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]

The Perils of Pauline destroyed by moral dame! (9)

[twyngwyn]

melodrama

[countessalmirena]

There, no mantrap in sight...

The Perils of Pauline destroyed by moral dame! (9)

The Perils of Pauline = a classic melodrama

destroyed [indicator: anagram]

moral dame = moraldame (rearranged) = melodrama

I hand over the heavy chains and overhead traps to you, twyngwyn.

[twyngwyn]

As heard, eager genre is an amaranth (1 word, 6 letters)

[countessalmirena]

quinoa

[not_for_sale2025]

Reggae

[twyngwyn]

yes, countess...over to you

[countessalmirena]

Thank you. (My keen sense of noir got me through.)

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

[twyngwyn]

toiletry?

[countessalmirena]

 No, that isn’t the answer.

It may help if I rephrase “royal finish” to “doth finish royally”. It’s just slightly clearer.