Cut deeply

ETCH

["Hint: *Think of a method used to create lasting marks on metal or glass.*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the concept of etching without directly stating the answer, making it easier than the original clue while still requiring some thought."]

The clue **"Cut deeply"** leads to the answer **"ETCH"** through a combination of literal meaning and wordplay. - **Literal Meaning**: To "etch" means to cut or engrave a design into a surface, often deeply, using acid or another method. This directly relates to the idea of "cutting deeply." - **Wordplay**: The word "cut" can also imply removing or reducing something, but in this case, it’s used in its more literal sense of carving or incising. "Deeply" reinforces the idea of a significant or lasting mark, which aligns with the process of etching. Thus, **"ETCH"** is the perfect fit as it captures both the action of cutting and the depth implied by the clue.