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)

[not_for_sale2025]

Had a dig about the runner and his bird cry.

(7 letters)

_ a _ t o _ _

[respondfirstaid_pty.ltd]

explain to me

[not_for_sale2025]

Had a dig about the runner and his bird cry.

(7 letters)

M a _ t o _ _

[countessalmirena]

 … mattock …?

[not_for_sale2025]

Yes countess.

Had a dig about the runner and his bird cry.

(7 letters)

Had a dig - ?

about the runner - mat

and his bird cry - tock (Hornbill (Tockus) sound derived from it's tock-tock vocalisations)

Had a dig - Mattock (a digging tool)

Mattock

[countessalmirena]

No fighting for land raised lettuce, mature or not (6) 

[not_for_sale2025]

Endive....

[countessalmirena]

No, there isn’t so much as a sprig of endive.

No fighting for land raised lettuce, mature or not (6) 

There’s a charade, reversal indicator, another charade.

_ o _ _ _ _

[not_for_sale2025]

Socage....

[countessalmirena]

Yes. You have pinned it down.

No fighting for land raised lettuce, mature or not (6) 

WORDPLAY

raised [reversal indicator]
   lettuce [charade: cos]
   -> soc

mature or not [charade: age]
soc+age

WHOLE DEFINITION

no fighting for land = socage

Over to you, nfs.