How cryptic crosswords work

Each clue has two parts:

• Definition: plain meaning of the answer.
• Wordplay: instructions to build the answer (e.g., anagram, container, hidden).

Use the Hints menu if you’re learning

• Definition highlights the definition part.
• Reveal a letter fills a random empty cell in the entry.
• Reveal the trick shows why the clue works—click or hover each part to read the hint.

Click a numbered square to switch between Across and Down on that start square. Type moves the cursor; Backspace moves back. When an entry is correct, it locks in. “Reveal answer” will fill it.

Common clue devices

• Anagram: Letters are mixed to form the answer. Look for signals like broken, drunk, mixed, wild. Example: Inebriated pirates travel about (7) → TRAIPSE (anagram of PIRATES).
• Reversal: Read letters backwards. Common signals: returned, rising, back, up. Example: Spies bring silverware back (6) → SNOOPS (SPOONS reversed).
• Container (Insertion): One word goes inside another. Indicators include in, around, holding; sometimes you reverse one part first. Example: Uncovered calf in grass (8) → REVEALED (VEAL inside REED).
• Hidden Word: Answer is hidden inside the clue. Indicators: in part, within, concealed; sometimes paired with a reversal signal. Example: A long time in a dungeon (3) → EON (hidden in “dungEON”).
• Charade: Parts are placed side by side. Example: Outlaw leader managing money (7) → BANKING (BAN + KING).
• Acrostic (Initials/Finals): Take first or last letters. Indicators: initially, at first, finally. Example: At first, Actor Needing New Identity Emulates Orphan (5) → ANNIE (initial letters).
• Double Definition: Two distinct meanings point to one word. Example: Cover for the head / gangster (4) → HOOD.
• Homophone: Sounds like another word. Indicators: heard, we’re told, reportedly. Example: Naked animal reported (4) → BARE (sounds like “bear”).
• Deletion: Remove letters. Indicators: endless, heartless, beheaded, topless. Example: Bird is cowardly, about to fly away (5) → RAVEN (CRAVEN minus C).
• &lit (All-in-One / Literally): Whole clue serves as both definition and wordplay. Example: Leaders of Iranian mosques and Muslim sects! (5) → IMAMS (first letters; the full clue defines it too).