Every seasoned crossword solver knows the feeling. That moment when you land on a particular crossword clue that just… stops you cold. It’s not necessarily obscure or wildly arcane, but it possesses a certain weight, a specific gravity that demands a deeper dive, a prolonged mental wrestling match. These are the clues that separate the quick solve from the truly rewarding intellectual workout. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on just such a
crossword clue
: “Taxing, burdensome (7).”
This particular
crossword clue
immediately conjures an image of effort, of a heavy lift, both literal and metaphorical. Let’s dissect these two powerful adjectives that the setter has so expertly paired.
First, “taxing.” Beyond its obvious association with fiscal obligations, “taxing”, when applied to a task or experience, signifies something that makes great demands on one’s strength or resources. It speaks to mental or physical exertion, a draining process. Think of a “taxing” negotiation, a “taxing” climb, or indeed, a particularly “taxing” brain teaser. It implies a depletion, a drawing down of reserves. In the realm of problem-solving, a taxing challenge isn’t just difficult; it requires a sustained, concentrated effort that leaves you feeling a bit spent, perhaps even a little weary from the mental gymnastics. For those of us who love the intricate dance of a challenging
crossword clue
, “taxing” perfectly describes the joy and struggle of the pursuit.
Then there’s “burdensome.” This word evokes a sense of weight, an oppressive load. Something burdensome is hard to bear, a heavy responsibility or an unwelcome obligation. While “taxing” often speaks to the
act
of effort, “burdensome” leans into the
feeling
of being weighed down, of something that is cumbersome or difficult to manage. It’s the sigh before you even begin, the sense of an imposing task ahead. A burdensome journey isn’t just long; it feels arduous, heavy with impediments. When applied to abstract concepts, it suggests something that restricts freedom or causes discomfort due to its demands.
When you see a
crossword clue
that combines two such evocative descriptors – “taxing” and “burdensome” – you know you’re looking for a word that truly encapsulates the essence of arduousness, a state of being difficult, demanding, and perhaps even oppressive. It’s not just a little tricky; it’s profoundly challenging. The seven-letter constraint further refines our search, guiding us towards a word that succinctly captures this dual nature of demanding effort and oppressive weight.
Understanding the nuances of each part of a
crossword clue
is key to unlocking its secret. The setter isn’t just throwing synonyms at us; they’re painting a precise picture of a particular kind of difficulty. This isn’t a fleeting annoyance; it’s a sustained pressure. It’s the kind of situation that drains your energy and makes you feel the weight of the task. The journey to deciphering a challenging
crossword clue
like this one often mirrors the very meaning of the words within it. You tax your brain, you feel the burden of a blank space, but the eventual breakthrough is all the more satisfying.
This is a classic example of a
crossword clue
that requires you to think beyond the immediate, to delve into the deeper implications of the words themselves. It’s a word that perfectly encapsulates that feeling of heavy effort, that sense of a significant demand being placed upon you. It’s the kind of word that, once revealed, makes you nod in appreciation for the setter’s precision in capturing such a universal experience of difficulty.
Available Answers:
ONEROUS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Tuesday, 1 July 2025