Cryptic crossword indicators
An indicator is the word in a clue that tells you which trick the setter is using. Spot it and you know what to do with the rest of the wordplay. These are the indicators setters reach for most often, grouped by clue type.
Lists can never be complete, because setters invent new ones all the time. Learn the idea behind each group (anything suggesting disorder for anagrams, anything suggesting enclosure for containers) and you'll recognise indicators you've never seen before.
Anagram indicators
The letters of some words in the clue are rearranged to make the answer.
Charade indicators
The answer is built from pieces placed one after another, like building blocks.
Container and contents indicators
One part of the answer goes inside another.
Hidden word indicators
The answer is written out in full inside the clue, spanning one or more words.
Homophone indicators
The answer sounds like another word or phrase in the clue.
Reversal indicators
A word in the clue, or a synonym of it, is written backwards.
Deletion indicators
Letters are removed from a word to leave the answer.
Initial letters (acrostic) indicators
The first letters of several words spell out the answer.
Alternate letters indicators
Every other letter of part of the clue makes the answer.
Spoonerism indicators
The opening sounds of two words are swapped, named after the Reverend Spooner.
Letter substitution indicators
One letter in a word is swapped for another.