You know those moments, right? You’re deep into your morning coffee, the daily crossword puzzle spread before you, and you hit a clue that just
sings
. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s crafted with such elegance, such a perfect blend of misdirection and logical pathways, that you know it’s going to be a delight to unravel. Today, for many of us tackling our latest cryptic challenge, that moment arrived with a particular six-letter gem: “Sounding empty and depressed after brief vacation (6).”
What a fantastic
crossword clue
this is! It’s the kind that makes you pause, smile, and perhaps even groan a little (in the best possible way) as you consider its many facets. These are the clues that truly elevate the art of
crossword solving
, pushing us to think outside the box, beyond the obvious, and into the rich tapestry of language itself. Getting to grips with a challenging
crossword clue
provides a unique mental workout, sharpening our linguistic skills and our capacity for lateral thinking.
Let’s pick it apart, shall we? Without giving anything away – because where’s the fun in that? – let’s explore why this particular
cryptic crossword clue
is such a masterclass in construction. First, consider the definition part: “Sounding empty and depressed.” This immediately paints a picture, doesn’t it? We’re looking for a word that conveys a sense of hollowness, perhaps a quiet despair, a lack of something vital, or a general feeling of despondency. Think about the words that evoke these emotions or states. They can be quite vivid, ranging from descriptions of physical spaces to emotional conditions. This aspect of the
crossword clue
is deceptively straightforward, yet it holds a key to the overall meaning. What kinds of words perfectly encapsulate both the idea of being ’empty’ and carrying a ‘depressed’ or melancholic resonance? It’s a fascinating lexical exercise just in itself, pondering the nuances of language that can capture such complex human experiences.
Then we move to the wordplay: “after brief vacation.” Ah, “brief vacation”! This is where the magic of cryptic crosswords truly shines. The word “brief” in a
crossword puzzle
context is a powerful indicator. It often signals that we need to take a shortened version of a word, an abbreviation, or perhaps just the initial letters. It demands that we strip down a common term to its bare essentials. And “vacation”? What are the common synonyms or even just the fundamental concept associated with a vacation? It could be a break, a holiday, a trip, or simply time away. The setter is asking us to consider a condensed form of one of these ideas. How does a “vacation” become “brief” in a way that contributes to our six-letter answer? Are we looking for a common abbreviation? Or perhaps just a core component of the word “vacation” itself? This part of the
crossword clue
is where many solvers might initially scratch their heads, wondering how a leisurely trip could possibly lead to a feeling of emptiness or depression. That’s the brilliance of the misdirection, offering a seemingly unrelated concept that, when broken down, forms a vital component of the solution. Mastering such techniques is key to successfully navigating a daily crossword puzzle.
The true genius of this
crossword clue
lies in how these two seemingly disparate parts – the emotional state and the abbreviated travel – come together to form a single, cohesive six-letter word. It’s a testament to the setter’s skill that they can weave such a compelling narrative from just a few words. When you finally see how the “brief vacation” component seamlessly integrates with the concept of “sounding empty and depressed,” resulting in that perfect six-letter solution, it’s incredibly satisfying. It’s an “aha!” moment that reminds us why we love these puzzles so much. The elegance of such a construction is what makes hunting down every
crossword clue
a rewarding adventure.
For anyone who loves a good challenge, this
crossword clue
is a perfect example of what makes cryptic crosswords so addictive. It’s not just about filling in squares; it’s about understanding the clever wordplay, appreciating the linguistic gymnastics, and ultimately, feeling that surge of accomplishment when all the pieces click into place. So, take another look, ponder those definitions and indicators, and enjoy the journey to that incredibly fitting six-letter word. Happy solving!
Available Answers:
HOLLOW.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Wednesday, 27 August 2025