Reversal indicator
lift
“lift” 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
- lifts, lifted, lifting
- Subtlety
- moderate
- Part of speech
- adjective, participle, verb
- Themes
- movement
“Hot air lifts slump (3)”
Answer: GAS
Definition: "Hot air" — empty, windy talk. "slump" → SAG (to droop or sink). "lifts" signals a reversal — the word is raised, i.e. read backwards. SAG reversed gives GAS.
Related indicators
- about
- about-face
- about-turn
- around
- ascend
- back
- backtrack
- backward
- backwards
- bottoms up
- bring
- churn
- climb
- come
- contrarily
- contrary
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 clueNo credit card · A new clue every day · Free to play