Welcome, fellow word sleuths and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of cracking a really clever
crossword clue
, is there? That moment when the penny drops, and a seemingly impenetrable riddle suddenly unravels into a perfectly logical, often witty, solution. It’s why we keep coming back to these grids, day after day, eager for the next linguistic challenge.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
that recently caught my eye and sparked a good deal of contemplation: “Stops and relaxes after century (6)“. If you’ve encountered this one, you’ll know it’s a prime example of the kind of playful misdirection and double-meaning that makes the best
crossword clues
so engaging. It’s compact, precise, and yet, initially, might leave you drawing a blank.
Let’s dissect this gem, without, of course, giving away the answer just yet. That’s part of the fun of a good
crossword clue
, isn’t it? The journey to the solution is just as rewarding as the destination. We have two main components here: “Stops and relaxes” and “century”. And then, of course, the ever-important length indicator: (6). Six letters.
First, consider “Stops and relaxes.” This phrase evokes images of taking a break, finding calm, or perhaps concluding a period of intense activity. What kind of actions lead to someone needing to “stop and relax”? It suggests an effort, a completion, a winding down. In the realm of
crossword clues
, such phrases often point to a state of being or an action that follows a significant event.
Now, for the really juicy part: “century.” This is where the magic of a well-crafted
crossword clue
truly shines. When you hear “century,” what’s the first thing that springs to mind? For many, it’s a period of one hundred years. A long stretch of time, certainly. But seasoned
crossword clue
solvers know to dig deeper. They know that words, especially common ones, often have multiple meanings, and the best clues exploit these alternative interpretations. Think about other contexts where the number “one hundred” plays a crucial role. Are there specific achievements, especially in sports or other competitive fields, where reaching “a century” is a significant milestone? And what might someone do
after
reaching such a milestone? Perhaps something that aligns perfectly with “stops and relaxes”?
This is the beauty of this particular
crossword clue
. It leverages the ambiguity of “century” to lead you down one path, while the answer lies subtly hidden down another. It demands that you think laterally, to consider not just the most obvious definition, but the less common, yet perfectly valid, uses of a word. When a
crossword clue
successfully does this, it’s not just a test of vocabulary, but a delightful challenge to your linguistic agility.
Solving this type of
crossword clue
often involves a moment of quiet reflection, perhaps picturing scenarios where “century” has a different resonance. You might mentally cycle through various sports, historical events, or even everyday phrases where the number 100 is significant. Then, you try to connect that alternative meaning to the idea of “stopping and relaxing.” And don’t forget that six-letter constraint! It’s your final confirmation, narrowing down the possibilities until only one perfect word fits the bill.
So, take another look at “Stops and relaxes after century (6).” Ponder its double layers. Consider the less obvious paths. The solution is elegant, fitting perfectly with both parts of the clue, and provides that satisfying ‘aha!’ moment that we all chase when tackling a great
crossword clue
. Keep at it, and you’ll find it!
Available Answers:
CEASES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 5 August 2025