How to use the Crossword Helper
Count the squares in the answer and type one character for each. Put the letters you already have in their places and a question mark in every empty square. For a seven-letter answer where you know the second letter is A and the last is E, type ?A????E.
If crossing answers rule out some letters, add them to Leave out letters. If the clue tells you a letter appears somewhere but you don't know where, add it to Also contains.
Getting unstuck on a hard clue
- Match the clue's tense and number. A clue in the past tense usually has a past-tense answer, and a plural clue a plural answer, often ending in S.
- Watch for question marks in the clue. They signal wordplay, a pun or a loose definition.
- Solve the crossings first. Each crossing letter cuts the list of possible answers sharply.
- Take a break. Many solvers find the answer comes to them after stepping away for a few minutes.