What does it mean when a crossword clue is in parentheses?

Parentheses either indicate additional information to the clue or indicate that the word within the parentheses when combined with the answer completes a phrase. The use of “with” within a clue also indicates the completion of a phrase.

What does a dash in a crossword clue mean?

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 do exclamation marks mean in cryptic crosswords?

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 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 question mark mean in a crossword clue?

In the world of crosswords, a clue with a question mark means that particular clue demands a second look. Usually, that bit of punctuation is an indication that the clue itself is a play on words, as opposed to a straightforward question demanding an answer or a fill-in-the-blank [source: Sayles].

What does a semicolon mean in a crossword clue?

Clue. Answer. Punctuation (;) (9)

What does French mean in cryptic crosswords?

Cryptic clues sometimes make use of foreign language words in the wordplay, of which French is most common. “the French” implies that the French word for “the” (LES) has to be put into the answer. What if you don’t know French? Not to worry – in crosswords, you can get by with just rudimentary knowledge.

What do commas mean in crosswords?

The standard advice for punctuation in cryptic clues is “Ignore it”. That is good advice in most cases, like these – FT13474 (Mudd): As something painful hurt, I came to be treated (9) RHEUMATIC. An anagram of (hurt I came). The comma has no role in the cryptic reading.