Reversal indicator
back
“back” is a reversal indicator in cryptic crosswords.
The letters of the wordplay are reversed. Indicators use the imagery of going back, returning, or turning over (and direction in down clues).
- Clue types
- Reversal
- Forms
- back, backed, backing
- Subtlety
- moderate
- Part of speech
- adverb, adjective, participle
Note: Standard across reversal indicator.
“Space where heath stretches back (4)”
Answer: ROOM
Definition: "Space" — an area or place with room to spare. "heath" → MOOR (an open upland tract). "stretches back" signals a reversal. MOOR reversed gives ROOM.
Related indicators
- about
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- about-turn
- around
- ascend
- backtrack
- backward
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- bottoms up
- bring
- climb
- come
- contrarily
- contrary
- elevate
- flip
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