To help solvers understand how clues are parsed, Gemelo uses a standard shorthand system commonly employed in cryptic crosswords. Although it differs slightly from the conventions used in Azed explanations, the notation is widely recognised and simple to understand once you become familiar with it.
Below is a guide to the symbols and conventions you’ll encounter in his explanations:
| Symbol | Meaning | Example clue | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| X Y | X followed by Y | Produced insane energy (4) | MAD E |
| X* | Anagram of X | Produced dame somehow (4) | DAME* |
| X< | Reversal of X | Produced cheese backwards (4) | EDAM< |
| X(y) | XY with Y removed | Produced half of Teasmade (4) | (teas)MADE |
| (x)Y(z) | Y hidden in XYZ | Produced some drama desperately (4) | (dra)MA DE(sperately) |
| X - Y | Y removed from X | Produced Frenchwoman, but not before noon (4) | MADAME - AM |
| "X" | Homophone of X | Produced servant, we hear (4) | "MAID" |
| X in Y | X inserted into Y | Produced advert in Maine (4) | AD in ME |
| X after Y | X follows Y | Produced European chasing lunatic (4) | E after MAD |
| X around Y | X surrounds Y | Produced me to hold poster (4) | ME around AD |
| dd | Double definition | Produced Dutch town (4) | Clue consists of two definitions for MADE |
Note: These devices can be combined in more elaborate clues — for example:
"A" after ((B - C)* D(e)<) in F
But don’t worry — Gemelo always keeps things fair and solvable!
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