Cryptic Clue Examples with Answers

What Are Cryptic Clues?

Cryptic clues are a distinctive type of crossword clue used primarily in British-style crossword puzzles. Unlike standard crossword clues that give a straightforward definition, cryptic clues contain two parts: a definition of the answer and a piece of wordplay that leads to the same answer through a different route. The solver must identify both components and work out how they fit together.

Each cryptic clue is a self-contained puzzle. The wordplay might involve anagrams, hidden words, reversals, double definitions, containers, homophones, deletions, or acrostics. The beauty of cryptic clues lies in their precision: every word has a purpose, and the clue is designed to be fair once you understand how it works. Learning to solve cryptic clues is a rewarding skill that improves with practice, which is why we have collected hundreds of examples with full explanations.

How to Use This Page

This page is your gateway to hundreds of real cryptic clue examples. You can browse by clue type to study how each kind of wordplay works, or filter by difficulty to find clues at your level. Each clue includes a reveal button that shows the answer and a detailed explanation of how the clue works.

For the best learning experience, try to solve each clue before revealing the answer. Start with the type you find most accessible, then gradually work through harder types and difficulties. You can also practice interactively on our Training Mode page, solve today's clue on Today's Cryptic Clue, or learn the fundamentals at How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords.

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