Double definition clues

A double definition is the neatest cryptic clue of all: it simply gives two different meanings of the same word, one after the other, with no anagram, no hidden letters and no indicator. The clever part is that the two meanings read as one smooth phrase.

How a double definition clue works

Instead of a definition plus wordplay, the whole clue is two definitions of the same answer. Each half on its own could define the answer, and together they confirm it. There is no indicator to find. The give-away is a short clue that does not seem to contain any other device. The two meanings are often different parts of speech, such as a noun and a verb, or completely different senses that happen to share a spelling.

Signals to look for

A double definition has no code word to give it away, so there is nothing to highlight in the way other devices signal themselves:

Signals none; just two definitions side by side, usually in a short clue

Because there is no indicator, the tell is the absence of one. A short clue that reads cleanly but does not seem to contain an anagram, a hidden word or any other device is very often two definitions in disguise.

A worked example

A dog's noise; also a tree's outer layer (4) → BARK

• A dog's noise is one definition of BARK.
• a tree's outer layer is a second, unrelated definition of BARK.

Both point at the same four-letter word, and the (4) confirms it. ✓

More examples

The two meanings usually have nothing to do with each other in real life, which is what makes them fun to spot.

A sharp blow; also a party drink (5) → PUNCH

PUNCH is a hit and also a fruity drink. Two meanings, one word. ✓

Leap up; also the season after winter (6) → SPRING

SPRING means to jump and also names the season. The (6) confirms it. ✓

Common pitfalls

• There is no indicator to spot, so treat any short clue with no obvious device as a possible double definition.
• The two meanings are usually unrelated in real life. They just share a spelling, even though the surface reads as one sentence.
• They are often different parts of speech. Try reading the answer as a noun for one half and a verb for the other.

Stuck on a clue in Decryptic? Tap ? Help and it will tell you when you are looking at a double definition, so you can see the pattern for yourself.