Container · Reversal indicator
around
“around” is a container indicator in cryptic crosswords.
One piece of wordplay is wrapped around or inserted into another. Containers use the imagery of holding, enclosing, or swallowing.
Depending on the clue, “around” can also act as a reversal indicator.
- Clue types
- Container, Reversal
- Subtlety
- moderate, subtle
- Part of speech
- adverb
- Themes
- containment
“Admit working around the West (3)”
Answer: OWN
Definition: "Admit" — to own up to something. "working" → ON (switched on, operating). "West" gives W (the compass-point abbreviation). "around" tells ON to wrap about the W: O-W-N. ON around W gives OWN.
Related indicators
- about
- about-face
- about-turn
- absorb
- accommodate
- acquire
- admit
- adopt
- amid
- amidst
- among
- amongst
- ascend
- back
- backtrack
- backward
Explore indicator types
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