Home/Guides/Cryptic Cryptic clues The devices setters use, the indicator words that signal them, and worked examples for each. Nine devices cover almost every cryptic clue. AllBeginnersTechniqueCrypticReference 4 guides CrypticSpotting the definition in a cryptic clueEvery cryptic clue defines its answer at one end or the other. Here is how to find which end, before you understand a single letter of the wordplay.5 min CrypticAnagram indicators: the words that signal a shuffleA categorised list of more than a hundred anagram indicators, plus how a clue signals which letters you are meant to rearrange.5 min CrypticHidden words and how setters bury themThe hidden word clue gives you the answer in full, spelled correctly. Here are the indicators, the reversed variant, and a sweep that finds them every time.4 min CrypticThe nine cryptic devices, explained with examplesAnagram, hidden word, charade, container, reversal, homophone, deletion, double definition and the & lit. Each one defined, indicated and worked through.6 min