Deletion

In a clue with a deletion, remove a letter or set of letters from the beginning, middle, or end of a word.

Indicators

Common deletion indicators include:

  • missing
  • minus
  • without
  • even
  • odd
  • hollow
  • middle
  • endless
  • headless
  • short
  • empty
  • outskirts
  • outside
  • inside
  • a couple

Examples

Different parent starts late (6)

  • The definition is different
  • parent can be mother
  • starts late indicates a deletion

mother - m = other

other

French city park is excluding kids, at first (5)

  • The definition is French city
  • kids, at first gives us k
  • excluding indicates a deletion

park is - k = paris

paris