Welcome back, fellow word sleuths! Today we’re diving into a particularly interesting and quite common type of crossword clue that often pops up in our favorite daily puzzles. The specific challenge we’re dissecting is: “In brief, is called ‘of public revenue’ (6).”
This one immediately piques the interest, doesn’t it? The phrase “in brief” is a classic tell-tale sign in the world of crossword puzzles. It points us directly towards an abbreviation, an acronym, or some form of shortened word. These kinds of crossword clues can be wonderfully satisfying to crack, but they also require a very specific kind of lateral thinking. You’re not just looking for a synonym; you’re looking for a specific, concise form that perfectly matches the definition provided.
The second part of the clue, “of public revenue,” zeroes us in on a precise domain. We’re talking about government finances, economic terms, taxation, or anything related to the money that flows into or out of state coffers. It’s a field rich with its own jargon and, you guessed it, plenty of abbreviations. When you encounter a crossword clue like this, your brain immediately starts sifting through mental categories: “What common abbreviations are there in the world of government finance, administration, or economics?” It’s a focused search that helps filter out countless other possibilities.
The length – six letters – is another crucial piece of the puzzle that helps narrow down the possibilities significantly. Think about all the different ways a six-letter abbreviation could describe something related to public money. It’s not always obvious, and that’s both the beauty and the challenge of it. Sometimes, these six-letter crossword clues can feel deceptively simple, only to have you staring at them for ages as the perfect word eludes you. The precision required for such a short answer makes every letter count.
What makes this specific crossword clue so engaging is how precisely it’s crafted. “In brief” tells you the form, “of public revenue” tells you the meaning, and “(6)” tells you the exact length. Every single piece of information is vital, working in tandem to guide you to the solution. It’s a testament to the skill of crossword setters who manage to pack so much information into such a concise phrase.
Often, when faced with such a crossword clue, solvers might first try to brainstorm full terms related to public revenue and then see if any have common six-letter abbreviations. Or, they might think of common six-letter abbreviations in general and then check if they fit the “public revenue” context. It’s a dance between definition and form, a constant cross-referencing process in your mind.
These types of “in brief” crossword clues are a staple of many puzzles, from the quick daily challenges to the more intricate Sunday crosswords. Mastering them truly elevates your puzzle-solving game. They force you to think beyond direct synonyms and delve into the world of initialisms, acronyms, and various forms of shorthand.
Did this particular crossword clue give you a moment of pause? Or did you spot the answer right away? The satisfaction of cracking a well-crafted abbreviation clue is immense. It’s that “aha!” moment when the letters finally click into place, and you realize how perfectly the clue was set. It’s not just about knowing the word; it’s about understanding the specific linguistic trick the setter employed to guide you.
Next time you encounter a similar “in brief” crossword clue, remember to leverage both parts of the clue: the defining phrase and the abbreviation hint. They work in tandem to guide you to the precise solution. Happy solving, and keep those brain cells buzzing!
Available Answers:
FISCAL.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 15 July 2025