Clue
A clue is the short hint that points a solver to an answer, in a crossword a line of text that defines or disguises one word in the grid.
A crossword clue is a tiny piece of writing with one job: lead the solver to exactly one answer, no more and no fewer. That is harder than it looks, which is why good clue writing is a craft.
Kinds of clue
- Straight definition. "Large feline (4)" gives LION. The word in brackets is the length.
- Fill in the blank. "___ and order" gives LAW.
- Pun or wordplay. "Flower of the Thames? (5)" gives RIVER, because a flower is something that flows. The question mark warns the solver.
- Cryptic. "Listen to the quiet (6)" is both an anagram of LISTEN and a definition of SILENT. Cryptic clues also use hidden words, reversals and homophones.
- Cross-reference. "See 14 Across." The clue sends you to another entry.
What makes a clue fair
A fair clue has one answer, matches the tense and number of the entry, and does not mislead beyond what the form allows. A noun answer needs a noun clue, and a plural needs a plural. Fair play is the rule that keeps a puzzle fun instead of frustrating.
Why it matters to a writer or editor
Writing clues is practice in definition. You must find the shortest way to say what a word means, and then decide how much to hide. Editors use the same skill in headlines, captions and summaries. A good clue, like a good headline, gives just enough. Clues also appear in fiction: a detective's clue is a piece of evidence that must be planted fairly, and a riddle is a clue with a disguise. For the puzzle itself, see crossword.
Frequently asked questions
What is a straight clue?
A clue that gives a plain definition or a close synonym, such as 'Large feline (4)' for LION. The number in brackets is the length of the answer.
What is a cryptic clue?
A clue with two parts: a definition and a piece of wordplay that also builds the answer. 'Listen to the quiet (6)' gives SILENT as an anagram of LISTEN, with 'quiet' as the definition.
What is a clue's question mark for?
It usually signals that the clue is a pun or is not meant literally, so the solver should look past the obvious meaning.