🧩 How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords

Unlike regular crosswords where clues are simple definitions, cryptic crosswords are puzzles within puzzles.

It's your job to look beyond the misleading, distracting words and look for the true meaning of the clues.

Each clue generally contains TWO parts:

Cryptic crossword clues will always contain the definition that they're looking for somewhere in the clue itself. It is either at the very beginning or the very end. I've never seen a definition (ever!) that was in the center of the clue.

Without solving the actual wordplay just yet, I'm going to highlight in yellow what the definitions are and show the answers for several examples so you can see the definitions are either at the start or the end:

The definition of a cryptic clue may not be an exact dictionary synonym for the answer, you may have to think a little out of the box to get there. For example, spinner as a definition might mean a carousel, a fidget spinner, a ballerina, or something else!

The Wordplay is the whole fun of cryptic crosswords. The wordplay and the definition should both lead to the same answer, so technically you could skip the wordplay entirely and try to guess using the definition, but where's the fun in that?

There are roughly 7 types of wordplay indicators when reading clues, that can help you with the clue's wordplay. The following steps will run you through these, and what you should look out for!

The letters of one or more words in the clue are rearranged to make another word. Look for indicators that suggest mixing or chaos!

The answer is literally contained inside the other clue words! Look for indicators that suggest something is concealed or contained.

Charades usually involve two parts of the clue getting stitched together to form one word. Synonyms and abbreviations usually come into play with these types of clues.

The answer is a word spelled backwards! Look for indicators of turning or going back.

Take the clue's words and remove letters from them. The letters to be removed are usually indicated with words such as: head, finally, middle, borders, half etc.

Similar to container words, hidden words have the answers within the clue, in plain view. All the letters of the answer will appear in the clue, sometimes as alternating letters, for example

Homophones are our sound clues. They could be the typical homophones (jules = jewels) or even a short phrase (So sighs, at ease = societies). You'll probably have to say the clues out loud, quickly, trying to figure out what it's supposed to sound like.

Cryptic clues LOVE abbreviations! We do too, I mean we write "Mister" as "Mr." and "North-East" as "NE" in real life, so the same applies to cryptics. Here are the most common ones:

And that's it! That's everything you need to know to get started with cryptic crosswords.

1. Count the letters - The number in brackets is your friend!
2. Spot the definition - Usually at the start OR end of the clue
3. Look for indicator words - Anagram? Hidden? Reversal?
4. Identify the wordplay - What letters do you need to work with?
5. Build the answer - Use the wordplay to construct it
6. Check it fits the definition - Does it make sense?

Try solving these clues yourself. Click "Reveal Answer" when you're ready!

You now know the fundamentals of cryptic crosswords! Here's what to do next:

• ✅ Start with easier puzzles - Try "quick cryptic" or "beginner" crosswords
• ✅ Don't be afraid to check answers - Learning WHY answers work helps you improve
• ✅ Solve regularly - Like any skill, practice makes perfect!
• ✅ Join communities - r/crossword on Reddit has helpful solvers
• ✅ Keep this guide handy - Refer back to indicator lists when stuck!