hinting crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "hinting crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers broken down by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the solution and improve your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "hinting crossword" by Letter Count
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: This is a very common answer for clues involving "hinting" or "indirect" crosswords. Cryptic crosswords are famous for their non-obvious, often pun-based clues that hint at the solution through wordplay rather than direct definition.
OBLIQUE: Meaning indirect or not straight-forward, 'oblique' perfectly describes a method of hinting. In crosswords, clues can be oblique when they require a lateral thinking approach or refer to something in an indirect manner.
8 Letters
ALLUSIVE: To be allusive means to hint at something without explicitly stating it. Many crossword clues, particularly in cryptic puzzles, are allusive, relying on references or indirect suggestions to guide the solver to the correct word.
More About "hinting crossword"
The phrase "hinting crossword" points directly to a style of clue or a type of puzzle where the path to the solution is not a simple definition. This often leads solvers to the world of cryptic crosswords, where clues are meticulously crafted to contain both a definition and wordplay element, with one "hinting" at the other. Understanding how clues hint is key to mastering these puzzles.
Crossword setters use various literary devices and linguistic tricks to hint. These can range from subtle synonyms that nudge you towards a specific concept, to more elaborate wordplay mechanisms like anagrams, charades, or hidden words. Recognizing the "hinting" element in a clue is often the first step towards breaking it down and revealing the elusive answer.
For example, a clue that includes words like "perhaps," "could be," "sounds like," or even punctuation (like question marks) can be a strong indicator of a hinting clue, suggesting wordplay rather than a direct definition. Developing an eye for these signals is crucial for any aspiring crossword enthusiast.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for indicators: Pay attention to words that might signal a specific type of wordplay. For instance, "mixed up," "broken," or "confused" often indicate an anagram. "Sounds like" or "heard" suggests a homophone.
- Break down the clue: For longer clues, try to identify different parts. Cryptic clues often have two components: a definition and a wordplay element. The "hinting" part usually resides in the wordplay.
- Consider context: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or surrounding answers can provide additional hints. Even if a clue is purely hinting, its relationship to other elements might become clear as you solve more of the puzzle.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'hinting' imply in a crossword clue?
In the context of crosswords, 'hinting' usually suggests that the clue is not a direct dictionary definition but rather uses wordplay, indirect references, or misdirection to lead you to the answer. This is a hallmark of cryptic crosswords.
How are answers 'hinted' at in cryptic crosswords?
Cryptic crosswords employ various clever techniques such as anagrams (indicated by words like 'broken' or 'mixed'), charades (parts of the word forming the whole), hidden words (indicated by 'in' or 'part of'), homophones ('sounds like'), and double definitions (two different meanings for the same word). The 'hint' often comes from a specific word in the clue that signals the type of wordplay to be used.
Are standard crossword clues ever 'hinting'?
While standard or 'straight' crosswords primarily rely on direct definitions, there can still be an element of 'hinting' through the choice of synonyms or subtle nuances in the clue's wording. For instance, a clue might use a less common synonym or a word that describes a specific aspect, requiring solvers to think broadly about related concepts.