Stumped by a Crossword Clue? Unleashing the Answer to ‘Deprives of Strength’!

As I delved into the investigation of the perplexing crossword clue “deprives of strength,” my detective instincts immediately kicked in, urging me to discern the hidden answer. I pondered over the array of possibilities that lay before me as I meticulously assessed the options. The word “deprives” suggested an action of removing or diminishing, eliminating options such as “bolsters” or “enhances” from contention. Hence, my mind shifted gears to find a word that aligned more closely with weakness or exhaustion. The word “strength” was the key, igniting a spark of realization within me. I recalled a colloquial term frequently employed by law enforcement: “saps.” In an instant, the connection solidified, as the word “saps” perfectly encapsulated the act of taking away strength or vitality. “Saps” are typically small, weighted instruments used in self-defense, designed to incapacitate an opponent. It was an ingenious wordplay, embodying both the literal meaning of depriving strength and the metaphorical implication of rendering one powerless. With the mystery unraveled, I felt a surge of satisfaction as I confidently penned the answer, knowing that my acute deduction skills had once again triumphed.