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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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 3/8/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (27/7/2024) 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 the turning around (across & down clues), or overturning (down clues only) of letters.

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

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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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AFR Cryptic (27/7/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 PUNISHING
Severe current harnessed by gunship at sea (9) I inside anagram of GUNSHIP
6 TORSO
Body’s core temperature approximately (5) T + OR SO
9 ACTED
A court reporter did something (5) A + CT + ED
10 LEADLIGHT
Look after thin, fancy glass panel (9) LEAD + LIGHT
11 CLOUTED
Tradie’s vehicle, covered in dirt, is hit with great force (7) UTE inside CLOD
12 MEASLY
Poor meat, mostly dodgy (6) (MEA)t + SLY
14 ANODISED
An eccentric outside is heading to exit wearing coat (8) (AN + ODD) outside [IS + (E)xit]
15 KEEN
Intense expression of grief (4) Double Definition
18 RUSH
Attack plant developing on shore (4) Double Definition
19 HEAT WAVE
Wheat ruined by hail and hot weather (4,4) Anagram of WHEAT + AVE
22 HARROW
English school and hospital struck by missile (6) H + ARROW
23 RIP INTO
Criticise one horse that’s spotted after start of race (3,4) (I + PINTO) after (R)ace
25 BRIEFCASE
Cheese cafes served strangely with paper bag (9) BRIE + anagram of CAFES
26 ERROR
Time given up by troublesome child could be a mistake (5) TERROR minus T
27 TWEED
Material is pretty hard on the backside? (5) TWEE + har(D)
28 EXTENDERS
They draw out loving in preparation for sex (9) TENDER inside anagram of SEX
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 PLAICE
One in position spotted fish (6) I inside PLACE
2 NATIONAL SERVICE
Nail senator mixed up with failing compulsory duty (8,7) Anagram of NAIL SENATOR + VICE
3 SEDITION
Small publication’s incitement to riot (8) S + EDITION
4 ILL-ADVISED
Foolhardy lad is following five inside new deli (3-7) [LAD + (IS after V)] inside anagram of DELI
5 GOAD
Leave a driver at the front to drive on (4) GO + A + (D)river
6 TILTED
Worked on a roof, securing middle of battens set at an angle (6) TILED outside bat(T)ens
7 REGISTERED NURSE
Trained care-giver greeted insurers out of uniform? (10,5) Anagram of GREETED INSURERS
8 OUTLYING
Peripheral limitations removed from youth telling stories? (8) y)OUT(h + LYING
13 BETTERMENT
Risk-taker men trusted initially with advance (10) BETTER + MEN + (T)rusted
16 PROHIBIT
Professional hit almost penetrated outlaw (8) PRO + (HI)t + BIT
17 RASP FERN
Roughly scrape end of flower growing in marsh plant with fronds (4,4) RASP + flowe(R) inside FEN
20 GOLFED
Played a round with gold-plated iron? (6) FE inside GOLD
21 BOARDS
Gets on rocky roads after heading for Brisbane (6) Anagram of ROADS after (B)risbane
24 BARE
Sound of stomach that’s empty (4) Sounds like BEAR

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 27/7/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (20/7/2024) 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 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 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.
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 a mixing-up of letters.

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

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.

