Reversal indicator
up
“up” 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
- Subtlety
- moderate
- Part of speech
- adverb
Note: Standard down reversal indicator — reading upward.
“Whip up a game (4)”
Answer: GOLF
Definition: "a game" — GOLF, the sport played with clubs and a ball. "Whip" gives FLOG (to beat or thrash). "up" signals a reversal (read the word backwards). FLOG reversed spells GOLF.
Related indicators
- about
- about-face
- about-turn
- around
- ascend
- back
- backtrack
- backward
- backwards
- bottoms up
- bring
- climb
- come
- contrarily
- contrary
- elevate
Explore indicator types
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