Anagram Clues in Cryptic Crosswords
An anagram clue rearranges the letters of one word (the "fodder") to form the answer. An indicator word signals that rearrangement is needed.
How to Spot This Type
Look for indicator words like:
crazywildmixedbrokenconfuseddrunkupsetstrangenovelruineddisorderedawfulterribledamaged
Examples
“Crazy artist (5)”
TRAIT
"Crazy" is the anagram indicator. "Artist" is the fodder (A-R-T-I-S-T). Rearranged: TRAIT.
“Wild cats in the car (7)”
CATALYST
"Wild" signals anagram. "Cats" rearranged gives part of the answer, combined with other wordplay.
“Mixed up lager (5)”
LAGER
"Mixed" is the indicator. The word LAGER rearranged gives LARGE, GLARE, REGAL, etc.
“Confused moaner (6)”
ROMAN E
"Confused" signals rearrangement. "Moaner" rearranged: ROMANE or similar.
Tips
- →Count the letters — the fodder letter count must match the answer length.
- →Anagram indicators are almost always adjectives or past participles.
- →The fodder can span multiple words: "old England" = fodder for an anagram.