Crumbs! Nearly There with “Scarcely, only just (6)“
Right, crossword fiends, grab your pencils, your strong coffee, and your thinking caps. We’re tackling a classic today, a six-letter stinker that describes something done with the barest of margins. The clue is “Scarcely, only just (6).”
This isn’t one of those clues that screams out an obvious answer. It sits there, smugly, daring you to underestimate its deceptively simple wording. “Scarcely” and “only just” – they feel so…familiar. Words we use all the time in everyday conversation. But translating that feeling of near-miss success into a neat, six-letter package requires a bit of linguistic gymnastics.
The key here, I think, lies in the nuanced difference between “scarcely” and “only just.” Both convey a sense of minimal achievement, but they do so with slightly different implications. “Scarcely” often suggests difficulty, a struggle against odds. Think of “scarcely breathing” or “scarcely visible.” The situation is precarious, bordering on failure.
“Only just,” on the other hand, feels a little more triumphant, a close shave with a positive outcome. “I only just caught the train!” implies a successful outcome, albeit a nail-biting one. The element of relief is stronger.
So, our six-letter word needs to encapsulate both these ideas – the struggle
and
the narrow victory, the almost-failure
and
the ultimate, albeit minimal, success. It’s a tightrope walk between definitions.
When approaching these kinds of clues, it’s useful to consider common synonyms for “scarcely” and “only just”. What words
mean
the same thing, even if they don’t sound the same? Think about words like “barely,” “hardly,” or even phrases like “by a whisker.” Can you condense any of these concepts into a six-letter solution?
Don’t forget about the context of the crossword itself. Are there any crossing letters that might provide a crucial foothold? Even a single confirmed letter can dramatically narrow down the possibilities. Sometimes, just staring at the grid for a while and letting the possibilities percolate is the best strategy.
Consider the kind of situations where you might use the phrases “scarcely” or “only just.” Are there common scenarios or activities that immediately spring to mind? Is there a particular feeling or emotion associated with that narrow escape? Translate that feeling into a word.
Think about how language often abbreviates or simplifies concepts. Could there be a more concise, almost colloquial, way of expressing “scarcely, only just”? Crossword compilers are notorious for their love of clever wordplay and unexpected abbreviations.
This type of clue is a great example of why crossword puzzles are so addictive. It’s not just about knowing obscure facts; it’s about understanding the subtle nuances of language, the art of synonymy, and the satisfying feeling of cracking a code. Good luck! Let the word games begin! And remember, the best way to improve your crossword solving skills is to keep practicing, keep thinking laterally, and never be afraid to explore unexpected avenues. Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
HARDLY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025