Cryptic Run
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Lesson 3 of 8

Double definitions

Two meanings, one word.

Most cryptic clues have a definition and some wordplay. A double definition skips the wordplay and gives you two definitions instead, often of two unrelated senses of the same word.

They are usually short, two to four words, and contain no indicator. If a clue looks oddly plain and you cannot find a trick, try splitting it in half and defining each half.

Sometimes one half is a noun and the other a verb, which is why the surface reading feels off. That mismatch is your clue.

Words that give it away

  • (none: look for a short clue with no indicator)

Worked examples

Gave temporarily before Easter (4)

  1. 01No indicator words. Split it: “gave temporarily” and “before Easter”.
  2. 02“Gave temporarily” is LENT, the past tense of lend.
  3. 03“Before Easter” is also LENT, the forty-day season. Same word, two meanings.

LENT

Run away with a lock (4)

  1. 01“Run away” and “a lock” are both definitions.
  2. 02To bolt is to run away suddenly. A bolt is a lock on a door.
  3. 03BOLT fits both, four letters.

BOLT

Try one Bunny slope

Flat and level (4)