For example, good man left in charge of Queen, we hear, notes 509 very quiet flowers by the way, points at the Spanish sailor, and confuses the novice French model with account concerning dead woman's jewelry. (3, 8)
Blimey, CdM, there are enough components there to make eight words ! EG ST L IC ER/HM {we hear = sounds like} A/B/C/D/E/F/G(plural) DIX PP ST/RD N/S/E/W(plural) AT EL AB(S)/TAR .... and that's only got us up to the Spanish sailor !
[rab] Very good! Although it is actually a strict Ximinean clue. Details: The last four words are the cryptic part (RE D HER RINGS); the rest of the clue up to "...account" is the definition.
I probably would have noticed that if I wasn't (supposed to be) working at the same time! In the meantime, this has reminded me of one that I've wanted to clue for a while: This clue might be: "500. Precedes solid containing volume of mute's heart"
Here's a clue I saw in an Acorn User crossword in the early 90s, which I've always remembered. It's a long way short of perfect, but still, I liked it... Yalp? (8)
Like this? (4-11) [rab] well, yes, I was aware that was a flaw; I was hoping to get away with a loose sense of ultimate = end. And I want yours to be DEFINITION, but I can't figure out why.
My clue is wrong. Sorry, it should read: This clue might be: "500. Follows solid containing volume of mute's heart" (10) which might give a clue in its own right.
CdM's is either self-explanatory or self-descriptive; rab's is maybe convoluted: vol & ut in cone; 500 = D. PS. Do we really need hidden text in this game?
I didn't bring the Everyman, but here's some (probably) (probably dodgy) clues of my own writing that give a hint as to my preference: 1. Bug Her Majesty? It's the thin end of the wedge (5) 2. Small animal run over by learner driver (6) 3. It's a selfish pleasure to range before the King with the others in tune (5,3,6) The last is my attempt at a Private Eye style clue.
[Raak] I suppose the second could be TURNED but that would mean "red" was the small mammal... I suppose a "red squirrel" could work... also, RED hasn't actually eaten (fully enclosed) the chopped nut (TUN) so I'm probably wrong on that.
[MF]DIVISION was of course correct, wd. I'm a little confused as to what has been solved and what is still outstanding : would someone like to summarise perhaps ? Meanwhile, here's the next Blobbian clue : Presume the leader is back in place (8)
Unsolved clues include, but are not restricted to,
Small animal said to be run over by learner driver (6) (me)
It's a selfish pleasure to range before the King with the others in tune (5,3,6) (also me - and Raak was somehow along the right lines, but way off at the same time)
Twisted small mammal eats a chopped nut (6) (Raak)
Presume the leader is back in place (8) (Blob)
Perhaps no new clues for a while?
Meanwhile, a new Private Eye fell onto my doormat this morning. I'll probably attempt the crossword at the weekend. I do so enjoy the smutty clues.
Please can someone explain why [hidden answer] ENTICE is the probable solution to this clue 'Person bound to learn to sacrifice pawn and rook to offer temptation (6). Letters E_T_C_ already secured. [The Times Crossword - Weds]. Damned if I can work it out.
[Chalky] Here is the explanation: Person bound to learn=PRENTICE. Sacrifice pawn (P) and rook (R) to leave ENTICE. To offer temptation=ENTICE (straight def). There you go.