In the example clues below, I explain the two parts of each one: there is a definition of the answer and there is some wordplay – a recipe for assembling its letters. In a genuine puzzle environment, you also have the crossing letters, which should alleviate your solving load – hence “crossword”. Also, the setters’ names often link to profiles of the individuals behind the pseudonyms.
In its simplest form, you remove one letter and put another in its place, as in Brendan’s clue …
9a Ridicule resolution to replace Conservative by monarch (8)
[ wordplay: change abbreviation for ‘Conservative’ to abbreviation for ‘monarch’ in synonym of ‘resolution’ ]
[ change C to R in DECISION ]
[ definition: ridicule ]
… for DERISION. Or you might be asked to combine this trick with another of the devices we looked at here, like in Anto’s clue …
9a Vacancy after one replaces Head of Equities for expressing views (7)
[ wordplay: change I (‘one’) to first letter (‘head’) of EQUITIES in synonym of ‘vacancy’ ]
[ change I to E in OPENING ]
[ definition: expressing views ]
… for OPINING.
But sometimes we’re not just changing one letter for another. Anto again:
11a Wise also to replace a fall guy (6)
[ wordplay: change A (‘a’) to synonym of ‘also’ in synonym of ‘wise’ ]
[ change A to TOO in SAGE ]
[ definition: fall guy ]
This time we start with SAGE and end with STOOGE.
And of course it’s not always the word “replace” that tells us to replace. From the Guardian’s fiendish Genius series, here’s Pasquale …
4d Cleaner? Phone for one, taking a risk (8)
[ wordplay: change I (‘one’) to synonym for ‘phone’ in synonym for ‘cleaner’ ]
[ change I to RING in DAILY ]
[ definition: taking a risk ]
… with a clue where DAILY becomes DARINGLY. But it’s only fair to add that “replace” doesn’t always mean you should replacing one thing with another. In this one from Vulcan …
1d Very nasty soup I soon replaced (9)
[ wordplay: anagram (‘replaced’) of SOUPISOON ]
[ definition: very nasty ]
… you “re-place” the letters in the words “soup I soon” for the very nasty POISONOUS.
Finally, as is so often the case in these explainers, you occasionally find a clue that refers to the device, rather than uses it outright. Here’s an example, from Imogen:
15d How giant becomes gallant, in the words of the musketeers (3,3,3)
[ wordplay: substitution necessary to change GIANT to GALLANT ]
[ definition: part of the three musketeers’ motto ]
It’s a new way of looking at the expression ONE FOR ALL.
Beginners: any questions? Seasoned solvers: any favourite examples we should add?
More guidance
Cryptic devices: hidden answers; double definitions; defining by example; cryptic definitions; soundalikes; spoonerisms; stammering; containers; reversals; initial letters; alternate letters; cycling; taking most of a word; percentages of a word; naked words; first and last letters; middle letters; removing middle letters.
Bits and bobs: Roman numerals; Nato alphabet; Greek letters; chemistry; abbreviations for countries; points of the compass; more points of the compass; playing cards; capital letters; boys and girls; apostrophes; cricket; alcohol; the church; politics; Latin; royals; newspapers; doctors; drugs; music; animals; clothing; cars; cities; rivers; boats; when the setter’s name appears; when the solver appears; “cheating”.
Individual letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N.
The Shipping Forecast Puzzle Book by Alan Connor, which is partly but not predominantly cryptic, can be obtained from the Guardian bookshop.