Reversal Indicators
Words instructing you to read the fodder backwards.
Verified Indicator Words (41)Alphabetical Lexicon
returnedhorizontal (across & general)
backreversed direction
backwardsopposite spelling
heading westacross clues (right to left)
to the leftacross clues
recoilingspringing backwards
retiringstepping back
counterin reverse
upwardDOWN clues only (bottom to top)
risingDOWN clues only
climbingDOWN clues only
elevatedDOWN clues only
skywardDOWN clues only
liftedDOWN clues only
ascendingDOWN clues only
overturnedgeneral reversal
invertedturned upside down / backwards
about-turnmilitary 180° turn
in the mirrorreflected backward
retreatingwithdrawing backward
about180-degree change of front
aroundturned face to rear
ascendDOWN clues only (rising from below)
backeddriven in reverse
backwardfacing reverse direction
bottom-upDOWN clues only
cast backthrown back into reverse
drawn backpulled into reverse
facing the other wayopposite orientation
flippedreversed head to tail
going northDOWN clues only (bottom to top)
going westACROSS clues only (right to left)
looking backretrospective direction
mountedDOWN clues only (moving up)
reflectedmirror reflection
retrogradebackward motion
reversingshifting into reverse gear
rolled backunwound into reverse
sent backreturned to sender
turnedrotated backwards
withdrawnpulled back in space
Frequently Asked Questions: Reversal Indicators
What is the role of an indicator in a reversal indicators clue?
An indicator is the operative directive in a cryptic crossword clue that alerts the solver to perform a specific manipulation. In reversal indicators, it signals that the solver should read the fodder backwards.
Where is the indicator located within the clue?
In fair Ximenean cryptic crosswords, the indicator typically sits immediately adjacent to the fodder (the letters or words it operates upon), positioned either directly before or directly after them.
Can an indicator also be part of the definition?
No. Except in rare & Lit. (all-in-one) clues, a word can never serve double duty as both an indicator and part of the straight definition.