Tall Order: A Look at This Tricky Seven-Letter Crossword Clue
Seven letters. Seems simple, right? But sometimes those deceptively short clues are the ones that really get you scratching your head. This one, “Six-footers in groups (7),” definitely falls into that category. It conjures up imagery of basketball teams, perhaps, or towering figures lined up for some unknown purpose. Yet, the actual answer remains stubbornly elusive.
Let’s break down the clue a bit, dissecting its components to see if we can coax out some helpful hints. We’re dealing with “six-footers.” This is our primary descriptor, suggesting that height is a key characteristic. It immediately points our thoughts towards professions or scenarios where being tall is advantageous, or at least noticeable. Think sports, as mentioned, but also consider modeling, certain types of manual labor, or even just a group of remarkably tall individuals congregating somewhere.
The crucial phrase, however, is “in groups.” This directs us away from solitary figures and towards collective nouns or terms associated with gatherings. It implies a plurality, a sense of belonging or organization. The answer isn’t simply a descriptor of
one
tall person; it’s a description of a collection of them.
Now, let’s consider what this “group” might be. Is it a formalized team? A social club? A biological grouping? The clue is deliberately vague, forcing us to explore multiple avenues of thought. We need to find a seven-letter word that encapsulates the concept of a collection of people, all unified (perhaps loosely) by their height exceeding six feet.
Think about the subtle nuances of language. “Groups” can mean many things. It can denote a tight-knit community, or simply a number of people sharing a common trait. Consider synonyms for “group” – cohort, cluster, assembly, collection, set. Do any of these words, or words associated with them, lead you down a fruitful path?
The number of letters is, of course, our biggest constraint and our greatest tool. We know the answer
must
be seven letters long. We can methodically run through possibilities, mentally slotting potential letters into place and seeing if any likely words emerge.
Consider prefixes and suffixes. Could the answer be a variation of a shorter word with the addition of a common prefix or suffix? Think about words relating to stature, size, or collections, and see if any of those can be altered to fit the seven-letter requirement.
The beauty of crossword puzzles is the challenge they present, the way they force us to think laterally and explore different angles. This particular clue is a prime example of that. It’s seemingly straightforward, yet requires a multi-faceted approach to solve.
Keep those words and ideas flowing. Consider different fields, different contexts, and different meanings of the words in the clue. The answer is out there, waiting to be discovered. Good luck, and happy solving!
Available Answers:
INSECTS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 14 August 2025