Today’s featured
crossword clue
presents a delightful challenge, the kind that makes you pause, scratch your head, and then feel that satisfying click when the answer finally reveals itself. The clue: “Time when most strikes occur (6).”
At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but as any seasoned
crossword puzzle
solver knows, brevity often hides layers of meaning. The word “strikes” itself is a prime example of a homograph, a single word with multiple distinct interpretations. This is a classic trick setters love to employ, turning a seemingly simple
crossword clue
into a mental workout.
Do we think of labor disputes? Historically, certain periods have been rife with industrial action. If so, what “time” would encapsulate that? Is it a specific season, a particular economic phase, or something more abstract? The six-letter constraint immediately pushes us away from long phrases and towards a more concise answer. This type of wordplay is central to unlocking many a tricky
crossword clue
.
Then there’s the world of sports. Baseball, for instance, has its “strikes.” Is there a peak time in a game or season when these are more prevalent? Or perhaps bowling, where a “strike” is the ultimate goal. Could the clue be leading us down a lane to a specific period when these athletic achievements are most likely? Thinking about daily crossword clues, setters often dip into sports vernacular, requiring solvers to consider the jargon of various pastimes.
Another common interpretation of “strike” involves impact – like a lightning strike. Are we looking for a time of day or year when meteorological events like these are most frequent? This broadens the scope considerably, making the task of cracking this particular
crossword clue
even more intriguing. It’s a reminder that good
crossword help
often involves thinking outside the box and considering all possible domains.
The beauty of such a clue lies in its ability to force us to consider all possibilities, to momentarily disregard our initial biases. When tackling a
crossword clue
like “Time when most strikes occur (6),” it’s essential to avoid locking into the first meaning that springs to mind. Instead, list out all potential interpretations of “strikes” and then, for each, brainstorm what “time” could correspond to it, keeping that crucial six-letter limit in focus. This methodical approach is a cornerstone of effective crossword solving.
It’s also worth considering the setter’s typical style. Are they known for literal interpretations or do they lean towards more lateral thinking? This isn’t always obvious from a single
crossword clue
, but it’s a good mental habit for daily crossword puzzle solvers. Knowing your setter can be a secret weapon.
For those moments when you’re staring blankly, feeling that frustration bubble up, remember that every
crossword clue
is solvable. Sometimes it just takes a different angle. Look at the surrounding clues, if you have them – often, a crossing letter can be the key that unlocks the whole thing. It’s about more than just vocabulary; it’s about pattern recognition, context, and a touch of lateral thinking that makes puzzle solvers keep coming back.
This specific
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of why we love crosswords. It’s deceptively simple yet brilliantly multifaceted. It makes you flex those brain muscles and consider the nuances of language. For anyone seeking crossword help, clues like these are perfect practice grounds for developing that crucial solver’s intuition. Don’t rush it; savour the journey of elimination and discovery. What “time” do
you
think it is?
Available Answers:
TWELVE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 6 November 2025