Stepping into the world of daily crosswords, we often encounter those particular clues that seem to smile innocently, yet hide a wonderfully complex layer beneath. Today, we’re zeroing in on one such intriguing entry: “She nurses one of the family (6)“. If this particular crossword clue has given you pause, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a prime example of how constructors craft clever wordplay to challenge even the most seasoned solvers.
At first glance, this six-letter crossword clue seems fairly straightforward. The word “nurses” immediately conjures images of care, healing, and perhaps a medical setting. Coupled with “one of the family,” our minds might jump to a relative who tends to the ill, a grandmotherly figure, or perhaps a professional caregiver within a household. However, the beauty – and trickiness – of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to lead us down one path while the true meaning waits patiently in a less obvious interpretation.
The key to unlocking this type of challenging crossword clue almost always lies in identifying a word with multiple meanings. For “She nurses one of the family (6),” the spotlight shines brightly on “nurses.” While its primary definition revolves around providing medical care, consider other, less common, or more archaic usages. What else could it mean to “nurse” something? Could it refer to the act of holding or fostering something, like nursing a grudge, or nursing an ambition? Or, perhaps more literally, does it refer to a very specific, fundamental act of caring for a young dependent?
Then there’s the phrase “one of the family.” While it most commonly refers to a blood relative, in the realm of crossword clues, “family” can sometimes imply a broader category or a specific, defined role within a household unit. Think about the various individuals who might be considered part of a family, not just through genetic ties, but through roles, responsibilities, or even traditional societal positions. The “she” at the beginning is crucial, narrowing down the possibilities to a female figure.
When you’re faced with a tricky crossword clue like this, resist the urge to jump to the most obvious conclusion. Crossword constructors are masters of misdirection, and their goal is to make you think laterally. This particular clue leverages a very common verb (“nurses”) in a way that encourages a specific, medical interpretation, while subtly hinting at an entirely different, yet equally valid, meaning that fits perfectly into the context of “one of the family” and the six-letter constraint.
Solving a crossword clue often involves a bit of detective work – looking beyond the literal and exploring the full semantic range of each word. For “She nurses one of the family (6),” ponder those less common definitions of “nurses” and consider what kind of family member might be associated with such an act. It’s the kind of clever wordplay that makes the daily crossword such an enduring and satisfying mental exercise. Keep pondering, the answer is often simpler, yet more subtle, than you might first imagine.
Available Answers:
SISTER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 7 August 2025