Solving Cryptic Crosswords: Double Definition
Key Points of Double Definition





Often represented in short clues
Two word clues are almost always double definition
Ideally of the heteronym variety, but more commonly two definitions of the same word
Usually designed to create a false image
Variations include more than two definitions, but such deception could be considered unfair
Clue examples:
Plant book (6)
Social sphere (4)
Generate support (4)
One winning serve (3)
Most girls have one meal cooked outside (6)
Grab twig (9)
Poor foundation (4)
Snap part of a tree (4)
Approach the early English settler (5)
Push river transport (5)
Solving Cryptic Crosswords: Hiddens
Key Points of Hiddens






The entire answer is hidden in the wordplay of the clue
There should be no unused words
Look for indicators of containment
Popular for short answers
Usually no more than two per crossword
May span punctuation
Indicators
A bit/piece/part of
Found in
Imprisioned by
Taken from
Carried by/in
Held by
Partially
Used in
There are many more, but all indicate that the answer is contained in some way.
Examples:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Molecules of oxygen enveloped a unit of DNA (4)
Part of the Far East region (4)
Some reach a delightful place in Africa (4)
Dose of sedative inflated a blood vessel (4)
Double definitions: annual, ball, bear, ace, barbie, apprehend, base, bark, angle, barge
Hiddens: gene, area, Chad, vein