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 AI.
"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 AI. 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
- ✓Answer + wordplay type
- ✓Daily clue
- ✓Learn guides
- ✓Abbreviation lookup
PRO
$49.99/year — save 30%
Full AI-powered explanations for serious solvers.
- ✓Everything in Free
- ✓Full wordplay breakdown
- ✓Difficulty rating
- ✓Clue history & favorites
- ✓No ads
- ✓7-day free trial
Try Pro free for 7 days. Cancel anytime. 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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