CRYPTO CLUES LXXXI

GAMES Magazine

September, 1983

Mike Shenk

 

All cryptic clues contain two parts: a direct or indirect definition of the answer and a second description of the answer through word play. The first step in solving a cryptic clue is to determine the dividing point between the two parts. The eight clues below are examples of different types of wordplay found in clues.

1. Went on horseback in endless cowboy roundup (curtailment)

2. Delicate scrap of cloth in dossier (container)

3. Lose hair in a hovel (second definition)

4. Umpire sick? Put in a replacement (two words)

5. Baby's attire will be returned to lender when it turns up (reversal)

6. In summer, GE dealers joined forces (hidden word)

7. Bit of movie viewed in hearing (homophone)

8. Country club pier broken (anagram)

Answers:

 

1. RODE (rodeo)

2. FRAGILE (F RAG ILE)

3. SHED

4. REFILL (REF + ILL)

5. DIAPER (REPAID)

6. MERGE (sumMER GE dealers)

7. SCENE (SEEN) 

8. REPUBLIC (anagram of club pier)