Login:

Password:





Who's online? | Login | Leaderboard | Anagrams

Solving Double Definition Cryptic Clues

One of the main types of cryptic crossword clue is called the double definition.

With this clue type, as the name suggests, you will be presented with two different clues that both lead to the same answer.

Unlike many cryptic clues, both of the clues are typically straight clues, although they may of course be slightly misleading in terms of using definitions that might usually lead to another word (not the main meaning of a word, essentially).

In a standard cryptic crossword you will often get two to three clues of this type. The best way to spot them is by length - usually, although of course not always, these clues are a lot shorter than the rest. Often they are simply two words long. An example of a double definition clue would be the following:

Foreign or outlandish bird

This is a double definition clue where there is the slight added challenge of working out the delineation of the two clues, as it is not just a two-word clue. Here the two clues are 'foreign or outlandish' and 'bird'. In this case the answer is 'peregrine' which is a bird of prey (also called a peregrine falcon). You are less likely to know the other definition, 'foreign or outlandish' for this word, which the OED informs us of with a sample sentence "peregrine species of grass".

So - to spot a double definition look for a succinct clue. Then try to work out what the two definitions are (if it is a two-word clue, this is trivial).

If the answer does not jump out at you, look at each of the words individually and think around the meanings. As with the example here, they could be quite obscure. Remember with cryptics, the words are often misleading too. Thus when you see the word 'bird' here you are sure to think of just creatures with wings and feathers, as in this instance is the case, but of course there are other meanings of the word 'bird' too - such as time in prison (from Cockney rhyming slang - bird lime - (jail) time).
Date written: 15 Apr 2015



Comment on this post

You must be logged in to comment - please Register or Login

Other Blog Posts You Might Find Interesting...

Cryptic Crosswords: Know Your Setter
When you solve cryptic crosswords, one of the best things to do is to follow those in a particular newspaper or major publication. That's because this will enable you to see who sets each puzzle, and over time you will get used to the style of each...
Added: 18 Apr 2015


Introduction To Arrow Words
Arrowwords are a common crossword variant, and are also very popular with a set of dedicated solvers who much prefer them to standard crosswords. The difference between standard crosswords and arrowwords is more than cosmetic. The cosmetic difference...
Added: 23 Mar 2015


What Makes A Valid US Style Crossword Grid?
All the puzzles on Wordy Puzzle, at the time of writing, use the British style of crossword grid and also spelling. Here we look at what the US style of crossword grid is like. With US grids, every white square in the grid is checked. The term...
Added: 01 May 2015


Creating A New Type Of Word Puzzle
Creating a new type of puzzle is always exciting. Here are some suggestions as to how to go about the process: Firstly, you need the idea. This is obviously the most important element. The best way to go about this is often to look at an existing...
Added: 17 May 2015


The Benefits Of Solving Word Puzzles
There are many benefits to solving word puzzles. First and foremost, doing so is a very inexpensive hobby, puzzles are fun and satisfying to solve, and word puzzles provide a very effective form of 'brain training'. As opposed to solving logic puzzles...
Added: 26 Apr 2015




Back to Puzzle Blog


Puzzle Types:
Arrow word Puzzles
Pangram Puzzles
General Knowledge Crosswords
Quick Crosswords
Wordwheels
Word Ladders
Word Fit
Skeleton Crosswords
A to Z Puzzles
Codewords
Cryprograms Online
Every Letter Counts