Hidden Word Clues in Cryptic Crosswords
The answer is literally hidden inside the clue text, spanning across word boundaries. An indicator tells you to look "inside" the words.
How to Spot This Type
Look for indicator words like:
inwithinpart ofsomebit ofheld byinsidefound infrom
Examples
“Part of the attic is damaged (4)”
THIS
Hidden in "t-HE ATT-ic". "Part of" is the hidden word indicator.
“Some consider it wrong (5)”
ERITA
Hidden in "consid-ER IT A-wrong". "Some" indicates the hidden word.
“Bit of the apple is rotten (3)”
PAL
Hidden in "the APP-PAL-LE". "Bit of" is the indicator.
Tips
- →Look for the indicator first, then scan the surrounding words.
- →Hidden words can span 2-3 words in the clue.
- →The definition is usually at the start or end of the clue.