Ah, the daily ritual. That freshly printed grid, or the glow of your screen, presenting a brand-new set of linguistic challenges. For seasoned solvers and curious newcomers alike, there’s a unique thrill that comes with tackling a crossword puzzle. It’s a dance between vocabulary and deduction, a delightful exercise in wordplay that tests not just what you know, but how you connect disparate ideas. And then, there are those moments, those seemingly innocuous little phrases that present themselves as a simple crossword clue, yet manage to stop you dead in your tracks.
One such fascinating conundrum recently caught my eye, a phrase that embodies the deceptive simplicity often found in the best crosswords: “Keep (a person) back by delaying progress (6).” At first glance, it appears straightforward. Six letters. A clear action. Yet, as with so many compelling cryptic crossword clues, the surface meaning often conceals a deeper, more nuanced interpretation, forcing us to dig a little deeper into the rich tapestry of the English language. This particular type of crossword clue doesn’t rely on elaborate puns or complex anagrams; instead, its power lies in its precise definition, demanding that we pinpoint the exact word that captures its essence.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in its ability to make you pause. To truly
consider
the implications. What does it mean to “keep someone back”? How is that distinct from simply “stopping” them? And what role does “delaying progress” play in narrowing down the possibilities? It’s not just about finding a synonym; it’s about finding
the
synonym, the one word that perfectly encapsulates the entire concept presented in the clue. This requires more than just a large vocabulary; it demands an understanding of context, nuance, and the subtle shades of meaning that words carry. It’s the kind of challenge that sends you rifling through mental lexicons, exploring possibilities that fit the letter count and the overall theme of hindrance or obstruction.
Every time we encounter a crossword clue that seems to defy immediate recognition, it’s an opportunity for growth. It’s a chance to learn a new word, or perhaps, to understand an existing one in a more profound way. The satisfaction isn’t just in filling in the squares, but in the journey of discovery itself. It’s in the process of elimination, the whispered trial-and-error, the delightful ‘aha!’ moment when the elusive word finally clicks into place. These are the moments that define the joy of daily crosswords, transforming a simple grid into a captivating intellectual workout.
This specific clue, “Keep (a person) back by delaying progress (6),” offers a masterclass in direct definition. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly transparent descriptions can hide a word that, while perfectly accurate, isn’t always at the forefront of our minds. It’s about precision, economy of language, and the sheer power of a single verb to convey a complex action and its consequence. As we delve into the solution, we’ll appreciate how meticulously chosen the words in this crossword clue truly are, guiding us towards that perfect six-letter fit that summarises the act of hindering someone’s advance. So, let’s explore the layers of this intriguing linguistic puzzle together, and discover the elegant simplicity of its answer. This is what makes the pursuit of solving a crossword clue so endlessly rewarding.
Available Answers:
HINDER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Thursday, 12 June 2025