What does a question mark mean in a cryptic crossword clue?

A 10-word clue for a three-letter solution should alert you to something. So should a question mark at the end of a clue. A question mark means the setter is not quite playing by the rules.

What does an exclamation mark mean in a crossword clue?

An exclamation mark may denote that something needs particular attention. Finally, do pay attention to every word in the clue, since the setter has placed each one there to have some significance, even if you may find some which are there just so that the clue makes sense grammatically.

What do quotation marks mean in crosswords?

If a clue is enclosed in quotation marks, it means the clue should be interpreted as something uttered rather than as a meaning.

What does a dash mean in crossword clue?

Connector Words Sometimes a dash and/or the use of the words “connection” or “connector” is used to communicate a word or grouping of words within a phrase.

What does it mean when there’s a question mark at the end of a crossword clue?

In the world of crosswords, a clue with a question mark means that particular clue demands a second look. Usually, that bit of punctuation is an indication that the clue itself is a play on words, as opposed to a straightforward question demanding an answer or a fill-in-the-blank [source: Sayles].

What does perhaps mean in crossword?

And in these times of uncertainty, a little note on the word ‘perhaps’ and its usage in cryptic crosswords. ‘Perhaps’ is usually used to suggest that the adjacent word or phrase is an example of the answer you’re looking for.

What do commas mean in crosswords?

The standard advice for punctuation in cryptic clues is “Ignore it”. That is good advice in most cases, like these – FT13474 (Mudd): As something painful hurt, I came to be treated (9) RHEUMATIC. An anagram of (hurt I came). The comma has no role in the cryptic reading.

What does minus mean in crossword?

Lacking; below zero (5)

What does Left mean in cryptic crossword?

Thus, for example, the word left in a clue may indicate the letter L, right may indicate R, that is may indicate IE, sailors may indicate RN, fliers may indicate RAF.

What does a question mark mean in a crossword clue?

In the world of crosswords, a clue with a question mark means that particular clue demands a second look. Usually, that bit of punctuation is an indication that the clue itself is a play on words, as opposed to a straightforward question demanding an answer or a fill-in-the-blank [source: Sayles].

How do you solve a crossword puzzle?

Here we offer some essential handy tips to help you in your crossword puzzling: Solve the fill-in-the-blank clues first, as they’re usually easier than the others. Read the clue. Think about the rest of the clue. Return to the start, making a second pass through the clues. Spend a long time thinking about the “theme” clues.

How to solve crossword puzzles?

Be Patient. No matter if you are a beginner or an expert,patience can give you success.

What is a crossword clue?

Clue: A crossword clue is a hint that the solver must decipher to find the answer that is then entered into the puzzle grid. Clues are not necessarily dictionary definitions; they can involve puns, anagrams and other types of wordplay. Crossing: The intersection between an Across entry and a Down one.