Cryptic 1: Pol Known To Spout Off

I’ve been leery of/baffled by cryptic puzzles for years. While on a trip last December, though, I started solving one with two Australian friends (hi, Monika and Peter!), and I truly enjoyed the experience. Since then, I’ve worked on my still-larval cryptic solving chops with the invaluable aid of some entertaining, educational puzzles posted on Crosshare by Melanie, Sammisamsam, Nate, Jason, and others. I’ve also assiduously solved the daily “Easy Cryptic” at Simply Daily Puzzles, which is both approachable and full of delightful Britishisms.

All of which is background for this grid – my first effort at “setting” a cryptic. I hope you enjoy it!!!

online | puz | pdf | solution