Questions tagged [cryptic-clues]
A puzzle that involves cryptic clues of the type found in cryptic crosswords, but is not a cryptic crossword. DO NOT use this tag for puzzles that are stated cryptically; use [enigmatic-puzzle] instead. Use [cryptic-crosswords] for whole crosswords; [crossword-clues] for crossword clues not obeying the conventions of cryptic crosswords (even if they are stated cryptically).
464
questions
9
votes
1
answer
569
views
Cryptic Division 4: Oops! All Math!
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
In order to solve the alphametic, you'll first need to ...
- 7,549
12
votes
1
answer
339
views
Cryptic crossword: trading places
This is a cryptic crossword. Each clue contains an extra letter which must be removed before the clue is solved, leaving real words in place. Solvers may find a use for these letters. Each ...
- 795
8
votes
1
answer
1k
views
When in Rome... or perhaps Ankh-Morpork?
This is a cryptic crossword despite appearances. On the left is a five-by-five grid with no bars; on the right are five colour-coded slats one cell wide and a varying number of cells deep. The clues ...
- 795
0
votes
1
answer
153
views
Crossword clue “Trouble follows loud bomb” [closed]
Please explain this clue:
Trouble follows loud bomb
The answer given is:
16
votes
1
answer
644
views
Cryptic jigsaw crossword puzzle
This is a cryptic jigsaw crossword: no clue numbers are provided in the grid; solvers must instead fit the answers in wherever they can. The solution is unique, and the green tick mark goes to ...
- 795
17
votes
1
answer
426
views
Cryptic Division 3: Stuck Together
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
In order to solve the alphametic, you'll first need to ...
- 7,549
8
votes
1
answer
357
views
oAlt worked overtime
This is a cryptic crossword. The check mark will go to the first person who submits an answer with 1) an image of the completed crossword and 2) explanations for all clue answers. For users who cannot ...
- 5,686
10
votes
2
answers
153
views
Cryptic Division 2: Staying on Brand
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
In order to solve the alphametic, you'll first need to ...
- 7,549
1
vote
1
answer
238
views
"Idiot" cryptic clue in final episode of "Endeavour"
The final episode of "Endeavour" Exeunt (TV Episode 2023) - IMDb made use of this cryptic clue:
Mother takes murderer back. Idiot.
The answer is:
I understand why that's the answer, but I ...
- 302
8
votes
1
answer
258
views
More Like This 2:?
This puzzle is part of the Monthly Topic Challenge #12: mobile-friendly puzzles.
This is the second part of the series "More Like This", named after the section in the Oxford Learner's ...
- 2,699
13
votes
1
answer
392
views
Cryptic Acrostic 6: Spill the Tea
This is an acrostic puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
A complete answer should give the quote, author and source, ...
- 7,549
11
votes
1
answer
358
views
Solidarity with the Moderation Team (A Cryptic Division Puzzle)
Alternative title: Cryptic Division 1: Never Give Up
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
In ...
- 7,549
44
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Moderation strike: a tired lunatic (4)
Which four-letter word fits the clue "Moderation strike: a tired lunatic"?
Disclaimer:
- 28k
9
votes
1
answer
314
views
Cryptic Acrostic 5: Stealing the Show
This is an acrostic puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
A complete answer should give the quote, author and source, ...
- 7,549
6
votes
1
answer
229
views
Does "Primarily these aren't temporary transformations of one's skin! (7)" work as a cryptic clue?
Primarily these aren't temporary transformations of one's skin! (7)
Context for the question (which is a spoiler for the answer)
- 163
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Cryptic crossword clue: "Regularly clean and wet washing"
The answer to the clue is 'laundry', which is l-a-undry.
Where does the 'la' come from?
Source: The i's Five-Clue Cryptic, 12 April 2023
- 375
4
votes
1
answer
258
views
Ceased Kryptic Klues - Don't Doubt Yourself!
Horizontal
2. Great circle's created a torque(9)
4. Red pill, taken in shoots regularly(1)
7. Investigator's flawed, having true instead of false(6)
8. Some organize brave traffic controller from La ...
- 18.9k
3
votes
1
answer
155
views
Is this cryptic valid?
