Minute Cryptic Clue 759: Answer & Hints

The answer to Minute Cryptic clue 759 is MINUTE (as in “very small”). The clue plays on the double meaning of “minute” as both a unit of time and an adjective meaning tiny. Below are the full hint breakdown, the cryptic grammar, and why this clue is a classic example of a double-definition.

What Was the Clue?

Minute Cryptic is a daily online cryptic crossword published by The Guardian. Clue 759 appeared in the series and read:

“Very small time unit (6)”

The surface reading suggests a small unit of time, which would be a second or a millisecond. But the cryptic reading is a double definition: “very small” = minute (adjective), and “time unit” = minute (noun, 60 seconds). The (6) tells you the answer has six letters.

How the Cryptic Clue Works

In cryptic crosswords, a clue often contains two parts: a definition and a wordplay element. Here, the entire clue is a double definition—both halves independently define the same answer.

• “Very small” → MINUTE (adjective, pronounced my-NYOOT)
• “Time unit” → MINUTE (noun, pronounced MIN-it)

The answer is spelled the same but pronounced differently, which is a hallmark of heteronyms. The clue relies on the solver recognizing that the same six letters can mean two unrelated things.

Why the Answer Is “MINUTE”

The word “minute” has two distinct meanings:

1. As a noun: a unit of time equal to 60 seconds (from Latin pars minuta prima, “first small part”).
2. As an adjective: extremely small (from the same Latin root, meaning “made small”).

Both meanings trace back to the Latin minuere, “to lessen.” The time sense came first in English (14th century), and the adjective sense followed in the 15th century. The pronunciation split—MIN-it for time, my-NYOOT for size—developed later.

How to Spot a Double Definition Clue

Double definitions are among the easiest cryptic clue types once you recognize them. Look for:

• The clue has no obvious wordplay indicator (like “mixed,” “reversed,” or “sounds like”).
• The surface reading makes literal sense but is slightly odd.
• Two parts of the clue each define the answer independently.

In this case, “very small” and “time unit” are both direct definitions. There is no anagram, no hidden word, no charade—just two meanings of the same word.

Common Mistakes Solvers Make

Many solvers initially write “second” because it’s a small time unit. But the clue asks for a six-letter word, and “second” is six letters too—so why isn’t it right?

The trick is that “second” also means “next after first,” but the clue’s two parts are “very small” and “time unit.” “Second” doesn’t mean “very small.” The only common English word that fits both definitions is “minute.”

Another trap is assuming the answer must be a unit of time smaller than a minute (like a second or millisecond). The adjective meaning is the key—”very small” is the primary definition, and “time unit” is the secondary.

Why This Clue Is a Good Teaching Tool

Clue 759 is often cited in beginner cryptic crossword guides because it demonstrates:

• Double definitions don’t need a linking word or indicator.
• Heteronyms (same spelling, different pronunciation) are fair game.
• The surface reading can be entirely misleading.

If you’re new to cryptics, this is a gentle introduction to the idea that the clue’s literal meaning is almost never the answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find Minute Cryptic clue 759?

Minute Cryptic is published daily on The Guardian’s crosswords page and via their app. Clue 759 appeared in the series in early 2024. You can search the archive on the site or use the app’s archive feature.

What does the (6) mean in the clue?

The number in parentheses tells you the length of the answer. Here, (6) means the answer has six letters. In some crosswords, it may also indicate a phrase (e.g., 6,5 for two words).

Are there other words with the same double meaning?

Yes, “second” can be a time unit or mean “next,” but it doesn’t mean “small.” Other heteronyms used in cryptics include “lead” (metal vs. to guide), “wind” (air vs. to twist), and “tear” (rip vs. eye drop).

How do I get better at double definition clues?

Practice with a dictionary that lists multiple meanings. When you see a clue that seems too straightforward, ask: “What else could this word mean?” Also, note that double definitions often have a comma or semicolon separating the two parts, but not always.

Is the answer ever “small” instead of “minute”?

No, because “small” is only five letters and doesn’t mean a time unit. The clue requires a six-letter word that fits both definitions. “Minute” is the only common answer.

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