That Pesky ‘Temporarily (6)‘ Crossword Clue: A Solver’s Guide
Six letters. Seemingly simple. But the crossword gods often delight in making the most straightforward-looking clues the biggest head-scratchers. “Temporarily (6)” is one such beast. It dangles there, a siren song of easy points, only to reveal a labyrinth of possibilities. Before you resign yourself to defeat (or worse, Google!), let’s delve into the tactics seasoned crossword solvers employ when faced with such a deceptively short clue.
Understanding the Context:
The first, and arguably most crucial, step is to examine the surrounding clues. Are there any intersecting letters already filled in? Those precious intersections act as anchors, immediately narrowing the field of potential solutions. A single letter can dramatically alter the landscape, eliminating entire swathes of six-letter words that might otherwise seem plausible. Pay close attention to the theme of the crossword, if one exists. Is there a particular subject being explored? Does the editor often favor a specific style of wordplay? A theme can provide valuable context, suggesting potential areas to focus your mental energies. Is there a particular era being referenced? Does the setter have a particular background that often creeps into the answers? All of this is helpful when brainstorming words that fit.
Beyond the Definition: Think Synonyms, but Clever:
While the definition (“temporarily”) is your starting point, don’t be afraid to stray from the most obvious synonyms. Crossword clues rarely offer a straightforward definition. The beauty – and frustration – lies in the clever wordplay, the subtle nuances, and the unexpected angles. Think beyond “briefly” and “shortly.” What other words convey the idea of something being not permanent? Consider words like “fleeting,” “passing,” or even phrases suggesting a transient state.
The Power of Anagrams and Wordplay:
Many crossword clues, especially those with a relatively simple definition, rely heavily on wordplay. Could “temporarily” be a trigger for an anagram? Rearranging the letters of a related word or phrase could unlock the solution. Look for hidden words within the clue itself. Sometimes, the answer is lurking in plain sight, cleverly disguised within the seemingly innocent wording of the clue.
Common Crosswordese and Frequent Flyers:
Crosswords have their own language, a collection of frequently used words and phrases known as “crosswordese.” These words, often short and vowel-heavy, appear repeatedly across various puzzles. While not necessarily a direct synonym for “temporarily,” consider whether any common crosswordese words fit the letter count and any intersecting letters. Keeping a mental list of these frequently used words can prove invaluable in cracking tricky clues.
Breaking Down the Word:
Sometimes, the solution lies in deconstructing the word “temporarily” itself. Could the answer be a smaller word embedded within the longer one? Or perhaps a word that is somehow related to the concept of time or duration?
The Last Resort: Educated Guessing (with a Strategy):
If all else fails, and you’re staring blankly at the grid, it’s time for a strategic guess. Consider the possibilities, weigh the evidence from intersecting letters and surrounding clues, and take a calculated risk. Remember, even a wrong guess can provide valuable information. It might eliminate a potential letter combination, forcing you to rethink your approach and potentially leading to the correct answer.
Available Answers:
AWHILE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 18 October 2025