Acrostic indicator

at the start of

“at the start of” is an acrostic indicator in cryptic crosswords.

Also called letter-selection: you read the initial or final letters of consecutive words to spell part of the answer. Indicators point to beginnings, ends, or leaders.

Clue types
Acrostic
Subtlety
moderate
Part of speech
phrase
Worked example

“Back at the start of a golden opportunity (3)”

Answer: AGO

Definition: "Back" — in the sense of time past, as in "long back" / "long since". " of" signals that initial letters are wanted. Take the first letter of each word in "a golden opportunity": A, G, O. Those initials, read in order, give AGO.


Related indicators


Explore indicator types

Today’s clue is waiting.

Your first solve is free, no account needed. Sign in to save your streak.

Play today’s free clue

No credit card · A new clue every day · Free to play