Charade Clues in Cryptic Crosswords
A charade clue chains words or parts of words together, like the game "Charades", to build the answer.
How to Spot This Type
Look for indicator words like:
andwithafterfollowingbeforebynext tobeside
Examples
“Cat and dog, initially (4)”
COD
"Cat" = C (first letter). "and" = connector. "Dog" = OD (first letters). C + O + D = COD. Charade: parts chained together.
“Male sheep and section (7)”
RAMPART
RAM (male sheep) + PART (section) = RAMPART. Charade: two parts chained together.
“Flower and tree (7)”
ROSEBUD
ROSE (flower) + BUD (tree part) = ROSEBUD. Charade: two parts chained together.
Tips
- →Look for connector words: "and", "with", "after", "following".
- →Each part of the charade has its own mini-definition.
- →Common abbreviations: O = zero/nothing, X = kiss, R = right.