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]

Sorry, that's not it the_great one.

[not_for_sale2025]

Hint:

_ a _ _ _ o _ e

[countessalmirena]

wardrobe?

[not_for_sale2025]

Yes countess. Tis all yours.

[countessalmirena]

Ah, the smell of sweet musky wood! A touch destroys the councils when the scent is lost. (9 words)

[countessalmirena]

Oops! Not 9 words. 9 letters.

CORRECTION

Ah, the smell of sweet musky wood! A touch destroys the councils when the scent is lost. (9)

[twyngwyn]

patchouli?

[twyngwyn]

the countess has marked as helpful, so here goes:

reportedly, this major city has posh baggage (1 word, 7 letters)

[countessalmirena]

Yes.

The explainer:

Ah, the smell of sweet musky wood! A touch destroys the councils when the scent is lost. (9)

smell of sweet musky wood = whole word (patchouli)

touch = pat

the councils … scent is lost = [indicator:deletion] thecouncils - scent = houcil

destroys = [indicator:anagram] chouli

pat + chouli = patchouli

[twyngwyn]

reportedly, this major city has posh baggage (1 word, 7 letters)