Leftovers: Wrestling with a Surplus Crossword Clue
Welcome, word nerds, to another delve into the cryptic depths of crosswordland. Today’s quarry? A tantalizingly vague clue: “Things surplus to requirements (6,7)“.
Now, those numbers, (6,7), are the first breadcrumbs on our trail. They tell us the solution is a phrase comprising two words, one with six letters and the other with seven. This, at the very least, narrows our focus. We’re not looking for a single-word synonym for “unnecessary” or “excess.” We need a specific
phrase
describing items that are no longer needed.
“Surplus to requirements” is a fascinating phrase itself. It speaks of utility, of purpose, and then, of obsolescence. The item in question was once necessary, held a defined role, and now… it’s simply
there
. A relic of a bygone need. Think about your own life. What objects lurk in your cupboards, your garage, your attic, gathering dust, whispering tales of their former importance?
That feeling of being superseded is key to cracking this crossword clue. We need to brainstorm words associated with this feeling of being phased out. Consider the military: what terminology do they use for equipment no longer in active service? Think about corporate restructuring: what happens to redundant staff and their equipment? Ponder the world of manufacturing: what becomes of items that don’t pass quality control or that are produced in excess of demand?
The trick here isn’t just to find words that fit the letter count. We need the
right
fit, a phrase that’s commonly used to describe items that have outlived their usefulness. It’s also worth considering common crossword conventions. Are there any familiar setters known for using a particular type of clue for phrases? Are they likely to employ a pun, a hidden word, or a double definition?
Often, with clues like this, thinking outside the box, and possibly beyond the literal words of the clue, is essential. “Requirements” could be viewed figuratively, and then the “surplus” might point to a more conceptual, less tangible meaning. Perhaps it’s not even
things
in the physical sense, but something less concrete – ideas, emotions, or even personnel within a certain context.
Another tactic is to examine the grid itself. Are there any intersecting letters that might give us a nudge in the right direction? A single revealed letter can sometimes spark the crucial connection, allowing us to see the bigger picture. Look carefully at the surrounding clues too. Sometimes, themes emerge within a crossword, and understanding the overall theme can illuminate individual solutions.
Don’t underestimate the power of old-fashioned brainstorming. Write down everything that springs to mind when you think of “things surplus to requirements.” No idea is too silly at this stage. The goal is to generate a wide range of possibilities and then refine them based on the letter count and any other clues we can gather. Think of it as sifting through mental clutter to unearth the perfect phrase. Good luck and happy solving!
Available Answers:
EXCESSBAGGAGE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 15 September 2025