What type of crossword clue is 'included in crossword clue'?

'Included in crossword clue' is a classic example of a 'hidden word' or 'embedded word' clue. The solution is literally a sequence of letters that appears within the clue itself, often spanning across word breaks.

How do you identify a hidden word clue?

Hidden word clues often contain indicator phrases such as 'included in', 'part of', 'some of', 'found in', 'contains', or similar wording that suggests the answer is directly present within the clue's text. Look for contiguous letter sequences.

Are hidden word clues common in crosswords?

Yes, hidden word clues are quite common, especially in cryptic crosswords but also appear in simpler puzzles. They are considered an entry-level trick but can still be overlooked if you're not specifically looking for them.

included in crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're pondering the clue "included in crossword clue", you've come to the right place. This page offers all the possible answers and explanations, helping you solve your puzzle and understand this common type of clue better.

Solutions for "included in crossword clue" by Letter Count

2 Letters

IN: Directly part of the clue phrase 'included IN crossword clue'.

3 Letters

LED: Found within the word 'incLUDed' from the clue.

4 Letters

WORD: Part of 'crossWORD' in the clue.

CLUE: The word 'CLUE' itself, directly from the phrase.

9 Letters

CROSSWORD: The prominent noun 'CROSSWORD' from the clue, literally included in the longer phrase.

More About "included in crossword clue"

This particular crossword clue, "included in crossword clue", is a classic example of a 'hidden word' or 'embedded word' clue. These are clues where the answer isn't something you derive from a definition, but rather a sequence of letters that exists contiguously within the clue's text itself. It's a favourite technique among crossword setters, especially in cryptic crosswords, to offer a clever misdirection while providing the answer in plain sight.

The beauty of such clues lies in their deceptive simplicity. Beginners often overlook them, focusing too much on literal definitions, while seasoned solvers know to look for specific indicator words like 'included in', 'part of', 'some of', 'contained in', etc. When you see such a phrase, your first instinct should be to scan the rest of the clue for a hidden word that fits the required letter count.

Mastering the ability to spot these hidden gems can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving time. It trains your eye to look beyond the surface meaning of words and recognise the structural hints within the clue. The solutions provided above demonstrate how different parts of "included in crossword clue" can themselves be the answer, highlighting the self-referential nature of this ingenious clue type.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Scan for Hidden Words: Always be on the lookout for indicator phrases like "part of," "some of," "in," "contains," etc. These often signal that the answer is embedded within the clue itself.
Consider All Word Lengths: Even if you have some letters filled in, don't limit yourself to one possible word length. Sometimes a shorter or longer word might fit the "hidden" pattern.
Break Down the Clue: For complex clues, try to isolate potential indicator words or phrases. Even a seemingly straightforward clue like this one can hide multiple answers, as shown above.
Think Outside the Box: Crossword clues, especially cryptic ones, often play on words or common phrases in unexpected ways. Don't be afraid to think laterally.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'included in' mean in a crossword clue?

In crosswords, 'included in' typically indicates that the answer word is literally found as a consecutive string of letters within the clue's text. It's a type of "hidden word" clue, where the solution is embedded in plain sight.

Can a crossword clue refer to itself?

Yes, absolutely! Self-referential clues, like 'included in crossword clue', are a clever trick in setting puzzles. They often contain the answer within their own phrasing, testing a solver's attention to detail and awareness of clue types.

How do I improve at spotting hidden word clues?

Practice is key! The more puzzles you do, the better you'll become at recognizing the common indicators for hidden words (e.g., 'part of', 'some', 'in', 'contains'). Also, try reading the clue aloud; sometimes the hidden word becomes more apparent when spoken.