CRYPTO CLUES CIX

GAMES Magazine

June, 1983

Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

 

The eight entries below contain the basic types of clues you're apt to encounter in a cryptic crossword. Like all cryptic clues, each contains two parts: a direct or indirect definition of the answer and a second description of the answer through wordplay. The first step in solving a cryptic clue, and a great part of the fun, is to determine the dividing point between the parts. 

Example: The clue, Plants imitation diamonds, is divided after Plants, here used as a noun. Imitation diamonds are sham rocks. SHAMROCKS are plants.

 

1. Actor Spencer topless - that's risque (beheadment)

 

2. Wear outside article - it may be rainy (container)

 

3. Put back surplus raw metal (two words [charade])

 

4. Housing payment is torn (two meanings)

 

5. Prize sketcher returned (reversal)

 

6. Rough 18 holes of golf, we hear (homophone)

 

7. Hornet flying around king's chair (anagram)

 

8. Passionate in garden tryst (hidden word)

 

Answers:

 

1. RACY

2. WEATHER (WEA THE R)

3. RESTORE (surplus = REST)

4. RENT

5. REWARD (drawer)

6. COARSE 

7. THRONE 

8. ARDENT (gARDEN Tryst)