Build it in order
Charades
Charades string shorter meanings one after another. Read the clue as a sum of parts that keeps the same order as the answer.
If containers nest, charades concatenate. OUT + LAW is the same idea as a party game acted out in sequence. Sometimes the parts are written out in full.
Abbreviations do a lot of work too: direction letters, chemical symbols, cricket extras, and crossword regulars like RE, PR, EX.
Charade joiners
These glue shorter bits in order. A few reverse the surface order.
| Indicator | Order | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| with / and / plus / then / by / on | Forward | Left bit then right bit |
| next to / followed by / before | Forward | Keep clue order |
| after / following | Reverse | Right bit then left bit |
Things to watch
- Keep parts in clue order unless a reversal or jumble says otherwise.
- Two- and three-letter chunks are where charades live.
- If a part feels vague, try a standard abbreviation before a rare synonym.
Worked example
Out with law ban (6)