Wrangling Words: A Six-Letter Nuisance in Today’s Crossword
Morning, crossword aficionados! Hope your coffee is strong and your pencil is sharp because today we’re tackling a particularly pesky clue. It’s the kind that sits in the grid, glaring back at you, hinting at familiarity but remaining frustratingly elusive. We’re facing a six-letter word that embodies the feeling of irritation, a constant bother, the kind of thing that makes you want to pull your hair out (or, at the very least, sigh dramatically).
The clue reads:
“Trouble, annoy continually (6).”
Immediately, we’re drawn to the dual nature of the instruction. “Trouble” and “annoy” are fairly broad terms, encompassing a wide range of irritating actions and situations. The crucial word here is “continually.” This isn’t just a fleeting annoyance; it’s something persistent, a drip, drip, drip of frustration.
Let’s break down our attack strategy, keeping in mind the six-letter limit. The length is a huge help, immediately eliminating possibilities that are too long or too short. Think about common six-letter words associated with aggravation.
We need a verb, an action word, as indicated by “annoy continually.” Consider synonyms for “trouble” and “annoy.” Words like “bother,” “pester,” “harass,” and “irritate” spring to mind. However, we need to distill the
essence
of continual annoyance into one succinct six-letter package.
Think about scenarios where someone is continually annoyed. Perhaps it’s a noisy neighbor, a persistent salesperson, or even a nagging cough. What are they
doing
that’s so irritating? What’s the active verb at play?
It’s also worth considering the tone of the clue. Is it playful or serious? The relatively straightforward wording suggests a more common, everyday word rather than an obscure or archaic term. This steers us away from overly formal or literary options.
Another avenue to explore is looking for words with repeated letters or common suffixes that might fit the bill. Does the word end in “-ing” or “-ed,” implying a present participle or past tense? Does it contain a double letter like “ss” or “ll,” which can often be a giveaway?
Consider the letters you already have filled in on the grid. Do any of them intersect with this six-letter word? If so, that dramatically narrows down the possibilities. Start by plugging in the known letters and see what words start to form. Sometimes, just seeing a couple of letters in place is enough to trigger the correct answer.
Finally, don’t be afraid to take a break and come back to it later. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to unlock the solution. A walk, a cup of tea, or even working on another part of the crossword can help clear your mind and allow the answer to surface.
Keep racking your brain, fellow solvers! This one might require a little extra effort, but the satisfaction of cracking it will be all the sweeter. Good luck, and happy puzzling! Let me know in the comments how you are doing on this crossword clue. Remember to be patient and break it down!
Available Answers:
HARASS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 19 September 2025