Hi and bye when Italian-American spies pizza (4)

Minute Cryptic #870 Nov 12, 2026 Set by Dunc with Liam Par 2 hints

Hint 1 · The fodder

The fodder comes in 2 pieces: “American spies” and “pizza”. There is no separate indicator word, so think about what each piece could stand for, then put the pieces together.

Hint 2 · The definition

The definition is “Hi and bye when Italian”. The answer is a 4-letter word meaning the same thing.

Reveal the answer

CIAO

How the clue works

Definition“Hi and bye when Italian”
Fodder“American spies” + “pizza”
AnswerCIAO (4)

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About this clue

Minute Cryptic #870 appeared on Thursday, November 12, 2026: “Hi and bye when Italian-American spies pizza” (4). It was set by Dunc with Liam with a par of 2 hints.

The hints for this clue come in 2 stages — the fodder, then the definition. Open them one at a time above: each hint runs a highlighter over the part of the clue it describes, so you can see exactly which words do which job. Use “Reveal a letter” if you only need a nudge; the full answer and the breakdown stay hidden until you ask.

New to reading clues this way? Our Every cryptic clue type walks through this kind of wordplay with more examples, and how to solve cryptic crosswords covers the whole method.

More Minute Cryptic answers

Today's clue, with the same spoiler-safe hints, is always on Minute Cryptic Answer Today.

Date	Clue	Answer
Nov 11, 2026	Prime locations in marketable neighbourhood	AREA

Unofficial fan guide — not affiliated with or endorsed by Minute Cryptic Pty Ltd or minutecryptic.com. The clue and answer belong to their setter and are quoted for reference; the hints and explanations are our own.