Two meanings, one word
Double definitions
No fancy wordplay, just two definitions side by side for the same answer. The art is spotting that both halves stand alone.
Double definitions are short. If a four- or five-word clue still feels like two complete ideas glued together, you may already have the answer.
There is usually no indicator. Trust the bluntness.
How double definitions look
There is usually no indicator. You are looking for two clean meanings of one answer.
| Surface shape | What to try |
|---|---|
| Two short words or phrases side by side | Can each half define the same answer? |
| Noun beside verb | Same spelling, different part of speech |
| No obvious anagrind or hiding word | Do not force wordplay that is not there |
| Very short clue for the enumeration | Double definition is a prime suspect |
Things to watch
- Cover one half of the clue and ask whether the other half still defines something.
- Watch for different parts of speech: noun in one half, verb in the other.
- If you are forcing an anagrind that is not there, consider a double definition.
Worked example
Flat quits (4)