There are days when a crossword just flows, a satisfying cascade of answers slotting neatly into place, and then there are those glorious, head-scratching moments when a single, brilliant
crossword clue
brings everything to a delightful halt, demanding your full attention. It’s not just a test of vocabulary; it’s a delightful battle of wits with the setter, a dance of misdirection and hidden meanings that makes the eventual “aha!” moment all the more satisfying. Today, we’re zeroing in on one such gem that recently graced the grid, a
cryptic crossword clue
that perfectly encapsulates the charm and challenge of the whole endeavor.
The clue in question? “Struggle with trade union is less worrying (6)“. Just reading it, you can already feel the gears turning, right? It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic, cleverly crafted
puzzling crossword clue
: a seemingly straightforward sentence that immediately hints at deeper layers of meaning, all wrapped up in a precise word count. Six letters. That’s enough to allow for a good deal of complexity, but also tight enough to demand pinpoint accuracy in your deduction.
Let’s break down why this particular
crossword clue
is such a beauty. We have “struggle,” which immediately conjures images of effort, difficulty, perhaps even conflict. Then there’s “trade union,” a phrase laden with its own associations, often implying collective action, negotiation, or even, yes, struggle. And finally, the phrase “is less worrying.” This is where the magic truly begins to unfold, hinting at a state or an outcome that contrasts with the initial imagery. All of this has to condense into a six-letter word. Think about the way the setter has woven these disparate elements together. It’s a masterclass in obfuscation that, once solved, becomes brilliantly clear. This isn’t just about finding a synonym; it’s about navigating wordplay, interpreting context, and spotting the precise definition hidden within the misdirection. That’s the essence of
deciphering crossword clues
at their best.
For many of us, the thrill of
solving crossword clues
isn’t just about filling in the grid; it’s about that journey, that slow unfolding of understanding. With a
challenging crossword clue
like this one, you might initially go down a few wrong paths. Is “struggle” the definition? Is “trade union” the wordplay? Or is it a combination, a clever double-entendre that combines a definition with an anagram or a charade? The beauty of it lies in that analytical process. You might find yourself saying the words aloud, trying to hear different nuances, or mentally re-arranging letters as you consider possibilities. The setter knows this, and they expertly lay out the breadcrumbs, sometimes leading you astray, sometimes directly to the solution. It’s a delicate balance, and this specific clue strikes it perfectly. It’s a testament to the creativity involved in crafting a truly great
crossword clue
.
This kind of
crossword clue
doesn’t just fill a space in the grid; it sparks conversation, it makes you appreciate the art form, and it reminds you why we keep coming back for more. It’s a wonderful example of how a few carefully chosen words can create a mini-puzzle that provides immense satisfaction upon completion. It’s the kind of clue that makes you nod in appreciation, perhaps even groan slightly at its cleverness, once you finally see it. And that, dear solvers, is precisely why we love this intricate hobby so much. It’s not about the answer itself, but the journey of getting there.
Available Answers:
TUSSLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 10 July 2025