Category: Cryptic

Categories
Cryptic Mini

Pert Butt Cracks Up Little Seymour

See 3 Down. Photo taken January 2024

Words: 10 (5×5)

Average Length: 5.00

I’ve now constructed a handful of cryptic crosswords.  I’m still not sure whether I’m following all the rules, but I’m pleased with the way this puzzle turned out.  Any tips/corrections/comments would be greatly appreciated! 

Not to fear, non-cryptic solvers – I’ll post an American-style midi in a couple of days.

Keep scrolling down for an explanation of the answers.

online | puz | pdf | solution

See 3 Down. Photo taken January 2024

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1A: Anagram of spare

6A: Answer dangles and coats the throat when talking

7A: Answer contained within “amid a swamp”

8A: Homophone pair: baits/bates

9A: Anagram of nasty

1D: Spirit (rum) + degree (BA)

2D: Naïve read bottom to top

3D: Sydney (Australia) note = AUD + it

4D: Pun

5D: Butt (ass) contained within little Seymour (SY)

Categories
Cryptic

Cryptic 4 – No longer thoughtful? Dear!

1 Across was the seed for this cryptic.  For those who aren’t baseball fans, “de la Cruz” in 5 Down refers to a young superstar for the Cincinnati Reds. Explanations below the photo.

online | puz | pdf | solution

Monte Carlo harbor, Monaco – the epitome of 1A

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Explanations:

1A: No longer = ex + thoughtful = pensive —> expensive (dear)

6A: Anagram of “realities”

7A: Double definition

8A: “H” inside spy agency (CIA) —> chia (seed)

10A: “Within” signals a letter string

11A: Queen of Sheba’s = Leda’s + platter = tray —> led astray

1D: Anagram of copies + synonym for mate

2D: “I hear” signals homonym; incomplete (part) + bookworm (nerd) —> partnered (joined with)

3D: Trotsky backs into = Noel (reverse of Leon), a synonym for carol

4D: Begin —> first letter of each word + cold one (beer), with Harp repeated as the definition

5D: de la Cruz (Elly) cradles (contains) e.g. (for example), ant (tiny crawler) —> el+eg+ant+ly

Categories
Cryptic

Cryptic 3 – Wiccan’s Choice Word Overheard

See 3 Down. Photo taken in Kinderdijk, Netherlands, Oct. 2019

Here’s my third foray into the world of cryptic crossword construction.  Sending out huge thanks to @Nate, an experienced cryptician  (if there is such a word) and member of the wonderful Crosshare community, for providing detailed comments and helpful suggestions on my first draft. 

online | puz | pdf | solution

Categories
Cryptic

Cryptic No. 2: Game Diagram Containing Personal Letters

Canine fur baby (see 5 Across)

My second attempt at cryptic construction.  Please let me know what you think. I’d appreciate any pointers/suggestions.

online | puz | pdf | solution

Explanations below – highlight the space after each clue number to reveal them.

1A: Twists: Reach across (SPAN) Rhode Island (RI) = SPRAINS

5A: Toys: Canine (PUP) fur babies (PETS) = PUPPETS

6A: Game (in the wild meat sense): Diagram (VENN) containing personal letters (ISO) = VENISON

2D: Trims: Personal record (PR) using (U) Mario Bros. console (NES) = PRUNES

3D: Live-in help: Two golds = AU PAIR

4D: Later: Dumpling? (WONTON) on reflection = NOT NOW

Categories
Cryptic

Cryptic 1: Pol Known To Spout Off

Brisbane, Australia (Dec. 2024), home of Monika and Peter, who introduced me to cryptic crosswords and contributed mightily to our championship trivia team

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