Minute Cryptic Answer: “Elk and baby bear return to cave”
Puzzle #71 · April 27, 2026 · 6-letter answer
Looking for the Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026? The clue “Elk and baby bear return to cave” is a reversal clue from puzzle #71. Below you’ll find a spoiler-safe hint ladder, a full clue breakdown, and the verified solution.
Reveal the Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026Click to reveal
The answer to the Minute Cryptic clue “Elk and baby bear return to cave” from April 27, 2026 (puzzle #71) is BUCKLE — a 6-letter answer.
Today's Clue
“Elk and baby bear return to cave”
Answer length: 6 letters
Reveal hints one at a time — work your way to the answer without getting spoiled!
Answer
Clue Breakdown
ReversalStep-by-step
- 1Read the clue: "Elk and baby bear return to cave"
- 2Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'cave', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
- 3Spot the indicator: "This clue's indicator is 'return' and it's a reversal indicator. Some neighbouring fodder (either the letters in the clue or a substitute) will turn around and go back to form our answer." signals a reversal operation.
- 4Find the fodder: "This clue's fodder is 'Elk' and 'baby bear'. We'll use the letters of one of these with a short substitute for the other to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s)." is the material to work with.
- 5Reverse the letters of "This clue's fodder is 'Elk' and 'baby bear'. We'll use the letters of one of these with a short substitute for the other to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s)." to get the answer.
- 6The answer is: BUCKLE
Want to learn more about reversal clues? Read the Reversal guide
Why “BUCKLE” fits the clue
In Minute Cryptic Puzzle #71 from April 27, 2026, the clue "Elk and baby bear return to cave" is a reversal clue. Reverse the letters of "This clue's fodder is 'Elk' and 'baby bear'. We'll use the letters of one of these with a short substitute for the other to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s)." to read the 6-letter answer BUCKLE. The definition "Our definition here is 'cave', and our answer will be another word for that." confirms that BUCKLE is the intended Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026.
Minute Cryptic 27 Apr 2026 — Frequently Asked
What is the answer to the Minute Cryptic clue "Elk and baby bear return to cave"?
The answer is BUCKLE (6 letters). It was the Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026, puzzle #71.
When was Minute Cryptic Puzzle #71 published?
Puzzle #71 was published on April 27, 2026.
How many letters are in the Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026?
The Minute Cryptic answer for April 27, 2026 (puzzle #71) is 6 letters long: BUCKLE.
What type of cryptic clue is "Elk and baby bear return to cave"?
It is a reversal clue. A reversal clue spells the answer backwards from a fragment of fodder, signalled by a reversal indicator.
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How to use this solution page
Each archive detail page is structured to help solvers learn from a clue instead of jumping straight to the final answer. Start with the definition hint, then reveal the indicator and fodder only if you still need help.
This step-by-step flow mirrors how cryptic clues are normally solved: first identify the likely definition, then work out the instruction, then confirm the letters or words that produce the answer.
If you are practising, try solving the clue before revealing the last panel. If you are researching a past puzzle, use the neighbouring navigation below to compare clue styles across different dates.