Threading the Needle: Cracking the “Shoe’s Lace-Hole (6)” Crossword Clue
Welcome, crossword aficionados, to another delve into the fascinating world of cryptic clues and cunning wordplay! Today, we’re tackling a particularly common, yet deceptively simple, type of clue: “Shoe’s Lace-Hole (6)”.
On the surface, it seems straightforward, doesn’t it? A hole on a shoe, specifically one used for lacing. We might immediately jump to visualising our footwear, mentally tracing the path of the laces and picturing those tiny apertures that guide them across the shoe’s upper. But the beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to lure you into a trap of the obvious, only to reveal a more subtle and satisfying solution.
The numerical indicator, “(6)”, is our crucial guide. It tells us that the answer is a six-letter word. This information is paramount, of course, and should be the first piece of the puzzle we cement in our minds. Don’t be tempted to bypass this step! Countless hours are wasted on solutions that sound right, but simply don’t fit the grid.
Now, let’s break down the clue itself. “Shoe’s” is fairly unambiguous, pointing us towards an element directly associated with footwear. “Lace-Hole” refines the search, narrowing our focus to the specific function of the hole, the act of threading the lace through.
But where do we go from here?
Consider the various terms associated with shoes. Forget the entire shoe itself; we need to think
part
of the shoe. Think about the components crucial for keeping the shoe on your foot. Now, narrow your thinking to only the lace.
Brainstorming is a valuable tactic here. Start writing down everything that springs to mind when you think of laces and holes: eyelets, grommets, apertures, piercings, openings, passages, conduits, guides. Even seemingly irrelevant words related to shoes and fastening might spark a connection.
Remember, crossword clues frequently employ clever wordplay, often using synonyms, homophones, or hidden meanings. Think laterally. Could the clue be hinting at a less literal interpretation? Is there a double meaning lurking within the seemingly simple phrase “lace-hole”? Is “Shoe’s” possibly a possessive, not indicating the shoe itself, but ownership of the hole?
Don’t discount the context of the puzzle. What are the surrounding clues? Are there any thematic elements running through the crossword that might offer a clue? Sometimes, a connection to another answer, even a tenuous one, can provide the crucial nudge in the right direction.
Also, consider common shoe materials. Is there a type of material associated with both shoes and the structure that the lace goes through? Sometimes, the material is intrinsically linked to the way the hole is formed.
Finally, the key to solving this crossword clue might be simpler than you think. Step back, take a fresh look, and revisit your initial thoughts. The answer is often staring you right in the face, hidden in plain sight. Think practical, think function, and most importantly, remember the six-letter constraint.
Available Answers:
EYELET.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025