Acrostic indicator
start
“start” 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
- Forms
- starts, starting
- Subtlety
- moderate
- Part of speech
- participle, verb
“Character starts to come across really droll (4)”
Answer: CARD
Definition: "Character" — an eccentric, amusing sort of person. "starts to" tells you to take the initial letters. Initials of "come across really droll" spell C-A-R-D. Reading those openings gives CARD.
Related indicators
- at first
- at last
- at the end
- at the end of
- at the outset
- at the start of
- backs of
- begin
- beginnings of
- borders of
- bottom of
- bottoms of
- capitals
- characters
- conclude
- conclusions of
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