Questions tagged [cryptic-clues]
A puzzle that involves cryptic clues of the type found in cryptic crosswords, but is not a cryptic crossword. DO NOT use this tag for puzzles that are stated cryptically; use [enigmatic-puzzle] instead. Use [cryptic-crosswords] for whole crosswords; [crossword-clues] for crossword clues not obeying the conventions of cryptic crosswords (even if they are stated cryptically).
16 questions from the last 365 days
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How do I construct longer cryptic clues without overly complicated parsings?
I dabble in cryptic-clues, especially as part of Puzzling SE's chat game. I believe I have a solid grasp of how to construct an acceptable clue: how indicators work, what makes a fair definition, etc. ...
- 12.4k
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Extract answer from "Picking Up Hitchhikers" in Eric Berlin's "Damn This Traffic Jam" puzzlehunt
I've included an image of a partially solved puzzle from Eric Berlin's "practice puzzle hunt" - Damn This Traffic Jam. (Link to posted hunt: http://pandamagazine.com/traffic_jam/)
I can't ...
- 93
6
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1
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Cryptic Division 16: Trouble in Paradise
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're unfamiliar with either or both of those, you can click the associated link.
In order to solve the alphametic, you'll first need to ...
- 17.7k
10
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1
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493
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Cryptic Family Reunion: It's Easy to Overlook Us
This is a Cryptic Family Reunion puzzle, where a set of cryptic clues has been given, and the answer to each clue follows the same theme. Since a definition for the answer would give the answer away, ...
- 7,896
19
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1
answer
774
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Recently-engaged celebrity that's initially fifthly onboard, without author backing, roily like racers (6 5)
Recently-engaged celebrity that's initially fifthly onboard, without author backing, roily like racers (6 5)
What is the answer to this topical cryptic clue?
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7
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1
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441
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Single cryptic clue: Saw Zurich banker? (5)
This is annoying. I got so close to finishing my latest puzzle but with one clue left, a clue I couldn't understand even once I gave up and checked the solution.
This is from the Sunday Times Quick ...
user73951
9
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1
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302
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Cryptic Division 14: Gotta Get Down on Pi Day
Maybe since it's my 3rd year posting these puzzles and this is the 14th one I've posted, I can call this one number 3.14...
This is a word division puzzle which uses cryptic clues. If you're ...
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4
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1
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1k
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Cryptic clue: 29 - 17 = 12
The answer to a clue in a cryptic crossword (Sunday Times Cryptic No 5147 by David McLean, 26-Jan-2025) is EIGHT but I cannot work it out. The original clue was
29 - 17 = 12
- 49
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1
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Rhode Island senator no longer in bed (5)
The following was a clue in a cryptic crossword in the Globe and Mail weekend edition a long time ago (maybe 15 or 20 years ago):
Rhode Island senator no longer in bed (5)
- 32.1k
2
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0
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170
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This mystery book referenced here was published in China, and then banned in China
I tried to find a puzzle tagged both cryptic-clues and computer-science but found none. OK, here's one:
8-bit mathematical group, then 32-bit hard canine explorer (7,3,5)
(is it tagged correctly?)
- 2,805
7
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1
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445
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Cryptic Family Reunion: Key to my Heart
This is a Cryptic Family Reunion puzzle, where a set of cryptic clues has been given, and the answer to each clue follows the same theme. Since a definition for the answer would give the answer away, ...
- 7,896
10
votes
1
answer
716
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Loud sound in Europe
Grid in Penpa+
Across
1. Extend support to Peter regularly - right thing done (8)
5. Discourage not taking into account what conclusion does? (4)
8. Anvil fashioned from corporation at America (5)
9. ...
- 7,896
16
votes
1
answer
833
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PSE Advent Calendar 2024 (Day 16): Holly Jolly Cryptic Word Tapestry
This puzzle is part of the Puzzling Stack Exchange Advent Calendar 2024. The accepted answer to this question will be awarded a bounty worth 100 reputation.< Previous Door Next Door >
This ...
- 28.2k
17
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2
answers
728
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PSE Advent Calendar 2024 (Day 15): 2122
This puzzle is part of the Puzzling Stack Exchange Advent Calendar 2024. The accepted answer to this question will be awarded a bounty worth 50 reputation.< Previous Door Next Door >
Keeping the ...
- 12.2k
3
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1
answer
303
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I forgot the answer to my cryptic clue: Country road endlessly weaves through top of Iowa (7)
I was looking back through my notes app and found a cryptic clue I wrote during a long car ride. I'm fairly new to cryptics (solving or setting), but I remember being fairly proud of how smooth the ...
- 1,043