Crossword puzzles. Ah, the quintessential brain workout, a delightful dance between wit and vocabulary that brightens countless mornings and quiet evenings. And every now and then, a particular crossword clue lands on the page that just
stops
you. It’s not simply difficult; it’s artfully crafted, loaded with misdirection, and brimming with the kind of cleverness that makes you both groan and marvel. Today, we’re diving headfirst into one such cryptic challenge: “One will support the woman in a depression (8)“.
This isn’t just any crossword clue; it’s a prime example of why we love these puzzles so much. At first glance, it paints a poignant picture, evoking a sense of empathy and perhaps a touch of mystery. A lone individual providing solace or structural aid to someone going through a tough time, specifically “in a depression.” But, as any seasoned solver knows, the world of the crossword clue is rarely as straightforward as it seems on the surface.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its multiple layers of interpretation. When you see “depression” in a crossword clue, your mind instantly cycles through its various meanings. Is it the emotional state, the feeling of profound sadness? Or is it something more literal, a geographical hollow, a dip in the land, a low point in a surface? The brilliance here is how both interpretations feel plausible within the context of ‘supporting’ someone ‘in’ it. This ambiguity is a classic trick, designed to nudge you down one path while the true answer lies subtly elsewhere.
Then there’s “the woman.” In many a crossword clue, specific terms like “man,” “woman,” “king,” or “queen” often serve as placeholders for common pronouns or even standard abbreviations. Could “the woman” be pointing to ‘HER,’ ‘SHE,’ or something entirely different that fits an eight-letter solution? This element requires careful consideration, as sometimes these seemingly direct references are merely a part of a larger wordplay mechanism, a cleverly disguised component of the overall definition or wordplay.
And let’s not overlook “One will support.” This phrase, too, carries dual weight. “One” can be an indicator for the letter ‘I’ or ‘A’, or it could simply mean a singular entity. “Will support” might suggest a physical prop, a pillar, a foundation, or a more abstract concept of encouragement or backing. The very active nature of “will support” makes you think about an item or a person
doing
the supporting. For an eight-letter crossword clue, every single word, every nuance, is pivotal.
When faced with such a captivating crossword clue, the strategy often involves breaking it down. What are the potential definitions? What are the wordplay elements? Are there any anagram indicators or hidden word possibilities? While this particular crossword clue leans heavily on clever definition and misdirection, it’s always wise to keep all solving techniques in mind. The length, ” (8),” is your ultimate constraint and often the final piece of the puzzle that confirms your suspicions or sends you back to the drawing board.
This “One will support the woman in a depression (8)” crossword clue is a masterclass in elegant misdirection, challenging you to look beyond the obvious and embrace the playful deception inherent in cryptic crosswords. It’s a moment that makes you appreciate the constructor’s genius and the sheer satisfaction of cracking open a tough nut. So, let’s explore the possibilities and truly appreciate the layers of this exceptional crossword clue before we reveal its ingenious solution.
Available Answers:
ADHERENT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Tuesday, 2 September 2025