Some crossword clues arrive looking deceptively simple, mere trifles that promise an easy entry into the grid. Then there are others, short and sharp, that slice right through your confidence, leaving you staring blankly at a three-letter space, convinced the solution is right there, just out of reach. Today, we’re diving into one such intriguing little enigma that has sparked plenty of head-scratching moments for solvers everywhere: the “Unfashionable (3)“
crossword clue
.
It’s a classic example of a
crossword clue
that leverages common vocabulary but demands a very specific, often overlooked, context. You see ‘unfashionable,’ and your mind immediately races through a lexicon of words like ‘dated,’ ‘old-fashioned,’ ‘outmoded,’ or ‘passe.’ But then you hit the dreaded (3) indicator, and suddenly, all those longer synonyms fall away, leaving you scrambling for that elusive three-letter gem.
This isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a testament to the beautiful, frustrating art of the daily puzzle. It highlights how expert constructors can distil complex ideas into the most concise forms, challenging us to think laterally, beyond the first obvious synonym. Often, the trick lies in considering nuances of meaning, informal usages, or perhaps even a slightly archaic term that perfectly fits the limited character count. When you encounter a
crossword clue
like “Unfashionable (3),” it’s not about brute-force vocabulary; it’s about wordplay, precision, and sometimes, a little bit of general knowledge that bridges the gap between the clue and its unexpectedly brief answer.
Think about the mental gymnastics involved. You might consider a word that describes an
item
being unfashionable, or a
person
, or even an
idea
. Each direction offers a different potential path to solving the
crossword clue
. It’s the kind of clue that makes you question everything you thought you knew about synonyms, forcing a deeper dive into the subtle shades of meaning that English words possess.
So, if you’ve found yourself stuck on this particular
crossword clue
, you’re definitely not alone. It’s a universal experience for those who regularly tackle
crossword puzzles
. It’s the moment of delightful revelation when the correct three letters click into place that makes all the staring and muttering at the page worthwhile. These are the
crossword clues
that train our brains, sharpen our lexical recall, and ultimately, make us better solvers. Let’s unpack the possibilities and get to the heart of this classic.
Available Answers:
OUT.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 28 June 2025