CRYPTO CLUES L

GAMES/World of Puzzles

June, 2016

Pam Wylder

 

Finding the dividing point between the definition of the answer and the wordplay disguising it is the key to solving cryptic crossword clues. For example, the clue, Uncovered bent charm, could be answered by ENCHANT. Uncovered implies a beheadment - the loss of the first letter. bent means an inclination toward something - a PENCHANT. Dropping the P from PENCHANT leaves enchant, which means charm - as a verb.

1. Editors embarrassed performers (two words)

2. Poplar border surrounds area shaded by trees (hidden word)

3. Crete has instructors 

4. On the way back, secure space in a hotel (reversal)

5. Soak, asking an exorbitant price (two meanings)

6. Loose garment has contributed to mishap on chopper (hidden word)

7. Type of ballot submitted in a spelling competition (three words/anagram)

8. Mistreated pet made us angry (three words/anagram)

9. Tacks on commercial for the audience (homophone)

Answers:

 

1. REDACTORS (red actors)

2. ARBOR (poplAR BORder)

3. TEACHERS (anagram) 

4. ROOM (moor = secure)

5. STEEP

6. PONCHO (mishaP ON CHOpper)

7. ABSENTEE (a bee + sent [submitted])

8. STEAMED UP (anagram of PET MADE US)

9. ADDS (ads)