first letter crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'first letter' mean in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'first letter' or similar phrases like 'head of', 'start of', or 'opener' indicate that the answer, or a part of it, is the very first letter of a word, phrase, or concept mentioned in the clue. For example, 'First letter of Apple' would yield 'A'.

Q: How do I identify a 'first letter' clue?

Look for explicit indicators like 'first letter of', 'initials of', 'start of', 'head of', 'opening of', or 'primarily'. Sometimes, the clue might imply it, for instance, 'Top of the bill' might lead to the first letter of 'bill'.

Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the crossword clue "first letter crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their length, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and easily.

Solutions for "first letter crossword clue" by Letter Count

1 Letters

A: The first letter of the English alphabet, often used directly as an answer or as part of an abbreviation.

4 Letters

ABBR: An abbreviation, which often consists of or begins with the first letters of words.

5 Letters

ALPHA: The first letter of the Greek alphabet, frequently appearing in crosswords when a 'first' or 'beginning' theme is implied.

BEGIN: To start or initiate, directly related to the concept of the 'first' part.

6 Letters

LEADER: Something or someone that comes first, or at the forefront, fitting the 'first letter' concept in a broader sense.

7 Letters

INITIAL: Directly refers to the first letter of a name or word, or the very beginning of something.

CAPITAL: Can refer to a capital letter, which is often the first letter of a sentence or proper noun.

ACRONYM: A word formed from the initial letters (first letters) of other words, a common crossword device.

More About "first letter crossword clue"

"First letter" clues are a staple in the world of crosswords, challenging solvers to think about the initial character of a word, phrase, or concept. These clues can appear in various forms, from straightforward requests for "First letter of Apple" (which would be A), to more subtle linguistic plays such as "Head of government" (G). Understanding the nuances of these clues is key to mastering many crossword puzzles.

They often test your knowledge of abbreviations, acronyms, or even the first letter of proper nouns or titles. Sometimes, the clue might involve a wordplay element, where the 'first letter' is extracted from a phrase that's part of a larger anagram or hidden word. Recognising these patterns helps you unlock answers that seem opaque at first glance, making the puzzle-solving process more fluid and enjoyable.

While seemingly simple, the versatility of 'first letter' clues allows setters to create complex and engaging puzzles. They can be combined with other clue types, like cryptic elements or synonyms, to increase the difficulty. Being attuned to these indicators will significantly boost your crossword-solving prowess.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Look for Indicator Words: Phrases like "start of", "head of", "opener", "first of", "initially", or "prime" are strong signals that the answer involves the first letter of a word or phrase mentioned in the clue.
Consider Acronyms and Abbreviations: Many "first letter" clues lead to common acronyms (e.g., NASA, SCUBA) or abbreviations (e.g., RSVP, ETA), which are formed from initial letters.
Context is Key: Pay attention to the broader context of the clue. Is it asking for the first letter of a specific word given in the clue, or does it hint at a concept whose "first letter" is the answer? For instance, "Top of the charts" might imply 'C'.
Check Letter Count: Always verify if the number of letters required in the grid matches a single letter or a longer word/phrase that incorporates the first letter (e.g., 'A' vs. 'ALPHA').

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "first letter" mean in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, "first letter" or similar phrases like "head of", "start of", or "opener" indicate that the answer, or a part of it, is the very first letter of a word, phrase, or concept mentioned in the clue. For example, "First letter of Apple" would yield "A".

How do I identify a "first letter" clue?

Look for explicit indicators like "first letter of", "initials of", "start of", "head of", "opening of", or "primarily". Sometimes, the clue might imply it, for instance, "Top of the bill" might lead to the first letter of "bill".

Are "first letter" clues always one letter long?

Not always. While the result of extracting a first letter is indeed one letter, the answer in the grid might be a longer word or phrase that represents or includes that first letter. For example, "First letter of the Greek alphabet" could be "ALPHA" (five letters) or just "A" (one letter) depending on the grid's length requirement.