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]

No idea, any clues?

[countessalmirena]

CLUES

Headgear reflects straightforward tab fitting a great deal (8)

_ _ _ _ i _ _ _

One part of the wordplay has a reversal indicator; the other part does not.

[not_for_sale2025]

Billions...

[countessalmirena]

No, bills is not the answer.

Headgear reflects straightforward tab fitting a great deal (8)

_ _ a _ i _ _ _

[not_for_sale2025]

Pharisee...

[twyngwyn]

Spacious…?

[countessalmirena]

Pharisee is not it.

Spacious is it.

Headgear reflects straightforward tab fitting a great deal (8)

WORDPLAY

headgear [charade:caps] reflects [reversal indicator] -> spac

Straightforward [reversal indicator ends; it’s back to forward - not strictly necessary but helpful] tab [charade:IOUs]

  => spacIOUs

WHOLE DEFINITION

fitting a great deal = spacious

twyngwyn, you’re as up as a happy optimist.

[twyngwyn]

Travel through a dossier for Edam lover, I heard  (9)

[countessalmirena]

Well, I am a turophile…

[twyngwyn]

All yours, countess