There are moments in every crossword solver’s journey when a single crossword clue brings the entire grid to a standstill. You’ve sailed through the easy ones, confidently filled in a few medium-difficulty entries, and then you hit it: that one seemingly simple phrase that, for the life of you, just won’t click. Today, for many dedicated enthusiasts of the daily crossword, that moment arrived with the seven-letter head-scratcher: “Make eligible (7)“.
It looks innocent enough, doesn’t it? “Make eligible.” Two common words, a clear instruction, and a seven-letter slot just waiting to be filled. But, as anyone who has spent countless hours battling the best crossword puzzles knows, it’s precisely these deceptively straightforward crossword clues that often hide the trickiest solutions.
When confronted with a verb phrase like “Make eligible,” the immediate instinct is to brainstorm synonyms for “eligible” and then find a verb that conveys the act of
making
someone or something eligible. We might think of words like ‘qualify,’ ‘permit,’ ‘enable,’ or ‘authorize.’ However, the seven-letter constraint quickly narrows the field. And that’s where the real challenge of this particular crossword clue begins.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to lead you down several plausible paths before revealing the single, perfect fit. For “Make eligible (7),” we need to consider the various contexts in which something might become eligible. Is it about a person becoming eligible for a position, a benefit, or a team? Is it an object becoming eligible for use or selection? The specific nuance can dramatically shift the word we’re looking for.
Think about the active process implied by “Make.” It’s not just about
being
eligible, but about an action that
results
in eligibility. What specific action transforms someone or something from ineligible to eligible? Is it a formal act, a preparation, a certification? This is where the crossword puzzle setter is trying to guide our minds, away from generic synonyms and towards a precise verb of action.
This type of challenging crossword clue often relies on a word that perfectly captures both the concept of ‘making’ and the outcome of ‘eligibility’ in one concise package. It’s a word that might not be your first thought when asked for a synonym of “eligible,” but it perfectly fits the
process
of making something eligible. We’re searching for a word that acts as a bridge, describing the transition from one state to another.
As you ponder this tricky crossword clue, consider the various fields where eligibility is a key concept. In sports, players are made eligible through selection or meeting certain criteria. In legal contexts, individuals might be made eligible for benefits or roles. In general terms, an item might be made eligible for purchase or inclusion. Each context subtly suggests a different kind of “making.”
This particular “Make eligible (7)” crossword clue serves as a fantastic example of why crossword puzzles are so addictive. They force us to stretch our vocabulary, consider multiple meanings, and understand the subtle art of wordplay. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most effective way to solve a tough crossword clue isn’t to think harder, but to think differently. What single seven-letter word encapsulates the act of bestowing eligibility?
We’ll delve deeper into the solution and its fascinating etymology soon, but for now, keep that brain buzzing. These are the moments that truly make you feel like a crossword solver master, aren’t they? The satisfaction of cracking a really good crossword clue like this one is unparalleled.
Available Answers:
ENTITLE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 20 July 2025