Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Before you reach for Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzles, would you like to learn how to solve Cryptic Clues. Here is How to solve Cryptic Clues in Cryptic Crossword Puzzles

Here are a few Crossword Puzzles that I have enjoyed creating. Enjoy solving them!

Crossword Puzzle Solving Competition for CrosswordPuzzleBuffs (fb group members)
CWP - CA - M1 - Q1
CWP - CA - M1 - Q1 - Hint 1
CWP - CA - M1 - Q1 - Hint 2
CWP - CA - M1 - Q2
CWP - CA - M1 - Q3
CWP - CA - M1 - Q4

Crossword Puzzles for practice:
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CA 1
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CA 2
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CA 3
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CA 4

Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CB 1
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CB 2
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CB 3
Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CB 4

Do stay in touch with this blog. More Crossword Puzzles will be posted at regular intervals
Also view Mangala's Cryptic Clues
Crossword Puzzles and Cryptic Clues posted here are part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Mangala's Cryptic Crossword Puzzle CB2

Solutions to the above clues can be found at Solutions for CB 11 to CB 15 and Solutions for CB 16 to CB 20
Would you like to understand the above type of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Wanna solve more Crossword Puzzles in this blog? Click "Mangala's Crossword Puzzles"
Also view in this blog:
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

You are welcome to join "CrosswordPuzzleBuffs" my group on Facebook to receive regular updates on this section.

List of Codes for Cryptic Clues

Application of codes is a common feature while solving Cryptic Clues in Crossword Puzzles as in Cryptic Clues Type "D"
 In the process of solving them, some words are replaced by their respective codes before anagramming with a few other letters or words to derive the Answer word. Codes can be abbreviations, acronyms, symbols or just single letters that can mean or sound like a word. For example, the letter "A" can mean "one" or "single", letter "B" can mean "be" since they sound same (homophone), letter "C" can mean "see" - homophone again. Similarly letter S can mean "yes" but it can also mean "dollar" since S is the symbol for dollar.  "L" can mean pound or fifty but can also mean "learner" or "left" and "R" can mean "right" or can mean "are". Likewise, X can mean "ten" (roman numeral) and Y can mean "why". More examples of codes are listed in the table below.
The list is by no means exhaustive and will be updated from time to time.

CE 21 to CE 25

CE 21: Advertisement I read in the morning was about the first man created by God (4)

CE 22: Brits love small restaurant (6)

CE 23: Almost solely led by a hundred (7)

CE 24: Small opening to hide a hat in the church (5)

CE 25: Semi precious agate! But why on a cross? (4)

Hints: 

Guess code words for "Advertisement" "morning" "love" "hundred" "church"  "why" and “cross” Need help...Refer Codes' List

Replace relevant words in the above clues with their respective codes. Go ahead solving them like you did for earlier types of clues.

Solutions for the above set of clues can be viewed at Solutions for CE 21 to CE 25

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Solutions for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 16 to CE 20

CE 16: It costs 50£ and a six to own a country house (5)

Synonym of “country house” = Anagram of (Code for 50 + Code for £ + “a” + Code for six) = L + L + A + VI = VILLA

CE 17: You are right, it's a row over a weapon (5)

Synonym of “weapon” = Anagram of (Code for right + “a row”) = R + A + ROW = ARROW

CE 18: Begin art on the street (5)

Synonym of “Begin” = Anagram of (“art” + Code for street)  = ART + ST = START

CE 19: Tease aunt for wearing a casual top (5)

Synonym of “Tease” = Anagram of (“aunt” + Code for casual top) = AUNT + T = TAUNT

CE 20: Open for a game, oh! you are strong (6)

Synonym of “strong” = Anagram of (“Open” + Code for casual top) = OPEN + TT = POTENT

Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

You are welcome to join "CrosswordPuzzleBuffs" my group on Facebook to recieve regular updates regarding posts related to this section "Play with Words". 

Hints for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 6 to CE 10

CE 6: Regarding a round tub (5) 

Consider the following parameters:

Synonym of “Regarding”; Code for “round”; Words for anagram: “a”, “but”

CE 7: Keeps the stain again (7) 

Consider the following parameters:

Synonym of “Keeps”; Code for “again”; Word for anagram: “stain”

CE 8: Intelligent in more ways than one (4) 

Consider the following parameters:

Synonym of “Intelligent”; Code for “ways” and Code for “one”   

CE 9: If one feels shy, others can be suspicious (5) 

Consider the following parameters:

Synonym of “suspicious”; Code for “one”; Word for anagram: “shy”  

CE 10: Met an outpatient who was controlled speed (5) 

Consider the following parameters:

Synonym of “speed”; Code for “outpatient”; Word for anagram: “Met”  

Would you like to view the above set of Clues without Hints? Please visit CE 1 to CE 5

Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Hints for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 26 to CE 30

CE 26: Dais on the eastern side is for assistants (5)

Answer = Synonym of “assistants” = Anagram of (“Dais” + Code for “eastern”)

CE 27: Forbid a degree holder from going north (3)

Answer = Synonym of “Forbid” = Anagram of (Code for “degree holder” + Code for “north

CE 28: Six million people were found full of enthusiasm (3)

Answer = Synonym of “enthusiasm” = Anagram of (Code for “six” + Code for “million”)

CE 29: Close fitting garment when worn with a casual shirt makes for a pleasing sight (6)

Answer = Synonym of “close fitting garment” = Anagram of (“sight” + Code for “casual shirt”)

CE 30: I and you growing roses together is no joke (7)

Answer = Synonym of “no joke” = Anagram of (“I” + Code for “you” + “roses”)

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type "F"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "F"
CF1 to CF5
CF6 to CF10 and Solutions for CF1 to CF5
CF11 to CF15 and Solutions for CF6 to CF10
CF16 to CF20 and Solutions for CF10 to CF15
CF21 to CF25 and Solutions for CF16 to CF20
CF26 to CF30 and Solutions for CF21 to CF25
CF31 to CF35 and Solutions for CF26 to CF30
CF36 to CF40 and Solutions for CF31 to CF35
Solutions for CF36 to CF40

Cryptic Clues Type “F” CF 1 to CF 5

CF 1: Advertisement sent on time was about a proverb (5)

CF 2: Kiosk for a couple in love (5)

CF 3: Dined left, right and centre... But not now (5)

CF 4: "No, not on the street" remark  feels unpleasant (5)

CF 5: Yes, it's a shopping centre though not big (5)

Would you like to understand these types of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "F"

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Understanding Cryptic Clues – CLUE TYPE “F” (CF series)

These type of clues are typically a combination of Clue Type “D” and Clue Type “E”. Sometimes the combination may also include Clue Type “B”.

General Ground Rules for Cryptic Clue Type “F”

Answer is always a word or phrase.

No. of letters comprising the answer is always mentioned in parenthesis at the end of the clue.

Answer is always the meaning / synonym of a part of the clue.

Answer is derived by using whole or part of one or more words from the remaining part of the clue.

“Part of the clue” can either be a single word or more.

Answer is always a combination of synonym, code and anagram.

Try solving the first set of clues in this type at CF 1 to CF 5

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Hints for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 31 to CE 35

CE 31: First class railway can be breezy (4)

Answer = Synonym of “breezy” = Anagram of (Code for “first class” + Code for “railway”)

CE 32: Vehicle owned with a credit (3)

Answer = Synonym of “vehicle” = Anagram of (“a” + Code for “credit”) 

CE 33: Charitable man went through the door in the North (5)

Answer = Synonym of “Charitable man” = Anagram of (“door” + Code for “North”) 

CE 34: Dream about the right one to be wed (7)

Answer = Synonym of “wed” = Anagram of (“dream” + Code for “right” + Code for “one”) 

CE 35: Groups of eight set for October (6)

Answer = Synonym of “Groups of eight” = Anagram of (“set” + Code for “October”) 

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

SOLUTIONS to Cryptic Clues CB 36 to CB 40

CB 36: Flier carried a gun (5) RIFLE

CB 37: Doctor does prescribe quantity of medicine (4) DOSE

CB 38: Can dust be used to create a jewellery piece (4) STUD

CB 39: Enjoy oneself while lifting a lever (5) REVEL

CB 40: Bore a hole in a loose garment (4) ROBE

In each of the above clues, 

Words coloured in red are “Questions” i.e. they are words/phrase for which you have to give a synonym as Answer. 

Words in blue italic are to be anagrammed to create a new word which is the synonym i.e. the ANSWER – shown in GREEN CAPS at the end of the clue.

For example, in CB 36, answer is RIFLE because it is a synonym of the word “gun” and is derived by anagramming letters of the word “flier”.

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Hints to solve Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 21 to CE 25

CE 21: Advertisement I read in the morning was about the first man created by God (4)

Answer = Synonym of “first man created by God” = Anagram of (Code for “advertisement” + Code for “morning”)

CE 22: Brits love small restaurant (6)

Answer = Synonym of “small restaurant” = Anagram of (“Brits” + Code for “love”)

CE 23: Almost solely led by a hundred (7)

Answer = Synonym of “Almost” = Anagram of (“solely” + Code for “hundred”)

CE 24: Small opening to hide a hat in the church (5)

Answer = Synonym of “Small opening” = Anagram of (“hat” + Code for “church”)

CE 25: Semi precious agate! But why on a cross? (4)

Answer = Synonym of “Semi precious agate” = Anagram of (“on” + Code for “cross”)

