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]

Arnold, tulips’ destiny stemmed by bottomless Underworld… so gloomy, it’s said (10)

[countessalmirena]

Clue

Arnold, tulips’ destiny stemmed by bottomless Underworld… so gloomy, it’s said (10)

_a__i_____

[not_for_sale2025]

Cautionary

[countessalmirena]

No, it’s not cautionary.

Arnold, tulips’ destiny stemmed by bottomless Underworld… so gloomy, it’s said (10)

_a__i_i___

Ignore punctuation.

[charade] [container indicator] {[letter deletion] [charade] [homophone indicator]} [/container indicator]

[twyngwyn]

Fastigiata?

[countessalmirena]

Almost, almost… Fix one letter and you’re there. Look at the container word and you’ll have it.

[twyngwyn]

Fastigiate?

[countessalmirena]

Yes, it’s fastigiate.

Arnold, tulips’ destiny stemmed by bottomless Underworld… so gloomy, it’s said (10)

WORDPLAY

destiny [charade: fate]
stemmed by [container indicator]
   bottomless [final letter deletion indicator]

      Underworld… so gloomy [charade] Stygian

      it’s said [homonym indicator]
      => stigian

   => stigia

FAstigiaTE

WHOLE DEFINITION

Arnold tulips = fastigiate

Over to you, twyngwyn.

[twyngwyn]

quickie:

the glow indeed was not disappointed (9)

[not_for_sale2025]

Delighted..