Cryptic Stuff

[not_for_sale]

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)

[not_for_sale]

It’s about being nice when you’re ahead after starting again.

(9 letters)

_ e _ i _ _ _ e d

[countessalmirena]

rekindled…?

[not_for_sale]

Yes countess.

[countessalmirena]

You’re burnt, sweet Holden, to a French city holding a cup shortly (7)

[countessalmirena]

Clues

You’re burnt, sweet Holden, to a French city holding a cup shortly (7)

_a___e_

[not_for_sale]

Parched...

[countessalmirena]

No, I’m sorry; it’s not parched.

You’re burnt, sweet Holden, to a French city holding a cup shortly (7)

If I uncover any further letters, it would give it away. (Unless I add the 3rd letter, which you’d already tried with parched.) So… I’ll give order-based clues (excluding the whole definition which is of course at either the front or the end).

[charade] [then both a charade (language-based) AND plain text for the clue*] [charade] (to which [letter deletion] is applied)

Does that help at all?

* I really shouldn’t have included the plain text bit. It’s not needed.

_ar__e_

[not_for_sale]

Caramel....

[countessalmirena]

You have it, nfs.

You’re burnt, sweet Holden, to a French city holding a cup shortly (7)

WORDPLAY

Holden [charade: car]
to a French [charade/plain text: à] (French for “to”, and the “a” itself - should have left it as “to French”

city holding a cup [charade: Melbourne]

   shortly [letter deletion or shortening indicator] -> MEL

car+a+mel
WHOLE DEFINITION

You’re burnt, sweet = caramel

You’re up, nfs.