To view the above clues without these hints, please visit CE 21 to CE 25

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"


Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 31 to CE 35

CE 31: First class railway can be breezy (4)

CE 32: Vehicle owned with a credit (3)

CE 33: Charitable man went through the door in the North (5)

CE 34: Dream about the right one to be wed (7)

CE 35: Groups of eight set for October (6)

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"
Solutions for the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CE 31 to CE 35

Solutions for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 26 to CE 30

CE 26: Dais on the eastern side is for assistants (5)

Answer = Synonym of “assistants” = Anagram of (“Dais” + Code for “eastern”) = (DAIS + E) = AIDES

CE 27: Forbid a degree holder from going north (3)

Answer = Synonym of “Forbid” = Anagram of (Code for “degree holder” + Code for “north”) = (BA + N) = BAN

CE 28: Six million people were found full of enthusiasm (3)

Answer = Synonym of “enthusiasm” = Anagram of (Code for “six” + Code for “million”) = (VI + M) = VIM

CE 29: Close fitting garment when worn with a casual shirt makes for a pleasing sight (6)

Answer = Synonym of “close fitting garment” = Anagram of (“sight” + Code for “casual shirt”) = (SIGHT + T) = TIGHTS

CE 30: I and you growing roses together is no joke (7)

Answer = Synonym of “no joke” = Anagram of (“I” + Code for “you” + “roses”) = (I + U + ROSES) = SERIOUS

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Hints for Cryptic Clues CE 36 to CE 40

CE 36: Semi precious agate! But why on a cross? (4) 

Answer = Synonym of “Semi precious agate” = Anagram of (Code for “why” + “on” + Code for “cross”)

CE 37: When a politician rigs a pile, he gets into an inflamed spot (6) 

Answer = Synonym of “inflamed spot” = Anagram of (Code for “politician” + “pile”)

CE 38: Drive over a red line (4) 

Answer = Synonym of “Drive” = Anagram of (“red” + Code for “line”) 

CE 39: Let them all go round West (5) 

Answer = Synonym of “Let” = Anagram of (“all” + Code for “round” + Code for “West”) 

CE 40: View a case of physical training (6) 

Answer = Synonym of “View” = Anagram of (“case” + Code for “physical training”) 

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 36 to CE 40

CE 36: Semi precious agate! But why on a cross? (4)

CE 37: When a politician rigs a pile, he gets into an inflamed spot (6)

CE 38: Drive over a red line (4)

CE 39: Let them all go round West (5)

CE 40: View a case of physical training (6)

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Solutions for Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 31 to CE 35

CE 31: First class railway can be breezy (4)

Answer = Synonym of “breezy” = Anagram of (Code for “first class” + Code for “railway”) = (AI + RY) = AIRY

CE 32: Vehicle owned with a credit (3)

Answer = Synonym of “vehicle” = Anagram of (“a” + Code for “credit”) = (A + CR) = CAR

CE 33: Charitable man went through the door in the North (5)

Answer = Synonym of “Charitable man” = Anagram of (“door” + Code for “North”) = (DOOR + N) = DONOR

CE 34: Dream about the right one to be wed (7)

Answer = Synonym of “wed” = Anagram of (“dream” + Code for “right” + Code for “one”) = (DREAM + R + I) = MARRIED

CE 35: Groups of eight set for October (6)

Answer = Synonym of “Groups of eight” = Anagram of (“set” + Code for “October”) = (SET + OCT)  = OCTETS

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “E” CE 26 to CE 30

CE 26: Dais on the eastern side is for assistants (5)

CE 27: Forbid a degree holder from going north (3)

CE 28: Six million people were found full of enthusiasm (3)

CE 29: Close fitting garment when worn with a casual shirt makes for a pleasing sight (6)

CE 30: I and you growing roses together is no joke (7)

Hint: Codes' List helps you identify which words in the above clues may be substituted by codes. 

Would you like to understand the above set of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "E"

Solutions to the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CE 26 to CE 30

Solutions for CE 21 to CE 25

CE 21: Advertisement I read in the morning was about the first man created by God (4)

Answer = Synonym of “first man created by God” = Anagram of (Code for “advertisement” + Code for “morning”) = (AD + AM) = ADAM

 CE 22: Brits love small restaurant (6)

Answer = Synonym of “small restaurant” = Anagram of (“Brits” + Code for “love”) = (BRITS + O) = BISTRO

CE 23: Almost solely led by a hundred (7)

Answer = Synonym of “Almost” = Anagram of (“losely” + Code for “hundred”) = (LOSELY + C) = CLOSELY

CE 24: Small opening to hide a hat in the church (5)

Answer = Synonym of “Small opening” = Anagram of (“hat” + Code for “church”) = (HAT +CH) = HATCH

CE 25: Semi precious agate! But why on a cross? (4)