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AFR Cryptic (20/7/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SOLITUDE
Trade union, active in firm, stood by end of employee’s privacy (8) TU inside SOLID + employe(E)
5 FORGET
Lose track of time following fashion (6) T after FORGE
9 RUN ON
Right one expelled from union is to continue (3,2) R + (UNION minus I)
10 PORCELAIN
China’s ore containing carbon found in open country (9) (ORE outside C) inside PLAIN
12 AUTHENTICATION
Hallmark gold on the Titanic at sea (14) AU + anagram of ON THE TITANIC
14 PLEA
A number of people accepted defendant’s claim (4) peoPLE Accepted
15 WORKMATE
Potassium absorbed by worm consumed colleague (8) K inside WORM + ATE
18 RESPIRED
Race’s leader, especially one flushed, took a breath (8) (R)ace+ ESP + I + RED
20 STET
Retainer is organised, including time (4) SET outside T
24 ORCHESTRATIONS
Arrangements made by composers or stores following case (14) OR + (RATIONS after CHEST)
26 HOTHOUSES
Conservatories you once fitted with external pipes (9) THOU inside HOSES
27 RAT ON
Moved quickly around to sell down the river (3,2) RAN outside TO
28 MASTER
Head of school in a term reviewed teacher? (6) (S)chool inside anagram of A TERM
29 INFERRED
Last part of dinner, after a blend of fine wine, is concluded (8) dinne(R) after anagram of FINE + RED
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SERIAL PORT
Old computer interface is real shoddy on side of case (6,4) Anagram of IS REAL + PORT
2 LUNETTE
Catch, fitted inside instrument, is a crescent-shaped ornament (7) NET inside LUTE
3 TINGED
Coloured container aged apart from a bit (6) TIN + (a)GED
4 DEPUTY
Lieutenant’s record in service (6) EP inside DUTY
6 OVERTAKE
Leave behind plain cake after first slice (8) OVERT + (c)AKE
7 GRANOLA
One of the family, old, cut back on a breakfast cereal (7) GRAN + OL(d) + A
8 TENT
Occupier giving up an abode meant to be temporary (4) TENANT minus AN
11 RECKON
Count on finishing dilapidated vehicle with front-end missing (6) ON after (w)RECK
13 JETTISONED
Black tie worn by son heading to dance should be thrown out (10) JET + (SON outside TIE) + (D)ance
16 WISHBONE
Quiet boy briefly tucked into wine and a piece of chicken (8) [SH + BO(y)] inside WINE
17 HEISTS
The man is admitting street robberies (6) (HE + IS) outside ST
19 STRATUS
Grey cover is right in position (7) R inside STATUS
21 TROTTER
Leading part of the swine? (7) (T)he + ROTTER
22 ORISON
Section of mahzor is one prayer (6) mahzOR IS ONe
23 STARVE
Celebrity vehicle with no passengers is fast? (6) STAR + V(ehicl)E
25 CHUM
Companion quietly slipped away from foolish person (4) CHUMP minus P

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 20/7/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (13/7/2024) 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 the position of wordplay elements in the answer.

Examples: before, after, leading, in the middle of, under (down only) etc.

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. 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 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 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.

A word or series of words that signify the loss of one letter at the start or end of a word or string of letters.

Examples: beheaded, cut short, endless, nearly, largely etc.

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 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 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.

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.

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 (13/7/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SUMMONED
Called managing director about one after an amount of money (8) (MD outside ONE) after SUM
5 STABLE
Small piece of furniture is solid (6) S + TABLE
9 LUNATIC
Ulna broken by jerk out to lunch (7) Anagram of ULNA + TIC
10 STEP OUT
Briefly leave pesto mixed with shelled nuts? (4,3) Anagram of [PESTO + n)UT(s]
11 TURNED AWAY
Detective, engaged by weary aunt, refused and refused to help? (6,4) D inside anagram of WEARY AUNT
12 DEBT
Foundation retrieved patient’s final financial obligation (4) BED reversed + patien(T)
14 CATALOGUE
A journal seen in a cute, jumbled list of items (9) (A + LOG) inside anagram of A CUTE
16 IMAM
I am a leader of muslims (4) IM + A + (M)uslims
18 OMEN
Warning ladies down at the front (4) (w)OMEN
19 REPRESENT
Stand for show once more (9) Double Definition
21 PULP
Soapbox without it is trash (4) PULPIT minus IT
22 STRAIGHTEN
Tension broken by head of Government with the amended order (10) STRAIN outside [(G)overnment + anagram of THE]
25 NATIONS
Lots of people do parting gifts (7) DONATIONS minus DO
26 EDIFICE
Body fellow removed from editor’s office building (7) EDI(tors of)FICE
27 RESIDE
Live on the slope of a hill (6) RE + SIDE
28 INCLUDES
Covers batting tips about driving primarily (8) IN + [CLUES outside (D)riving]
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 SOLSTICE
Cosmic time – it’s close in a strange way (8) Anagram of ITS CLOSE
2 MANOR
Inner parts of sanctum – an ordinary house and property? (5) sanctuM AN ORdinary
3 ON THE BLINK
Thorium, used in one boron connection, is not working (2,3,5) TH inside ONE + B + LINK
4 EXCHANGE RATES
Adjusted tax charge seen in values monitored by currency dealers (8,5) Anagram of TAX CHARGE SEEN
6 TIED
Letters, carried by postie, delivered in a secure fashion (4) posTIE Delivered
7 BROKERAGE
Trader’s business failed to continue unchecked (9) BROKE + RAGE
8 ESTATE
Develop without opening a housing development (6) (g)ESTATE
10 SHAKESPEAREAN
Student of literature gets to area covered by writer (13) SHAKES + (AREA inside PEN)
13 MIXED GRILL
Cross rocky ridge in range of mill with tasty dish (5,5) (X + anagram of RIDGE) inside MILL
15 TEMPLATES
Workers sometimes checking late models (9) TEMPS outside LATE
17 STINKERS
Ratbags mess around in middle of lesson (8) TINKER inside le(SS)on
20 OPENER
First in is not accepted by Reformed Pioneers (6) Anagram of PIONEERS minus IS
23 TRIED
Triathlon writer for a newspaper is experienced (5) TRI + ED
24 CORD
Fish biting end of angler’s line (4) COD outside angle(R)