I came up with a cryptic clue that I'd like to use, but I'm not sure if it's valid.
Less hair?—nonsense! (10)
- 867
1
vote
1
answer
300
views
Cryptic Sundays #1
Welcome to our first episode of Cryptic Sundays, a cryptic collection that starts on, well, you know, every Sunday! We have some puzzles to begin, so let's start now!
Still, there are wild lionesses (...
- 109
3
votes
1
answer
381
views
A Message Of Encouragement
This puzzle is part of the Monthly Topic Challenge #8: Cellular Automata.
This themed cryptic puzzle is dedicated to a user (from another website) who proposed to make March 23rd as a special holiday ...
- 2,699
11
votes
1
answer
858
views
Cryptic-clue explanation: What does “One in 10?” mean in the definition of ‘Ladle’
The clue in question is
Labour leader entering into deal upset one in 10? (5)
I have solved this via the wordplay but I don’t see how the definition applies.
The answer is 'ladle' (L in (DEAL)) but ...
- 113
3
votes
1
answer
176
views
Did I get my meaning across with these cryptic clues?
End of a text lead by a former lover (8)
Not one place to contain a cry of pain (7)
Spawn in vegan ingredients (7)
Freeholder who meets their end in the Middle East (6)
It may not be a good feeling, ...
- 1,043
5
votes
2
answers
499
views
Rachel and Andrew Lewdin are short with Norse God riddler (4, 6)
Here's another cryptic that I thought would be fun to make (and hopefully solve).
Rachel and Andrew Lewdin are short with Norse God riddler (4, 6)
Enjoy!
- 867
8
votes
1
answer
299
views
School of thought puts pin in charged oxygen atom
Here's another Cryptic Clue I came up with:
School of thought puts pin in charged oxygen atom (7)
Hope you like it!
- 867
5
votes
1
answer
777
views
Something Here is Fishy
This is a cryptic clue I just came up with:
Fisherman stands behind small rope noose (9)
It's my first ever puzzle, so hopefully it isn't too much of a stretch.
- 867
15
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Riley Riddle in the game
This puzzle is part of the Monthly Topic Challenge #7: Board games.
My first can hold flags (No matches).
My second lasts three months (No matches).
My last is your attention (1 accurate match).
My ...
- 2,699
5
votes
1
answer
130
views
Symsquare Number 04
Symsquare6: The answer is a square grid which has the same words vertically and horizontally. The clue is a single sentence written in cryptic style and includes one anagram, one hidden word, one ...
- 438
4
votes
1
answer
150
views
A Slightly Outdated Symsquare
Puzzle inspired by Symsquare Number 01 series created by @Claude Goeminne
4x4 Symsquare
For anyone unfamiliar with a symsquare, the answer is a square grid which has the same words vertically and ...
- 6,000
2
votes
1
answer
107
views
Symsquare Number 03
Symsquare5: The answer is a square grid which has the same words vertically and horizontally. The clue is a single sentence written in cryptic style and includes one anagram, one hidden word, one ...
- 438
6
votes
1
answer
122
views
Symsquare Number 02
Symsquare4: The answer is a square grid which has the same words vertically and horizontally. The clue is a single sentence written in cryptic style and includes one anagram, one hidden word, one ...
- 438
5
votes
1
answer
298
views
Why is "Candy" the answer to "Last two of juicy sweets"? [closed]
The clue was "Last two of juicy sweets?" and the answer was 'Candy'. I don't understand why.
- 51
5
votes
1
answer
185
views
Symsquare Number 01
Symsquare4:
The answer is a square grid which has the same words vertically and horizontally. The clue is a single sentence written in cryptic style and includes one anagram, one hidden word, one ...
- 438
7
votes
1
answer
185
views
Trochaic hexameter
This puzzle is part of the Monthly Topic Challenge #7: Board games.
I was visiting the club yesterday, and I saw some people playing a weird word game araound a table. They use Scrabble-like tiles ...
- 2,699
12
votes
1
answer
807
views
A cryptic clue about an unusual instrument
This is a single clue based on the sort common in cryptic crosswords. I made it up myself and I have no idea if it will be hard or easy.
