Another day, another delightful brain-teaser from the world of crossword puzzles! There’s something uniquely satisfying about staring at a blank grid, armed only with a handful of cryptic definitions, and slowly watching the answers reveal themselves. Today, we’re diving into a particularly charming
crossword clue
that might have given you a moment’s pause: “Small food shopkeeper (6)“.
This particular
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how seemingly straightforward definitions can still offer a good challenge, prompting you to dig deep into your vocabulary and associations. At first glance, it feels like a simple descriptive
crossword clue
, asking for a direct synonym or a specific profession. But as with many things in the intricate universe of crosswords, there’s often more to it than meets the eye.
Let’s break down this intriguing
crossword clue
. We’re looking for a six-letter word. The core of the clue is “food shopkeeper.” This immediately brings to mind a variety of retail establishments and the individuals who run them. Are we talking about someone who sells bread? Cheese? Fish? Or perhaps a general purveyor of edibles? The possibilities are broad, and that’s part of the fun of this kind of
crossword clue
.
Then there’s the modifier: “Small.” This is where the
crossword clue
truly gets interesting. Does “small” refer to the physical size of the shop? A little corner store, perhaps? Or does it refer to the
type
of food being sold, perhaps something petite or bite-sized? Could it even imply a certain quaintness or specialized nature of the business? This ambiguity is a classic crossword tactic, designed to make you consider multiple interpretations before landing on the precise fit. Often, in a good
crossword clue
, “small” can hint at a diminutive form of a word, or a specific, perhaps old-fashioned, type of vendor.
When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, it’s always helpful to brainstorm synonyms for “shopkeeper” first. Think about terms like vendor, merchant, purveyor, or a proprietor. Then, layer in the “food” aspect. Is there a specific kind of food seller that perfectly encapsulates the “small” descriptor? Consider both modern and slightly archaic terms, as crosswords often draw from a wide lexical pool. The six-letter constraint is your best friend here, narrowing down the field considerably once you start generating possibilities.
One of the great joys of solving a daily
crossword clue
is the ‘aha!’ moment. It’s that sudden flash of insight when the seemingly disparate elements of the clue click into place, and the perfect word, with its precise letter count, reveals itself. For many, that moment makes all the head-scratching worthwhile. This “Small food shopkeeper (6)“
crossword clue
certainly has the potential to deliver just such a satisfying revelation.
Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just starting your journey into the captivating world of word puzzles, dissecting a
crossword clue
like this is excellent practice. It sharpens your word association skills, broadens your vocabulary, and teaches you to think laterally. So, next time you encounter a tricky
crossword clue
, remember to break it down, consider all its facets, and enjoy the mental workout. There’s always a solution waiting to be discovered!
Available Answers:
GROCER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 19 July 2025