Navigating the labyrinthine world of
crossword clues
often presents a fascinating challenge, and some entries truly stand out, demanding a deeper dive into their potential meanings and the setter’s intent. Today, we’re zeroing in on a classic example that, at first glance, might seem straightforward but can hold layers of nuance for the astute solver: “Double-cross (6).”
This particular
crossword clue
immediately draws our attention to the dual nature of its lead-in. “Double-cross” itself is a powerful verb, implying betrayal and deceit, a turning against someone previously aligned. When encountering such a precise phrase in a
crossword puzzle
, the first step is always to consider its most common definitions. Is it the act of treachery itself? Is it the person performing the betrayal? Or could it be something entirely different, a more literal interpretation perhaps, if we were dealing with a cryptic
crossword clue
? Given the direct phrasing, it leans heavily towards a definitional match for a standard or general knowledge
crossword clue
.
The critical element, of course, is the parenthetical “(6)”. This seemingly small detail is our most vital guidepost, immediately narrowing down the vast ocean of potential words to only those comprising precisely six letters. This constraint is what transforms a broad concept like “betrayal” into a targeted search for a specific word that encapsulates “double-cross” within that letter count. It eliminates longer synonyms like “deception” or “treachery” and shorter ones like “cheat” or “trick.” The six-letter length forces us to consider the exact vocabulary that fits both the meaning and the structure.
When grappling with a perplexing
crossword clue
like this, it’s beneficial to brainstorm synonyms associated with betrayal, deceit, and undermining an ally. Think about words describing the act of turning coat, breaking trust, or deceiving someone. The answer won’t just be any six-letter word; it will be the one that most precisely aligns with the active meaning of “double-cross.” Could it be a verb in the third person singular, an adjective, or a noun denoting the act or the perpetrator? For a direct definition, the part of speech of the answer often mirrors the implied part of speech of the clue, which here feels very much like a verb or a noun describing the action.
The beauty of unraveling a precise
crossword clue
like “Double-cross (6)” lies in the careful consideration of every angle. It’s about more than just finding a synonym; it’s about finding the
perfect
synonym that fits the letter count and captures the essence of the clue’s meaning. The best approach involves exploring the various facets of “double-cross”—its implications of betrayal, its active nature, and its direct consequence—all while keeping that strict six-letter limit firmly in mind. The right word for this
crossword clue
will be concise, impactful, and perfectly encapsulate the act described.
Available Answers:
BETRAY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 13 July 2025