Reversal clues

A word in the clue, or a synonym of it, is written backwards.

A reversal clue tells you to read something backwards. In an across clue that's 'back', 'returning' or 'west'; in a down clue setters may say 'up', 'rising' or 'overturned'.

Examples

Live returning is wicked (4)

EVIL: LIVE written backwards ('returning') gives EVIL, defined by 'wicked'.

Pots sent back to halt (4)

STOP: POTS reversed ('sent back') is STOP, defined by 'halt'.

Common indicators

back
backwards
returning
in return
reversed
going west
retiring
up (in a down clue)
rising
overturned
reflected
round
turned

See indicators for every clue type

Solving tips

Short words that reverse into other words (DEER/REED, LIVE/EVIL, STAR/RATS) turn up again and again.

Stuck on one? Try it in the solver