0 a type of crossword (= word game) that has difficult clues (= pieces of information) that are not obvious in their meaning --
The cryptic crosswords were eventually dropped.
Wilder loved puzzles: he created his own cryptic crosswords, and could spend hours with a jigsaw puzzle.
The use of pseudonyms, also commonly practiced by the compilers of cryptic crosswords, originally helped to break down barriers of occupation or social class.
This also explains why cross-figures have fewer established conventions than crosswords (especially cryptic crosswords).
In most daily newspaper cryptic crosswords, grid designs are restricted to a set of stock grids.
He has a keen interest in cryptic crosswords and is a skilful writer of clues.
I'm the same with cryptic crosswords and just hate not to be able to finish them.
In cryptic crosswords this phenomenon is taken to an extreme.