Indirectly Or How Some Of This Puzzles Answers Should Be Entered Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 12, 2025

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Cracking the Code: Indirect Crossword Clues and How to Solve Them

Crossword puzzles, a beloved pastime for millions, offer a delightful mental workout. But while some clues are straightforward, many rely on indirection, requiring solvers to think laterally and creatively. These indirect clues, often the most challenging, are what truly elevate the puzzle-solving experience. This article delves into the various types of indirect crossword clues, offering strategies and examples to help you conquer even the most baffling entries.

Understanding the Nature of Indirect Clues:

Direct clues explicitly state the answer. For instance, "Capital of France" directly points to "PARIS." Indirect clues, however, use wordplay, misdirection, or cryptic phrasing to conceal the answer. They demand a deeper understanding of language, word association, and common crossword conventions.

Common Types of Indirect Clues:

1. Cryptic Clues: These clues incorporate wordplay, often combining a definition with a cryptic indication of the answer. They might use anagrams, hidden words, reversals, or double meanings.

   • Example: "Sound of a cat burglar (6)" The answer is "MEOWED," which is an anagram of "WEDOM" (a way to describe a cat burglar).

2. Reverse Clues: The clue presents the answer backward, either literally or figuratively.

   • Example: "Upside-down tree (5)" The answer is "YAWNS," which is the word "SNAYW" (a type of tree) spelled backward.

3. Double Definition Clues: The clue provides two definitions, both of which lead to the same answer.

   • Example: "A type of fish, also a container (5)" The answer is "TROUT," which refers to both a fish and a type of container (a trough).

4. Hidden Word Clues: The answer is concealed within the clue itself.

   • Example: "A long journey around the world can be very expensive (6)" The answer is "EXPENSIVE," which is hidden within "around the world can be very expensive".

5. Anagram Clues: The letters of the answer are rearranged to form the clue. These clues frequently use indicator words like "mixed," "shuffled," or "jumbled."

   • Example: "Scrambled eggs (4)" The answer is "EGGS," the letters already given in the clue just need rearranging.

6. Puns and Wordplay: These clues rely on humorous or clever wordplay to point towards the answer.

   • Example: "A short story (4)" The answer is "TALE," playing on the meaning of "tale" as both a story and something short.

7. Container Clues: These clues often contain phrases that suggest something holding something else which leads to the answer.

   • Example: "Metal covering a small piece of furniture (7)" If the answer is "COPPERED", "COP" is short for policeman and "PER" (a small piece of furniture, a chair) is being placed inside of it.

8. Deletions Clues: The clue directs the solver to remove letters or a part of the word to achieve the answer.

   • Example: "Initially, most people like apples (5)" "M" and "ost" is initially removed from the phrase "Most People Like Apples", leaving "PEOPLE".

Strategies for Tackling Indirect Clues:

• Identify the Clue Type: Determine whether the clue is cryptic, a double definition, an anagram, a hidden word, etc. This initial step narrows down the possibilities.

• Look for Indicator Words: Words like "anagram," "reversed," "hidden," or "contains" often signal the type of wordplay involved.

• Break Down the Clue: Divide the clue into its component parts to identify the different elements at play.

• Consider Multiple Meanings: Many indirect clues rely on words with multiple meanings or definitions.

• Use Cross-References: If you have filled in some of the intersecting squares, consider the letters you already have to eliminate potential answers.

• Think Outside the Box: Indirect clues require lateral thinking, so try not to limit yourself to obvious interpretations.

• Consult a Dictionary or Thesaurus: If you're struggling with a particular word, look it up to explore its various definitions and connotations.

• Practice Regularly: The more crossword puzzles you solve, the better you'll become at recognizing and solving indirect clues.

Advanced Techniques:

• Understanding abbreviations and common crossword abbreviations: Familiarize yourself with commonly used abbreviations, such as "St" for Saint or "Ave" for Avenue.

• Recognizing common crossword conventions: Learn to identify common wordplay techniques and patterns, such as charades (two or more words combining), cryptic definitions, and more.

Examples of Challenging Indirect Clues and Solutions:

1. Clue: "He's awfully quiet, like a mouse (7)" Answer: "SILENTLY" (anagram of "SILENTLY").

2. Clue: "Start to unwind, then relax (4,3,3)" Answer: "LET IT GO" (a phrase referring to stress relief)

3. Clue: "Sounds like a warning to look out for a huge reptile (5)" Answer: "CROCO" (sounds like "Croak Oh!" – the "Croak" is the sound of a frog; "Oh" is a warning to look out.)

4. Clue: "Head of state initially reluctant to change (7)" Answer: "PRESIDENT" (removing the "R" – "reluctant" – from "PREsIDENT").

Conclusion:

Indirect crossword clues are the heart of the challenge. They demand creativity, lateral thinking, and a good understanding of wordplay. By mastering the techniques discussed, you will not only improve your crossword-solving skills but also enhance your vocabulary and cognitive flexibility. So grab your pencil and embark on this intellectually stimulating journey – the world of indirect crossword clues awaits!