New Cryptic Era

Hi All,

Last year my wife and I made our debut in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age with the publication of a cryptic and quick on the puzzles page. Our designation is “D&LS”. We  share the fourth and fifth (if there is one) Thursday of the month with another setter, RK, meaning it could be two months between crosswords.

I will endeavour to update this post with our next scheduled crossword once I have publishing confirmation.

 

Best

David & Linda Stickley

Posted in AFR Cryptic, The Stickler | 3 Comments

AFR Cryptic, Saturday 7/9/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (31/8/2024) Worked Solution

(click on the clue number to see the hint)

Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.

Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.





















Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The entire answer is the result of removing the first or last letter from part of the clue or its synonym. A truncation indicator will be present.
A type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
A type of clue where the WHOLE clue defines the answer, and the WHOLE clue also is the wordplay (a mechanism to derive the answer through various cryptic devices). "&lit" is short for "and literally".

To qualify as an &lit, a clue must have no unused components either in the definition or the wordplay - it must be readable one way as a definition, and another as the wordplay.

Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The entire answer can be discovered by mixing up letters. An appropriate anagram indicator will be present.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
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AFR Cryptic (31/8/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 STEP INTO
Unexpectedly enter remodelled set with horse (4,4) Anagram of SET + PINTO
5 CLOSER
Cold person who doesn’t succeed should be more intimate (6) C + LOSER
9 ON THE DANGER LIST
One in Netherlands got treated not very well (2,3,6,4) I inside anagram of NETHERLANDS GOT
11 TERMINATOR
Call in a degenerate about killer (10) TERM + IN + A + (ROT reversed)
12 FLUE
Smoker rushed through speech (4) Sounds like FLEW
13 PUSHED
Backed up in front of storage unit in a hurry (6) UP reversed + SHED
15 DECLINED
Deed covering vacated council home is rejected? (8) DEED outside [C(ounci)L + IN]
18 SWAN SONG
AFL team dealing with grand final appearance (4,4) SWANS + ON + G
19 LAPSES
Page discovered in forged sales slips (6) P inside anagram of SALES
22 LEER
Bless rebel returning stare? (4) (REBEL minus B) reversed
23 FAIR-SPOKEN
Smooth-tongued writer accepting endorsement after shows (4-6) (PEN outside OK) after FAIRS
26 COMPUTER SCIENCE
IT company put in representation of crime scene? (8,7) CO + (PUT inside anagram of CRIME SCENE)
27 TANGLE
Time to fish for catch (6) T + ANGLE
28 INITIALS
Endorses new design of sail after taking part (8) Anagram of SAIL after IN IT
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SHOOT UP
Sheep, after frightening cry, jump (5,2) TUP after SHOO
2 ENTER
Tenant stripped of initial right to take possession (5) (r)ENTER
3 ITEMISERS
They list it alongside drug people that are mean (9) IT + E + MISERS
4 TO A MAN
Development of anatomy almost without exception (2,1,3) Anagram of (ANATOM)y
6 LURE
Participants in Aussie Rules returned inducement (4) aussiE RULes reversed
7 SKI-PLANES
Snow vehicles avoid transport routes (3-6) SKIP + LANES
8 RETREAD
Go through book about pruned tree’s recycled material (7) READ outside (TRE)e
10 GLOWER
Shiner’s black look? (6) Double Definition
14 STATESMAN
Respected political leader recollected names after the fact (9) Anagram of NAMES after STAT
16 LEAD PAINT
Manage glass containing a former colouring agent (4,5) LEAD + (PINT outside A)
17 ON SALE
Son ordered alcohol going cheap (2,4) Anagram of SON + ALE
18 SOLICIT
Son shortened lawful proposition (7) SO(n) + LICIT
20 SUNLESS
Head to seaside except when cloudy (7) (S)easide + UNLESS
21 ARISEN
Transmission of car is entirely developed? (6) cAR IS ENtirely
24 KENYA
Pole entering important capital of Asian country (5) N inside KEY + (A)sian
25 BURL.
Try bank’s primary internet location (4) (B)ank + URL

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 31/8/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (24/8/2024) Worked Solution

(click on the clue number to see the hint)

Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.

Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.




















A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
A word or series of words that signify the turning around (across & down clues), or overturning (down clues only) of letters.

Examples: upset, reversed, retired, in withdrawal, over etc.

The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.

