Welcome, fellow word sleuths and cryptic enthusiasts! There are days when a crossword clue just pops out at you, a simple definition leading directly to its answer. And then there are those glorious, head-scratching moments when a seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
hides a delightful layer of wordplay, a subtle nuance, or an unexpected synonym that truly tests your lexical mettle. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing challenge that often leaves solvers, well, a little
Red-faced (7)
themselves before the lightbulb finally flicks on.
This particular
crossword clue
, “Red-faced (7),” is a brilliant example of how compilers can take a common idiom or descriptive phrase and transform it into a single, elegant word. At first glance, you might conjure up images of someone blushing from embarrassment, perhaps caught in an awkward social gaffe. Or maybe you picture a person flushed with anger, their face reddening as indignation rises. The beauty of this
crossword clue
lies in its ability to evoke multiple scenarios, yet point to one precise, seven-letter solution.
Many of us, when faced with such a
crossword clue
, immediately jump to the most literal interpretations. “Red-faced” could mean sunburned, or perhaps a sign of exertion. But the true art of crossword solving, as you well know, often involves looking beyond the obvious, considering the figurative, the metaphorical, and the less common yet perfectly valid synonyms that fit the letter count. That elusive (7) at the end of the
crossword clue
isn’t just a number; it’s a vital key, narrowing down a vast sea of possibilities to that one perfect fit. It’s the silent guide that whispers, “Think outside the box, but not
too
far!”
Consider the various emotional states or physical reactions that might cause someone to become “red-faced.” Is it shame? Is it humiliation? A moment of intense personal discomfort? The cleverness of this
crossword clue
is that it leverages a common human experience, a shared understanding of what it means to feel a certain way, and asks you to distill that complex emotion into a singular word. It’s not about finding a synonym for “red” or “face”; it’s about identifying the underlying
reason
someone might be in that state, and then finding the most concise, seven-letter word that captures that essence.
The initial struggle with this
crossword clue
is part of the fun. You might cycle through several possibilities, mentally checking the letter count, only to discard them. “No, too long. No, too short. That doesn’t quite fit the nuance.” This iterative process of elimination and association is the very heart of what makes tackling a challenging
crossword clue
so rewarding. It’s a mini-detective story unfolding in your mind, where every incorrect guess is a step closer to the right one.
When the solution to “Red-faced (7)” finally clicks, it’s often accompanied by that satisfying “Aha!” moment – a sudden flash of insight that makes the previous struggle worthwhile. You realize how perfectly the word encapsulates the clue, how elegantly it fits the bill. It’s a testament to the compiler’s skill and your own perseverance. This isn’t just about filling in squares; it’s about appreciating the linguistic craftsmanship involved in creating such a compelling
crossword clue
.
So, before you peek ahead (though it won’t be revealed here!), take another moment with this particular
crossword clue
. Let your mind wander through the nuances of what “Red-faced” truly implies. Think about scenarios, feelings, and the subtle shades of meaning. The answer is there, waiting to be unearthed, a perfectly formed seven-letter gem. It’s precisely these kinds of brilliantly constructed
crossword clues
that keep us coming back for more, day after day, eager to sharpen our wits and expand our vocabulary.
Available Answers:
ASHAMED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Sunday, 8 June 2025