Welcome back, fellow word-smiths and cryptic crusaders! Today, we’re diving into a particularly satisfying
crossword clue
that, while seemingly straightforward, carries a delightful bit of wordplay. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that makes you nod in appreciation once you crack it, showcasing the brilliance of good puzzle design. For anyone who loves to solve a daily
crossword clue
or tackle a tricky weekend grid, this one offers a perfect blend of challenge and accessibility.
Our focus today is on a specific
crossword clue
that reads: ‘___ in one, drank quickly (6)‘. At first glance, this might seem like a simple definition-and-length
crossword clue
. The definition ‘drank quickly’ points us directly to the action, and the (6) tells us precisely how many letters we’re looking for in our answer. But the real magic, as often happens with the best
crossword clues
, lies in that intriguing opening phrase: ‘___ in one’. This isn’t just filler; it’s a vital piece of the puzzle, a signpost guiding you towards the correct solution.
This ‘___ in one’ phrase immediately conjures up a very common idiom associated with consuming something swiftly and completely. It’s a classic misdirection, isn’t it? The setter isn’t just giving us a definition; they’re also guiding us with a strong verbal cue that leverages familiar language. When you see such a construction in a
crossword clue
, your mind naturally starts to fill in the blank with phrases you already know. And for anything ‘in one’, especially concerning beverages, there are a few immediate contenders that spring to mind. However, the crucial part is that whatever fits that blank, or whatever is evoked by it, must also directly relate to our six-letter answer for ‘drank quickly’. This connection is what separates an easy
crossword clue
from a truly clever one.
The challenge, then, for this particular
crossword clue
, is to find a six-letter word that perfectly aligns with ‘drank quickly’ AND is strongly suggested by, or even forms part of, a familiar phrase involving ‘in one’. It’s about merging the direct definition with the idiomatic hint. Sometimes a
crossword clue
will give you a precise definition and then some cryptic wordplay that you have to unravel through anagrams or hidden words. Other times, like this one, the wordplay is almost a synonym or a direct lead-in to the answer itself, requiring you to think about how language is used in everyday conversation. To solve a
crossword clue
of this type, you often need to consider phrasal verbs or common expressions.
What makes this a fantastic
crossword clue
is its elegance and how it forces you to consider multiple aspects of the language. It’s not overly obscure, nor is it a simple lookup. It requires you to make a mental leap, connecting a common expression to its literal meaning, and then matching that with the exact letter count. It’s a prime example of a
crossword clue
that rewards lateral thinking and a deep understanding of idiomatic English. When you’re faced with a
crossword clue
like this, it’s always helpful to consider verb tenses too – is it past tense, present, or an infinitive? This can often narrow down your options significantly, helping you home in on the precise word that fits all the criteria.
So, if you’ve been wrestling with this particular
crossword clue
, take a moment to think about common phrases that describe quick consumption. What six-letter word fits that ‘drank quickly’ definition, and resonates with the ‘___ in one’ setup? The solution, when it hits you, is truly satisfying and makes you appreciate the craft behind a well-constructed daily
crossword clue
. Stay tuned for the full breakdown and reveal of this brilliant
crossword clue
in the main body of the post, where we’ll explore its nuances in detail!
Available Answers:
DOWNED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 21 June 2025