Some crossword clues hit different, don’t they? They’re the ones that make you pause, scratch your head, and maybe even let out a small groan of frustration – but in the best possible way. Today, we’re dissecting a prime example of such a wordplay puzzle: the enigmatic “Difficult, tiring (7)” crossword clue. It’s a deceptively simple pairing of adjectives that, when combined into a single seven-letter solution, truly tests your vocabulary and your ability to think like a setter.
At first glance, “Difficult, tiring” seems straightforward. We all know what “difficult” means – something that requires considerable effort, skill, or resources to do or overcome. Synonyms abound: challenging, hard, arduous, complex, intricate. Then there’s “tiring” – something that causes weariness or exhaustion, either physically or mentally. Here, words like exhausting, fatiguing, draining, wearying come to mind. The trick, as with many a well-crafted crossword clue, is finding the single word that encapsulates both nuances perfectly, fitting precisely into those seven blank spaces.
Consider the dual nature of this particular crossword clue. “Difficult” often implies a mental or conceptual struggle, while “tiring” frequently leans towards physical or sustained effort. Yet, there are many activities or states that are both. A long, complex negotiation is difficult and tiring. A lengthy, intricate repair job is difficult and tiring. A mentally demanding course of study can be profoundly difficult and, consequently, incredibly tiring. The beauty of this kind of crossword clue lies in its ability to condense these layered meanings into one precise linguistic package.
When faced with a crossword clue like “Difficult, tiring (7),” one of the first strategies is to break down each component. What seven-letter words spring to mind when you think
only
of “difficult”? Perhaps words like ‘arduous’ (oops, that’s six, but good to try!), ‘testing’, ‘strenuous’. Then, what seven-letter words relate
only
to “tiring”? Words like ‘exhausting’, ‘draining’, ‘wearying’. The magic happens in the intersection. Which single word, exactly seven letters long, sits comfortably in both categories? This is where a good thesaurus, a strong grasp of synonyms, and a little lateral thinking for your daily crossword clue come in handy.
The setter of this crossword clue clearly had a specific word in mind, one that might not immediately jump out as the most common synonym for either term individually, but which perfectly bridges the gap between them. It’s a word that evokes a sense of struggle and the subsequent depletion of energy, a task that not only requires great effort but also leaves one feeling spent. These are the kinds of precise, evocative words that make solving crossword clues so immensely satisfying.
This particular crossword clue reminds us that often, the best solutions are not just direct synonyms, but words that capture the
essence
or
consequences
of the concepts presented. It’s about understanding the subtle interplay between effort and fatigue, between complexity and the energy expended to overcome it. So, next time you encounter “Difficult, tiring (7)” or a similarly nuanced crossword clue, take a moment to appreciate the linguistic craftsmanship involved. It’s more than just a word; it’s a whole experience distilled into seven letters. Keep those solving brains churning!
Available Answers:
ONEROUS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 3 August 2025