good crossword clues – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "good crossword clues," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers across various letter counts, along with explanations to help you understand the nuances of this type of clue and enhance your solving skills.

Solutions for "good crossword clues" by Letter Count

3 Letters

APT: A clue that is particularly fitting or appropriate for its answer.

4 Letters

FAIR: A good clue is equitable, providing sufficient information for a single, unambiguous answer.

5 Letters

WITTY: Often describes the clever, humorous wordplay or misdirection found in well-crafted clues.

6 Letters

CLEVER: Denotes ingenuity and sharp thinking in the clue's construction, often involving wordplay or lateral thinking.

7 Letters

ELEGANT: Used to describe clues that are concise, beautifully phrased, and lead to a satisfying solution with minimal fuss.

CONCISE: Good clues often achieve their effect with brevity, using every word purposefully without unnecessary filler.

9 Letters

DECEPTIVE: While a good clue can mislead initially with clever misdirection, it ultimately points to the correct answer through fair wordplay.

More About "good crossword clues"

The phrase "good crossword clues" refers to the highly subjective yet universally appreciated qualities that make a clue satisfying and enjoyable to solve. These clues strike a delicate balance: they must be challenging enough to engage the solver but fair enough to be solvable through logic, wordplay, and general knowledge. A truly excellent clue often has a deceptive 'surface reading' that sounds like an ordinary sentence, masking its true crossword meaning, which might involve a definition alongside a wordplay element like an anagram, pun, or hidden word.

What makes a clue 'good' can vary between cryptic and quick crosswords. In quick crosswords, it often means precise, unambiguous definitions. In cryptic crosswords, it points to a masterclass in misdirection, double meanings, and clever construction that elicits an "aha!" moment when the solution clicks. Regardless of the type, a good clue is concise, uses every word intentionally, and avoids obscure references or unfair tricks.

Understanding what constitutes a good clue is key to both solving and appreciating crosswords. It's about recognizing the constructor's craft and the subtle art of guiding the solver to the correct answer through wit and ingenuity, rather than brute force or guesswork. The best clues are memorable, teaching you something new or making you smile with their cleverness.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

When you encounter a clue like "good crossword clues" or any other abstract concept, here are some tips to help you:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a 'good' crossword clue from a bad one?

A good crossword clue is fair, concise, and typically offers a blend of direct definition and clever wordplay. It should have a single, unambiguous answer and provide just enough information to guide the solver without being too obvious or too obscure. Bad clues are often too vague, too specific to niche knowledge, or unfairly misleading.

How can I improve my ability to create good crossword clues?

To create good clues, study existing puzzles, especially those from reputable constructors. Focus on precision in language, exploring synonyms and homophones. Practice writing clues for everyday words, paying attention to conciseness, fairness, and the 'surface reading' (how the clue sounds as a normal sentence).

Are 'good crossword clues' always difficult?

Not necessarily. While many good clues are challenging, a good clue's quality comes from its cleverness, fairness, and satisfaction upon solving, not purely its difficulty. Some excellent clues are surprisingly simple once the trick is understood, while others are masterfully intricate but still solvable with logic.