Cryptic Definition Practice — 10 Clues
In a cryptic definition, the entire clue is a single, deliberately misleading definition of the answer. There is no separate wordplay — just a whimsical or punning description. Look for question marks, think sideways, and do not take the surface reading at face value.
Try to solve each clue before revealing the answer. These are arranged from easiest to hardest.
Clue 1: “Capital of France? (5)”
EasyReveal answer and explanation
Answer: PARIS (5)
This reads like a geography question, and it is — PARIS is the capital of France. The question mark hints that the answer is more straightforward than you might expect from a cryptic crossword. Sometimes the simplest reading is correct.
Clue 2: “Running water? (6)”
EasyReveal answer and explanation
Answer: STREAM (6)
Water that runs is a STREAM. The surface reading suggests water from a tap, but the cryptic reading describes water that literally moves — a stream runs through the landscape.
Clue 3: “A pointed remark? (4)”
EasyReveal answer and explanation
Answer: BARB (4)
A BARB is both something pointed (a barb on a wire) and a cutting remark. The whole clue whimsically defines the answer through a double meaning.
Clue 4: “Sounds of music? (5)”
EasyReveal answer and explanation
Answer: NOTES (5)
Music is made of NOTES, and notes are sounds. The question mark signals that this is a cryptic definition rather than a reference to the famous musical.
Clue 5: “It turns when you go to bed? (5)”
MediumReveal answer and explanation
Answer: WHEEL (5)
Wait — what turns when you go to bed? Nothing obvious. But think laterally: 'It turns' describes something that revolves. A WHEEL turns. The 'go to bed' part is misdirection, making you think of nighttime routines. Actually, this is simply a description: 'It turns' = WHEEL. The rest is surface misdirection.
Clue 6: “A stiff examination? (4,6)”
MediumReveal answer and explanation
Answer: POST MORTEM (4,6)
On the surface, a 'stiff examination' sounds like a hard test. But a 'stiff' is slang for a dead body, and a POST MORTEM is an examination of a corpse. The question mark confirms the punning nature.
Clue 7: “Where you might see an ace serving? (6,5)”
MediumReveal answer and explanation
Answer: TENNIS COURT (6,5)
The surface suggests a waiter or servant. But an 'ace' in tennis is a serve that the opponent cannot return. A TENNIS COURT is where you see an ace being served.
Clue 8: “It's revolutionary (5)”
MediumReveal answer and explanation
Answer: WHEEL (5)
The surface reading suggests something politically revolutionary. But 'revolutionary' literally means 'making revolutions' — turning around an axis. A WHEEL is revolutionary because it revolves.
Clue 9: “Gegs (9,4)”
HardReveal answer and explanation
Answer: SCRAMBLED EGGS (9,4)
This is a famous cryptic definition. The letters of 'eggs' have been scrambled to form 'gegs'. So 'gegs' literally IS scrambled eggs — SCRAMBLED EGGS. The entire clue is the definition presented in action.
Clue 10: “HIJKLMNO (5)”
HardReveal answer and explanation
Answer: WATER (5)
The letters H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O are the sequence from H to O — or H₂O, the chemical formula for WATER. This classic cryptic definition requires you to see the letter sequence as a chemical reference rather than a random string.
Tips for solving
- A question mark at the end of a clue often signals a cryptic definition.
- If a clue is unusually short and has no obvious indicator words, it may be a cryptic definition.
- Think about alternative meanings, puns, and lateral associations.
- The surface reading is designed to mislead — the answer usually has nothing to do with what the clue seems to describe.
- Use crossing letters from other solved clues to narrow your options.