We shall look at Cryptic Definitions (CD) in today’s post. In this type of clue, the entire clue is the definition, and knowing common expressions and some general knowledge will help. I have frequently found the length of the answer to be most helpful. Note that this clue is different from the &lit clue. In this clue type, there isn’t any wordplay – the definition is written in a misleading way. Let us understand this type of clue with a few examples.
1) I see what you are saying (3,6)
A clue like this has no indicators of the cluing devices we have seen so far. You may assume that this must be a CD. And the answer that will fit this definition is LIP READER.
2) Event for which one is late? (7)
The word ‘late’ can mean ‘one who has passed away’. Seen that way, the answer that fits this clue is FUNERAL.
3) A piece of this is easy (4)
A piece of CAKE is something very easy to do.
4) A Parisian flower (5)
Here the setter doesn’t mean something that grows and is fragrant but rather something that flows! And so the answer is the river SEINE.
5) Low digits? (4)
TOES are literally low digits.
Here are a few CD clues to try on your own:
1) Slept soundly! (6)
2) Gone mad at the movies! (6)
3) A stiff examination? (4-6)
Hint: a stiff is a corpse, informally.
4) Novel known to you and me (3,6,6)
Knowing the name of this novel by Charles Dickens will make this clue a piece of cake!
5) His downfall was shattering (6,6)
6) Grows up in Brussels? (7)
7) Bottom-lover (7)
No, the setter isn’t being naughty 🙂 Think Shakespeare.
8) With this you can get a handle on your gambling (3-5,6)
Use the length of the answer to guide you. Think Las Vegas.
I am changing the 2nd clue in the above exercise. The clue I had given originally was
Film crazy (6)
On reflection, I realized this clue was actually a Double Definition not a CD. Some of you got the answer anyway. 🙂
What you see now is a CD having the same answer as before. My apologies.
Here are the answers to all 8 CD clues I had given you last week:
1) Slept soundly! (6) SNORED
2) Gone mad at the movies! (6) PSYCHO
3) A stiff examination? (4-6) POST-MORTEM
4) Novel known to you and me (3,6,6) OUR MUTUAL FRIEND
5) His downfall was shattering (6,6) HUMPTY DUMPTY
6) Grows up in Brussels? (7) SPROUTS
Vegetable lovers would not have had any trouble with this clue.
7) Bottom-lover (7) TITANIA
Anyone who has read or seen the comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by Shakespeare will remember the fairy queen who, under the influence of a magic potion, is smitten by Nick Bottom, a weaver wearing the head of a donkey!
8) With this you can get a handle on your gambling (3-5,6)
The ONE-ARMED BANDIT, a nickname for slot machines, is ubiquitous in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Even the airports in these cities have rows and rows of them to relieve you of any money you may still have!