Stuck on a Cryptic Crossword Clue?
You've been staring at the same clue for 20 minutes. You know there's a wordplay trick hidden in there — but you can't see it.
Other solvers give you the answer and walk away. Cryptic Crossword Explainer doesn't just give you the answer — it shows you exactly how the wordplay works, so you learn to spot it yourself.
Free rule-based solver · AI explanations for Pro · Built for Guardian, Telegraph & Times solvers
Two Tools in One
Rule-Based Solver
Paste your clue → Get candidate answers instantly using our rule-based engine. Pattern matching, dictionary lookup, and indicator detection — no sign-up required.
"Flower holder? (5)"
Candidates: RIVER, VASE, POT…
AI Explainer
Tap "Explain" → Get a full breakdown: wordplay type, clue structure, and why the answer works. Powered by GPT-4o.
"Flower holder? (5)"
RIVER— "Flower" = something that flows (RIVER). "Holder" = definition.
Built for How You Actually Solve
The Daily Solver
Before:You're halfway through The Guardian cryptic. Two clues left. You're stuck.
After: You paste the clue, get the answer, read the explanation, and finish the crossword. Tomorrow, you spot the same trick faster.
The Beginner
Before:You've read three "How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords" guides. You still can't parse a single clue.
After:You paste a clue, see the explanation step-by-step, and finally understand what "flower" means in a cryptic context.
The Content Creator
Before:You're writing a cryptic crossword tutorial. Explaining clue structures by hand takes hours.
After: You generate explanations in seconds, review them, and use them in your content.
What You Get
Free Rule-Based Solver
Unlimited solves, no sign-up, zero cost. Uses NLTK WordNet + cryptic indicator database.
AI Clue Explainer
Full wordplay breakdown powered by GPT-4o. Understand how the trick works, not just the answer.
Wordplay Type Detection
Identifies anagram, hidden word, container, reversal, cryptic definition, and 5+ more types.
Difficulty Rating
Know what you're getting into before you start. Based on clue complexity analysis.
Daily Clue
Fresh cryptic clue every day with full AI explanation. Build a daily solving habit.
Learn Section
8 wordplay type guides with real examples. Go from beginner to confident solver.
Abbreviation Lookup
Full database of cryptic abbreviations — leader = L, nothing = O, energy = E, and more.
Mobile-Friendly
Responsive design. Solve on the train, in the pub, wherever you get stuck.
How We Compare
| crossword-solver.io | wordplays.com | Minute Cryptic | crypticcrossword.org | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free solver | ✅ | ✅ (sign-in) | ❌ (1/day) | ✅ Unlimited |
| AI explanations | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Wordplay type detection | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Abbreviation lookup | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price | Free (ads) | Free (sign-in) | $9/mo | $5.99/mo |
| Sign-up required | No | Yes | Yes | No (free tier) |
Data sources: eigenfoo/cryptics (ODbL), mhl/cryptic-indicators, NLTK WordNet, Datamuse API
Simple Pricing
Understand every cryptic crossword clue — not just today's, but tomorrow's too.
FREE
Start solving immediately — no sign-up required.
- ✓Unlimited rule-based solver
- ✓3 AI explanations/day
- ✓Daily clue
- ✓Learn guides
- ✓Abbreviation lookup
PRO
$49.99/year — save 30%
Full AI-powered explanations for serious solvers.
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓30 AI explanations/day
- ✓Full wordplay breakdown
- ✓Difficulty rating
- ✓Clue history & favorites
- ✓No ads
- ✓Priority response
Cancel anytime. 7-day refund on first subscription. See Refund Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Used by solvers who want to understand, not just finish.
Ready to Understand Your Next Clue?
No sign-up. No credit card. Just paste a clue and see what happens.
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