A short crossword glossary
A few useful terms explain how a crossword is built and solved.
Solver and setter
The solver completes the grid; the setter constructs it and writes the clues.
Clue, answer and entry
A clue points to an answer, also called an entry, that fills a run of cells.
Crossing, Across and Down
A crossing is shared by two answers. Across reads left to right and Down top to bottom.
Difficulty
Difficulty reflects clue directness, vocabulary and grid size.