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]

Could you break this down? The wordplay is eluding me.

[not_for_sale2025]

Apparently, dunk the non-binary to be pseudointellectual and nonsensical.

(8 letters)

Apparently - sounds like

dunk - ret, as in submerge and soak in water

the non-binary - toric - a non-binary individual

to be pseudointellectual and nonsensical - Rhetoric (self-explanatory)

Please let me know if any issues.

[not_for_sale2025]

Just to add if the answer is not self-explanatory:

One is viewed to be engaging in rhetoric if they are talking in a way to appear intelligent, but their jibber jabber doesn't make sense. A good example is a current world leader who is in the news a lot ATM!

[countessalmirena]

I’ve not come across toric in that sense. Thanks for explaining.

Mirror King adds the thing, conditional upon a drink to open (8)

[not_for_sale2025]

Atibhoti..

[countessalmirena]

The answer is not atibhoti.

Mirror King adds the thing, conditional upon a drink to open (8)

_ _ e _ _ _ _ _

[countessalmirena]

Further clues

Mirror King adds the thing, conditional upon a drink to open (8)

_ _ e _ _ _ i _

[twyngwyn]

Aperitif…?

[countessalmirena]

Yes. You have it.

Mirror King adds the thing, conditional upon a drink to open (8)

WORDPLAY

mirror [charade: ape]
king [abbr: R]
adds 

the thing [charade: it]
conditional upon [charade: if]

ape+R+it+if

WHOLE DEFINITION

a drink to open = apéritif

Over to you, twyngwyn.

[twyngwyn]

Might the cockscomb be a high court requirement? (8)