Today, we’re zeroing in on a
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem deceptively simple: “Adjusted to operate at a later time (6).” This gem perfectly encapsulates why we love the intricate dance of language and logic that crosswords demand. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about dissecting the definition, understanding the nuances, and sometimes, even predicting the setter’s thought process.
Let’s break down this intriguing
crossword clue
piece by painstaking piece. The core of the definition lies in the phrase “adjusted to operate at a later time.” What kind of adjustment are we talking about here? Is it a fine-tuning, an alteration in mechanism, or something more fundamental about its schedule? The latter part, “at a later time,” strongly points towards a temporal shift. We’re not just adjusting how something works, but
when
it works. This immediately guides our thinking towards concepts of rescheduling, postponement, or holding something back.
The first word, “Adjusted,” is crucial. It suggests that an original plan or timeline existed, and something has been changed. This isn’t about something spontaneously happening later, but rather a deliberate modification. Think about events, meetings, flights, or even software updates. All of these can be “adjusted” in terms of their timing. When an event is “adjusted to operate at a later time,” it implies a specific kind of temporal alteration.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the parenthetical “(6)”. This seemingly small detail is perhaps the most powerful tool in our arsenal. It tells us the exact length of the solution. With six letters, many possibilities are immediately eliminated, and our brain can start sifting through words that fit both the definition and the letter count. This is where a strong vocabulary and experience with common
crossword clue
patterns truly pay off. You begin to instinctively recall words associated with time, change, and delay that fit this specific constraint.
Consider the grammatical structure implied by the clue. “Adjusted to operate at a later time” suggests a past participle acting as an adjective, describing the state of something. The answer is likely a word that describes an item or event that has undergone this specific temporal modification. Is it a verb in the past tense? An adjective? Often, these forms can be interchangeable in crossword contexts, but here, the phrasing leans heavily towards describing a
state
.
When encountering such a
crossword clue
, it’s helpful to brainstorm scenarios where this concept applies. Imagine a train that was supposed to depart at 3 PM but is now leaving at 5 PM. Or a project deadline that has been moved from Friday to Monday. In both cases, the item (train, project) has been subjected to the action described in the clue. What word comes to mind that neatly encapsulates this alteration of schedule, specifically when something is set to happen after its originally planned moment?
Don’t rush to the first word that pops into your head. Many words mean “to change,” but few capture the essence of “changing
to a later time
” with such precision. This is where the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies – it demands specificity. The setter isn’t just looking for a synonym for “changed”; they’re looking for the
exact
word that fits all parts of the definition and, crucially, the letter count.
Tackling this type of
crossword clue
also involves considering common crossword pitfalls. Could it be a word with a slightly archaic meaning? Is there a less common synonym that fits perfectly? While possible, for a straightforward definition like this, the answer is often a common word used in an everyday context, but one that perfectly aligns with the precise phrasing.
Ultimately, the satisfaction of solving this kind of
crossword clue
comes not just from filling in the blanks, but from the mental workout it provides. It reinforces the idea that every word in a clue matters, and that patience and methodical thinking are your best allies. Keep that in mind as you ponder what six-letter word perfectly describes something that has been “adjusted to operate at a later time.” The solution is elegant in its simplicity, once you’ve peeled back the layers of the clue.
Available Answers:
PRESET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 18 July 2025