Why do crossword puzzles end with a question mark?
Many American crossword puzzles (for instance, the New York Times) rely on a convention that, if a clue ends in a question mark, it's a play on words. Mental Block? It can also be used to indicate something only loosely related to the topic: Cause for a head slap? In essence, the clue shouldn't be taken too literally.
Should a question mark be at the end of a clue?
A 10-word clue for a three-letter solution should alert you to something. So should a question mark at the end of a clue. A question mark means the setter is not quite playing by the rules. 6. Solve the damn thing . . . Yes, well, that's all very well (I hear you cry) – so let's return to the two clues . . . Definition? No more.
What does a question mark mean on the setter?
A question mark means the setter is not quite playing by the rules. 6. Solve the damn thing . . . Yes, well, that's all very well (I hear you cry) – so let's return to the two clues . . .
How do you solve crossword puzzles with definitions?
Every crossword clue contains a definition of the answer you're looking for. All you have to do is find it . . . 1. Read the clue. Then read it backwards. Either the first word or the last word (or phrase, or even the whole clue) defines the solution.
What does a question mean in a crossword?
A question mark at the end of a clue can mean several things. In the above clue for R AND R, it means ''This clue is tricky! Be careful! '' It can also indicate that the answer only loosely fits the clue. For example, ''Cause for a head-slap?
What does a question mark mean in cryptic crossword?
A 10-word clue for a three-letter solution should alert you to something. So should a question mark at the end of a clue. A question mark means the setter is not quite playing by the rules.
What does question mark mean NYT crossword?
2. Question Mark Clues. Clues that end in question marks indicate a play on words in the clue or answer.
What do quotation marks mean in crosswords?
If a clue is enclosed in quotation marks, it means the clue should be interpreted as something uttered rather than as a meaning.
What does a hyphen mean in crossword puzzles?
Definition of hyphen a punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text.
What is the purpose of a question mark in a sentence?
The main purpose of a question mark, perhaps unsurprisingly, is to indicate that a sentence is a question. Direct questions often (but not always) begin with a wh- word (who, what, when, where, why).
What day is the hardest NYT crossword?
SaturdayHow hard could it be? The Saturday crossword is actually the hardest puzzle of the week. Mondays have the most straightforward clues and Saturday clues are the hardest, or involve the most wordplay. Contrary to popular belief, the Sunday puzzles are midweek difficulty, not the hardest.
What is a rebus in a crossword puzzle?
So what exactly is a REBUS? “A 'rebus' in a crossword is anything that gets entered in a square that's not a single letter of the alphabet. Typically, rebuses are parts of themes,” Mr. Shortz said via email.
What an asterisk may mean crossword?
The crossword clue What an asterisk may indicate with 8 letters was last seen on the January 01, 2011. We think the likely answer to this clue is FOOTNOTE.
What does an exclamation mark mean in a crossword clue?
An exclamation mark may denote that something needs particular attention. Finally, do pay attention to every word in the clue, since the setter has placed each one there to have some significance, even if you may find some which are there just so that the clue makes sense grammatically.
What are the rules for a crossword puzzle?
The rules for American crosswords are as follows: The pattern of black-and-white squares must be symmetrical. Generally this rule means that if you turn the grid upside-down, the pattern will look the same as it does right-side-up. Do not use too many black squares.
What do italics mean in crosswords?
Italics: Some puzzles use italics to indicate titles. You can surround italicized text by quotation marks: "X-files" character. Empty Clue: Sometimes the words in the clue mislead the solver.
What does a question mark mean in a crossword clue? - Quora
10 Tips for Solving Crossword Puzzles - The Spruce Crafts
How to find the answer to a crossword clue?
Every crossword clue contains a definition of the answer you're looking for. All you have to do is find it . . . 1. Read the clue. Then read it backwards. Either the first word or the last word (or phrase, or even the whole clue) defines the solution. Work out what the solution means.
What is the part of the clue that is not the definition?
The part of the clue that is not the definition is known as the subsidiary indicator. The SI is there to help. It gives you another way to get the solution. This, in theory, makes it easier. In the clue above: former lover often means EX. Can sometimes means IS ABLE but can also be a TIN.
What does "wearing" mean in Sudoku?
Definition: a type of word of which "wearing" (indicated by maybe) is an example. Oh, right, a GERUND. It's right there in front of us: some (meaning "part of") larGER UNDies. Alternatively, you can turn do the Sudoku instead.
How do cunning foxes mess with you?
They really are cunning foxes, these setters. They have essentially two ways of messing with you. The first is by disguising the definition. It's still a definition, but it's cryptic. The second is by having fun with the surface reading of the subsidiary indicator.
