Read the clue before you solve it.

Small signals reveal the answer's grammar, format, and intended sense. Learn the patterns setters use most often.

These clues tell you—sometimes quietly—that the answer will be shortened.

Learn this clue type Direct-definition clues

The clue and answer are close synonyms or a simple category-and-member pair.

Learn this clue type Question-mark clues

A question mark often warns that the clue is playful, indirect, or using an unexpected sense.

Learn this clue type Fill-in-the-blank clues

The answer completes a familiar phrase, title, quotation, or name.

Learn this clue type Names and fact clues

These clues rely on a person, place, title, brand, or piece of general knowledge.