Stuck on “Admit (defeat) (7)“? Let’s Break Down This Tricky Crossword Clue!
Crossword puzzles can be a delightful mental exercise, a way to expand your vocabulary, and sometimes, a frustrating test of your deduction skills. You know that feeling – staring blankly at a clue, the grid mocking your inability to fill in just
those
crucial squares. Today, we’re tackling one that’s been causing a bit of head-scratching: “Admit (defeat) (7).”
This deceptively simple clue packs a lot into its brief seven words (or six, depending on how you count it!). Let’s dissect it and explore the different avenues of thought we can pursue to crack this cryptic code.
The Anatomy of the Clue: Unpacking the Components
Firstly, we have the core instruction: “Admit (defeat).” This is our direct link to the answer. We need a seven-letter word that signifies both admitting something and suffering defeat. The parenthetical inclusion of “defeat” serves as a synonym indicator, nudging us towards a word closely associated with conceding or losing.
Secondly, we have the (7) designation. This, of course, is the vital clue to the length of the word we’re seeking. Seven letters. A crucial piece of information that eliminates countless possibilities right off the bat.
Navigating the Labyrinth of Synonyms
The beauty (and sometimes the curse) of crossword clues lies in the artful use of synonyms. The word “admit” boasts a rich tapestry of related terms. Think about what it means to admit something: to acknowledge, to confess, to own up to, to concede. Now, consider “defeat”: to lose, to succumb, to be beaten, to surrender.
The challenge is to find a single word that bridges both these semantic areas. We need a word that speaks to both the act of acknowledgement and the experience of being vanquished.
Thinking Outside the Box: Exploring Different Angles
Sometimes, the obvious approach isn’t the right one. Crossword setters are masters of misdirection. So, let’s consider some less direct interpretations of the clue:
Is it a verb or a noun?
While “admit” is typically a verb, could the answer be a noun derived from a verb related to admitting defeat? Consider words formed by adding suffixes like “-ing” or “-ed.”
Could it be a phrase?
Although (7) usually indicates a single word, are there any common two-word phrases that fit the definition and can be creatively squeezed into a single word in crossword parlance (through hyphenation, for example)?
Are there any historical or cultural references?
Is the word associated with a famous defeat in history or a well-known idiom related to conceding? Crossword clues often tap into our broader knowledge base.
Strategies for Cracking the Code
Letter Patterns:
Do you already have some intersecting letters in the grid? Use these as anchors. Write out the potential word with blanks for the unknown letters and try plugging in different combinations.
Word Lists:
Consult online dictionaries or thesauruses and filter by the length of the word (7 letters). Then, scan for words that align with the definitions of “admit” and “defeat.”
Collaborate:
Two heads are often better than one! Bounce ideas off fellow crossword enthusiasts. A fresh perspective can often unlock the solution.
Solving a crossword clue like “Admit (defeat) (7)” is a journey of deduction, vocabulary, and a little bit of luck. Don’t give up! Keep exploring different possibilities, and the satisfaction of finally filling in that elusive word will be all the sweeter. Good luck, and happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
CONCEDE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025