To answer this question, write (or rather type) ...
an article ...
- 8,069
7
votes
1
answer
334
views
Napoleon I and some chemicals
This is a cryptic crossword. The check mark will go to the first person who submits an answer with 1) an image of the completed crossword and 2) explanations for all clues. For users who cannot use ...
- 5,686
3
votes
1
answer
444
views
Cryptic clue explanation: "Lock up devil is said to be in revolt"
I know the answer to the crossword clue ‘lock up devil is said to be in revolt’ is 'imprison' but I can’t explain the wordplay ‘devil is said to be in revolt’.
This clue was in The Sun's 2-speed ...
- 41
-2
votes
1
answer
151
views
Cryptic clue explanation: “I’m not as active for Vacation times.” [closed]
Explain why “anagram” is the answer to the clue
“I’m not as active for Vacation times.”
- 1
14
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Policeman's large Elvish dagger (5)
The clue is:
Policeman's large Elvish dagger (5)
The answer is:
Sting
How is the answer derived?
- 375
10
votes
1
answer
898
views
Understand answer to "Herb ducks hugging ungrateful daughter (7)"
Found this cryptic clue in the #1 Times quick cryptic book. I got it for Xmas so I could graduate to some more complicated cryptic puzzles than the rubbish you see in the mass market ones though, if ...
- 296
7
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Explain answer to "Men in a state of agitation a very long time"
This crossword clue:
"Men in a state of agitation a very long time (7)"
has the answer
Please explain the "men" aspect.
- 375
11
votes
1
answer
466
views
Mazed and Confused
This is part 3 of the puzzle series Around the World in Many Days. Each part is solvable on its own.
Deаr Puzzling,
Today I have admired the natural beauty of a paradise island and seen sand dunes ...
- 75.4k
5
votes
1
answer
568
views
PSE Advent Calendar 2022 (Day 13): Sweden’s Sankta Lucia
This puzzle is part of the Puzzling Stack Exchange Advent Calendar 2022. The accepted answer to this question will be awarded a bounty worth 50 reputation.< Previous Door Next Door >
Ahhh, that ...
user79541
1
vote
0
answers
130
views
Don't mind me, just headscarf bio (11 3 9)
You see someone moving stuff. They say "don't mind me, just headscarf bio (11 3 9)."
What's going on?
- 2,230
0
votes
1
answer
182
views
A cryptic clue: A thing from far away
Here it is:
A thing from far away (Texas, specifically) wraps around and attaches to a weird far gone thing. (9)
user79541
-2
votes
1
answer
222
views
What’s another year to the Moroccans?
Here are some rileys, which lead to a thing, or more properly a Thing, which will be happening, um, come December. So hear the joyous songs of rileys!
(Huh? Oh yes, yes… HOW DID I FORGET THAT?)
...
user79541
9
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Why is "necropolis" the answer to "Weird arachnid with venomous tail in the French cemetery"?
This is a clue from the Irish Times cryptic crossword:
Weird arachnid with venomous tail in the French cemetery
Answer: "necropolis". How was this arrived at?
- 91
7
votes
1
answer
248
views
Cryptic Family Reunion: Bashed in vain (Fanmade)
This is inspired by the Cryptic Family Reunion series by Jeremy Dover.
There are ten cryptic clues below, and the answers to all of them follow a single theme. The definition of each clue has also ...
- 5,686
5
votes
1
answer
232
views
How to clue actors with distinctive names (without giving away who they are)?
I've found myself needing to fill a gap in a cryptic crossword with a word that happens to be the surname of an actor. However the surname they have is very distinctive.
As an example, let's say the ...
- 3,041
6
votes
1
answer
266
views
Cryptic Family Reunion: Joseph's upset with James (Fanmade)
This is inspired by the Cryptic Family Reunion series by Jeremy Dover.
There are ten cryptic clues below, and the answers to all of them follow a single theme. The definition of each clue has also ...
- 5,686
2
votes
1
answer
349
views
A cryptic (for fun and diversion)
Okay, here's the cryptic:
bbbbbb connect recursively (4)
Enjoy!
user79541