<P> The double meaning is commonly used as another form of wordplay . For example, "Cat's tongue (7)" is solved by PERSIAN, since this is a type of cat, as well as a tongue, or language . This is the only type of cryptic clue without wordplay--both parts of the clue are a straight definition . </P> <P> Cryptics often include anagrams, as well . The clue "Ned T.'s seal cooked is rather bland (5, 4)" is solved by NEEDS SALT . The straight definition is "is rather bland", and the word "cooked" is a hint to the solver that this clue is an anagram (the letters have been "cooked", or jumbled up). Ignoring all punctuation, "Ned T.'s seal" is an anagram for NEEDS SALT . Besides "cooked", other common hints that the clue contains an anagram are words such as "scrambled", "mixed up", "confused", "baked", or "twisted". </P> <P> Embedded words are another common trick in cryptics . The clue "Bigotry aside, I'd take him (9)" is solved by APARTHEID . The straight definition is "bigotry", and the wordplay explains itself, indicated by the word "take" (since one word "takes" another): "aside" means APART and I'd is simply ID, so APART and ID "take" HE (which is, in cryptic crossword usage, a perfectly good synonym for "him"). The answer could be elucidated as APART (HE) ID . </P> <P> Another common clue type is the "hidden clue" or "container", where the answer is hidden in the text of the clue itself . For example, "Made a dug - out, buried, and passed away (4)" is solved by DEAD . The answer is written in the clue: "maDE A Dug - out". "Buried" indicates that the answer is embedded within the clue . </P>

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