The quiet hum of concentration, the scratch of a pen on newsprint, the sudden burst of understanding – these are the hallmarks of a good crossword puzzle session. And lurking within many a grid is that perfectly crafted, deceptively simple phrase designed to make you pause, ponder, and perhaps even groan aloud when the solution finally clicks. Today, we’re dissecting a classic example of this very art: the intriguing
crossword clue
“Stout carrier (6)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
appears straightforward. Six letters. A “stout” something carrying something else. But experienced solvers know that in the world of crosswords, nothing is ever quite as it seems. The brilliance of a well-engineered clue lies in its ability to lead you down multiple garden paths before revealing the single, correct route. And “Stout carrier (6)” is a masterclass in this misdirection.
Let’s unpack the first word: “stout.” Immediately, two distinct interpretations spring to mind, and the cunning
crossword clue
setter is banking on you considering both. Is it “stout” as in robust, strong, or corpulent? Think of a stout oak tree, a stout rope, or a stout fellow with a hearty laugh. This adjective suggests a certain physical quality, hinting at something durable or substantial that might be involved in carrying. Or, is it “stout” as in the dark, rich, often creamy ale beloved by many? This interpretation pivots the entire clue into the realm of beverages, instantly conjuring images of pubs, breweries, and vessels. This very duality is the first hurdle the solver must overcome, a delightful lexical puzzle presented within the larger
crossword clue
.
Then we turn our attention to “carrier.” Again, the setter gives us ample room to wander. A “carrier” can be a person who transports goods, like a postal carrier or a baggage handler. It can be a vehicle, from an aircraft carrier dominating the seas to a simple bicycle carrier on the back of a car. But think deeper. What else can “carry” something? A container, perhaps? A bag, a box, a vessel designed specifically to hold and transport. This broader definition is often where the magic happens in a challenging
crossword clue
. The most common, direct meaning is frequently not the one required for the solution.
The parenthetical (6) is your guiding star, of course. That digit is an anchor, grounding your brainstorming to possibilities that fit the precise letter count. It’s the silent arbiter, confirming or denying your hunches as you cycle through potential answers. Without it, the clue would be a riddle without bounds; with it, it becomes a solvable puzzle, albeit one that requires a careful unraveling of its linguistic layers.
This particular
crossword clue
exemplifies the joy of wordplay that defines the best puzzles. It’s not about obscure knowledge but about understanding the malleable nature of language, the way words can twist and turn, revealing different facets of meaning depending on context. When you finally hit upon the correct six-letter answer, there’s an almost palpable “aha!” moment. It’s the satisfaction of seeing how “stout” and “carrier” combine in an unexpected yet perfectly logical way, a testament to the setter’s wit and your own lateral thinking. It’s these kinds of clever clues that keep us coming back to the grid, day after day, eager for the next linguistic challenge.
Understanding how to approach such multi-layered
crossword clues
is a skill honed over many grids. It teaches you to look beyond the obvious, to question every word, and to appreciate the elegant economy of language. The simple phrase “Stout carrier (6)” isn’t just a challenge; it’s an invitation to explore the delightful depths of English vocabulary and the art of puzzle construction.
Available Answers:
PORTER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Sunday, 20 July 2025