Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! Today, we’re dissecting a fascinating little gem that popped up in a recent grid: “Small item of information (7)“. At first glance, this might seem like one of those straightforward definition-based crossword clues, but as seasoned solvers know, simplicity can often mask a surprising depth. It’s a testament to the artistry of crossword constructors that even a seemingly plain
crossword clue
can send us down a delightful rabbit hole of synonyms and possibilities.
When tackling any
crossword clue
, especially one like this, the first step is always to break it down. We have two core components here: “small item” and “information.” Each of these phrases carries a world of potential meanings. “Small item” could refer to something diminutive, minor, or perhaps insignificant. Think of all the ways we describe things that are not large in scale or importance. Then, “information” – a broad term encompassing facts, data, news, details, or even just a general piece of knowledge. The challenge, and indeed the joy, of this particular
crossword clue
lies in finding the single seven-letter word that perfectly bridges both concepts.
Consider the interplay. Is it an item of information that is
physically
small, or one that is
minor
in its significance? Could it be a brief, concise piece of data, or merely one part of a larger whole? The beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is its ability to imply subtle nuances without explicitly stating them. This is where your mental thesaurus truly gets a workout. You might find yourself rattling off words for “small” –
tiny, little, minute, brief, trivial
– and then words for “information” –
fact, detail, datum, news, snippet, piece, bit
. The key is to then start combining these elements in your mind, seeking that perfect semantic overlap.
Many solvers find that with
crossword clues
of this nature, thinking about common contexts can be incredibly helpful. Where might you encounter a “small item of information”? Is it something you’d find in a report, a conversation, a database, or perhaps a secret message? The more scenarios you imagine, the more likely you are to stumble upon the precise word the constructor had in mind. It’s not just about definition; it’s about the exact fit, the word that resonates most naturally within the lexicon of common usage.
This specific
crossword clue
is also a brilliant example of how word length can be both a help and a hindrance. Seven letters is long enough to narrow down the field significantly compared to a three or four-letter answer, but still broad enough to allow for a few plausible contenders. It requires precision. You might have several strong candidates in mind, but only one will be the absolute perfect fit for both parts of the clue and, of course, align with any intersecting letters you’ve already filled in. That delightful moment of recognition, when the correct word clicks into place, is precisely why we keep coming back to these daily puzzles.
Keep honing your
crossword clue
solving skills, and remember that every clue, no matter how simple it seems, offers an opportunity to expand your vocabulary and sharpen your deductive reasoning. Until next time, happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
SNIPPET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 21 July 2025