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.
“Rocking moccasins? Corporate style guides might consider it unprofessional”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Corporate style guides might consider it unprofessional', and our answer will is something notoriously unprofessional from a stylistic standpoint." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“What keeps Romeo and Juliet apart in stark injustice!”
Identify the definition: "This clue is an &lit, so the whole clue is both the wordplay and the definition. This means that our answer will be something that keeps Romeo and Juliet apart in Shakespeare's play of stark injustice." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Vanessa has straightened curls and centre parting — for me that’s basic”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'that’s basic', and our answer will be a word that means basic." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Boundless fun awaits in lively ballroom as couples leave for dance”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'dance', and our answer will be a kind of dance." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Dominic, shortly after Lewis rejected Ellie, confessed to Prudence”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Prudence', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Brief glimpse of streaker, frontally tackled by halfback”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Brief glimpse', and our answer will be a word for that - in one sense or another." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Miner found quivering in the dark”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'in the dark', and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Short on time, Anthony ignores directions to old shipping address”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'old shipping address', and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“A cat's head poked into nest! Ready wings for descent!”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'descent', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“They’re supplied by vessels traversing Bermuda Triangle”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'They’re supplied by vessels', and our answer will be things supplied by a certain kind of vessels. Tip: forget about ships!" points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Animal from farm yard – headless chicken?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'chicken', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Double-shot of rum? Toss it back! Mmmm…”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Mmmm…', and it's a common way of describing our answer." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Theoretical mix-up? C'est la vie!”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Theoretical', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown““Mister, if I were you!” shouted marshal”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'marshal', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Lamb's clothing returned by wolf in front of goat - a sheepish exchange?”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'a sheepish exchange?' and the question mark suggests we need to think a little outside the box. What word could representing a sheepish exchange?" points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Guy extremely forgetful in recut version of ‘Memento’”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Memento', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Stretch opposite spring taut to avoid starter humming on and off”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Stretch opposite spring'. There is a stretch opposite spring and we'll need to find its name." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Elk and baby bear return to cave”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'cave', and our answer will be another word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Squealed excitedly, releasing ad for next book”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'next book', and our answer will be a word for a follow-up book." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown“Involved in sex activities? Bang on!”
Identify the definition: "Our definition here is 'Bang on', and our answer will be a word for that." points to the meaning of the answer.
Read breakdown