Welcome back, fellow word-weavers and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a deceptively simple yet brilliantly crafted
crossword clue
that often leaves solvers scratching their heads: “Hare-like animal (6)“. It’s one of those classic clues that perfectly exemplifies the art of
crossword clue
construction, requiring not just a broad vocabulary but also a nuanced understanding of synonyms, characteristics, and sometimes, even a touch of zoology.
The beauty, and indeed the challenge, of a
crossword clue
like “Hare-like animal (6)” lies in its specificity – or rather, its deliberate lack thereof. We’re not looking for a “hare,” nor are we seeking a direct synonym for “animal.” Instead, the key lies in that hyphenated adjective: “hare-like.” What does it truly imply? Does it mean an animal with long ears? One that hops? Perhaps a creature known for its speed, its diet, or its particular habitat? This kind of
crossword clue
demands a moment of careful consideration, pushing us beyond the most obvious candidates. It’s a test of how well we can interpret comparisons rather than direct equivalences.
Many seasoned solvers know that animal-related clues, especially those with comparative adjectives, can be incredibly sly. They often hint at physical resemblance, behavioural patterns, or even shared taxonomic families. The trick to tackling this type of
crossword clue
is to avoid the first obvious thought that springs to mind. If it were a hare, the clue would simply be “Hare (4)” or “Rabbit’s cousin (4)”. The inclusion of “hare-like” immediately tells us that while there’s a strong resemblance or shared characteristic, it’s distinct enough to warrant this specific phrasing.
Then, of course, we have the crucial length indicator: (6). This is your best friend when deciphering any tricky
crossword clue
. Six letters. Not five, not seven. This instantly eliminates a vast number of potential answers, even those that might perfectly fit the “hare-like animal” description. It forces us to narrow down our mental rolodex of creatures that fit the bill, filtering them by their exact letter count. This constraint is vital for solving this particular
crossword clue
, guiding your thoughts towards a very specific set of possibilities.
So, when you encounter a
crossword clue
like “Hare-like animal (6),” think beyond the obvious. Consider the defining traits of a hare – its powerful hind legs, its speed, its typically long ears, its plant-based diet, its solitary nature – and then ponder which other animals share some, but not all, of these characteristics, and crucially, are exactly six letters long. It’s a delightful little puzzle that combines observation, vocabulary, and pattern recognition, making it a truly satisfying
crossword clue
to unravel. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the world of creatures that are ‘hare-like’ but not quite, and how to conquer this and similar challenges in your daily solving adventures.
Available Answers:
RABBIT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 4 July 2025