Crossword Clue Conundrum: A Waterlogged Puzzle
The crossword puzzle. That daily mental workout, that linguistic labyrinth that either kicks your brain into high gear or leaves you staring blankly at a grid of numbered squares. Some clues are straightforward, a gentle nudge in the right direction. Others? Well, they require a deep dive into the recesses of your memory, a strategic deployment of synonyms, and perhaps a little bit of luck.
Today, we’re tackling a particularly evocative clue:
“Stopped due to a downpour (6,3)“
.
Immediately, the number of letters provides our first constraint. We’re looking for a two-word answer, with the first word containing six letters and the second containing three. This simple piece of information can be surprisingly powerful, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
The core of the clue, however, lies in the phrase “stopped due to a downpour.” This evokes imagery of sudden halts, interruptions, and the sheer force of nature. Think about situations that are commonly disrupted by heavy rain. What activities are rendered impossible, or at least highly unpleasant, by a torrential downpour?
Consider the word “stopped.” It implies a cessation of movement, a ceasing of an activity. Is it a temporary pause, or a more permanent end? The clue doesn’t specify, so we need to keep both possibilities in mind.
Then there’s the word “downpour.” This isn’t just a light drizzle; it’s a deluge, a cloudburst, a soaking rain. Think about the impact of such intense weather.
The six-letter word likely describes the
action or state
that is being stopped, while the three-letter word might relate to the
cause
or the
reason
behind the interruption.
Let’s brainstorm some scenarios affected by heavy rain. Outdoor events are a prime example. Sporting events, concerts, picnics – all vulnerable to the whims of the weather. Travel plans can also be derailed. Roads become flooded, flights are grounded, and even train services can be disrupted.
Think about the various ways to describe something being stopped. Is it postponed? Cancelled? Suspended? Interrupted? Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation, and the key is to find the one that fits both the length requirement and the overall context of the clue.
For the three-letter word, consider words that directly relate to rain. Think of synonyms for rain, or words that describe the intensity or effect of heavy rainfall.
Don’t underestimate the power of prefixes and suffixes. Could the six-letter word be a variation of a common verb, altered with a prefix to indicate stoppage?
Remember, crossword clues often rely on wordplay, clever phrasing, and indirect references. The obvious answer isn’t always the correct one. Consider alternative meanings of the words involved, and explore different angles of interpretation.
The solution is out there, hidden within the intersection of vocabulary, logic, and a little bit of lateral thinking. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
RAINEDOFF.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 19 September 2025