Welcome, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts, to another dive into the delightfully twisty world of crosswords! There are some crossword clues that simply jump off the page, not just for their cleverness, but for the immediate mental image they conjure. Today’s featured brain-teaser is a prime example of exactly that: “To hurt donkey’s tail is mean (6).”
Now, if you’re like me, your first thought upon encountering such a unique
crossword clue
might be a quick chuckle, followed by a furrowed brow. Donkeys, tails, and an act of meanness – what could the constructors possibly be hinting at with this particular six-letter challenge? It’s the kind of cryptic crossword clue that makes you pause, smile, and then immediately reach for your dictionary (or, more likely, your favorite search engine).
This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a perfect illustration of how word puzzles can take a seemingly disparate collection of words and weave them into a single, elegant solution. The art of solving these daily crossword challenges often lies in looking beyond the literal and embracing the playful ambiguity that constructors so brilliantly employ. Is it a direct definition? A clever anagram? A subtle charade tucked within the words? The beauty of a good
crossword clue
like this one is in the journey of discovery, the “aha!” moment that lights up your brain when the pieces finally click into place.
For those of us who live for the thrill of a tough word puzzle, clues that blend vivid imagery with a concise definition are pure gold. They demand a certain flexibility of thought, a willingness to consider linguistic quirks and common idioms, all while keeping that letter count firmly in mind. This particular
crossword clue
has all the hallmarks of a classic head-scratcher, one that will test your vocabulary and your ability to spot hidden connections.
If you’ve been grappling with “To hurt donkey’s tail is mean (6)” and finding yourself stumped, you’re certainly not alone. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
designed to give you a momentary pause, perhaps even a slight groan, before that satisfying breakthrough. We’re going to break down the elements of this intriguing clue, explore the potential wordplay at work, and unravel the layers of meaning that lead to its clever, concise answer. Get ready to flex those mental muscles, because this is one of those gratifying
crossword clues
that feels immensely rewarding once you crack it! Let’s get solving and illuminate the path to the solution for this fantastic daily crossword challenge.
Available Answers:
STINGY.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Monday, 6 October 2025