Every crossword enthusiast knows that feeling. You’re cruising through the grid, letters filling boxes, a symphony of successful deductions. Then, you hit a wall. A single, deceptively simple-looking
crossword clue
stares back, challenging your very core. Today, for many, that moment arrived with ‘Cause to suffer for an offence (6)‘.
This particular
crossword clue
, with its six-letter constraint, immediately sends the mind reeling through a vocabulary of justice, consequence, and retribution. It’s a verb, clearly, indicating an action taken
against
someone who has committed a wrong. But what
kind
of suffering? And what
kind
of offence are we talking about? The precise wording in a
crossword clue
is always key to unlocking its secret.
My first instinct when faced with a
crossword clue
like this is to break down each component. ‘Cause to suffer’ – this isn’t just about pain, is it? It’s about being subjected to something unpleasant as a direct result of an action. And ‘for an offence’ – this is crucial. It narrows the field significantly. We’re not looking for just any verb related to suffering, but one that specifically links it to a transgression. Is it physical suffering? Legal? Emotional? Often, the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its ability to hint at a precise, often single, meaning that stands apart from its many synonyms.
Think about the broader context of common crossword puzzles. Are we talking about legal repercussions? Moral consequences? Societal penalties? The six-letter length means we’re dealing with a relatively concise word, one that packs a punch. It’s not going to be a sprawling, complex phrase, but a direct, impactful term that perfectly fits the given length.
When you encounter a
crossword clue
that seems to have multiple potential answers, a good strategy is to consider the common patterns in crossword solving. Is it a word often used in formal contexts? Does it have a slightly archaic feel, or is it thoroughly modern? Does it often appear in specific themes or types of puzzles? Sometimes, the letter pattern from crossing words provides the vital hint you need, but even without those, we can dissect the clue itself with careful thought.
The art of solving crosswords isn’t just about knowing words; it’s about understanding the mind of the clue setter. With a
crossword clue
like ‘Cause to suffer for an offence (6)‘, they’re not just asking for a synonym of ‘punish’. They’re looking for a word that perfectly encapsulates the
reason
for the suffering and the
nature
of the suffering itself. It’s a word that speaks to consequence, certainly, but also to the underlying principle of justice or discipline.
Consider the weight of the phrase ‘for an offence’. This isn’t arbitrary suffering; it’s meted out as a direct result of a specific wrongdoing. This narrows our search considerably, moving us away from general terms for pain or discomfort and towards a very particular kind of penal action. What six-letter word conveys this precise relationship between a transgression and its deserved, or perhaps imposed, suffering?
It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that can trip up even seasoned solvers, not because the word is obscure, but because the precise shade of meaning is so critical. We often jump to the most obvious synonyms, only to find they don’t quite fit the specific parameters set by the clue. This is where patience and a keen eye for nuance become your best allies. You might run through a mental Rolodex of words associated with crime, punishment, and the legal system. Is it a word typically found in legal texts? Or perhaps something more commonly understood in everyday language, yet with a formal or even archaic ring to it when used in this context?
For those tackling their daily crossword or even a more challenging cryptic puzzle, this kind of clue presents a delightful mental workout. It forces you to consider the etymology, the precise definitions, and the various contexts in which a word might be used. It’s not just about ‘what hurts?’ but ‘what happens when someone has done something wrong, leading to their suffering?’ The six-letter constraint is both a help and a hindrance; it limits the possibilities, but within that limited set, there can still be multiple contenders vying for the coveted spot in the grid.
So, as you stare at that blank space, remember that every
crossword clue
is a mini-puzzle in itself. This particular one requires a blend of vocabulary, an understanding of consequence, and a dash of detective work. What six-letter word springs to mind that perfectly captures the act of making someone suffer
because
they’ve committed an offence? Keep that specific connection in mind, and the answer will eventually reveal itself, a testament to the satisfying logic of the crossword world.
Available Answers:
PUNISH.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 4 August 2025