Definition
The answer should match a clear definition from one end of the clue, or the whole clue in an all-in-one clue.
Cryptic crossword solutions
Cryptic crossword solutions with answers and explained wordplay.
Find the answer, but also check the definition, clue type, indicator, enumeration, and wordplay steps that make the solution defensible.
A good cryptic solution needs more than the answer.
A dictionary match can be tempting, but cryptic clues usually demand two checks: the straight definition and the subsidiary wordplay. This archive is structured around those checks so each page can explain why a solution fits, not just what letters to enter.
Wordplay
The clue should show how the answer is built through anagrams, reversals, charades, hidden words, or other mechanisms.
Verification
Enumeration, known letters, indicators, and confidence help separate a fair parse from a plausible guess.
Featured cryptic crossword solutions.
Start with reviewed examples that show the answer logic in crawlable, indexable pages.
Anagram4 letters
Mixed tone gives message (4)
An anagram solution where TONE is mixed to make NOTE, matching the definition message.
AnswerNOTE
Reversal4 letters
Backward live becomes wicked (4)
A reversal solution: LIVE read backward gives EVIL, which means wicked.
AnswerEVIL
Hidden word5 letters
Some rival idol gives proper (5)
A hidden-word solution where VALID is concealed across rival idol and means proper.
AnswerVALID
Charade6 letters
Tantalise left produces plant (6)
A charade solution: TEASE plus L creates TEASEL, which is a plant.
AnswerTEASEL
Homophone5 letters
Reportedly flower for baking ingredient (5)
A homophone solution where flower sounds like FLOUR, the baking ingredient.
AnswerFLOUR
Hidden word5 letters
Part of Zoroastrianism gives big meal (5)
A hidden-word clue with ROAST concealed inside Zoroastrianism.
AnswerROAST
Cryptic crossword solutions FAQ.
Quick answers about using explanations, indicators, and known letters to verify a cryptic clue answer.
What makes a cryptic crossword solution reliable?
A reliable cryptic crossword solution should fit the definition, wordplay, enumeration, and any known letters. It should also identify the clue type and indicator when those are present.
Are these just crossword answers?
No. The goal is to explain why the answer works, including the definition, wordplay construction, indicator, and verification steps.
Can I solve clues with known letters?
Yes. Use the solver with answer length and known letters to reject answers that do not fit your crossword grid.
Should every AI-assisted answer be indexed?
No. Only reviewed, useful, and defensible clue explanations should become public indexable solution pages.