mirror cryptic crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "mirror cryptic crossword", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations to help you understand the wordplay and expand your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "mirror cryptic crossword" by Letter Count
10 Letters
PALINDROME: A word or phrase that reads the same forwards and backwards, perfectly 'mirroring' itself. A common theme in cryptic wordplay.
8 Letters
REVERSAL: A common cryptic crossword device where a word or part of a word is spelled backward, often indicated by words like 'mirror', 'reflected', 'back', or 'return'.
5 Letters
IMAGE: What you see when you look in a mirror; can be used literally or figuratively in crossword clues to refer to a reflection or representation.
More About "mirror cryptic crossword"
The term "mirror" in a cryptic crossword clue is a strong indicator that you should be looking for a reversal or a symmetrical element in your answer. This could mean spelling a word backward, or it could point towards a palindrome – a word that reads the same forwards and backwards. Cryptic crosswords thrive on such clever misdirection and literal interpretations of common words.
Understanding how 'mirror' functions as a wordplay device is key to unlocking many challenging clues. It forces solvers to think about words not just for their meaning, but also for their structure and how they might appear when reversed. This duality is a hallmark of cryptic puzzles, making them both frustrating and incredibly rewarding to solve.
Whether it signals a simple word reversal or a more intricate palindrome, recognizing 'mirror' as a clue type will significantly boost your success rate in deciphering cryptic wordplay. It's a classic cryptic trick that relies on the solver's ability to think outside the box and manipulate letters.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Look for Reversal Indicators: Beyond "mirror," words like "reflected," "back," "up" (in down clues), "return," "turn," or "about" often signal that a part of the answer needs to be spelled backward.
- Consider Palindromes: If "mirror" is mentioned, especially in conjunction with self-reflection or symmetry, actively think about words that read the same backward as forward (e.g., "MADAM," "RACECAR," "LEVEL").
- Break Down the Clue: Always separate the clue into its definition part and its wordplay part. The "mirror" element will almost always reside within the wordplay, guiding you on how to construct the answer from its components.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "mirror" typically mean in a cryptic crossword clue?
In cryptic crosswords, "mirror" often indicates a reversal of letters. This means a word or a part of a word should be spelled backward to form part of the solution. It can also hint at palindromes – words that read the same forwards and backwards.
Are palindromes common answers in cryptic crosswords?
Yes, palindromes (words like "LEVEL" or "DEIFIED" that read the same forwards and backwards) are quite common in cryptic crosswords. They are especially likely when the clue involves concepts of reflection, mirroring, or descriptions of something going back and forth.
How do I identify a wordplay part in a cryptic clue?
The wordplay part of a cryptic clue uses various devices like anagrams, reversals, homophones, hidden words, or charades. Clue words such as "mixed," "broken," "sound of," "contained," or "reflected" often signal these devices, distinct from the straight definition portion of the clue.