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)

[the_great_she_elephant]

Correct, but the countess beat you to it  #51

[twyngwyn]

yes, she_el....ewes & tees 🙂

[the_great_she_elephant]

Seduce at first try, 

1  word 7 letters

[not_for_sale2025]

Attempt?

[the_great_she_elephant]

Correct, Not For Sale. Try = attempt;  seduce = tempt; at first = at in front s

(I've had to reply to my own post because for some reason my system is chucking a wobbly and won't let me reply to yours)

[not_for_sale2025]

She took the fifth type before the sixth from Rome, but followed with a reduction. That’s what she came across!

(1 word, 7 letters)

[janeababe]

....just poking my head in to say this is a great thread. I’m learning (er... very slowly, I might add...😂😂) how you dissect the cryptic clues to get your answers. Very interesting. I’ll keep watching for a while yet, I’m no where up to scratch to match you folks.  Loving it.  💋

[countessalmirena]

Hello, Jane. One of the weirdest things about cryptic clues is how differently everyone processes them, or creates them.

At the moment I am stumped by not_for_sale's clue.

She took the fifth is unlikely to refer to the Fifth Amendment, that being a mischievous piece of misdirection. It could refer to e, the fifth letter of the alphabet.

Type - sort? Variety? Category? etc. Or could it be the verb, as in printed, struck, etc.?

Before the sixth from Rome... I am assuming the sixth from Rome is VI.

[not_for_sale2025]

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@countessalmirena wrote:

Hello, Jane. One of the weirdest things about cryptic clues is how differently everyone processes them, or creates them.

At the moment I am stumped by not_for_sale's clue.

She took the fifth is unlikely to refer to the Fifth Amendment, that being a mischievous piece of misdirection. It could refer to e, the fifth letter of the alphabet.

Type - sort? Variety? Category? etc. Or could it be the verb, as in printed, struck, etc.?

Before the sixth from Rome... I am assuming the sixth from Rome is VI.

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[janeababe]

@not_for_sale2021.

Ok, here goes 🤦🏻‍♀️

is the answer: Convict?