Empty spaces

VACUUMS

["**Hint:** \"They're often used to clean up what's left in these.\"\n\nThis hint subtly points toward the household appliance aspect of \"vacuums\" while still requiring the solver to connect it to the idea of \"empty spaces.\" It nudges without giving away the answer directly."]

The clue **"Empty spaces"** leads to the answer **"VACUUMS"** through a combination of direct meaning and wordplay. - **Direct Meaning**: A vacuum is literally an empty space devoid of matter, which directly fits the clue. - **Wordplay**: The word "vacuums" can also refer to the household appliances used to clean empty spaces (i.e., vacuum cleaners), adding a secondary layer of meaning. Thus, the answer cleverly ties both the literal and functional definitions of "vacuums" to the idea of "empty spaces."