Cryptic Crossword
Puzzles that
think sideways.
British-style cryptics where every clue contains both a definition and wordplay. Master the 9 clue types and unlock a whole new puzzle experience.
Example clue — decoded
"Revolutionary poet mixes ale — loses nothing (5)"
The 9 Cryptic Clue Types
Every cryptic clue contains a definition and wordplay. Learning these types is the key to solving.
Anagram
Letters are rearranged. Indicator words: mixed, confused, disturbed, revolutionary, drunk.
Example
"Strange beast (5)" — BEAST is an anagram of BASTE? No — BEAST → rearranged
BEATS
Hidden Word
The answer is hidden inside consecutive letters of the clue. Indicators: in, within, some, part of.
Example
"Some extra cash (4)"
RACE (extRA CAsh)
Double Definition
Two separate definitions of the same word, placed side by side. No wordplay indicator needed.
Example
"Kind of fish / fair-haired (5)"
BLOND / BLOND
Reversal
A word is written backwards. Across indicators: going west, returning. Down: going up, rising.
Example
"Dog going back, put to work (4)"
USED (← ESUD → DUSE… USED from STUD reversed)
Charade
Two or more parts are added together to form the answer. Like building-block assembly.
Example
"Flower part + storage facility = workshop (8)"
PETAL + SHED = PETALSHED? → STEM + WORK = STEMWORK
Container
One word is placed inside another. Indicators: in, inside, around, holding, surrounding.
Example
"Copper surrounds new road (6)"
COPPER around N → CuNNeD → CUNNED? CU around NNER = CUNNER
Homophone
A word that sounds like another. Indicators: reportedly, we hear, sounds like, audibly.
Example
"Reportedly, the heir is in the air (4)"
HEIR sounds like AIR
Deletion
Letters are removed from a word. Beheaded (first letter removed), curtailed (last letter removed).
Example
"Headless beast takes prize (3)"
BEAST beheaded = EAST; WIN
& Lit / All-in-one
The entire clue serves as both the definition AND the wordplay simultaneously. The pinnacle of cryptic clue craft.
Example
"I'm confused! (2,2)"
IM confused = anagram → MI IM? → I'M confused = AM I? No → MIX + anagram
Recent Cryptics
Missed a puzzle? Play any of this week's cryptics.