Solving crosswords is a delightful mental workout, isn’t it? Each grid presents a fresh set of challenges, a new linguistic labyrinth to navigate. Sometimes, a single, seemingly innocuous crossword clue can bring your whole solve to a screeching halt. You stare at it, the letters mocking you, the empty squares daring you to fill them. It’s that exquisite blend of frustration and fascination that keeps us coming back for more, day after day, puzzle after puzzle.
Today, we’re diving into a fascinating little gem: “Flavourless painkiller (7)“. At first glance, it seems rather direct, doesn’t it? A simple descriptive phrase, followed by a clear letter count. But as seasoned solvers know, the most straightforward-looking crossword clue can often hide the cleverest of traps. Is it a literal interpretation we’re after, or is there a subtle twist of wordplay waiting to be uncovered?
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to be simultaneously precise and ambiguous. “Flavourless painkiller (7)” is a perfect example. We all know what a painkiller is, and the concept of something being flavourless isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Yet, putting those two concepts together to land on a specific seven-letter word requires a particular kind of mental agility. It’s about sifting through your vocabulary, considering common synonyms, and perhaps even thinking about brand names or generic terms that fit the description.
Many a solver has found themselves momentarily stumped by a crossword clue that points to a common item or concept. The very familiarity can be a hindrance, making us overlook the obvious in favour of something more obscure. For this particular crossword clue, it’s worth considering the different ways a “painkiller” might be described – its form, its function, its common characteristics. And “flavourless”? That’s a key modifier, designed to narrow down the possibilities significantly. It steers us away from, say, a chewable tablet that might have an artificial flavour.
The satisfaction of finally cracking such a crossword clue is immense. It’s that “aha!” moment, when the clouds part, and the perfect word slots neatly into place, not only solving that particular entry but often unlocking several others. It’s a testament to the power of observation, lateral thinking, and a good command of language. This type of crossword clue demands a careful balance of all these skills.
If you’ve been scratching your head over this one, or if you simply enjoy dissecting the clever construction of a good crossword clue, you’re in the right place. We’re going to explore the thought process behind tackling “Flavourless painkiller (7)” and hopefully illuminate the path to its elegant solution, all without giving away the answer just yet. Because, as any true crossword enthusiast knows, the journey to the solution is just as rewarding as the destination itself. Unraveling a challenging crossword clue is a skill that improves with practice, and each new puzzle offers a chance to hone those abilities. Finding the perfect word for a tricky crossword clue is what makes the game so engaging.
Available Answers:
ANODYNE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 10 September 2025