CROSSHARE
Print Puzzle
Download .puz File
Account / Settings
Construct a Puzzle

Noun, verb or adjective? 2

· By Melanie Branton · Published 2025-03-23T11:40:56.182Z

Constructor's Note
Cryptic puzzles often try to confuse you by using words which could be a noun in one context, but could be a verb or an adjective in another. The usual rule with cryptic clues is, if your first thought is that it's a verb, it's probably a noun or an adjective and vice versa. For example, "Bar 50% of public (3)" is phrased in such a way to imply that "bar" is a VERB, meaning PROHIBIT, but it's actually a NOUN meaning PLACE THAT SELLS ALCOHOL (the answer is, of course, PUB, which is 50% of the word PUBLIC). The one- and two-clue puns in the following crossword mostly rely on at least one word in the clue messing with your head in this way. If you enjoy my crosswords, you'll LOVE the Cryptic Mystic's fantastic YouTube channel, which has been kind enough to feature a couple of my crosswords and is THE best resource for cryptic beginners: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Cryptic_Mystic
Checking for previous play data...

Comments

Sign in with google to leave a comment of your own:

  • Sendhil Revuluri 🤓2:35 · 2025-03-24T01:46:31.133Z
    I don't quite know how, but I got there! Thank you!
    • Melanie Branton constructor · 2025-03-24T07:35:56.020Z
      Because you are AMAZING and are a formidable crossworder <3
    • Shark 1:20:34 · 2025-03-24T07:59:45.258Z
      Difficult! But thank you!
    • namitea 11:05 · 2025-03-24T11:06:19.579Z
      Another really good one!
      • Melanie Branton constructor · 2025-03-24T13:16:47.022Z
        Thank you x
      1A
      Main pictures (9)
      1
      2
      3
      4
      5
      6
      7
      8
      9
      Across
      1. 1A
        Main pictures (9)
      2. 6A
        Fall in spring period for mighty oaks (5, 4)
      3. 7A
        Feed alternatives to stable business (3, 2, 4)
      4. 8A
        Stick to the police (9)
      5. 9A
        People aren't willing to be this (9)
      Down
      1. 1D
        Strings together in Italian restaurant (9)
      2. 2D
        Pain relative for a newspaper or magazine employee (5, 4)
      3. 3D
        Gets smaller legal documents (9)
      4. 4D
        Season Bolognese? (9)
      5. 5D
        Dioceses feel is eventually being reasonable (4, 5)
      Loading...