#272026-11-12·Double Definition

Cryptic Clue #27

Use the 4 progressive hint tiers below or solve cleanly with 0 hints!

#27⭐ Flawless

Difficulty:

Fire starter and sports contest(5)

Setter: The Dualist

Type using your keyboard or the on-screen keys below.

Hints:

Post-Solve Analysis

Setter's Editorial Walkthrough

Setter: The Dualist

1. Tripartite Structural Breakdown

Straight Definition (Final Word)sports contestDictionary synonym of target solution

Wordplay Indicator (Double Definition)None (Double Definition)Instructs the operation

Fodder & EnumerationMATCH (fire starter) and MATCH (sports contest) (5)Yields exactly 5 letters

2. Wordplay Equation

Definition 1 (Fire starter) + Definition 2 (Sports contest) = MATCH

3. Mechanics & Setter Deception

A Double Definition: a MATCH is a fire starter, and a MATCH is an athletic contest.

Master this mechanism: Read the complete Double Definition Guide →

Check related indicators: Browse Indicator Lexicon →

Clue #27 Questions & Answers

Q1.What is the straight definition in Clue #27?▼

The straight definition is "sports contest", placed at the very end of the clue under the Extreme Placement Rule.

Q2.How does the wordplay in Clue #27 work?▼

This is a classic Double Definition clue. The equation is: Definition 1 (Fire starter) + Definition 2 (Sports contest) = MATCH. A Double Definition: a MATCH is a fire starter, and a MATCH is an athletic contest.

Q3.What is the significance of the enumeration (5)?▼

The enumeration (5) signifies that the target solution consists of exactly 5 letters.

More Double Definition Clues to Practice

View All →

Clue #7Level 2/4

"Tree bark on canine" (3)

Clue #15Level 1/4

"Serious burial place" (5)