Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. A good cryptic will give a brief definition either at the start or end of the clue, with the cryptic components (the wordplay) supplying the rest. Don't forget the clue is designed to mislead you.
The first type of clue is the ANAGRAM. You will generally get a hint there is an anagram if a word like 'change', 'mix', 'odd' etc., is included.
Listener I mangled is quick to recover (9)
2. There is a 'DOUBLE DEFINITION' clue, in which two fairly straightforward definitions are given for the same answer. You may find yourself wondering if you are right, because in some ways, it isn't cryptic at all. Perhaps a little quirky though.
Here is an example: Good Book for anaesthetists (7)
3. Then there is the SANDWICH clue. This will be indicated by a term like 'contains', 'surrounds' or some such. It will generally require you to look for synonyms for the components of the clue.
Excellent performance by Sirius, embracing old length of cloth. (7)
4. How about HOMOPHONES? The indicator for this will be something like 'heard'. Try this one:
Sounds like a trap for a woman. (7)
5. A typical cryptic clue is the TAKEAWAY. It might indicate that the answer (or a component of it) is headless, tailless, or missing a letter. Don't forget that compass directions, left and right, and many other items can be represented by a single letter.
Drawing not begun is of a boat (5)
6. A common cryptic clue is the REVERSAL. At its simplest, it will give you a definition to which you find an answer, then it will say something like 'back', indicating you should reverse the letters to give you the final definition.
Students left in error (4,2)
7. There is usually one or more HIDDEN CLUE in a cryptic crossword. This may not have an indicator of what to look for, but it is usually the simplest type of clue.
The Kalahari Desert is very dry (4)
8. The RED HERRING can have you looking in entirely the wrong place in a cryptic puzzle.
Large flower found throughout Brazil (6)
9. Cryptics often contain at least one or two of this type of clue. See if you can work it out.
Leading initially, Fiona is running speedily today (5)
10. Here's a cryptic question that is called an ADDITIVE (where you need to add one or more letters) combined with a HOMOPHONE. See what you make of it.
Speak of nothing, say, but an elegant French house (7)
Source: Author
windrush
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
Fifiona81 before going online.
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