The thrill of a well-crafted
crossword clue
is unmatched for any puzzle enthusiast. It’s that moment when a seemingly straightforward definition or a cunning piece of wordplay finally clicks, revealing the exact word needed to fill a gaping space in your grid. Today, we’re diving into a
crossword clue
that often appears in various puzzles, testing both vocabulary and a touch of general knowledge: “Customs duty (6)“.
This particular
crossword clue
presents as a classic definition, a direct prompt asking for a synonym or a closely related concept that fits precisely into a six-letter slot. For many solvers, these types of
crossword clues
can be either refreshingly simple or surprisingly tricky, depending on the specific word the setter has in mind and its commonality within the lexicon. “Customs duty” itself is a term deeply embedded in finance, trade, and international relations, pointing towards a specific kind of financial levy.
When approaching a
crossword clue
like “Customs duty (6)“, the first step is always to break down the components. “Customs” here immediately signals something related to borders, imports, exports, and the official processes involved in moving goods between countries. It’s crucial to distinguish this “customs” (plural, referring to a department or specific regulations) from “custom” (singular, referring to a tradition or habit). That distinction is often the key to unlocking the right path for a
crossword clue
involving homophones or near-homophones. Then we have “duty,” which in this context clearly points to a payment or a tax rather than an obligation or responsibility. So, we’re looking for a six-letter word that encapsulates a specific kind of financial charge levied at a border.
The number in parentheses, (6), is your invaluable guide. It immediately narrows down the possibilities from an entire dictionary to only those words that are precisely six letters long. This is where your internal synonym finder kicks into high gear. What six-letter words come to mind when you think of a tax or fee associated with international trade? Thinking about synonyms for ‘tax,’ ‘levy,’ or ‘charge’ is a good start, but they must specifically align with the ‘customs’ aspect. Consider the vocabulary often used in news articles about trade agreements, tariffs, or import/export regulations.
Solving this type of
crossword clue
also highlights the importance of context. While many
crossword clues
rely on puns or anagrams, definition clues like “Customs duty (6)” often demand a precise understanding of the terms involved. It’s not just about finding
any
six-letter word; it’s about finding the
exact
six-letter word that perfectly defines or is a direct synonym for the given phrase. This is where a broad vocabulary comes in handy, especially one that spans different fields like economics, law, or specific administrative terms.
Sometimes, a
crossword clue
like this might seem obscure at first glance, but with a bit of thought about the core concepts—international goods, financial charges—and the letter count, the possibilities quickly become manageable. The beauty of the
crossword puzzle
lies in this methodical process of elimination and association. Even if the answer isn’t immediately apparent, working through the related concepts and considering common terms for financial levies related to trade often leads solvers directly to the correct word.
Ultimately, cracking a well-defined
crossword clue
like “Customs duty (6)” offers a satisfying moment of clarity. It’s a testament to the power of precise language and the joy of expanding one’s lexicon, one grid at a time. The next time you encounter such a challenge, remember to break it down, focus on the context, and trust your vocabulary.
Available Answers:
EXCISE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 13 July 2025