How To Solve A Rebus Puzzle
Here is a quick introduction to explain all you need to know on solving a Rebus puzzle. Rebuses are pictures often made with letters, numbers or images, which cryptically represents a word, phrase, or saying. With the help of examples below, here are Nine of the main ways in which a Rebus puzzle might encrypt its answer.
POSITION WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
One of the most common ways of encrypting a Rebus is the positioning of the words and symbols, in terms of its place on the canvas area and to the other words and symbols in relation to it. You also sometimes need to think what other words might be used to describe a symbol, letter or word.
In the example 12″ is in the word DOOR, 12″ (Twelve Inches) is also known as a foot, so we have the answer Foot In The Door.
HIGHLIGHTING WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
You may also find attention is drawn to some part of the Rebus, often by an arrow, text bolding or underlining, indicating that this is where you should be looking for the clue.
In the example the arrow is pointing to the first word which is indicating “The Beginning”, so therefore the answer is The Beginning Of The End.
DIRECTION WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
When a word is spelt in a particular direction other than the usual left-to-right it is normally a clue relevant to the solution. Also pay close attention to Rebuses with text and words reading up and down and being displayed on its side.
This Rebus shows Two “Feet” in the Left direction, to give the answer Two Left Feet.
SIZE WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
Some Rebuses that have large or small words or symbols may be used to convey concepts like big, small, skinny, wide, etcetera.
Take this Rebus puzzle, the word “Deal” is big so it represents Big Deal.
NUMBER(S) WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
You may find some Rebuses challenge you with the use of numbers and their frequently, due to the closeness in sound of 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, etcetera. to other English words.
This cryptic example shows 2 “Funny” 4 “Words”, and so the answer is Too Funny For Words.
COLOUR WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
You may find sometimes a Rebus might have words or symbols that are not in the standard black, then you can expect the colour to be a relevant in the answer. Sometimes Rebus puzzles may make use of somewhat more obscure colour names like Rose.
In this extremely easy example “Tickled” is Pink so the answer is Tickled Pink.
STYLE WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
The style of the font is sometimes relevant. It might represent other words such as tall, petite, thin, slanted, bold etc.
The “Skinny” letters in the example makes the answer Skinny Dipping.
SOUND WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
Sometimes you will get a Rebus puzzle that is phonologically cryptic (to do with sound). The sound will not always be exactly like the answer, but it will always be close enough to recognise.
Take the Rebus on the Left, the “2222”‘ when pronounced together sounds like Tues, then with the word “Day” we have Tuesday
IMAGE WITHIN A REBUS PUZZLE
Every now and then you get a Rebus puzzle with an image. The image will definitely form part or most of the clue.
Take this One, the Rebus shows an “Apple” and the mathematical number for “Pi” which gives us Apple Pie.
