Cryptic Stuff

[not_for_sale2025]

While it was done some years ago I see, I thought I would try a cryptic crossword-like thread for fun and to try and boost a little more interest here. I made up the below question for anyone interested in such a challenge. I thought the first person to get it correct might come up with the next question. A clue though - if you copy one from a newspaper or magazine etc., the answer can often be found on the internet. I can explain the answer for anyone who asks. 🙂

The prisoner at the cave would not stand for the electrically charged droplets of water.

(12 letters)

[twyngwyn]

lavender

[countessalmirena]

Aye!

With delicate scent the bathroom has a royal finish. (8)

With delicate scent [whole word]: lavender

[charade]

          bathroom = lav

          royal finish = endER

The chalk of twisty curly power goes to you, twyngwyn.

[twyngwyn]

reportedly the antithesis of his dress is woolly (1 word, 7 letters)

[countessalmirena]

Hirsute

[twyngwyn]

backatcha...countess

[countessalmirena]

Hard to believe, but this drink is for retreating out-of-date townies. (9)

[twyngwyn]

fantastic?

[countessalmirena]

You’ve got it, twyngwyn.

Hard to believe, but this drink is for retreating out-of-date townies. (9)

Hard to believe [whole word]: fantastic

this drink: Fanta

retreating [indicator:reversal]: out-of-date [word is archaic] townies — i.e. cits — (reversed) stic

          fanta+stic

The cryptic hat is on your head.

[twyngwyn]

draft a pipe, perhaps, but be careful, you might get swamped  (1 word, 9 letters)

[twyngwyn]

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@twyngwyn wrote:

draft a pipe, perhaps, but be careful, you might get swamped  (1 word, 9 letters)

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It's an Australian word (noun)