The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
The answer is a jumbling of letters except for the initial or final letter of the anagram fodder. An anagram indicator and truncation indicator will be present.
The answer is hidden inside the clue in reverse order. There are two indicators: one to signify that a hidden word is present; the other to reverse the letters.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The clue has two parts, each one defining the answer without using cryptic devices. Ideally each definition should have no etymological relationship.
A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

Posted in AFR Cryptic | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

AFR Cryptic (24/8/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SUBSTITUTE
Its vehicle returned with class deputy (10) (ITS + BUS) reversed + TUTE
6 BLAB
Brisbane’s first research centre let the cat out of the bag (4) (B)risbane + LAB
9 TRAIN
Time to shower and prepare for a particular event (5) T + RAIN
10 RETRACTOR
Retired stage performer after right theatre item (9) RET + (ACTOR after R)
12 IN THE RED
Some skinflint here died owing money (2,3,3) skinflINT HERE Died
13 WRITHE
He signed at the end of a legal document with a twist (6) HE after WRIT
15 CUTS
Iodine not applied to skin lacerations (4) CUTIS minus I
16 TERRIBLE
Bad blunder by one replacing a part of table (8) TABLE with (ERR +I) replacing A
19 HEARINGS
He is holding a syndicate’s judicial investigations (8) HES outside (A + RING)
20 SHUN
Deliberately avoid bright light outside hospital (4) SUN outside H
23 ROTATE
Degenerate bolted down switch (6) ROT + ATE
24 VIOLENCE
Caught in the throes of one evil, depraved act of cruelty (8) C inside anagram of ONE EVIL
26 BREACHING
Every individual conveyed by transport is opening up (9) EACH inside BRING
27 COOKS
Company says yes to kitchen workers (5) CO + OKS
28 DOTS
Stood back, ignoring orator’s initial points (4) STOOD reversed minus (O)rator
29 LAUNCESTON
Institute mostly concerned with finishing established Tasmanian location (10) (LAUNC)h + (ON after EST)
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SET PIECE
Move damaged step that is noticeably in the middle (3,5) Anagram of STEP + IE + notiCEably
2 BEAUTY TREATMENT
Dizzy brunette may eat first piece of this parlour’s offering (6,9) Anagram of BRUNETTE MAY EAT + (T)his
3 TENTER
Time to join framework for stretching cloth (6) T + ENTER
4 TORMENTING
To many primarily involved in leasing, it’s annoying (10) TO + [(M)any inside RENTING]
5 TA-TA
Length of event at auditorium is so long (2-2) evenT AT Auditorium
7 LET IT ALL HANG OUT
Relax and laugh a little, not needing treatment (3,2,3,4,3) Anagram of LAUGH A LITTLE NOT
8 BARBER
Live in public house, right, with hairdresser? (6) BE inside (BAR + R)
11 ADROIT
Clever piece of marketing one tossed in rubbish (6) AD + (I inside ROT)
14 PRESSING ON
Turn maintained by spinners out of form is continuing (8,2) GO inside anagram of SPINNERS
17 EROTIC
Lustful one tore back and front of clothing (6) (I + TORE) reversed + (C)lothing
18 IN SEASON
Freely available accommodation occupied by marine very much (2,6) INN outside (SEA + SO)
21 BRIBED
Paid off guy employed in foundation (6) RIB inside BED
22 CLICHE
Commonplace types of prolific lichen (6) prolifiC LICHEn
25 VISA
Outlook not getting Microsoft’s final endorsement (4) VISTA minus microsof(T)

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 24/8/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (17/8/2024) Worked Solution

(click on the clue number to see the hint)

Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.

Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.





















The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.

Examples: part of, associated with, types of.

The entire answer can be discovered by mixing up letters. An appropriate anagram indicator will be present.
The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.

Examples: part of, associated with, types of.

