Choice (6): A Crossword Conundrum
The siren song of a six-letter word beckons. It taunts us from the grid, a seemingly simple space brimming with potential, yet harboring the power to halt our progress altogether. This week, that six-letter temptress is “Choice.”
Now, “Choice (6)” sounds straightforward enough. A word suggesting selection, preference, or an option to be made. Easy, right? Not so fast. The beauty – and sometimes the agony – of crosswords lies in the subtle nuances of language, the clever misdirection, and the fiendishly specific way the clue is crafted.
Let’s dissect the anatomy of “Choice.” On the surface, it’s a noun, a thing. An act of choosing. A range of possibilities spread out before us. But crosswords are rarely content with surface-level meanings. We must delve deeper, consider the alternate forms, the related words, and the connotations lurking beneath the surface.
Think about synonyms. What words are similar to “Choice”? Perhaps “Option” springs to mind. Or “Selection.” Maybe even “Decision,” although that leans more toward the act of choosing rather than the inherent possibility. But remember, we need a six-letter word. Each of those options, while conceptually relevant, fails to meet the length requirement.
This is where the art of crossword solving comes into play. We need to think laterally, to consider less obvious connections. Think about the context of the surrounding clues. Are there any themes emerging in the grid? A particular subject matter being hinted at? This can often provide vital clues, steering us toward the correct answer.
Consider the tone of the clue itself. Is it playful or serious? Is there any implied wordplay, a pun perhaps, or a hidden anagram? Crossword setters are notorious for their tricks, their ability to conceal the answer in plain sight. The devil, as they say, is in the details.
Now, let’s broaden our focus. “Choice” isn’t just a noun. It can also be an adjective, describing something that is of high quality, something that is preferred or select. Think of phrases like “choice cuts” or “a choice location.” Could this adjectival form be relevant?
Another avenue to explore is the verb form: “to choose.” While the clue itself asks for a noun, thinking about the verb can sometimes unlock related words or concepts that fit the six-letter constraint. What are the consequences of making a choice? What are the different ways in which we choose?
The frustration with clues like “Choice (6)” often arises from the sheer breadth of possibilities. The word itself is so fundamental, so woven into the fabric of our language, that it can be difficult to narrow down the options. It requires a systematic approach, a process of elimination, and a healthy dose of patience.
So, take a deep breath. Look at the surrounding clues. Consider the synonyms, the antonyms, the related words. Play with the letters, experiment with different combinations. The answer is out there, lurking just beyond the periphery of your vocabulary. Remember that crosswords are puzzles, designed to challenge and reward in equal measure. Embrace the challenge, and you will eventually unravel the mystery of “Choice (6).”
Available Answers:
OPTION.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 1 September 2025