Ah, the delightful dance of discovery that every seasoned solver knows and loves! Today, we’re spotlighting a truly engaging
crossword clue
that perfectly encapsulates the joy and subtle challenge of the grid: “Dodged, bobbed (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward. Two active verbs, both in the past tense, both hinting at evasive, quick movement. But the true artistry of crossword construction lies in finding that single, elegant word that encapsulates the essence of multiple ideas, all while adhering to the strict letter count. “Dodged, bobbed (6)” is a prime example of this craft, pushing us to delve deeper than surface-level synonyms.
Let’s unpack the components. “Dodged” immediately brings to mind avoiding something with a sudden, quick movement. Picture a boxer ducking a punch, or a pedestrian swerving to miss a bicycle. There’s an element of quick reflex and deliberate evasion. Then we have “bobbed.” This word adds another layer of specific motion – an up-and-down or side-to-side movement, often quick and light. Think of a cork bobbing on water, or someone quickly dipping their head. When these two actions are combined, the mental image is one of nimble, agile, reactive motion, specifically to avoid contact or detection.
The parenthetical (6) is, as always, our crucial guide. It’s not enough to simply brainstorm words related to avoidance or quick movement; they must fit precisely into those six coveted squares. This is where the real work of solving a
crossword clue
begins. We’re looking for a single, concise verb, past tense, that beautifully marries the concepts of both dodging and bobbing. It’s a testament to the richness of the English language that such a word exists!
Consider the subtle nuances. Is the movement purely defensive, or does it also imply a certain playful quickness? Is it a general avoidance, or something more specific to a sudden, short movement? The intersection of these two concepts, “dodged” and “bobbed,” points towards a word that conveys both agility and a slightly abbreviated, swift action.
For anyone tackling this
crossword clue
, the journey usually involves cycling through potential synonyms. Perhaps you first thought of words like “avoided” or “ducked,” but quickly realized they didn’t quite capture both aspects, or didn’t fit the letter count. That’s the beauty of it – being led down a path of elimination until the perfect fit reveals itself. It’s a rewarding intellectual exercise, refining your vocabulary and sharpening your ability to discern precise shades of meaning.
This particular
crossword clue
is a masterclass in direct yet evocative phrasing. It challenges solvers to not just think of synonyms, but to truly understand the combined action described, and then to find the single, perfect six-letter word that brings it all together. It’s the kind of clue that makes the “aha!” moment so satisfying when you finally crack it, reinforcing why we all love a good crossword puzzle.
Available Answers:
DUCKED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 4 October 2025