Something a bit different instead of the usual RB Quiz today: some cryptic crossword clues.
The other week the recently-resurrected Yard gave us this clue: hijklmno (5)
And I offered: “Do rey me fah so la do, do rey me fah so la do” (5)
Geddit? The best cryptic clues are the ones which make sense as self-contained phrases, but point to a surprising answer
In 2005, to mark the 75th anniversary of The Times crossword, compiler Richard Browne gave us some of his favourite clues. See if you can get them:
1. She takes a lot of trouble to compose her features (5,4)
2. Power to capture both rooks, giving brilliant mate (2,5)
3. When depressed, one gives no impression of character (5,3)
4. Pot of ale (4,5)
5. Glance at the fixtures: not much on (8)
6. Very fine clues sold for a pound (9)
7. Fit in girl’s pockets (15)
You could doubtless find the answers to these by googling (I’ve actually posted them elsewhere before), but where’s the joy in that? Answers will follow in a separate post
3. When depressed, one gives no impression of character (5,3) – space bar?
Worm: if that is correct it’s very clever — if not, it’s absolutely brilliant.
I’ve never been much good at these: it’s so hard to see a way in.
I’m unsure whether this is correct but I’ll have a guess –
5. Glance at the fixtures: not much on – skirting?
Fit in girl’s pockets – misappropriates
Brit’s away today so I’ll provide some clues and let you know whether you’re correct to date (it’s probably otiose to point out that without having seen the answers I would be wholly useless in this capacity).
Worm is correct on 3.
Worm is wrong on 5. but his answer makes more sense than the one that’s supposedly right, which is underwear related.
Adelephant is correct on 7.
Some clues:
1. Try playing with the meaning of the word ‘features’.
2. Think rooks in chess.
4. What often follows ‘pot’? And what causes that?
6. Contains an anagram.
Is 6 ‘cloudless’ ?
And 4 has to be “beer belly”.
1. Agony aunt
I thought Agony aunt, too, but wasn’t convinced.
5. scanties
Orl korrect. Just 2. left.