Short Answer
Complete Explanation
In cryptic crosswords, the phrase “when doubled” is an indicator that the answer consists of a word or a short phrase repeated twice, often without a space or with a hyphen. It can also signal that a particular element of the clue should be taken two times to form the solution.
- Repeated word form:
Example: “Ego, when doubled (6)” leads to “EGOEGO”, a six‑letter answer formed by writing “ego” twice. - Letter or syllable duplication:
Example: “First letter of ‘north’, when doubled (2)” yields “NN”, where the initial ‘N’ is duplicated.
Common Misconceptions
“When doubled” always creates a single word made by joining two identical words.
It can also indicate duplication of a single letter, a syllable, or a short abbreviation, depending on the clue’s construction.
The indicator only appears at the start of a clue.
“When doubled” may appear anywhere in the clue, often after the definition or embedded within the wordplay.
FAQ
Can “when doubled” refer to a phrase rather than a single word?
Yes. If the clue’s definition calls for a two‑word answer, “when doubled” can indicate that each word of a short phrase is repeated, such as “no go, when doubled” yielding “NO GO NO GO”.
Is the duplicated element always written consecutively?
In most cryptic clues the duplicated element appears consecutively (e.g., EGOEGO). However, some setters insert a hyphen or space for readability, which does not affect the answer’s letter count.
How do I distinguish “when doubled” from a simple repetition in the definition?
If the definition itself suggests repetition (e.g., “twice the same”), the clue may be a “double definition”. “When doubled” as an indicator appears in the wordplay part, not as part of the definition.
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