CRYPTO CLUES LXXXV

GAMES Magazine

February, 2000

Joan Ward (1-8)

Todd McClary (9-10)

 

The key to solving cryptic clues is to find the dividing point between the defined answer and the wordplay disguising it. Look for double meanings, anagrams, hidden words, reversals, and other language tricks.

 

1. Peel as ordered, if it's not too much trouble

 

2. Is Abraham returning everything for a Spanish queen?

 

3. Somewhat morosely, grab left socks with diamond patters

4.Trying to win, teacher's favorite enters on the way

5. Craftsmen head away from supporters

6. Messily paint in amorphous patterns

7. Deeply embed rock in a ring

8. Reportedly, fireplace is splendid

9. Cooked beefier item without charge

10. Evict French novelist after the first

Answers:

 

1. PLEASE (peel as)

 

2. ISABELLA (is Abe all) [all = everything, LLA = all reversed (returned)] 

 

3. ARGYLES (moroSELY GRAb) [left = read to left - reversal] 

 

4. COMPETING (trying to win) [pet (teacher's favorite) + coming (on the way] 

 

5. PARTISANS (P ARTISANS) [P = head away]

 

6. SPATTER (amorphouS PATTERns)

 

7. INGRAIN (deeply embed) [in a ring]

 

8. GREAT (grate)

 

9. FREEBIE (beefier)

 

10. ROUST (P ROUST)