Mopes Around: A Crossword Clue That Makes You Want to…Well, Mope Around
Ah, the joy of crossword puzzles. A mental workout, a dose of nostalgia, and a delightful escape from the mundane. But sometimes, even the most seasoned crossword solver can be stumped by a particularly tricky clue. Today, we’re tackling one such head-scratcher: “Mopes around.”
This clue is a bit of a double whammy, playing on both the physical act of listlessly wandering and the general state of being down in the dumps. It’s a bit like a word puzzle that also requires you to tap into your inner thesaurus.
So, how do we unravel this cryptic clue? Let’s start by breaking it down. “Mopes around” implies a lack of energy and enthusiasm, a general sense of dejection. The “around” part suggests a slow, aimless movement, perhaps with no real destination in mind.
Now, let’s think about the words that embody this feeling. “Slumps” comes to mind, hinting at both a physical and emotional state of being low. “Dawdles” evokes a lack of purpose and a slow, meandering pace. “Idles” carries a similar weight, suggesting a lack of activity and a state of inactivity.
However, the clue doesn’t just ask for a word that implies listlessness; it needs a word that describes the act of physically moving around. This eliminates words like “sulks” or “depresses,” as they are more focused on emotional states.
As you delve deeper into your crossword lexicon, consider the nuances of each word and its relation to the clue’s central theme of listless movement. Is it a word that implies a heavy, dragging gait? Or perhaps a word that suggests aimless wandering, with no direction in sight?
Remember, the solution is a word that encapsulates both the emotional and physical aspects of “moping around.” Keep your thesaurus handy, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
Sulks.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Daily Celebrity Crossword – 9/10/24 TV Tuesday