Unpacking “Detonate, Blow Up (7)”: A Deep Dive into This Fiery Crossword Clue
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying click of a well-placed answer in your daily crossword. But before that moment of triumph, there’s the thrill of the chase, the mental gymnastics required to untangle a particularly clever
crossword clue
. Today, we’re zeroing in on one such intriguing entry that might have had you scratching your head: “Detonate, blow up (7)“.
This specific
crossword clue
presents a fascinating challenge, not just because of its double-barreled hint, but also its seven-letter constraint. “Detonate” and “blow up” are undeniably strong action verbs, pointing towards an explosive outcome. When you encounter a
crossword clue
with two seemingly synonymous phrases, it usually indicates that the answer is either a perfect fit for both, or perhaps a more nuanced term that encompasses the essence of both actions.
The number in parentheses, (7), is your golden ticket. It immediately narrows down your potential pool of words. No matter how perfect a synonym for ‘detonate’ or ‘blow up’ might seem, if it’s not exactly seven letters long, it’s not the answer to this particular
crossword clue
. This length constraint is where many solvers get tripped up, often thinking of shorter, more common terms first.
Consider the various ways ‘blow up’ can be interpreted. It could mean to inflate, to explode, or even to reprimand someone angrily. However, when paired with ‘detonate,’ the context shifts dramatically. ‘Detonate’ almost exclusively refers to initiating an explosion. This pairing eliminates the ‘inflate’ or ‘reprimand’ meanings, firmly rooting our search in the realm of explosions and destruction. This precision is a hallmark of expertly crafted
crossword puzzles
.
So, how do you approach a
crossword clue
like this one? Your first step, after internalizing the length, is to brainstorm synonyms for both ‘detonate’ and ‘blow up’ that evoke that explosive imagery. Think about verbs that describe causing something to erupt, burst, or go off.
Next, filter these brainstormed words by the seven-letter requirement. This is where your vocabulary truly gets put to the test. Don’t just think of the most obvious words; sometimes the answer to a tough
crossword clue
is a less common but perfectly apt synonym. Are there any common prefixes or suffixes for verbs that end in explosion? What about words that describe the
act
of causing an explosion, rather than just the explosion itself?
The beauty of solving
crossword puzzles
lies in this iterative process. You might think of ‘explode,’ but it’s six letters. ‘Burst’ is five. You need something that perfectly encapsulates initiating a destructive burst, and fits that precise length. This isn’t just about finding
a
word, it’s about finding
the
word for this specific
crossword clue
.
For those who regularly tackle the daily
crossword challenge
, this type of
crossword clue
often relies on a word that is familiar but perhaps not the absolute first synonym that springs to mind. It’s about digging a little deeper into the lexicon of destructive actions.
Stay tuned as we dive into the specific word that perfectly fits this fiery
crossword clue
and discuss why it’s the ideal solution for “Detonate, blow up (7).” It’s a truly satisfying solve once you see it!
Available Answers:
EXPLODE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 20 June 2025