Ah, the daily crossword. A ritual, a challenge, and often, a delightful brain-teaser that makes you pause, ponder, and sometimes even pace a little. There’s a particular satisfaction in untangling a cleverly worded clue, especially one that paints a vivid picture while simultaneously demanding precision. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a gem: “Cut off by the tide (8).”
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it immediately conjures a specific, almost cinematic image. We’ve all seen or imagined it: the relentless, rhythmic advance of the ocean, the water creeping higher and higher, until a patch of land, a structure, or perhaps even a person, becomes utterly isolated. The sheer power of the sea, its indifferent ebb and flow, creating a temporary or sometimes even permanent separation from the mainland. It’s a powerful natural phenomenon, pregnant with a sense of both drama and quiet solitude.
For seasoned solvers tackling their daily crossword puzzle, clues like this offer a fantastic opportunity for mental gymnastics. The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue often lies in its layers. Is “Cut off by the tide” a literal description, pointing to a geographical feature, or is there a more metaphorical interpretation at play? The best clues often hint at both, leading you down one path only for the ‘aha!’ moment to reveal a subtly different, yet perfectly fitting, answer.
The bracketed ‘(8)’ is our crucial guiding star here, indicating an eight-letter answer. This numeric constraint is a huge help, narrowing down the vast ocean of potential words to a more manageable pool. What words come to mind when you think of being completely surrounded by water, separated from the accessible world by the whims of the sea? Think about the state of being, the geographical implication, the very essence of that watery confinement.
When confronted with a challenging crossword clue like this, the process usually involves a few steps. First, the initial literal interpretation: what does it
literally
mean to be cut off by the tide? Then, you start to brainstorm synonyms for that state or condition. Next, you apply the letter count. Does “isolated” fit? No, too many letters. “Marooned”? Getting closer, but still not quite right for an eight-letter answer. It’s a process of elimination and association, drawing upon your vocabulary and understanding of wordplay.
The elegance of this particular crossword clue is its directness, yet it still manages to evoke a powerful sense of place and circumstance. It’s the kind of clue that anchors itself firmly in reality, making you think about natural events and their consequences. It makes you consider not just what happens, but the
result
of what happens, the state that follows being “cut off.”
Solving crosswords isn’t just about finding the right word; it’s about appreciating the artistry of the clue setter. This particular clue exemplifies that artistry, offering a clear image and a specific count, yet still requiring that spark of insight to bridge the gap between description and solution. It’s a classic example of how a crossword clue can transport you, challenge you, and ultimately, reward you with that satisfying click of understanding. It’s these moments that keep us coming back to our daily dose of word puzzles.
Available Answers:
MAROONED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 5 December 2025