Cryptic Run
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Lesson 4 of 8

Charades

Build it in pieces.

A charade clues the answer in chunks. Each chunk is a synonym, an abbreviation or a short word, and you simply write them down in order.

There is often no indicator at all, just a list of pieces and a definition at one end. Words like with, and, by, before or after can show the order.

Cryptic setters love tiny pieces: a for one, in for at home, N for north, EL for “the Spanish”. Learn the common ones and charades get quick.

Words that give it away

  • with
  • and
  • by
  • before
  • after
  • following
  • on
  • (often no indicator at all)

Worked examples

Taxi at home makes a hut (5)

  1. 01“A hut” at the end is the definition.
  2. 02“Taxi” gives CAB. “At home” gives IN.
  3. 03CAB + IN = CABIN, a hut.

CABIN

Father with north for a pot (3)

  1. 01“A pot” is the definition.
  2. 02“Father” is PA. “North” abbreviates to N.
  3. 03PA + N = PAN.

PAN

Try one Bunny slope

Vehicle with an animal provides floor covering (6)