Drilling Down: Cracking This Eight-Letter Crossword Clue
Right, another week, another crossword staring back at me. And you know what that means: time to delve into the murky depths of cryptic clues and hopefully emerge victorious (or at least, slightly less confused). This time around, we’re tackling an eight-letter beast, hinted at by the seemingly straightforward instruction: “Use a drill.”
Simple, right? Not so fast. Crossword setters are masters of deception, weaving layers of meaning into seemingly innocent phrases. While our initial thought might jump to the literal act of boring a hole, it’s crucial to remember the golden rule of crossword solving: think laterally. The clue could be playing on a different meaning of “drill,” or perhaps it’s using the phrase figuratively.
The length of the answer, eight letters, is our first concrete piece of information. We need to find a word with exactly that number of characters that somehow relates to the act of using a drill, or to a less obvious interpretation of the clue.
Let’s consider the different facets of “drill.” Beyond the obvious, we have:
The Tool:
A drill itself is a powered tool used for making holes, often with different types of bits. Think about the actions involved: boring, penetrating, fixing.
Repetitive Practice:
In a more abstract sense, “drill” can refer to repeated exercise or training. Think of military drills, practicing lines for a play, or even just memorizing facts. The key here is the element of repetition and focused effort.
Searching Thoroughly:
To “drill down” into something means to investigate it deeply, to examine it closely. This evokes a sense of focused investigation and uncovering hidden details.
Figurative Usage:
The verb “use” is also something to ponder in the crossword clue. “Use a drill” isn’t just about holding the tool. It might involve utilizing a certain skill, implementing a particular method, or even exploiting a situation.
Given these interpretations, what kind of eight-letter word could fit? Perhaps something connected to the physical use of a drill, such as a related tool or material. Or maybe the answer is something you do to
prepare
to use a drill.
We could also consider words associated with rigorous training or practice. What actions are synonymous with intense preparation? Are there specific terms used in military or athletic contexts that fit the letter count?
And finally, the “drilling down” concept might lead us towards words associated with investigation, research, or even interrogation. Could the clue be referring to a technique used to extract information or uncover the truth?
So, we’re armed with our interpretations of “drill” and the knowledge that the answer must be eight letters. It’s time to pull out the mental toolbox, explore the different angles, and hopefully unearth the solution to this cryptic challenge. What are you first thoughts? Good luck!
Available Answers:
EXERCISE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Cryptic Crossword Clues Thursday, 30 October 2025