There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from staring down a seemingly straightforward
crossword clue
, only to find layers of subtle misdirection or an elegantly simple answer hiding in plain sight. Today, we’re delving into one such
crossword clue
that, at first glance, might seem a breeze: “Widely used analgesic (7)“. Seven letters, a common item – what could be simpler, right? Yet, these are often the very clues that give us pause, making us second-guess our initial instincts and truly appreciate the craft behind a well-constructed puzzle.
The beauty of a
crossword clue
like “Widely used analgesic (7)” lies in its grounding in everyday life. We’re not venturing into obscure Latin botanical terms or ancient mythological figures here. This is something almost everyone has encountered, likely has in their medicine cabinet, or at least knows by name. The ‘widely used’ qualifier is key. It immediately signals that the answer isn’t some niche pharmaceutical compound known only to medical professionals, but rather a household staple.
But even with this clarity, the journey to the correct solution for this particular
crossword clue
can have its delightful twists. How many common pain relievers can you think of? And how many of those fit a seven-letter slot? This is where the true detective work of crossword-solving begins. Do you think of brand names, or generic ones? Often, crossword constructors lean towards the more universally recognized generic terms, or at least brand names that have become synonymous with the substance itself. When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, it’s always wise to consider both possibilities.
The word “analgesic” itself is straightforward enough – a substance that alleviates pain. It’s a broad category, encompassing everything from over-the-counter remedies to prescription-strength medications. However, the ‘widely used’ constraint helps us narrow the field considerably. We’re looking for something ubiquitous, a go-to for headaches, minor aches, or fevers. It’s the kind of item you’d pick up at any grocery store or pharmacy without a second thought.
Consider the common approaches you might take when faced with this
crossword clue
. Do you mentally list off every painkiller you know and then count the letters? Do you think about the active ingredients versus the product names? Perhaps you’re waiting for a few crossing letters to emerge from other solved clues in the grid, which is often the most reliable way to confirm your suspicions for a
crossword clue
that has several plausible candidates. The length, seven letters, is another crucial piece of information. It eliminates many common options right off the bat, leaving us with a select few contenders.
This type of
crossword clue
is a fantastic example of how puzzles mirror our daily lives, testing not just our vocabulary or our knowledge of trivia, but also our general awareness of the world around us. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most familiar things can still make us pause and think, making the eventual ‘aha!’ moment all the more satisfying. So, next time you encounter “Widely used analgesic (7)” in your grid, take a moment to appreciate the elegant simplicity and the cleverness embedded in what seems like such a direct question. It’s a classic
crossword clue
that encapsulates much of what we love about these daily brain teasers.
Available Answers:
ASPIRIN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 22 September 2025