The daily dance with a fresh crossword puzzle is a ritual many of us cherish. That moment of anticipation, the satisfying click as letters fall into place, and then…
that
one intractable crossword clue. You know the one. The phrase that stares back, seemingly innocuous, yet holding a depth of cunning wordplay that keeps you scratching your head long after the others have yielded their secrets. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a particularly engaging example that’s been perplexing many a dedicated solver: “Suffer at home, remedy falling short (5).”
This five-letter enigma perfectly encapsulates the delightful frustration that makes cryptic crosswords so addictive. On the surface, it paints a picture of discomfort within one’s own dwelling, with an attempted solution failing to quite hit the mark. But as any seasoned crossword enthusiast knows, the surface reading is often just a clever misdirection, a veil over the true linguistic gymnastics at play. To unlock this type of challenging crossword clue, one must delve deeper into its constituent parts, looking for hidden meanings, clever abbreviations, or inventive charades.
“Suffer at home” immediately sparks a few ideas. Is “home” indicating an enclosure, perhaps the letters ‘IN’ or a container structure? Or does it refer to a state of being, a feeling? The concept of suffering could lead to words denoting pain, illness, or simply a difficult experience. When combined with “at home,” the possibilities start to branch out, demanding a careful consideration of synonyms and their potential interactions within the wordplay. This segment of the crossword clue provides a strong definitional element, but also holds a key to the cryptic instruction.
Then we encounter “remedy falling short.” This is where the wordplay truly begins to flex its muscles. In cryptic crossword language, phrases like “falling short,” “cut short,” “incomplete,” or “partially” are often powerful indicators. They might suggest removing the last letter of a word, or perhaps using an abbreviation or a truncated form of a more extended term. The word “remedy” itself is rich with possibilities; it could be part of a word that needs to be shortened, or perhaps a synonym for a solution or a cure. The juxtaposition of “remedy” with “falling short” creates a fascinating tension, pointing directly to a linguistic operation rather than just a straightforward definition.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like this lies in how it compels you to juggle multiple interpretations simultaneously. You’re searching for a five-letter word that satisfies both the descriptive elements and the cryptic instructions. It’s a mental workout, a true brain teaser that demands you think outside the box, yet strictly within the rules of cryptic wordplay. Many a solver has spent a good deal of time pondering how “suffer at home” and a “remedy falling short” could combine to produce a singular, elegant five-letter answer.
Whether you’re a novice just starting your crossword puzzle journey or a veteran who tackles the daily cryptic with gusto, this particular crossword clue serves as an excellent example of the artistry involved in puzzle construction. It’s a testament to the way language can be twisted and turned, revealing surprising connections and rewarding those who persevere. Such a challenging clue offers a powerful sense of accomplishment when finally cracked, making all the head-scratching worthwhile. So, how did you approach this intriguing puzzle challenge? What initial thoughts did this compelling crossword clue spark for you? The journey to the solution is often as rewarding as the destination itself, and dissecting these clever constructions is a core part of the crossword solving experience.
Available Answers:
INCUR.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Friday, 12 September 2025