The Weekly Word Whirlwind: Wrestling with ‘Cutting (the lawn) (6)’
Alright, puzzle fiends, let’s dive headfirst into another intriguing crossword clue that’s been bouncing around in my brain – and, I suspect, quite a few of yours too! This week’s subject? The rather commonplace yet curiously captivating: “Cutting (the lawn) (6).”
Now, at first glance, this seems straightforward enough. We’re talking about lawn maintenance, a task familiar to suburbanites and rural residents alike. But don’t let the apparent simplicity fool you. Crossword clues are rarely ever
that
simple, are they? The devil, as always, is in the details, and in this case, those details are tightly packed into that little number at the end: (6).
That’s right, we’re on the hunt for a six-letter word synonymous with the act of “cutting (the lawn).” The parenthetical insertion is key here. It isn’t just
any
cutting we’re after; it’s the specific action performed on our beloved green swards. Think about the tools involved, the methods employed, and the desired result.
Immediately, several possibilities might spring to mind. We could brainstorm verbs associated with using a lawnmower. Or perhaps nouns that represent the action itself. The key is to keep that length constraint firmly in mind: six letters.
Crossword solving, at its heart, is a process of elimination. It’s about testing hypotheses, cross-referencing possibilities with already established letters within the grid, and being willing to pivot when your initial hunches prove to be red herrings.
So, let’s get down to brass tacks. We need to consider the following aspects to unlock this particular word puzzle:
Synonyms:
What are other words, especially six-letter words, that mean “cutting” in the context of lawn care? Are we thinking about a specific type of cut, or a more general action?
Lawnmower Language:
Think about the verbs associated with using a lawnmower. What does a lawnmower
do
to the lawn? Consider different types of lawnmowers – ride-on, push, electric, or even the old-fashioned manual kind.
Contextual Clues:
Remember that the definition given needs to make sense with any intersecting words that may be in place. Consider the placement of the letters within your grid, if you have any in place.
Common Usage:
Crossword clues often favor words that are frequently used and widely understood. Avoid obscure or highly technical terms unless the surrounding clues strongly suggest them.
Figurative Language:
While less likely in this type of clue, always be open to the possibility of a slightly more metaphorical interpretation. Could there be a hidden meaning within the simple act of cutting the lawn?
Don’t be afraid to scribble down a list of potential answers. Brainstorming is a crucial part of the solving process. Consider the different ways you would phrase it. Play around with the sounds of the word, thinking of homophones (words that sound alike but are spelled differently).
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, have fun! Crossword puzzles are meant to be stimulating and engaging. If you find yourself getting frustrated, step away for a few minutes and return with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, a little distance is all you need to see the solution clearly.
Happy puzzling, everyone! Let me know in the comments if you’ve got any other strategies to crack this particular
crossword clue
. Until next time, keep those pencils sharp and your minds even sharper!
Available Answers:
MOWING.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 30 August 2025