The crossword clue “Courageous beloved gets disheartened (6)” immediately captures the imagination, offering a tantalizing blend of emotion and action packed into a concise six-letter challenge. For any ardent follower of word puzzles, this particular type of cryptic construction is a familiar friend, often rich in layers and delightful in its eventual unraveling. It’s a prime example of how a few carefully chosen words can create a miniature linguistic universe, inviting solvers to explore its depths and discover the hidden answer.
When faced with such an intriguing crossword clue, the initial instinct is to dissect each component, searching for both its literal meaning and its potential role in the cryptic wordplay. The word “Courageous” stands out, hinting at bravery, strength, or a lack of fear. In the realm of cryptic crosswords, an adjective like this can serve as a straightforward definition for part of the answer, or it might be an adjective modifying another word that undergoes a transformation. Alternatively, it could be a subtle indicator for a specific type of word manipulation. The beauty of these brain teasers lies in their inherent ambiguity and the sheer number of possibilities they present before the correct solution to the crossword clue becomes clear.
Next, we encounter “beloved,” a term often used to describe someone or something deeply cherished. This component introduces an emotional resonance to the puzzle, and cryptically, it could refer to a specific term of endearment, a general concept of affection, or even a particular object of desire. Analysing this part of the crossword clue requires considering a wide lexical range. Does “beloved” act as the primary definition, or is it part of the wordplay leading to the solution? The six-letter constraint always helps to narrow down the pool of potential candidates, but the cleverness of the clue lies in making those possibilities seem endless initially, fostering a captivating puzzle-solving experience.
The phrase “gets disheartened” is perhaps the most potent indicator for seasoned cryptic crossword solvers. This kind of phrase, implying a loss of heart or courage, is a classic cryptic device. It often signals a deletion of letters from a larger word. “Disheartened” could literally mean removing the middle letters (‘heart’) of a word. It could also refer to losing a sense of resolve, or it might even indicate that the letters making up the ‘heart’ of a related word are removed. This is where the true art of cryptic puzzle solving comes into play – discerning the precise mechanism at work. Is a letter being dropped, or is it a longer segment? Which word is being “disheartened”? The interplay between “beloved” and “disheartened” will be key to unlocking this particular crossword clue.
The challenge of “Courageous beloved gets disheartened (6)” is not merely in finding the answer, but in appreciating the intricate dance of language that leads to it. It’s a testament to the skill of crossword setters who can weave such complex instructions into a seemingly simple sentence. Every successful solution to a cryptic crossword clue provides a profound sense of satisfaction, a validation of one’s linguistic acumen and lateral thinking skills. Such a clue encourages us to think beyond the obvious, to play with words and their meanings, and to consider the myriad ways letters can be combined, removed, or rearranged to form new expressions.
Engaging with a well-crafted crossword clue like this one is more than just a pastime; it’s a mental workout that enhances vocabulary, hones analytical abilities, and offers a delightful escape into the world of linguistic puzzles. The elegance of how “Courageous,” “beloved,” and “gets disheartened” combine to point towards a six-letter word is what makes these daily challenges so addictive. It beckons solvers to consider not just definitions, but also the subtle nuances of wordplay, the cunning misdirections, and the ultimate clarity that emerges once the final piece of the puzzle slots into place. This is the essence of why we adore cryptic crosswords and eagerly tackle every new crossword clue.
Available Answers:
DARING.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 20 October 2025