indirect crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling "indirect crossword clue" and need a helping hand, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "indirect crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HINT: A subtle suggestion or piece of information, often presented indirectly without being explicit.
7 Letters
CRYPTIC: Describes a type of crossword clue that uses wordplay, anagrams, and other devices to lead to the answer indirectly, rather than a direct definition.
IMPLIED: Something suggested or understood without being directly stated, characteristic of an indirect clue where the meaning is inferred.
8 Letters
ALLUSION: An indirect or passing reference to something, often used in clues to hint at an answer without mentioning it explicitly.
10 Letters
CIRCUITOUS: Describing a route or method that is indirect or roundabout, much like an indirect clue can lead you in a winding path to the solution.
More About "indirect crossword clue"
Crossword clues often vary in their straightforwardness. While some clues give a direct definition, an "indirect crossword clue" challenges solvers to think laterally. These clues don't spell out the answer; instead, they might hint at it through wordplay, puns, double meanings, or by requiring you to combine various elements of the clue to deduce the solution.
Mastering indirect clues is a cornerstone of becoming a proficient crossword solver. They frequently appear in more advanced puzzles, especially cryptic crosswords, where the entire solving process revolves around deciphering these ingenious, often misleading, linguistic puzzles. Understanding the mechanics behind how a clue subtly points to an answer is key to unlocking the grid.
Recognizing the difference between a direct and an indirect clue helps you apply the right solving strategy. An indirect clue forces you to consider synonyms, homophones, anagrams, and other wordplay techniques, making the solution process a rewarding intellectual exercise rather than a simple vocabulary test.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Puns and Wordplay: Indirect clues often rely on words having multiple meanings or sounding like other words. Read the clue aloud to catch potential phonetic tricks.
- Consider Alternative Meanings: Many words have both a literal and a figurative meaning. An indirect clue might use the less common or a metaphorical sense of a word.
- Break Down the Clue: If a clue seems complex, try to break it into smaller parts. Sometimes, an indirect clue is a combination of direct and indirect elements, or it might be a sentence where only a few words are truly "clue-words."
- Check for Indicators: In cryptic crosswords, specific words (like "possibly," "could be," "sounds like") often indicate indirectness or a particular type of wordplay (e.g., homophone, anagram).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an indirect crossword clue?
An indirect crossword clue is one that doesn't explicitly state the answer but rather hints at it through wordplay, synonyms, definitions, or general knowledge in a roundabout way. They require lateral thinking to solve.
How do I identify an indirect clue?
Indirect clues often use figurative language, puns, double meanings, or require you to combine elements of the clue in an unusual way. They generally don't give a straightforward definition.
What's the difference between an indirect and a direct clue?
A direct clue typically provides a straightforward definition or a synonym for the answer. An indirect clue, however, requires you to deduce the answer through wordplay, context, or a more circuitous line of reasoning.