Cryptic Crossword Examples Explained
Real clues, real explanations. Click any example to see the full wordplay breakdown.
“Flower holder? (5)”
RIVER
"Flower" in cryptic crosswords often means "something that flows" — a RIVER. "Holder" is the definition (holds water). The question mark signals a punning definition.
“Crazy artist (5)”
TRAIT
"Crazy" is the anagram indicator. Rearrange ARTIST → TRAIT. The definition is the whole clue (a characteristic).
“Returned pets (4)”
STEP
"Returned" is the reversal indicator. PETS backwards = STEP. The definition is "step" (a pace).
“Animal holding energy (3)”
CAN
"Holding" signals container. CA(N) = CAN. N = energy (physics). The definition is "animal" — wait, actually CAN is a container! The definition is "container".
“Part of the attic is damaged (4)”
THIS
Hidden in "t-HE ATT-ic". "Part of" is the hidden word indicator. "Is damaged" is the definition.
“Dessert wine (4)”
PORT
PORT = a dessert wine, and PORT = a harbour. Two definitions pointing to the same word.
“Cat and dog, initially (3)”
COD
"Initially" means take first letters. C(at) + O(and) + D(og) = COD. The definition is the fish.
“Stolen vehicle? (3)”
CAR
A stolen vehicle is just a car. The trick is that "stolen" misleads you on the surface reading.
“Star returned money (3)”
NUB
BUN (star, as in a bread roll) reversed = NUB. "Returned" is the reversal indicator. "Money" is the definition.
“Confused senior went first (7)”
PIONEER
"Confused" is the anagram indicator. Rearrange SENIOR + letters from "went" to form PIONEER. The definition is "went first".