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 13/7/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (6/7/2024) 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 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.

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.

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.

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.
The clue has two parts, each one defining the answer without using cryptic devices. Ideally each definition should have no etymological relationship.
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 pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) on the INSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).

Examples: held by, kept by, embraced by - anything that creates the image of being contained.

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.

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 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 butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
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.
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 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 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 (6/7/2024) Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 TOSSED SALAD
Oddest salsa transformed side dish (6,5) Anagram of ODDEST SALSA
9 SCARRED
Small vehicle, a light colour, is damaged? (7) S + CAR + RED
10 REVOLVE
Turn round churchman against misplaced love (7) REV + anagram of LOVE
11 RESONANT
Family member, one implicated in breach, is ringing (8) (SON + A) inside RENT
12 STRAIT
Station’s first quality channel (6) (S)tation + TRAIT
14 ROAM
A wandering New Zealander, before striking one, turned around (4) (MAOR)i reversed
15 DESECRATED
Small-time deserter, involved in exploit, is dishonoured? (10) (SEC + RAT) inside DEED
18 PHENOMENON
Carbolic acid mostly used by people in connection with sensation (10) (PHENO)l + MEN + ON
19 LAMP
Large electrical unit is light (4) L + AMP
22 SCREEN
Show actor’s backside in moving scene (6) acto(R) inside anagram of SCENE
24 JAPANESE
Father wearing jeans fashioned by East Asian people (8) PA inside anagram of JEANS + E
26 RANGOLI
Traditional Indian decoration called “blended oil” (7) RANG + anagram of OIL
27 IMPRINT
One associated with public relations invested in brand-new stamp (7) I + (PR inside MINT)
28 OVER THE ODDS
Public gathering around in shed ordered more than expected (4,3,4) OVERT + (DO reversed) inside anagram of SHED
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 TRANSLATE
Explain one entry removed from train schedule (9) TRAIN minus I + SLATE
2 SHRANK
She briefly addressed troop formation reduced in size (6) SH(e) + RANK
3 ENDANGERED
Threatened termination caused outrage (10) END + ANGERED
4 SURF
Swell fellow behind contracted firm (4) F after (SUR)e
5 LAVATORY
Put outside large tank or waste disposal unit (8) LAY outside (VAT + OR)
6 DELTA
Those employed by supermodel taking a deposit (5) supermoDEL TAking
7 USURER
American tourer not taking to moneylender (6) US + (TOURER minus TO)
8 DENTED
Biblical text in action made an impression (6) NT inside DEED
13 DECORATIVE
Pretty strange divorcee stealing a partner’s heart (10) Anagram of DIVORCEE outside [A + par(T)ner]
16 TRAGEDIES
Dramatic stories displayed great anger in relationships (9) RAGED inside TIES
17 LONESOME
Forlorn one’s kidnapped by mole in disguise (8) ONES inside anagram of MOLE
18 PASTRY
People primarily like to hear Danish, for example (6) (P)eople + AS + TRY
20 PLENTY
Medical specialist in Strand with a great deal (6) ENT inside PLY
21 CAPPED
Rights relinquished by rapper in recording may be covered (6) (r)APPE(r) inside CD
23 RUN TO
Reach round behind weed (3,2) O after RUNT
25 PINT
Quantity from tap in tankard? (4) taP IN Tankard

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AFR Cryptic, Saturday 6/7/2024, Clue Hints

Did you have trouble working out last week’s crossword? Check out the worked solution here:
AFR Cryptic (29/6/2024) 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 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.

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 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.

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.
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 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.

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