metro cryptic crossword answers – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "metro cryptic crossword answers" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TUBE: A common colloquial term for an underground railway system, especially in London. Often a cryptic clue might hint at a hollow cylinder or a TV set (the old 'tube').
6 Letters
SUBWAY: An underground railway system, primarily used in North America. Cryptically, it could combine "sub" (below) and "way" (path or method).
11 Letters
UNDERGROUND: The full term for a metro system that runs beneath the surface. This answer is often suggested by clues involving "below ground" or similar literal interpretations combined with cryptic elements.
12 Letters
RAPIDTRANSIT: A general term for urban public transport systems designed for high capacity and speed, often including metros. Cryptic clues might play on the words "rapid" and "transit" to lead to this solution.
More About "metro cryptic crossword answers"
Cryptic crossword clues, particularly those published in newspapers like the Metro, are known for their clever wordplay and misdirection. The phrase "metro cryptic crossword answers" suggests you are looking for solutions that require a nuanced understanding of how these clues operate. Unlike standard crosswords, cryptic clues rarely offer a direct definition; instead, they use anagrams, charades, hidden words, homophones, and double meanings to guide you to the answer.
When encountering a "metro cryptic" clue, it's essential to break down the clue into its components. Often, one part of the clue will be a definition, while the other part (or parts) will be the wordplay. Identifying the type of wordplay is key to unlocking the solution. For instance, words like "mixed up," "confused," or "broken" often indicate an anagram, while "sounds like" or "heard" point to a homophone.
The "metro" aspect of the clue could refer to the specific publication, implying a certain style or difficulty level, or it could be part of the wordplay itself, hinting at underground transport or measurement (e.g., metric). Always consider both the literal and figurative meanings of words in a cryptic clue. Practice and familiarity with common cryptic devices will significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Identify the Definition and Wordplay: Every cryptic clue has a definition part and a wordplay part. Learn to separate them. The definition is usually at the beginning or end of the clue.
- Look for Anagram Indicators: Words like 'confused', 'mixed', 'broken', 'rearranged', 'dancing', 'jumbled' often signal that the letters in part of the clue need to be reordered to form the answer.
- Understand Homophones: Clues with phrases like 'sounds like', 'we hear', 'audibly', or 'said' suggest the answer will be a word that sounds like another word in the clue.
- Seek Hidden Words: Sometimes the answer is hidden within the clue itself, often indicated by words like 'in', 'part of', 'some of', 'contains', or 'holds'.
- Practice Regularly: The more cryptic crosswords you attempt, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and common clue types. Don't be discouraged by initial difficulty.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cryptic crossword?
A cryptic crossword is a type of crossword puzzle where the clues are elaborate word puzzles, often involving puns, anagrams, hidden words, charades, and other forms of wordplay, rather than straightforward definitions. They require a deeper understanding of language and word manipulation.
How do I solve 'metro' themed cryptic clues?
For 'metro' themed cryptic clues, think broadly about synonyms for underground transport (tube, subway, metro), but also consider wordplay on 'metro' itself (e.g., metric, measurement). Look for indicators of specific wordplay types like 'sounds like' for homophones, 'mixed up' for anagrams, or 'hidden in' for hidden words.
Are Metro cryptic crosswords harder than standard ones?
Yes, cryptic crosswords, including those published in the Metro, are generally considered more challenging than standard definition crosswords. They require a different set of skills, focusing on linguistic dexterity and logical deduction from wordplay rather than direct vocabulary knowledge. However, with practice, they can become very rewarding to solve.