The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
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AFR Cryptic (17/8/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 BUSH PIG
Disease spreading around ship affected wild animal (4,3) BUG outside anagram of SHIP
5 PADDING
Power generated by adding hot air (7) P + ADDING
9 SLATE
Blast rock used in building (5) Double Definition
10 ORGANISER
One who orders ring with specially-designed earrings (9) O + anagram of EARRINGS
11 RED GIANT
One starring in Dragnet upset a big star (3,5) I inside anagram of DRAGNET
12 TUMBLE
Fall and slip down side of abyss (6) STUMBLE minus abys(S)
14 TINY
Small ring in toy replaced with one bearing (4) T(O)Y replaced by (I + N)
15 SKINCARE
Scar injected with blood culture – ultimately a dermatologist’s job (8) SCAR outside KIN + cultur(E)
18 FOOTPATH
Fellow developed photo at pedestrian course (8) F + anagram of PHOTO AT
19 FIFA
Affair, not contained, troubled sports administration group? (4) Anagram of a)FFAI(r
22 PLAYER
Actor and producer’s first film (6) (P)roducer + LAYER
23 DELICATE
Lice sprayed in Escort requiring careful handling (8) Anagram of LICE inside DATE
25 NOISELESS
Silent lionesses stirred (9) Anagram of LIONESSES
26 DRIVE
Clubber’s shot right inside disreputable place? (5) R inside DIVE
27 TINKLED
Ink was placed first in order after stockist finally rang (7) (INK + LED) after stockis(T)
28 NOMINAL
Small tailored loan extended by short time (7) Anagram of LOAN outside MIN(ute)
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 BASE RATE
Borrowing figure set by a bank as rebate varied (4,4) Anagram of AS REBATE
2 STANDING OVATION
House’s recognition, perhaps, and elected government, filmed by broadcaster (8,7) (AND + IN + GOV) inside STATION
3 PREFIX
Game official, posing in photographs, is put at the front (6) REF inside PIX
4 GROUNDSMAN
Circuits checked by general manager and an aerodrome mechanic (10) ROUNDS inside GM + AN
5 PAGE
Pressure to get old and young attendant (4) P + AGE
6 DENOUNCE
Speak out against study with very little weight (8) DEN + OUNCE
7 INSUBORDINATION
Rebellion binds our troubled island country (15) Anagram of BINDS OUR + I + NATION
8 GIRDER
Embarrassed engineer fixed up metal beam (6) (RED + RIG) reversed
13 HIGH SEASON
The open oceans just after a busy time (4,6) HIGH SEAS + ON
16 ETHEREAL
Maybe the realist, in part, is spiritual (8) maybE THE REAList
17 FAREWELL
Send off last of four sheep in autumn (8) [fou(R) +EWE] inside FALL
20 SPINET
Metal tuning peg located inside group’s keyboard instrument (6) PIN inside SET
21 WISDOM
Passage supported by fellow is “Domestic Knowledge” (6) felloW IS DOMestic
24 FEUD
Psychoanalyst with no right to quarrel continually (4) FREUD minus R

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 17/8/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (10/8/2024) Worked Solution

(click on the clue number to see the hint)

Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.

Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.





















Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
A word or series of words that signify the removal of a letter, letters, word or words (or their equivalents) from other parts of the clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: taken from, decreased by, less.

Part or all of the answer is found by replacing a section in a word (or its synonym) with a word (or its synonym), letters, or letter. An appropriate indicator like "for a", replacing, switching etc will be present
A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A word or phrase that defines the answer. All cryptic clues usually have a minimum of one definition which will be located at the beginning or end of the clue.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The entire answer is found by reversing part of the clue, or a synonym for part of the clue. A suitable reversal indicator will be present.
The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.

Examples: part of, associated with, types of.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
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AFR Cryptic (10/8/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 CUT-PRICE
Temperature maintained in container with grain is reduced (3-5) T inside CUP + RICE
5 STOKED
Australian, thrilled, tended a fire (6) Double Definition
9 UPRAISE
Exalt pair newly married in service (7) Anagram of PAIR inside USE
10 MAGENTA
Publication developed neat colour used in printing (7) MAG + anagram of NEAT
11 THERAPISTS
They heal the detectives bitten by rats (10) THE + (PIS inside RATS)
12 FAWN
Sandy bearing jammed inside air conditioner (4) W inside FAN
13 ROOKIE
Novice mob member found with knives regularly (6) ROO + (K)n(I)v(E)s
14 FREEHOLD
Reef damaged part of ship’s property (8) Anagram of REEF + HOLD
17 SPRINTER
Small computer device – one that’s fast to finish (8) S + PRINTER
18 DOES UP
Secures employment in school heading in a new direction (4,2) (USE inside POD) reversed
21 REEL
Five pulled out of riotous feast and dance (4) REVEL minus V
22 POTATO PEEL
Something used to cook a very good fish and vegetable slice (6,4) POT + A + TOP + EEL
24 KEEP OUT
Stay away as king adjusted toupee (4,3) K + anagram of TOUPEE
25 SWIMMER
Athlete’s boil lanced with wire initially (7) (W)ire inside SIMMER
26 RELATE
Alter revised conclusion of the report (6) Anagram of ALTER + th(E)
27 ALL-SORTS
Odd group left couple so taken in by arts (3-5) (LL + SO) inside ARTS
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 CLUSTER
Yours truly, perhaps, entertaining street gathering (7) CLUER outside ST
2 THREE-COURSE MEAL
Latecomer – he sure cooked a big dinner (5-6,4) Anagram of LATECOMER + HE + SURE
3 RUINATION
Defeat, one accepted in rugby union country (9) I inside (RU + NATION)
4 CREDIT
Head of Coles tried changing a person’s financial standing (6) (C)oles + anagram of TRIED
6 TOGO
West African country had backed end of embargo (4) GOT reversed + embarg(O)
7 KANGAROO STEAMER
A market’s oregano transformed outback stew (8,7) Anagram of A MARKETS OREGANO
8 DRAINED
Weak adder moved around outside home (7) Anagram of ADDER outside IN
10 MOTORS
Time spent in open waste lands goes quickly (6) T inside MOORS
15 ECONOMICS
Financial matters not detailed in e-books of a humorous nature? (9) NO(t) inside E-COMICS
16 DEPORT
Exile tied up leader of terrorists (6) ROPED reversed + (T)errorists
17 STRIKER
Cycle ridden by senior member of a soccer team? (7) TRIKE inside SR
19 POLARIS
Star with nothing left in Olympic city (7) (O + L) inside PARIS
20 TASSEL
A group of fashionistas selected a hanging ornament (6) fashionisTAS SELected
23 COST
Taxi not accepting a penalty (4) COAST minus A

