crossword clue indicator – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword clue indicator," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers with explanations to help you complete your puzzle and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "crossword clue indicator" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SIGNAL: A general term for a word or phrase in a crossword clue that points to how the answer is derived, such as an anagram or hidden word.
7 Letters
POINTER: A synonym for an indicator, suggesting a word within the clue that guides the solver to the method of reaching the solution.
ANAGRAM: A specific type of wordplay where letters are rearranged. The clue for an anagram always contains an "indicator" word like "muddled" or "broken."
More About "crossword clue indicator"
In the fascinating world of crosswords, especially cryptic puzzles, a "crossword clue indicator" is a crucial element that distinguishes them from simple definitions. These are specific words or phrases embedded within a clue that instruct the solver on how to manipulate the other parts of the clue (often called the 'fodder') to arrive at the solution. Without recognizing these indicators, many cryptic clues would seem nonsensical or impossibly difficult.
Indicators are the rulebook of the crossword, telling you if you need to rearrange letters (anagram indicators like "confused," "shaken"), find a word hidden within another phrase (hidden indicators like "part of," "contains"), reverse a word ("returns," "up"), or identify a homophone ("heard," "sounds like"). Mastering the ability to spot and interpret these indicators is a significant step towards becoming a proficient crossword solver, transforming frustration into satisfying "aha!" moments.
Our goal at Crosswordanswer.co.uk is to not just give you the answer, but to help you understand the mechanics behind it. By explaining what a "crossword clue indicator" signifies, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to tackle similar clues in future puzzles, making your crossword journey more enjoyable and successful.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Learn Common Indicator Types: Familiarize yourself with the various categories of indicators (anagram, hidden, reversal, homophone, etc.) and memorize common words associated with each. This will significantly speed up your solving process.
- Break Down the Clue: Always try to separate the clue into its definition part and its wordplay part. The indicator will usually be found within the wordplay section, bridging it to the solution.
- Practice with Cryptic Crosswords: While standard crosswords might feature simple indicators, cryptic crosswords are built around them. Regular practice with cryptic puzzles will hone your indicator-spotting skills.
- Utilize Cross-References: If you're stuck on a clue with an indicator, try solving adjacent clues first. The letters filled in from intersecting words can often provide enough hints to make the indicator's operation clear.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a crossword clue indicator?
A crossword clue indicator is a word or phrase within a crossword clue that signals to the solver what type of wordplay is involved in arriving at the solution. For example, words like 'mixed' or 'confused' indicate an anagram, while 'partly' or 'hidden in' suggest a hidden word.
How do indicators help solve crosswords?
Indicators are crucial in solving cryptic crosswords and often appear in standard crosswords too. They tell you *how* to process the other words in the clue (the fodder) to get the answer. Recognizing them is key to unlocking the puzzle's hidden logic and wordplay mechanisms.
Are there different types of crossword clue indicators?
Yes, there are many types! Common categories include anagram indicators ('shaken', 'new'), hidden word indicators ('some of', 'part of'), reversal indicators ('returns', 'up'), homophone indicators ('heard', 'sounds like'), container indicators ('holding', 'inside'), and deletion indicators ('headless', 'endless').