Stride Forth: Unpacking a Six-Letter Walk
Right, let’s tackle this one. “Walk with long paces (6)“. A seemingly simple clue, right? Walk. Six letters. How many ways can we walk? But the specific wording, “long paces,” adds a layer of nuance that elevates this above a simple stroll.
We’re not talking about a saunter. This isn’t a leisurely potter around the garden. Think more purposeful. More driven. There’s a sense of covering ground here, of getting somewhere, or at least giving the impression that you are. The “long paces” really hammer that point home.
The key is that active verb “walk.” What kind of walk implies large steps? What kind of walk suggests a certain level of energy or urgency?
Let’s break down the potential avenues of thought here. Firstly, consider the
style
of walking. Is there a specific type of walk, perhaps one associated with a profession or a particular activity, that inherently involves long strides? Think about different sports, for example. Do any of them feature a distinctive walk characterized by extended steps? What about certain jobs where covering ground quickly is essential? Could there be a walk associated with a specific type of person, known for their efficiency or determination?
Secondly, think about the
reason
for walking with long paces. Why would someone choose to walk that way? Are they trying to reach a destination quickly? Are they trying to project an image of power or confidence? The motivation behind the walk can provide valuable clues. Imagine someone rushing to catch a train – their walk would undoubtedly be characterized by “long paces.” Now, can you condense that frantic energy into a single six-letter word?
Thirdly, consider the
sound
of walking with long paces. While the clue doesn’t explicitly mention sound, the image it conjures can be helpful. What kind of sound do you associate with someone taking large, purposeful strides? Is it a soft padding, or something more forceful and rhythmic? Thinking about the sonic aspect of the walk might lead you to a word that captures that essence.
Another angle to explore is looking at synonyms for “walk” itself. What are some other words that describe the act of moving on foot? Think beyond the everyday. Dig into your vocabulary. There might be a less common, more evocative word for walking that also carries the connotation of long steps. Thesauruses can be a goldmine for this. Search for synonyms for “walk” and then analyze each one to see if it fits the “long paces” modifier.
Finally, remember the importance of letter patterns in crossword clues. If you already have some crossing letters, use them! Even a single letter can significantly narrow down the possibilities. For example, if you know the third letter is an “E,” you can start brainstorming six-letter words for walking that have an “E” in that position. This approach combines your understanding of the clue with the concrete constraints of the crossword grid.
This clue is a great example of how a seemingly simple instruction can actually lead to a rather interesting mental journey. Keep these thought processes in mind as you tackle other challenging crossword clues, and you will find you unlock them easier.
Available Answers:
STRIDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 5 September 2025