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 10/8/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (3/8/2024) Worked Solution

(click on the clue number to see the hint)

Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.

Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.




















The clue has two parts, each one defining the answer without using cryptic devices. Ideally each definition should have no etymological relationship.
A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters, then the entire result is reversed. The type of container clue involved is determined by an appropriate containment indicator.
The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.

Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.

A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.

The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.

Examples: part of, associated with, types of.

The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
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AFR Cryptic (3/8/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 TOSS-UP
To cat running around, it’s a close thing (4-2) TO + (PUSS reversed)
5 FACADE
Show air-conditioning in decline (6) AC in FADE
9 SINGAPORE
Asian capital annoyed about current breach (9) SORE outside (IN + GAP)
10 ROUGE
Cosmetic surgeon, extremely deficient, adjusted? (5) Anagram of s)URGEO(n
11 TWO-TIMER
Write tome mostly about one who cheats (3-5) Anagram of (WRITE TOM)e
12 BETTER
Improving person who plays to win (6) Double Definition
14 SALES PITCH
This place rocked after Sia’s opening line (5,5) Anagram of THIS PLACE after (S)ia
15 GROG
Success not contributing to growing spirits, for example (4) GROWING minus WIN
17 A LOT
Many fall out not feeling the effects of flu (1,3) (f)A(l)L O(u)(T)
19 FORECASTER
One who looks ahead for clubs in holiday time (10) FOR + (C inside EASTER)
22 THE DRY
Drive taken by people in general when it’s not raining (3,3) DR inside THEY
23 STALWART
Resolute person amended law in institute (8) Anagram of LAW inside START
25 OF AGE
Adult’s cigarette pinched by heartless one? (2,3) FAG inside O(n)E
26 ENSCONCED
Established science once incorporated into design (9) (SC + ONCE) inside END
27 BRIDAL
Rib broken by young fellow set back wedding (6) Anagram of RIB + (LAD reversed)
28 SIMMER
Dieter dismissing large cook gently (6) SLIMMER minus L
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
2 OWN GOAL
A log now incorrectly listed a scoring error (3,4) Anagram of A LOG NOW
3 SCARIEST
One embraced by drunken actress is most frightening (8) I inside anagram of ACTRESS
4 PROGENITOR
Experienced one interrupting fellow or parent? (10) PRO + (I inside GENT) + OR
5 FLEW
Learner, with hardly any around, travelled at great speed (4) L inside FEW
6 CARTER
Leader of Turkiye embraced by tender old US president (6) (T)urkiye inside CARER
7 DOUBTER
Finish time in taxi with one holding reservation (7) DO + (T inside UBER)
8 REFRIGERATED
Sports official judged after outfit heading to exit cooled down (12) REF + [RATED after RIG + (E)xit]
9 SATISFACTION
Justice sat with island minority group (12) SAT + IS + FACTION
13 SCIENTISTS
One wearing perfume sits awkwardly with lab workers (10) I inside SCENT + anagram of SITS
16 BALLROOM
Dance hall entirely checked by cleaner (8) ALL inside BROOM
18 ONE PAIR
Open damaged vent with weak hand (3,4) Anagram of OPEN + AIR
20 TRANCHE
US stockholder bound by limits of tradeable block of shares? (7) RANCH inside (T)radeabl(E)
21 FRIEND
Devil taking possession of king’s companion (6) FIEND outside R
24 CELL
Small group of people returned items from collection (4) coLLECtion reversed

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