There are some days when a
crossword clue
lands in your grid and instantly lights up a path to the answer. The synapses fire, the letters slot into place, and you move on with that satisfying little internal ‘ding’. Then there are other days. Days when a seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
presents itself, innocently enough, but then begins to resist, to hold its secrets tight. It’s on those days that the real joy of the daily
crossword puzzle
emerges, the slow, methodical unravelling of linguistic mysteries.
Today, we’re diving into one such deceptively simple
crossword clue
: “Grows tired (7)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
seems benign. “Tired” is a common enough state, and “grows” indicates a progression. But pause for a moment. This isn’t just about feeling sleepy after a long day. The beauty, and sometimes the frustration, of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its multiple layers of interpretation. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like this, your first instinct might be to think of direct synonyms for ‘tired’ that are seven letters long. However, the operative word here is ‘Grows’. This isn’t just about
being
tired, but about the
process
of becoming tired, or even something else entirely
growing
tired.
Consider the grammatical structure. “Grows tired” acts as a verb phrase. This tells us our seven-letter solution will likely be a verb itself, or a verbal noun, describing this specific action or state of change. The “(7)” is our crucial numerical anchor, narrowing the field of possibilities considerably for this particular
crossword clue
. Without that letter count, our mental thesaurus might run wild with options from two letters to twenty!
When tackling this type of
crossword clue
, it’s helpful to explore the various facets of “tiredness.” Is it physical fatigue after a strenuous activity? Mental exhaustion from a demanding task? Or could it be something more metaphorical, like an idea, a trend, or even a joke, losing its novelty or appeal over time? Crossword setters are masters of misdirection, and they love to exploit the dual meanings of words. A
crossword clue
that seems to point directly to one meaning might subtly nudge you towards another, less obvious interpretation.
For example, think about the different ways something can “grow.” A plant grows, a child grows, a feeling grows. Each implies a development or increase. When paired with “tired,” we’re looking for a single word that encapsulates this evolving state of weariness or diminishment. This is where the art of solving a
crossword clue
truly shines. It’s not just about knowing words, but understanding their nuances, their hidden connections, and how they interact with other words in a specific context.
Some common pitfalls when faced with a
crossword clue
like “Grows tired (7)” include fixating too early on a single meaning of “tired” or “grows.” It’s essential to keep an open mind and cycle through different interpretations. Does the clue imply a biological process, a psychological one, or perhaps something entirely impersonal? Does the “grows” suggest an increasing
intensity
of tiredness, or simply the
onset
of it? These subtle distinctions can lead you to the precise word the setter had in mind.
A valuable strategy for any tricky
crossword clue
is to consider the adjacent entries in your puzzle, if you have them. Often, a letter or two from a crossing word can provide the necessary spark to unlock a stubborn answer. Even when approaching a standalone
crossword clue
like this, imagining those potential intersections can help you visualize the word’s structure, particularly its initial or final letters.
The satisfaction of solving a truly challenging
crossword clue
is immense. It’s a testament to the power of language, the agility of the human mind, and the cunning of the
crossword puzzle
constructor. This specific
crossword clue
, “Grows tired (7)“, is a fantastic example of how a few simple words can pack a surprising punch, making you ponder and play with possibilities before that gratifying ‘aha!’ moment. Keep thinking about those seven letters, and you’ll get there!
Available Answers:
WEARIES.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Wednesday, 16 July 2025