Minute Cryptic Answer: “FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!”
Puzzle #152 · July 18, 2026 · 3-letter answer
Looking for the Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026? The clue “FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!” is a reversal clue from puzzle #152. Below you’ll find a spoiler-safe hint ladder, a full clue breakdown, and the verified solution.
Reveal the Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026Click to reveal
The answer to the Minute Cryptic clue “FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!” from July 18, 2026 (puzzle #152) is FLU — a 3-letter answer.
Today's Clue
“FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!”
Answer length: 3 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: "FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!"
- 2Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Good excuse to miss work', and our answer will be just that." points to the meaning of the answer.
- 3Spot the indicator: "This clue's indicator is 'semifinals?' and it's a selection indicator naming the positions of important letters in neighbouring fodder. If 'finals' refers to the final letters of multiple words, what might 'semifinals' refer to?" signals a reversal operation.
- 4Find the fodder: "This clue's fodder is 'FIFA World Cup'. We'll use these letters (or some of them) 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 'FIFA World Cup'. We'll use these letters (or some of them) to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s)." to get the answer.
- 6The answer is: FLU
Want to learn more about reversal clues? Read the Reversal guide
Why “FLU” fits the clue
In Minute Cryptic Puzzle #152 from July 18, 2026, the clue "FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!" is a reversal clue. Reverse the letters of "This clue's fodder is 'FIFA World Cup'. We'll use these letters (or some of them) to construct our answer, as guided by the clue's indicator(s)." to read the 3-letter answer FLU. The definition "Our definition here is 'Good excuse to miss work', and our answer will be just that." confirms that FLU is the intended Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026.
Minute Cryptic 18 Jul 2026 — Frequently Asked
What is the answer to the Minute Cryptic clue "FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!"?
The answer is FLU (3 letters). It was the Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026, puzzle #152.
When was Minute Cryptic Puzzle #152 published?
Puzzle #152 was published on July 18, 2026.
How many letters are in the Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026?
The Minute Cryptic answer for July 18, 2026 (puzzle #152) is 3 letters long: FLU.
What type of cryptic clue is "FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!"?
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.