In the first cache in this series (GCAP4R6) we examined some of the simpler forms of cryptic wordplay: anagrams, double meanings, reversals, hidden answers and homophones. Now we will look at some more difficult mechanisms used by cryptic crossword constructors. And remember, the very first thing you should try to do with any cryptic clue is to identify which end is the definition and where the wordplay separation occurs.
Here are some common forms of wordplay used in cryptic clues, with examples:
CHARADE - the wordplay will clue pieces of the answer which will combine to form the entry clued by the definition. For instance: "Creamy cheese pest, in short (7)" clues BRIEFLY. The definition is "in short" and the wordplay is "Creamy cheese (BRIE) + pest (FLY)".
CONTAINER - a form of charade where one piece of the wordplay is wrapped by another. For instance: "Brought up bug in bed (8)" clues BROACHED. The definition is "Brought up" and the wordplay is "bug (ROACH) in bed (BED)".
DELETION - the wordplay will contain an indicator like "cuts", "beheads", "shortened" etc and requires the removal of a letter or letters from the clued entry, often from the beginning or end but sometimes from the middle. For instance: "Jewish teacher removes bunny's tail (5)" clues RABBI. The definition is "Jewish teacher" and the wordplay is "removes bunny's (RABBIT) tail".
ODD/EVEN/FIRST/LAST - the wordplay will contain an indicator like "odd", "finally", "at first" etc and requires the selection of only letters that meet that pattern, often across multiple words. For instance: "Befuddle even-handed alien (5)" clues ADDLE. The definition is "Befuddle" and the wordplay is taking the even letters from "hAnDeD aLiEn".
PUN - Cryptic constructors love puns, and often clue them with a question mark. For instance, here is a punny double meaning clue: "Tight-fisted like a scorpion? (6)" clues STINGY. The definition is "tight-fisted" and the wordplay is a pun on scorpions having stingers.
COMPLEX WORDPLAY - wordplay can be as complicated as the constructor wants, so long as it all works in the end. For example a wordplay could combine an anagram with a deletion and a charade: "I leave Geico in shambles, hurting outdoor activity (10)" clues GEOCACHING. The definition is "outdoor activity" and the wordplay is a deletion "I leave Geico", an anagram indicated by "in shambles" and a charade "hurting". So "I" leaves GEICO => GECO, in shambles => GEOC + hurting (ACHING). Voila!
Now try to solve these clues. The type of wordplay used is given. Answers and explanations are in white text.
- "Pride emits fifty charged particles (4)" DELETION Explanation: definition = "charged particles", "Pride" LIONS "emits" loses "fifty" L.
- "Cutter carries tea, fish (8)" CHARADE Answer: STURGEON Explanation: definition = "fish", "cutter" SURGEON "carries" contains "tea" T.
- "Shrink scrambled egg container in Connecticut (8)" CONTAINER + ANAGRAM Answer: CONTRACT Explanation: definition = "Shrink", "scrambled" clues an anagram, "egg container" is CARTON, which is anagrammed "in Connecticut" C[ONTRAC]T.
Did you figure them all out? Now, to find the location of this puzzle cache, these clues will tell you what three words to use.
- "Solid is strangely unsolid without lithium (5)"
- "Fully occupies with false problems (5)"
- "Initially, most of video is extraneous to cinematic release (5)"
Now go get the cache!
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