CRYPTO CLUES XLVIII

GAMES/World of Puzzles

September, 2017

Michael Rios (1-6)

Patrick Berry (7-10)

 

The answer to a cryptic crossword clue contains two parts: the definition or direct reference to the answer and the answer's literal makeup via wordplay. Either half may come first, and finding the dividing point between the two parts is the key to solving. For example, Evergreen tree needs serious help could be answered by FIRST AID. An evergreen tree is a FIR, serious is STAID, run together gives FIRST AID - which is HELP

1. Eighty base jumping in New Orleans (anagram of  eighty base)

2. A circle of singers said to be buying things (homophone)

3. To set a book's contents on fire is forbidden (hidden word)

4. Odyssey's leader follows burning bird

5. I try chess moves in wild fits (anagram)

6. Ethiopian Empire looks like gorge in Iowa (three words with an abbreviation)

7. Avoid choosing something for breakfast (two meanings)

8. Medicine man in a movie (hidden word)

9. Teenager mixed hot beverage (anagram)

10. Speed star losing heart (middle letter deletion)

Answers:

 

1. THE BIG EASY

2. A CHOIR RING (acquiring) 

3. TABOO (seT A BOOk's)

4. FLAMINGO

5. HYSTERICS (I try chess)

6. ABYSSINIA (abyss in IA)

7. WAFFLE

8. CINEMA (mediCINE MAn)

9. GREEN TEA

10. CELERITY (CELEBRITY)