Welcome back, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a freshly brewed coffee and a challenging crossword puzzle laid out before you, is there? Each day brings its own unique set of linguistic gymnastics, and today’s particular gem of a crossword clue certainly delivered that familiar spark of “aha!” brilliance.
Today, we’re diving headfirst into a classic example of a multi-faceted wordplay masterpiece. The crossword clue in question? None other than:
“Complaint, or game bird (6)“
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Now, if you’re a seasoned solver, you’ll immediately recognize the elegant simplicity, and indeed, the deceptive cunning, of this type of crossword clue. It’s a perfect specimen of the double-definition clue, where a single word acts as the answer to two seemingly unrelated definitions. The art of cracking such a crossword clue lies in holding both concepts in your mind simultaneously, waiting for that single, perfect six-letter word to click into place.
Think about the first part of that crossword clue: “Complaint.” Immediately, your brain might jump to grievances, ailments, or expressions of dissatisfaction. But in the world of crossword clues, “complaint” can also hint at something far more subtle, perhaps an involuntary physical or emotional reaction to fear or weakness. It’s about more than just vocalizing displeasure; it’s about a feeling or a state of being that suggests a kind of internal struggle or shrinkage. A very specific kind of complaint, indeed.
Then, pivot to the second part of the crossword clue: “game bird.” This pulls us into an entirely different realm. We’re thinking feathered creatures, often found in the wild, traditionally hunted for sport or food. It evokes images of natural landscapes, perhaps a rustle in the undergrowth, or a sudden burst of flight. This part of the crossword clue is straightforward, a clear noun, presenting a stark contrast to the more abstract or verb-like nuance of the first definition.
The true beauty of this particular crossword clue is how it bridges these two disparate worlds – an abstract human condition and a tangible living creature – with a single, common word. It forces you to stretch your mental muscles, to consider the various shades of meaning a word can possess, and to appreciate the English language’s incredible versatility. Finding that one, precise six-letter word that perfectly fits both definitions is the satisfying click that makes solving a crossword clue so addictive.
This isn’t just a clever bit of wordplay; it’s a testament to the richness of our vocabulary and the cleverness of crossword setters. It’s the kind of crossword clue that makes you pause, chuckle, and then feel that rush of accomplishment when you finally pinpoint the answer. It’s a reminder that even the simplest-looking crossword clues can hide layers of meaning, waiting to be unearthed. So, take a moment, ponder these two very different concepts, and see if you can land on that elusive six-letter solution. The satisfaction is immense!
Available Answers:
GROUSE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 July 2025