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)

[countessalmirena]

No, not enumerate.

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

There’s an anagrind, a homophone indicator, two charades…

____e____

The numbers are specific but not exclusive.

[not_for_sale2025]

Regretful..

[countessalmirena]

The answer may involve regret on the part of some, but no, it’s not regretful.

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

There’s an anagrind, a homophone indicator, two charades…

____e__e_

Edit: additionally, one (very simple and straightforward) charade is within the homophone indicator, and that’s joined with the other charade to form the fodder of the anagram.

[twyngwyn]

Traversed?

[countessalmirena]

Not traversed.

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

There’s an anagrind, a homophone indicator, two charades…

___re__e_

Getting back to those numbers… 13.

[countessalmirena]

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

There’s an anagrind, a homophone indicator, two charades…

____e__e_

[anagrind] [charade] x [/charade] [homophone indicator] [charade] y [/charade] [/homophone indicator] [/anagrind]

[not_for_sale2025]

Regretted..

[countessalmirena]

No, regretted isn’t it.

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

There’s an anagrind, a homophone indicator, two charades…

_m_re__e_

[anagrind] [charade] x [/charade] [homophone indicator] [charade] y [/charade] [/homophone indicator] [/anagrind]

[not_for_sale2025]

Impressed..

[countessalmirena]

You have it, nfs.

Reluctant in army manoeuvring, 2 and 3 were overheard to have spoken (9)

WORDPLAY

manoeuvring [anagrind]
2 and 3 [charade/example: primes]
were overheard [homophone indicator]
   {to have spoken} [charade] said

   -> (sounds like) sed

-> (anagram of) primes+sed => impressed
WHOLE DEFINITION

reluctant in army = impressed

Impressment was the horrible practice by press gangs of forcing unwilling innocent men by violence and threats to be conscripted into army or navy.