, a particular
crossword clue
leaps out, not because it’s immediately obvious, but because it’s subtly brilliant, a little enigma that demands a moment of quiet contemplation before its solution reveals itself. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a marvel: “Hoped (for) (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems straightforward enough. “Hoped” is a common verb, past tense. Six letters, that’s our length. But then you notice that crucial addition, the parenthetical “(for)”. Ah, the plot thickens! This isn’t just any ordinary definition; it’s a carefully crafted piece of wordplay designed to guide – or perhaps, misdirect – your train of thought.
The beauty of a well-constructed
crossword clue
like this lies in its layers. Is the “(for)” an integral part of a phrasal verb? Is it indicating a specific context or nuance of “hoped”? The mere presence of those two letters within the parentheses immediately tells an experienced solver that we’re dealing with more than a simple synonym lookup. It nudges us towards a more precise, often less obvious, interpretation of the root word. When you encounter a
crossword clue
structured this way, it’s a clear signal to think beyond the most common definitions and delve into idiomatic expressions or less frequently used but perfectly valid synonyms that specifically take “for” as their accompanying preposition.
Consider the various ways one might ‘hope for’ something. Is it an earnest desire? A confident expectation? A mere wish? Each of these subtle differences can point to a distinct six-letter word. The challenge with this particular
crossword clue
is sifting through the possibilities, eliminating words that simply mean “hoped” but don’t quite capture the essence of “hoped
for
.” It’s a delightful test of vocabulary precision, forcing you to consider not just the verb itself, but its complete grammatical environment.
For a six-letter
crossword clue
like this, the first step is often to brainstorm all the words that could possibly fit the “hoped” definition. But then comes the crucial filter: which of these words
naturally
pairs with “for” when expressing a similar sentiment? This process of elimination is key to cracking many a tricky
crossword clue
. It’s about leveraging not just the core meaning, but the subtle grammatical implications and common collocations.
Sometimes, a
crossword clue
that seems deceptively simple can hold the entire grid hostage. This one certainly has that potential. It requires you to dig a little deeper, to consider the specific flavor of “hope” that is being expressed. Is it a longing? A confident belief? The nuances are everything when tackling such a precise
crossword clue
. It’s a reminder that every piece of information provided, even the smallest parenthetical, is a vital hint to unlocking the solution.
So, as you ponder this superb
crossword clue
, think about verbs that inherently imply an object of desire or expectation, verbs that often, or even exclusively, take “for” as their preposition. The six-letter constraint is your final guide, narrowing down the field until that perfect word clicks into place. Happy solving, and may your grids always be full of such rewarding challenges!
Available Answers:
WISHED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 14 June 2025