Cryptic clue type guides

Start with the solve order on how to play, then pick a device. Terms such as fodder and par sit in the glossary. Mixed examples across types sit on examples.

• Cryptic anagram clues

  Anagram · 37 clues in this bank

  An anagram remixes a set of letters into the answer. Spot the indicator, name the fodder, then check that the definition still fits.

• Hidden word cryptic clues

  Hidden word · 7 clues in this bank

  A hidden word already sits inside the clue. The indicator tells you to look for consecutive letters that also match the definition.

• Reversal cryptic clues

  Reversal · 13 clues in this bank

  A reversal spells a word backwards. The indicator says to turn the fodder around; the definition names the result.

• Charade cryptic clues

  Charade · 21 clues in this bank

  A charade builds the answer in pieces placed side by side. Each piece is clued; the definition names the whole.

• Container cryptic clues

  Container · 10 clues in this bank

  A container puts one bit of wordplay inside another. The outer word holds the inner letters to build the answer.

• Deletion cryptic clues

  Deletion · 11 clues in this bank

  A deletion removes one or more letters from a word to leave the answer. The indicator says what falls away.

• Homophone cryptic clues

  Homophone · 7 clues in this bank

  A homophone uses a word that sounds like another. The hearing indicator sits beside the soundalike, not beside the answer definition.

• Double definition cryptic clues

  Double definition · 10 clues in this bank

  A double definition gives two straight readings of the same answer. There is no anagram or hide—only two meanings side by side.

• Letter selection cryptic clues

  Letter selection · 4 clues in this bank

  Selection clues harvest first or last letters from a run of words. The indicator says which edge to take.