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 non-rhotic moor leads this Brooks towards the bright energy unit; how sad. (1 word, 10 letters.)

[countessalmirena]

Have I been too obscure?

Let me know - please! - if clues are needed.

[the_great_she_elephant]

The only word I can think of is melancholy

this Brooks =mel,

non-rhotic moor = anchor without the r,

but I can't figure out how ly = bright energy unit.

[not_for_sale2025]

Light year???

[the_great_she_elephant]

Could be! Thanks. 

[countessalmirena]

great_she_elephant, you are correct.

Ly is the written abbreviation of the Langley, which the OED defines as ❝A unit of solar energy per unit area, equal to one gramme-calorie per square centimetre (approximately 41,900 joules per square metre).❞

(I'm never going to have the chance to use this particular emoticon as aptly again, so... here we go.)

[the_great_she_elephant]

A variety of coins soar in value, creating a loud noise.

[wide-world-of-stamps]

without knowing the number of letters .....

Crash?

[the_great_she_elephant]

Oops, sorry. Two words, 5 letters and  4 letters

[wide-world-of-stamps]

Sonic boom