There are some days when a
crossword clue
jumps out at you, not just for its difficulty, but for the sheer depth of emotion it encapsulates. This week, we encountered one such gem in our daily puzzle, a
crossword clue
that really made us pause and reflect: ‘Make (a person) feel awkward and ashamed (9).’ It’s not just a test of vocabulary; it’s a journey into the nuances of human experience and the subtle art of language, making it a standout challenge for any word puzzle enthusiast.
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? That moment when a situation, a comment, or an unexpected turn of events washes over someone, leaving them red-faced, uncomfortable, and wishing the ground would simply swallow them whole. It’s that profoundly human sensation of social discomfort, humiliation, or deep chagrin, often triggered by a misstep or an unintended exposure. To effectively ‘make (a person) feel awkward and ashamed’ is to inflict a powerful, often memorable, emotional sting. The brilliance of this particular
crossword clue
lies in its ability to pinpoint such a specific and relatable emotional state with striking precision, inviting solvers to connect with the feeling before even attempting to find the word.
When faced with a
crossword clue
like this, the first instinct is often to brainstorm synonyms. Words like ’embarrass,’ ‘humiliate,’ ‘disgrace,’ or ‘mortify’ might immediately spring to mind. Each captures a facet of the definition, hitting close to the mark. However, the key, as always with these delightful word puzzles, is the letter count. Nine letters. That specific constraint instantly narrows the field, challenging us to sift through our mental lexicon for that one perfect fit that not only aligns with the meaning but also matches the exact length. It forces a deeper dive into the subtle differences between similar words, pushing us beyond the obvious choices to uncover the truly apt response for this compelling
crossword clue
.
Solving a complex
crossword clue
isn’t just about knowing words; it’s about understanding their precise application, their etymology sometimes, and how they interact within the larger tapestry of language. This particular nine-letter challenge is a fantastic example of how a seemingly straightforward definition can hide a surprisingly elusive solution, demanding a keen eye for verbal exactitude. The satisfaction of slotting in that
one
word, knowing it perfectly encapsulates the given definition and fits the grid, is truly unparalleled for any dedicated solver tackling a demanding
crossword clue
.
So, how do we systematically approach a
crossword clue
that asks us to conjure up such a vivid image of discomfort and shame? How do we navigate the sea of potential synonyms to pinpoint the single, nine-letter answer that the constructor had in mind? In the sections that follow, we’ll peel back the layers of this intriguing word puzzle, exploring the thought process, linguistic tools, and perhaps a few solver’s tricks that lead us directly to the heart of this captivating challenge. Get ready to flex those vocabulary muscles and discover the hidden depths behind this brilliant
crossword clue
!
Available Answers:
EMBARRASS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 4 November 2025