Mastering Anagram Clues in Cryptic Crosswords: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Cryptic crosswords are puzzles known for clever wordplay, tricky clues, and satisfying "aha!" moments. Among the various types of cryptic clues, anagram clues—where letters are rearranged to form a new word—are among the easiest to start with and most fun to solve.
This guide is designed especially for beginners, clearly explaining each step to help you master anagram clues.
For extra practice detailed examples & explanations, visit the Intro to Anagrams collection on Daily Cryptic, a website specifically designed for learning cryptic crossword clues.
What is an Anagram in Cryptic Crosswords?
An anagram is simply a word or phrase created by rearranging letters from another word or phrase. For example, the letters in GUM can be rearranged to spell MUG.
Cryptic crossword clues usually have two main parts:
- Definition: A straightforward clue, typically at the start or end of the puzzle clue, describing the final answer.
- Wordplay (Anagram): Instructions within the clue telling you how to rearrange letters.
Here's a simple example: “Giant drunk lager (5).”
- Definition: "Giant" tells you the answer will be about something big.
- Anagram Indicator: "drunk" indicates letters are mixed up.
- Fodder (letters to rearrange): "lager"
Rearrange "lager" to get "large," which matches the definition "Giant."
Step-by-Step Guide to Solving Anagram Clues
Here's an easy-to-follow approach to solving anagram clues:
1. Identify the Definition
Look at either end of the clue to find a simple definition. The clue will often be a clear synonym or description of the answer.
2. Spot the Anagram Indicator
Anagram indicators are words suggesting disorder, mixing, or rearranging letters. Common examples include:
- confused, mixed, scrambled
- broken, shattered
- crazy, nuts, mad
- drunk, sloshed
- altered, changed, new
3. Determine the Fodder
The fodder is the word or phrase whose letters you need to rearrange. It is usually next to the anagram indicator.
4. Rearrange Letters
Write down the letters clearly and experiment with rearrangements to find a word matching the definition. It often helps to cross out letters as you use them.
5. Confirm Your Answer
Make sure your rearranged word fits perfectly with the clue's definition and letter count (usually indicated in parentheses).
Example: The clue “Fit of bad temper ruined sport (5)” has:
- Definition: "Fit of bad temper"
- Anagram Indicator: "ruined"
- Fodder: "sport"
Rearranging "sport" gives "strop," which means "Fit of bad temper".
Advanced Anagram Techniques
As you become comfortable with basic anagrams, you can try advanced techniques to solve more challenging clues. You can explore these more deeply in Daily Cryptic Plus collection Advanced Anagrams available on a 7 Day Free Trial.
Hidden Indicators
Sometimes indicators blend naturally into clues, like "wild" in a clue about wildlife. Always question words that could imply mixing.
Multi-Word Anagrams
The letters to rearrange may span multiple words. For example, "sea dog run" can be rearranged into "dangerous."
Partial/Subtractive Anagrams
Some clues require you to remove letters first, indicated by words like "almost" or "without."
&lit Clues (All-in-One)
Occasionally, the entire clue itself can serve both as definition and anagram indicator. For example, "Moon-starers" rearranges to "astronomers," perfectly describing the answer.
Practical Tips for Solving Anagram Clues
- Practice Regularly: Begin with puzzles that have more anagrams to quickly build your skills.
- Look for Patterns: Notice common endings like "-ing" or "-ed" to simplify your rearrangements.
- Use Crossing Letters: Letters already filled in from other clues can help confirm your anagram answer.
- Keep an Indicator List: Familiarise yourself with common indicators to spot anagrams faster.
Additional Resources
For more structured practice, visit the following resources on Daily Cryptic:
Final Thoughts
Anagram clues offer a fun and accessible starting point in cryptic crosswords. With practice and patience, you'll soon find yourself solving clues with confidence and enjoying the challenge of cryptic puzzles.
Happy solving!
