When the Bombs Drop, Words Remain: Delving into a Tricky Seven-Letter Crossword Clue
Another day, another crossword. And today, we’re tackling a seven-letter poser that’s been circulating the digital puzzle pages: “Person sent away from a war zone (7).”
This clue immediately evokes powerful imagery, doesn’t it? We’re not dealing with simple vocabulary here; this is a word that carries weight, a term associated with displacement, survival, and often, profound loss.
The length of the word – seven letters – is our first solid piece of information. It narrows down the possibilities significantly. We can immediately dismiss longer and shorter words that might conceptually fit. Think along the lines of ‘refugee’, but that’s a little too long, and perhaps a bit too obvious. Crossword clues often favour less direct synonyms.
Our focus now needs to be on the specific
action
being described. It’s not just someone
affected
by the war, but someone
sent away
. This implies an active removal, an intervention. Were they forced to leave? Evacuated? Volunteered to leave for safety’s sake? Each of these possibilities presents slightly different angles on the potential answer.
The phrase “war zone” is also key. It paints a very specific picture. This isn’t just any area of conflict; it’s a region facing active combat, intense violence, and imminent danger. The individual being referred to is likely in immediate peril. This level of threat would have a direct impact on how they were sent away and potentially
who
sent them.
Consider the different actors involved in a war zone. Government agencies, humanitarian organizations, even military personnel could be involved in the removal of individuals from danger. Were they part of an organized exodus? Or perhaps were they operating individually?
Furthermore, the word choice in the clue, “person,” is deliberately broad. It could be a civilian, a soldier, even a diplomatic staff member. There are so many possibilities. The lack of specificity adds another layer of complexity to the puzzle.
To crack this clue, we need to think beyond the first word that comes to mind. We need to consider synonyms for “sent away” that fit the seven-letter constraint and align with the context of a war zone. Think about formal and informal terms for being removed, extracted, or shipped out. Consider also the passive voice. It wasn’t they who sent them, it was somebody else that sent them away.
The key to solving many cryptic crossword clues lies in deconstructing the phrase, breaking it down into its constituent parts, and reassembling them in new and unexpected ways. Look at the roots of words that convey similar concepts. Perhaps there is a prefix or suffix at play.
Also, remember the cardinal rule of crossword solving: check your crosses! See what letters you already have filled in from other clues. Those letters can provide crucial hints, eliminating incorrect possibilities and guiding you towards the correct answer. Even one or two correct letters can unlock the entire word.
Keep these thoughts in mind, and keep digging. You’ll eventually find the seven-letter word that perfectly captures the image of a person sent away from a war zone.
Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
EVACUEE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 6 July 2025