Welcome back, fellow word warriors, to another exhilarating journey through the labyrinthine world of the daily
crossword clue
! There’s a particular satisfaction that comes from unlocking a tricky
crossword clue
, that moment of pure “aha!” when the pieces finally click into place. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on one such a
crossword clue
that might have given you pause, made you stretch your brain a little, and perhaps even prompted a tiny victory dance when you cracked it.
The
crossword clue
in question is a wonderfully evocative phrase: “With heels raised (2,6)“. Now, at first glance, a
crossword clue
like this might seem straightforward. You immediately picture someone standing tall, perhaps reaching for something, or performing an elegant pirouette. But the beauty of a well-crafted
crossword clue
lies in its potential for multiple layers of interpretation, and this one is a masterclass in subtle misdirection and clever wordplay.
When confronted with a
crossword clue
that paints such a vivid picture, our initial impulse is often to lean into the most literal interpretation. “Heels raised” immediately brings to mind ballet, certainly, or perhaps someone carefully navigating a precarious surface. The physical act of lifting one’s heels off the ground is a common enough occurrence, but for the purposes of a
crossword puzzle
, we need to dig a little deeper than the obvious. This isn’t just about describing an action; it’s about finding the precise, often idiomatic, phrase that perfectly encapsulates that action within the strict confines of letters.
The parenthetical (2,6) is, as always, our indispensable guide. This tells us we’re looking for a two-word answer, with the first word being two letters long and the second word being six. This structural hint is invaluable when trying to solve any
crossword clue
, as it immediately narrows down the vast ocean of potential vocabulary. How many two-letter words can kick off a phrase describing “heels raised”? And how many six-letter words can complete such a phrase? This is where the true detective work of solving crosswords begins.
Consider the various nuances of “heels raised.” Is it merely a physical posture? Or does it hint at a state of readiness, an anticipation, a certain delicate balance? Crossword constructors love to play on these subtle differences. A
crossword clue
like this often hints at something more than just the surface meaning. It encourages us to think about common idioms, turns of phrase, and perhaps even a touch of lateral thinking. Is there a metaphorical sense of “heels raised” that fits the bill?
Solving a
crossword clue
like “With heels raised (2,6)” often involves a process of elimination and association. You might jot down synonyms for “raised,” for “heels,” or for the overall action. You might think of contexts where heels are raised – dance, stretching, reaching. Then, you filter these ideas through the (2,6) pattern, looking for that perfect fit that marries meaning, structure, and the constructor’s intent. The elegance of a great
crossword clue
lies in its ability to lead you down a very specific path, even when it feels like there are myriad possibilities.
This particular
crossword clue
is a testament to the artistry involved in creating a good
crossword puzzle
. It’s challenging without being impossible, and it rewards a thoughtful approach to wordplay and meaning. It’s the kind of
crossword clue
that truly makes you appreciate the intricacies of the English language and the cleverness of those who craft these daily brain-teasers. So, the next time you encounter a
crossword clue
that seems to defy an easy answer, remember “With heels raised (2,6)” and the joy of the pursuit!
Available Answers:
ONTIPTOE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Friday, 12 September 2025