There are some crossword clues that just sparkle with wit, presenting a delightful challenge that makes you pause, ponder, and often, grin once the penny drops. Today, we’re diving into one such gem that’s been making the rounds and sparking quite the discussion among solvers: “By collecting drops from the sky, clever (6).” This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a beautifully crafted brain-teaser that demands a keen eye for wordplay and a touch of lateral thinking.
When you first encounter a daily crossword clue like this, your mind probably jumps to the literal. “Drops from the sky” immediately conjures images of rain, dew, or perhaps even a gentle drizzle. But as seasoned crossword enthusiasts know, the initial, most obvious interpretation is rarely the full picture. This is where the magic of cryptic crossword clues truly shines, inviting us to look beyond the surface and delve into the clever linguistic gymnastics at play. The brilliance of this particular crossword clue lies in how it marries a vivid, tangible image with a more abstract quality.
The structure itself gives us a major hint. We have “By collecting drops from the sky,” followed by “clever (6).” The “clever (6)” part is our straightforward definition – we’re looking for a six-letter word that means intelligent, cunning, or quick-witted. That’s our target. The real puzzle, the delightful challenge, comes from deciphering how “By collecting drops from the sky” leads us to that definition. Is it an anagram? A charade? A hidden word? Or something else entirely? Many a challenging crossword clue involves a bit of misdirection, and this one could be playing on multiple meanings.
Let’s unpack the first part of this intriguing crossword clue. “Collecting drops from the sky.” What processes or objects are associated with gathering precipitation? Rain barrels, perhaps? Cloud seeding? Or is it a more metaphorical collection, a subtle hint buried within the words themselves? The word “By” is also crucial, suggesting a method or a means to an end. It implies that the act of “collecting drops from the sky” is the mechanism through which our six-letter “clever” word is formed. Could “drops” refer to something other than water? Unlikely, given “from the sky,” but it’s always worth considering the full spectrum of possibilities when tackling a tricky crossword. Or could “collecting” itself be a verb that, when combined with “drops from the sky,” forms a single, coherent wordplay element for this crossword clue?
This type of crossword clue often rewards those who think about synonyms for both parts of the phrase. What are other ways to say “clever”? What are other ways to describe “collecting drops from the sky”? Sometimes the answer comes from seeing how a familiar word can be broken down or reassembled in an unexpected way. The satisfaction of finally cracking such a demanding crossword clue is immense, turning a moment of head-scratching into a triumphant “aha!” moment. It’s what keeps us coming back for more, day after day, for every new crossword puzzle.
So, before you throw in the towel, take another look at this captivating crossword clue. Think about the synonyms for “clever” that are six letters long. Then, consider how “collecting drops from the sky” could cryptically point to one of those words. Is there a wordplay mechanism that links the celestial imagery with the mental acuity? The beauty of the daily crossword is in these intricate puzzles, and this one is a masterclass in elegant construction. Keep those brain cells buzzing, and you’ll find the ingenious solution waiting for you. Happy solving, fellow word enthusiasts!
Available Answers:
BRAINY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 3 September 2025