Answer = Synonym of “Semi precious agate” = Anagram of (“on” + Code for “why” + Code for “cross”) = (ON + Y +X) = ONYX

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type "E"

CE 1 to CE 5
CE 6 to CE 10 and Solutions for CE 1 to CE 5
CE 11 to CE 15 and Solutions for CE 6 to CE 10
CE 16 to CE 20 and Solutions for CE 11 to CE 15
CE 21 to CE 25 and Solutions for CE 16 to CE 20
CE 26 to CE 30 and Solutions for CE 21 to CE 25
CE 31 to CE 35 and Solutions for CE 26 to CE 30
CE 36 to CE 40 and Solutions for CE 31 to CE 35

Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 11 to CC 15

CC 11:  Financial organization located on the land alongside a river (4)

CC 12: Piece of metal finds place in a court room (3)

CC 13: Fierce shout heard through the skin of a tree (4)

CC 14: Flying mammal uses a blade to hit a ball (3)

CC 15: Male goat uses a metal cooking pot (5)

Solutions to the above clues are posted at Solutions for CC 11 to CC 15

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before answering them? Click Understanding Cryptic CLues Type "C"

SOLUTIONS for  Cryptic Clues CC 6 to CC 10

CC 6: Attempt to create a piece of writing (5)  ANSWER: ESSAY

            (since the word “Attempt” and the phrase “a piece of writing” can both mean Essay)

CC 7: Flat and smooth finish isn’t odd (4) ANSWER: EVEN

            (since both the phrases “flat and smooth” and “isn’t odd” can mean Even)

CC 8: Defeat in a battle during autumn (4) ANSWER: FALL

            (since both the words “Defeat” and “autumn” can mean Fall)

CC 9: Talk persistently about a musical instrument (4) ANSWER: HARP

            (since both the phrases “Talk persistently” and “musical instrument” can mean Harp)

CC 10: Animal skin, can we keep it out of sight? (4) ANSWER: HIDE

            (since both the phrases “Animal skin” and “keep it out of sight” can mean Hide)

Hints for Cryptic Clues Type “F” CF 1 to CF 5

CF 1: Advertisement sent on time was about a proverb (5)

Answer = Synonym of “proverb” = Anagram of (Code for “Advertisement” + Synonym for ”time”)

CF 2: Kiosk for a couple in love (5)

Answer = Synonym of “Kiosk” = Anagram of (Synonym for “couple” + Code for “love”)

CF 3: Dined left, right and centre... But not now (5)

Answer = Synonym of “not now” = Anagram of (Synonym of “Dined” + Code for “left” + Code for “right”) 

CF 4: "No, not on the street" remark feels unpleasant (5)

Answer = Synonym of “unpleasant” = Anagram of (Synonym of “No” + Code for “street”) = 

CF 5: Yes, it's a shopping centre though not big (5)

Answer = Synonym of “not big” = Anagram of (Code for “Yes” + Synonym of “shopping centre” ) 

Would you like to understand these types of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "F"

Also view in this blog:

Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"
Mangala's Crossword Puzzles

Cryptic Clues and Crossword Puzzles posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

A Word about Crossword Puzzles

The Crossword Puzzle or The Crossword Challenge (as some prefer to call it) is one of the best forms of word puzzles that offer multifarious benefits to its solvers, the world over. The pleasure of solving crosswords is immeasurable and indescribable. It is one of the least expensive and most valuable hobbies that can be developed by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Be it a rainy day or a Sun(ny) day, holiday or a Holy day, waiting in a railway station or relaxing in your workstation, Crossword can be a cheerful companion.

It is an excellent tool for enriching one’s vocabulary, general knowledge and creativity. It is a wonderful way of meeting with and familiarizing oneself with a whole lot of unfamiliar and infrequently used words, digging our memory to recall countless number of “I sort of remember reading about it somewhere…..” kind of words, a golden opportunity to delve into dictionaries to find meanings, check spellings and often times, confirm the very existence of hitherto unknown words, that many a time emerge as “accidental solutions” in the process of solving crosswords. The necessity to browse the Thesaurus, to pick and choose that “One and Only Word” for seeking a solution from amongst an array of words is by no means less.

During the mind boggling exercise in trying to figure out solutions to the clues, facing the challenges posed by some particularly tough clues, in spite of clenching our fists, racking our brains and breaking our benches, one fails to arrive at the right solution. The best thing one can possibly do at this point of time is to allow oneself a break, just forget about it for quite sometime, resume one’s daily routine and get back to it after a while. On getting back to it afresh, many a time, one ends up getting answers within a blink of an eyelid for the same troublesome clues that came in the way of finishing the puzzle. 

To continue reading, click on Structure of Crossword Puzzle
Also read in this blog:
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Did you read this: "Lazing around with English" If not, please read.