The satisfying click of a perfectly placed word in your daily crossword puzzle is a feeling every solver savors. But before that moment of triumph, there’s often a pause, a moment of deep thought over a particular crossword clue that seems deceptively simple. We’ve all been there, staring at a blank space, knowing the answer is
right there
if only we could unlock the setter’s precise intent.
Today, we’re diving into one of those intriguing prompts: “Sigh with pain (5).” This five-letter crossword clue immediately brings to mind a very human experience, a visceral reaction that transcends language barriers. It’s the kind of cryptic prompt that, at first glance, might send your mind racing through a dozen possibilities. Is it a verb, an action? Or perhaps a noun, describing the sound or the feeling itself? This ambiguity is a classic trick setters use, challenging you to consider all facets of the definition when tackling your daily crossword.
When confronted with a vivid, action-oriented crossword clue like “Sigh with pain (5),” the initial instinct might be to brainstorm direct synonyms for both ‘sigh’ and ‘pain’. However, the magic often lies in a single word that encapsulates
both
elements simultaneously, a word that perfectly conveys that physical and emotional expression. The brevity of a five-letter answer means every character carries significant weight, and there’s no room for extraneous meaning. It’s a prime example of a crossword clue that demands precision over mere approximation.
Solving crosswords means understanding the subtle art of wordplay. A setter isn’t just asking for a dictionary definition; they’re often painting a picture, evoking an emotion, or even hinting at a common phrase or idiom. For this particular crossword clue, “Sigh with pain (5),” the key is to pinpoint a word that inherently carries the dual meaning of an exhalation (a sigh) coupled with discomfort or distress (pain). It’s not just a ‘groan’ or a ‘moan’ – those are related but might lack the specific nuance. It’s about finding that elegant, concise term that perfectly fits the five-letter slot, a challenge that makes every successful crossword clue resolution so rewarding.
Mastering such tricky crossword clues is what elevates the daily challenge from a mere vocabulary test to a genuine intellectual workout. It requires empathy for the language, an ear for its rhythm, and a keen eye for its subtle shades of meaning. We’ll explore the various paths one might take to arrive at the solution for this specific crossword clue, offering insights into the thought process behind cracking these often perplexing word puzzles. Finding the right word for a challenging crossword clue not only fills a blank in your grid but also sharpens your linguistic acumen. Stay tuned as we unravel the layers of “Sigh with pain (5)” and discover the perfect fit for your grid, enhancing your overall crossword puzzle help toolkit.
Available Answers:
GROAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 2 December 2025