The Chambers Crossword Dictionary

Synopsis

The bestselling reference for crossword solvers and setters
The Chambers Crossword Dictionary is the perfect tool for any crossword solver - and you know it because it is used by the setters themselves!

What makes The Chambers Crossword Dictionary different? Comprehensive, reliable and easy-to-use, this major new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated by a team of crossword experts, and is specially tailored to the needs of crossword solvers. With more than 500,000 solutions to cryptic and quick clues, plus explanations of cryptic clue types and the use of anagram and other indicators, and insights into the world of crossword setting and memorable clues, it is truly the ultimate crossword bible.

This new edition features:
- Over 500,000 solutions for every kind of crossword.
- More than 2,500 crossword code words alerting you to cryptic ploys.
- Over 19,500 'one-stop' entries, with both synonyms and encyclopaedic material, for extra guidance in finding the right answer.
- A wealth of recent synonyms to give you up-to-the-minute answers.
- New topic lists to help you solve general-knowledge clues.
- Word lists sorted by length and then alphabetically to make finding solutions easy.
- Includes words, phrases, abbreviations, symbols, codes and other cryptic 'building blocks'.
- Packed with crossword jargon, anagram and other indicators and essential cryptic vocabulary.
- Draws on the latest Chambers Dictionary 13th Edition and the authoritative Chambers reference range.

It is packed with expert advice and editorial from:
- Derek Arthur (1945-2010), co-editor of The Listener crossword in The Times and of The Chambers Crossword Dictionary, 2nd edition
- Ross Beresford, former co-editor of The Listener crossword
- Peter Biddlecombe, The Sunday Times crossword editor and The Times Crossword Championship winner (2000, 2007)
- Jonathan Crowther, better known to cryptic crossword solvers as Azed, having set crosswords for The Observer for over 40 years
- Don Manley, crossword setter for many quality newspapers under various pseudonyms (Duck, Quixote, Bradman, Giovanni) and Church Times crossword editor
- Tim Moorey, crossword setter for The Sunday Times and The Times, and crossword editor and setter for The Week and MoneyWeek magazines. He is author of How to Crack Cryptic Crosswords

Chambers is one of the world's most respected dictionary and thesaurus publishers.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Crossword Solving

* Provides an overview of cryptic crossword solving, including tips for beginners.
* Example: "A crossword puzzle is a grid of squares, some of which are blacked out. The solver must fill in the remaining squares with letters to form words that fit the clues given."

Chapter 2: Wordplay Techniques

* Explores common wordplay techniques used in cryptic crosswords, such as anagrams, homophones, and double meanings.
* Example: "An anagram is a word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase. For instance, the clue 'A hog may sting' could mean the anagram 'mosquito'."

Chapter 3: Crossword Conventions

* Explains the conventions used in cryptic crosswords, including abbreviations and symbols.
* Example: "The abbreviation 'def' indicates that the answer is a definition, while the symbol 'rev' indicates a reversal (e.g. 'Dog's tail in hot water' = 'stew')."

Chapter 4: Chambers Crossword Dictionary

* Introduces the Chambers Crossword Dictionary, including its organization and features.
* Example: "The Chambers Crossword Dictionary is an essential tool for crossword solvers, containing definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and word lists."

Chapter 5: Using the Chambers Crossword Dictionary

* Provides guidance on how to use the dictionary effectively, including tips for finding definitions and resolving clues.
* Example: "To find the definition of 'cave,' look it up in the main alphabetical section. For clues like 'Stroll around West Country town' (6), refer to the gazetteer section to find 'Taunton' (6 letters)."

Chapter 6: Solving Cryptic Crosswords

* Delves into the process of solving cryptic crosswords, including strategies for tackling different types of clues.
* Example: "When solving a clue like 'Get cooking utensil damaged on the way' (5), consider the possibility of an anagram: 'spatula' (damaged) broken up and rearranged."

Chapter 7: Common Cryptic Crossword Clues

* Lists and explains common types of cryptic crossword clues, such as anagrams, homophones, and charades.
* Example: "A homophone clue involves words that sound the same but have different meanings: 'To tidy or desire' (3) = 'need'."

Chapter 8: Chambers Crossword Dictionary Reference

* Contains an extensive list of words, synonyms, antonyms, and abbreviations used in cryptic crosswords, as well as specific entries for people, places, and events.
* Example: "The entry for 'Africa' includes 'Dark Continent' as a synonym, and 'Sahara' as an associated word."