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How do you solve a cryptic crossword puzzle?
What are cryptic crossword clues?
What are cryptic clues?
What is a cryptic puzzle?
Nov 15, 2023 · 1. Pick out the clue's “definition." Look near the beginning or end of the sentence to determine which word in the clue is the definition. Definitions are almost always located near the beginning or end of the sentence. The clue’s definition is very important because it tells you the literal meaning of the answer you are looking for.
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Sep 20, 2022 · Homonyms. Hidden clues. First, or initial, letter clues. Salami clues. Replacements. Alternating letters. Removing letters. Spoonerism. The &lit clue. Tools of the trade. Let us start...
- Roger Blitz
Here are some of the devices setters use most commonly to take you towards solving cryptic clues. If you will, consider it a basic little toolkit, and remember that a lot of the fun comes from wondering which tool to use next! 1. Double definition With these clues, two frequently very different meanings are given of the answer.
- Anagram Clues. In an anagram clue, the subsidiary indication contains the letters of the answer and an indication that the letters should be rearranged or are not presently in the right order.
- Charade Clues. In charade clues, two or more words run together to form the solution. To tantalise the left is a plant (6) Another way of saying ‘to tantalise’ is ‘TEASE’ and a common abbreviation for ‘left’ is ‘L’.
- Container Clues. In these clues a single letter or the letters of one word are inserted into another. Widest and best way inside (8) The answer is BROADEST. ‘
- Double Definition Clues. Here the subsidiary indication is replaced by a second definition. Often these clues are short, perhaps two or three words. An example
- Anagram. Also seen in a regular crossword, these involve the rearrangement of letters in one word (or words) to form another (or others). Ruined men spoilt and hurt (9)
- Charade. Like the game of charades, these clues involve stringing together several smaller elements to make the complete answer. A French tournament is close (6)
- Container. These clues involve placing words or letters inside other words or letters. Wild animal eats organ of saviour (9) An organ, LIVER, is placed inside a wild animal, DEER, to make DE-LIVER-ER.
- Deletion. By removing one or more letters from a word, another word can be made. Drunk without end? That’s a problem (6) A word for ‘drunk’, PICKLED, without its end letter becomes PICKLE (as in, to be in a pickle).
Mar 1, 2024 · Cryptic clues are bite-size riddles, each with the same structure: half the clue is a definition of the answer, and the other half is a bit of oblique wordplay suggesting the same answer.
