Homophone indicator

aloud

“aloud” is a homophone indicator in cryptic crosswords.

The wordplay points to a word that sounds the same when spoken aloud. Homophones use the imagery of hearing, speech, and broadcasting.

Clue types
Homophone
Subtlety
moderate
Part of speech
adverb
Themes
sound
Worked example

Statement a nobleman read aloud (7)

Answer: ACCOUNT

Definition: "Statement" — a record or report of something. "read aloud" signals a homophone — say the wordplay out loud. "a nobleman" → A COUNT (a count being a titled aristocrat). Spoken aloud, "a count" runs together into one word. A COUNT sounds like ACCOUNT.


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