What is a cryptic crossword?

A cryptic crossword is a type of crossword in which each clue is a puzzle in itself, often involving wordplay, anagrams, homophones, hidden words, or other linguistic tricks. Unlike standard crosswords, where clues are straightforward definitions, cryptic clues typically have two parts:

• Definition

  A straight or slightly disguised definition of the answer. This will always be at the start or end of the clue.

• Wordplay

  A cryptic hint involving anagrams, reversals, hidden words, homophones, or other forms of word manipulation.

Example

• The definition is poison fungus
• toads is a synonym for frogs
• tool is a synonym for saw

toads + tool = toadstool

toadstool

What is Learn Cryptic?

Learn Cryptic is a daily game to help you learn about and practice cryptic clues. There are two ways you can get help with solving clues:

• Wordplay used

  At the top of each clue you will see purple pills indicating the type(s) of wordplay used in this clue. Tapping on these will reveal more information about that type.

  

• Hints

  The "Show hint" and "Reveal solution" buttons in the clue provide direct guidance as to what steps you will need to take to find the solution.

  

What differnt types of wordplay will I find?

Tap a type below to learn more:

• Anagram
• Charade
• Container
• Deletion
• Double Definition
• Hidden Word
• Homophone
• Initialism
• Letter Bank
• Reversal
• Spoonerism
• & Lit.
• Combination

Anything else I need to know?

Now that you understand the basics of how cryptic clues are constructed and are familiar with some of the different types of hints, dive in and try a few!