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Strangely Definitive, But Even Easier

· By Melanie Branton · Published 2025-05-18T09:50:24.387Z

Constructor's Note
Another type of clue which does not follow the normal NON-CRYPTIC DEFINITION + CLUE INDICATOR + FODDER pattern is the one-clue pun. These clues consist of merely one highly ambiguous and misleading definition. And that's it. For example, the old chestnut that every cryptic crossword in the world has done to death: "Number (11or 10, depending on your nationality)" to which the answer is AN(A)ESTHETIC (it MAKES YOU NUMB, geddit?). And "Not a local number (7, 11)" is of course GENERAL AN(A)ESTHETIC. Another example, from The Independent recently, "Dreaded meter reader (8, 9)" to which the answer is BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH. Genius! If you like my crosswords, then you'll LOVE the Cryptic Mystic's YouTube channel, which is a brilliant resource for cryptic newbies and has been kind enough to feature a few of my puzzles https://www.youtube.com/@The_Cryptic_Mystic
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  • Shark 🤓2:18 · 2025-05-18T12:12:06.894Z
    Thanks!
    • Chris Jones 🤓2:14 · 2025-05-18T12:06:27.551Z
      … that was easier!
      • Sendhil Revuluri 🤓1:08 · 2025-05-18T19:49:44.423Z
        One down, two to go…
        1A
        Tom and the Queen, perhaps? (4)
        1
        2
        3
        4
        5
        6
        7
        Across
        1. 1A
          Tom and the Queen, perhaps? (4)
        2. 5A
          Leave it out! (4)
        3. 6A
          The World's End (4)
        4. 7A
          Do the twist? (4)
        Down
        1. 1D
          They wear an arresting uniform at work (4)
        2. 2D
          The people running this are out of control! (4)
        3. 3D
          Buildings cover (4)
        4. 4D
          You have to be seething to make this, or be a poacher, perhaps? (4)
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