Daily Puzzle Breakdowns
Each Minute Cryptic clue uses a specific wordplay technique. Our daily breakdowns identify the clue type, walk through the solving logic step by step, and explain how definition, indicator, and fodder work together to produce the answer.
“FIFA World Cup semifinals? Good excuse to miss work!”
Identify 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.
Read breakdown““Amputee climber got past treacherous drop!” you heard documentary maker say”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'documentary maker say', and 'say' is flagging that 'documentary maker' is an example of our answer. Side note: as an appreciator of cryptic clues, hats off to Sean for using 'say' on the surface to describe a person saying something, and in the definition to flag an example. Masterfully done." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Arthur’s divided over the shape of Camelot’s table for some time?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'some time', and our answer will be a word that represents some time." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Scoop of lemon gelato with a twist - a little something from the garden”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'a little something from the garden', and our answer will be something fitting that description." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Start midday meal around midday”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Start', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Magnificent ring found in ruins of Isengard”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Magnificent', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Bob, Deb and Jacob all have these kinks”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'kinks', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Our cousins and grandparents playing “Duck Duck Goose”?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Our cousins', and our answer will be a word can represent that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Weathered tin sign adorning the outskirts of Venice: “Sinking Capital””
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Sinking Capital' and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“The essence of simplicity - it doesn't need to be said!”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'it doesn't need to be said', and our answer will be another way of expressing that idea." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Hitting easy targets by purchasing over 2K followers?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Hitting easy targets', and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Smithers shaken up after Mr Burns argument”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'argument', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“One of many on board to witness the start of dawn cycling?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'One of many on board', and our answer will be something you find many of on a board." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“First bit of margarine sent back for butter”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'butter', and our answer will be a butter of sorts." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Roughly sub-zero, for temperature in windswept tundra”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Roughly', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“In public? Kissing? Ew!”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Ew', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Overly bright veils spurned by glum bride”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Overly bright', and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Leather arrangement pulling an equine's head!”
Identify the definition: "This clue is an &lit - the whole clue is both the definition and wordplay. So, our answer will be a name for a leather arrangement pulling an equine's head." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Pulls back sword after heart to heart exchange with beast?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Pulls', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Path between what looks like a pair of snakes & rocks”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'rocks', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown