SOLUTIONS for Cryptic Clues Type “A” – CA 36 to CA 40

CA 36: Chap leads to file a request (5) PLEAD

CA 37: Feeling sober for a reason (2) SO

CA 38: First you sketch, then you carve (4) ETCH

CA 39: Can you steal a dabbling duck? (4) TEAL

CA 40: Adamant about building a barrier (3) DAM

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

SOLUTIONS for Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 36 to CC 40

SOLUTIONS for Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 36 to CC 40

CC 36: Part of body or strip of water? (3) ARM

CC 37: Legal draft of an account statement (4) BILL

CC 38: Plank placed to help one get into a vehicle (5) BOARD

CC 39: Sounding out a strong urge (7) CALLING

CC 40: Alluvial area that is triangular (5) DELTA

Did you observe, answer to each of the above clues is a Homonym and it is coloured in green. Homonym is a word that has more than one meaning. Two meanings for each of these words are found in their respective clues and they are coloured red.

Also view in this blog:

CC 1 to CC 5
CC 6 to CC 10
CC 11 to CC 15

CC 16 to CC 20
CC 21 to CC 25
CC 26 to 30
CC 31 to CC 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog.
Have you read my article Lazing around with English ? If not, please read.
Also read A Word about Crossword Puzzles and Structure of a Crossword Puzzle

SOLUTIONS to Cryptic Clues CB 36 to CB 40

CB 36: Flier carried a gun (5) RIFLE

CB 37: Doctor does prescribe quantity of medicine (4) DOSE

CB 38: Can dust be used to create a jewellery piece (4) STUD

CB 39: Enjoy oneself while lifting a lever (5) REVEL

CB 40: Bore a hole in a loose garment (4) ROBE

In each of the above clues, 

Words coloured in red are “Questions” i.e. they are words/phrase for which you have to give a synonym as Answer. 

Words in blue italic are to be anagrammed to create a new word which is the synonym i.e. the ANSWER – shown in GREEN CAPS at the end of the clue.

For example, in CB 36, answer is RIFLE because it is a synonym of the word “gun” and is derived by anagramming letters of the word “flier”.

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

HINTS TO SOLVE CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD16 to CD20

CD 16: Possible to wear a hat when one is competent (7)

Anagram of (Synonym of Possible + Synonym of hat ) = Synonym of COMPETENT = ANSWER

CD 17: Can I miss a rule, that of gas discharge (8)

Anagram of (Synonym of a + I + miss) = Synonym of GAS DISCHARGE = ANSWER

CD 18: Charged a safety device amidst all the din (7)

Anagram of (Synonym of safety device + din) = Synonym of CHARGED = ANSWER

CD 19: People with a playing card create peril (6)

 Anagram of (Synonym of People + Synonym of playing card) = Synonym of PERIL = ANSWER

CD 20: Wanna celebrate? Try with dad (5)

Anagram of (Synonym of dad + Try) = Synonym of CELEBRATE = ANSWER

Solutions for the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CD 16 to CD 20

HINTS AND EXPLANATIONS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD1 to CD5

CD 1: Truly, he is in action (6)

Let me rewrite the clue this way: TRULY, he is in action (6)

TRULY (colour coded in RED and shown in CAPS ) is the Question

Answer is a synonym of the word TRULY

You have to get the answer by using the rest of the clue.

Here the word in (colour coded blue) is used to get the answer. But the answer is a 6 letter word. How do we get the other 4 letters?

For this, we use the word action (colour coded in red and italics) and anagram its synonym with the word in

Synonym of action = deed. So in + deed = INDEED is the Answer

Summary: In + deed (synonym for action) = INDEED = TRULY

Similarly, let's look at the clue CD 2

CD 2: Being in favour of draw, moved ahead (7)

Let me rewrite this way: Being in favour of draw, moved AHEAD (7)

For (synonym for in favour of) + draw = FORWARD = AHEAD

Understand the explanations for the above two clues and try to solve the rest of the clues. I’ve rewritten clues CD 3, CD 4 and CD 5 using the above colour code. Hope this helps. Wishing you the best for the rest!

CD 3: It takes ages to execute the right AMOUNT OF MEDICINE (6)

CD 4: MENTION that all are expected at a certain time (6)

CD 5: TALK about flat, circular objects that are with us (7) 

Also view in this blog:

CC 1 to CC 5
CC 6 to CC 10
CC 11 to CC 15

CC 16 to CC 20
CC 21 to CC 25
CC 26 to 30
CC 31 to CC 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog.
Have you read my article Lazing around with English ? If not, please read.
Also read A Word about Crossword Puzzles and Structure of a Crossword Puzzle

HINTS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD11 to CD15

CD 11: Can a teacher GO WRONG? (5)

CD 12: Bent a little to sit IN THE MIDDLE (7)

CD 13: RULED by an old fellow (7)

CD 14: In total it's a NEGATIVE (5)

CD 15: Scarf with a zodiac sign seen IN THE OPEN AIR (8)

HINTS for Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 21 to CC 25

CC 21: Get on with a group of people (5) 

CC 22: Quick short movement of a short and even hairstyle (3) 

CC 23: Make one believe about a steep cliff (5) 

CC 24: Support for a pillow (7) 

CC 25: To drill a hole can be a dull activity (4) 

The phrases in red in each clue relate to a common word. Can you figure it out?

Solutions to the above clues will be posted next week

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 11 to CC 15

CC 11:  Financial organization located on the land alongside a river (4)

CC 12: Piece of metal finds place in a court room (3)

CC 13: Fierce shout heard through the skin of a tree (4)

CC 14: Flying mammal uses a blade to hit a ball (3)

CC 15: Male goat uses a metal cooking pot (5)

Solutions to the above clues are posted at Solutions for CC 11 to CC 15

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before answering them? Click Understanding Cryptic CLues Type "C"

SOLUTIONS for  Cryptic Clues CC 6 to CC 10

CC 6: Attempt to create a piece of writing (5)  ANSWER: ESSAY

            (since the word “Attempt” and the phrase “a piece of writing” can both mean Essay)

CC 7: Flat and smooth finish isn’t odd (4) ANSWER: EVEN

            (since both the phrases “flat and smooth” and “isn’t odd” can mean Even)

CC 8: Defeat in a battle during autumn (4) ANSWER: FALL

            (since both the words “Defeat” and “autumn” can mean Fall)

CC 9: Talk persistently about a musical instrument (4) ANSWER: HARP

            (since both the phrases “Talk persistently” and “musical instrument” can mean Harp)

CC 10: Animal skin, can we keep it out of sight? (4) ANSWER: HIDE

            (since both the phrases “Animal skin” and “keep it out of sight” can mean Hide)

A Word about Crossword Puzzles

The Crossword Puzzle or The Crossword Challenge (as some prefer to call it) is one of the best forms of word puzzles that offer multifarious benefits to its solvers, the world over. The pleasure of solving crosswords is immeasurable and indescribable. It is one of the least expensive and most valuable hobbies that can be developed by anyone, anytime and anywhere. Be it a rainy day or a Sun(ny) day, holiday or a Holy day, waiting in a railway station or relaxing in your workstation, Crossword can be a cheerful companion.

It is an excellent tool for enriching one’s vocabulary, general knowledge and creativity. It is a wonderful way of meeting with and familiarizing oneself with a whole lot of unfamiliar and infrequently used words, digging our memory to recall countless number of “I sort of remember reading about it somewhere…..” kind of words, a golden opportunity to delve into dictionaries to find meanings, check spellings and often times, confirm the very existence of hitherto unknown words, that many a time emerge as “accidental solutions” in the process of solving crosswords. The necessity to browse the Thesaurus, to pick and choose that “One and Only Word” for seeking a solution from amongst an array of words is by no means less.

During the mind boggling exercise in trying to figure out solutions to the clues, facing the challenges posed by some particularly tough clues, in spite of clenching our fists, racking our brains and breaking our benches, one fails to arrive at the right solution. The best thing one can possibly do at this point of time is to allow oneself a break, just forget about it for quite sometime, resume one’s daily routine and get back to it after a while. On getting back to it afresh, many a time, one ends up getting answers within a blink of an eyelid for the same troublesome clues that came in the way of finishing the puzzle. 

To continue reading, click on Structure of Crossword Puzzle
Also read in this blog:
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Did you read this: "Lazing around with English" If not, please read.

CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD31 to CD35

CD 31: Refer to everything that is due (6)

CD 32: There's silence when I choose the best (7)

CD 33: Allow the mark to turn brilliant red (7)

CD 34: Regret about a side being treated as remainder (7)

CD 35: Roe fed to a leader to become an expert (7)

Solutions for the above clues will be posted next week

Would you like to understand this type of Clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

SOLUTIONS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD26 to CD30

CD 26: Swear dipping a limb in a drink (6)

ANSWER: Anagram of (Synonym of limb) + (Synonym of drink) = Anagram of (LEG) + (ALE) = ALLEGE = Synonym of “Swear”

CD 27: Arrive from behind only to return (8)

ANSWER: Anagram of (Synonym of arrive) + (Synonym of behind) = Anagram of (COME) + (BACK) = COMEBACK = Synonym of “return”

CD 28: This resort you mean? It's my dad's (3)

ANSWER: Anagram of (Synonym of dad’s) = Anagram of (PA’S) = SPA = Synonym of “resort”

CD 29: Seaman found sailing near the edge (7) MARINER

ANSWER: Anagram of “near” + (Synonym of edge) = Anagram of “near” + (RIM) = MARINER = Synonym of “Seaman”

CD 30: Witnessed a battle in Polish city (6) WARSAW

ANSWER: Anagram of (Synonym of witnessed) + (Synonym of battle) = Anagram of (SAW) + (WAR) = WARSAW = Synonym of “Polish city”

Also view in this blog:

Previous sets of Cryptic Clues Type "D" at Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Cryptic Clues Type "A"

Cryptic Clues Type 'B"
Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues CA 11 to CA 15

CA 11: Had food from a plate (3)
CA 12: Play badminton when you are sick? that's not good (3)
CA 13: Manga muted by an entire range (5)
CA 14: Toe line in drafts crafted using crochet (4)
CA 15: Can you portray a beam of light? (3)

To view solutions for the above clues go to Solutions to Cryptic Clues CA 11 to CA 15
To know more about this Clue type before solving them, go to Understanding Cryptic Clues - Type A

SOLUTIONS for Cryptic Clues CA 6 to CA 10 

CA 6: Abridged version of a connection (6) BRIDGE (= connection)

CA 7: Cab in a compartment (5) CABIN (= compartment)

CA 8: Fag end can be curtailed (4) TAIL (= Fag end)

CA 9: Amphibian that loves to advertise (4) TOAD (= Amphibian)

CA 10: Flower part directed by centripetal force (5) PETAL (= Flower part)

Also view in this blog:
CB 11 to CB 15
CC 11 to CC 15
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog.

CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD26 to CD30

CD 26: Swear dipping a limb in a drink (6) 

CD 27: Arrive from behind only to return (8) 

CD 28: This resort you mean? It's my dad's (3) 

CD 29: Seaman found sailing near the edge (7) 

CD 30: Witnessed a battle in Polish city (6) 

Solutions for the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CD 26 to CD 30 
Would you like to understand this type of Clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

SOLUTIONS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD21 to CD25

CD 21: Do achievements deserve celebration (5)

 Anagram of (Synonym of achievements) = Anagram of (FEATS) = FEAST = Synonym of celebration.

 So ANSWER is FEAST

CD 22: Make a mistake and you will end up with a tedious task (6)

Anagram of (Synonym of mistake + ‘and’) = Anagram of (ERR + ‘AND’) = ERRAND = Synonym of tedious task. So ANSWER is ERRAND

CD 23: Men and master together can cause danger (7)

Anagram of (‘Men’ + Synonym of master) = Anagram of (‘MEN’ + ACE) = MENACE = Synonym of danger So ANSWER is MENACE

CD 24: Beam of light streaming on a fabric (5)

Anagram of (Synonym of Beam of light + ’on’) = Anagram of (RAY + ‘ON’) = RAYON = Synonym of fabric So ANSWER is RAYON

CD 25: Mixed to match completely (7)

 Anagram of (‘to’ + Synonym of match) = Anagram of (’TO’ + TALLY) = TOTALLY = Synonym of completely So ANSWER is TOTALLY

Also view in this blog:

CD 1 to CD 5
CD 6 to CD 10
CD 11 to CD 15
CD 16 to CD 20
CD 21 to CD 25

CC 1 to CC 5
CC 6 to CC 10
CC 11 to CC 15

CC 16 to CC 20
CC 21 to CC 25
CC 26 to 30
CC 31 to CC 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

CRYPTIC CLUES - CD 6 to CD 10

CD 6: Both singular and plural present in a zodiac sign (5)

CD 7: Can I the cook become a ruler (5)

CD 8: Fly above to cross a bridge (7)

CD 9: The King of Judea was a man with a stick (5)

CD 10: Lazed after I'd spearheaded (5)

Solutions for the above clues will be posted next week. 
Want to understand the above type of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type 'D"

SOLUTIONS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD1 to CD5

CD 1: TRULY, he is in action (6)

Action = DEED

DEED + in = INDEED = TRULY. So Answer is INDEED

CD 2: Being in favour of draw, moved AHEAD (7)

In favour of = FOR

FOR + draw = FORWARD = AHEAD

CD 3: It takes ages to execute the RIGHT AMOUNT OF MEDICINE (6)

execute = DO.

DO + age = DOSAGE = RIGHT AMOUNT OF MEDICINE. So Answer is DOSAGE

CD 4: MENTION that all are expected at a certain time (6)

expected at a certain time = DUE

DUE + all = ALLUDE = MENTION. So Answer is ALLUDE

CD 5: TALK about flat, circular objects that are with us (7)

flat, circular objects = DISCS

DISCS + us = DISCUSS = TALK. So Answer is DISCUSS

More hints and expalnations for the above type of clues can be viewed at Hints and Explanations for CD 1 to CD 5

Also view in this blog:

CD 1 to CD 5

CC 1 to CC 5
CC 6 to CC 10
CC 11 to CC 15

CC 16 to CC 20
CC 21 to CC 25
CC 26 to 30
CC 31 to CC 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type "C" CC6 to CC 10

CC 6: Attempt to create a piece of writing (5)

CC 7: Flat and smooth finish isn’t odd (4)

CC 8: Defeated in a battle during autumn (4)

CC 9: Talk persistently about a musical instrument (4)

CC 10: Animal skin can be kept out of sight (4)

Solutions to the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for Cryptic Clues CC 6 to CC 10

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before answering them? Click Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

SOLUTIONS FOR  Cryptic Clues CC1 to CC5

CC 1: Comfort within a cabinet (7) CONSOLE

(since both “comfort” and “cabinet” can mean Console)

CC 2: Similar to say, please (4) LIKE

(since both “similar” and “please” can mean Like)

CC 3: At a higher level, it is a sequence of six balls (4) OVER

(since both the phrases in red can mean Over)

CC 4: Persuade one to iron (5) PRESS

(since “persuade” and “iron” can both mean Press)

CC 5: Kind of building, it’s like a flat area on either side of forehead (6) TEMPLE

(since both the phrases can mean Temple)

Also view in this blog:
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
CA 6 to CA 10
CB 6 to CB 10

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD11 to CD15

CD 11: Can a teacher go wrong? (5) 

CD 12: Bent a little to sit in the middle (7) 

CD 13: Ruled by an old fellow (7) 

CD 14: In total it's a negative (5) 

CD 15: Scarf with a zodiac sign seen in the open air (8) 

Solutions for the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CD 11 to CD 15
Would you like to understand this type of clues before answering them? Please click Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

SOLUTIONS FOR CRYPTIC CLUES TYPE “D” – CD6 to CD10

CD 6: Both singular and plural present in a ZODIAC SIGN (5)

Synonym for singular = IS

Synonym for plural = ARE

IS + ARE = ARIES = ZODIAC SIGN    So Answer is ARIES

CD 7: Can I the cook become a RULER (5)

Synonym for cook = CHEF

CHEF + I = CHIEF = RULER   So Answer is CHIEF

CD 8: Fly above to cross a BRIDGE (7)

Synonym for above = OVER

OVER + Fly = FLYOVER = BRIDGE   So Answer is FLYOVER

CD 9: The KING OF JUDEA was a man with a stick (5)

Synonym for man = HE

Synonym for stick = ROD

HE + ROD = HEROD = KING OF JUDEA   So Answer is HEROD

CD 10: LAZED after I'd spearheaded (5)

Synonym for spearheaded = LED

LED + I'd = IDLED = LAZED   So Answer is IDLED

Also view in this blog:

CD 1 to CD 5
CD 6 to CD 10

CC 1 to CC 5
CC 6 to CC 10
CC 11 to CC 15

CC 16 to CC 20
CC 21 to CC 25
CC 26 to 30
CC 31 to CC 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type "B" CB 36 to CB 40

CB 36: Flier carried a gun (5) 

CB 37: Doctor does prescribe quantity of medicine (4) 

CB 38: Can dust be used to create a jewellery piece (4) 

CB 39: Enjoy oneself while lifting a lever (5) 

CB 40: Bore a hole in a loose garment (4) 

Solutions to the above set of clues can be viewed at Solutions for CB 36 to CB 40

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before solving them? Please visit Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"

SOLUTIONS to Cryptic Clues CB 31 to CB 35

CB 31: Gulp by mistake an electrical socket (4)  PLUG

CB 32: Swallowed a lump of a soft oval fruit (4) PLUM

CB 33: Lumpy gathers decorated with feathers (5)  PLUMY

CB 34: Strip of leather used in ports (5)  STROP

CB 35: Small growths on skin caused by straw (5)  WARTS

In each of the above clues, words coloured in red are “Questions” i.e. they are words/phrase for which you have to give a synonym as Answer. Words in blue italic are to be anagrammed to create a new word which is the synonym i.e. the ANSWER – shown in GREEN CAPS at the end of the clue.

For example, in CB 31, answer is PLUG because it is a synonym of the phrase “electrical socket” and is derived by anagramming letters of the word “gulp”.


Also view in this blog:
CB 1 to CB 5
CB 6 to CB 10
CB 11 to CB 15
CB 16 to CB 20
CB 21 to CB 25

CB 26 to CB 30
CB 31 to CB 35

Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "D"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues CA 1 to CA 5

CA 1: Simple devil (3)

CA 2: Person in Germany (3) 

CA 3: Girl in a class (4) 

CA 4: Pothole in a hospital (3) 

CA 5: Boundary of United Germany (4) 

Want to understand this Clue Type before solving them? Click on  Understanding Cryptic Clues - Type A
Solutions to the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CA 1 to CA 5

Also view in this blog:
Cryptic Clues Type "B" CB 1 to CB 5
Cryptic Clues Type "C" CC 1 to CC 5
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "B"
Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 21 to CC 25

CC 21: Get on with a group of people (5)

CC 22: Quick short movement of a short and even hairstyle (3)

CC 23: Make one believe about a steep cliff (5)

CC 24: Support for a pillow (7)

CC 25: To drill a hole can be a dull activity (4)

Solutions to the above clues will be posted next week.

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before answering them? Click Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "C"

SOLUTIONS for Cryptic Clues Type “C” – CC 16 to CC 20

CC 16: Call of victory in a game of numbers (5) BINGO

CC 17: A little bird wins a score (6) BIRDIE

CC 18: A senior clergyman in charge of a chess piece (6) BISHOP

CC 19: Even a small piece can make for a boring tool (3) BIT

CC 20: Be frank about lack of sharp edge (5) BLUNT

The answer to each of the above clue is a Homonym and it is coloured in green. Homonym is a word that has more than one meaning. Two meanings for each of these words are found in their respective clues. They are coloured in red in each of the above clue. 

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog. 

Cryptic Clues Type “A” – CA 21 to CA 25

CA 21: Mass of eggs meant for heroes (3)

CA 22: Flower that bloomed amidst disaster (5)

CA 23: Hey, it’s falling, stop that prop (4)

CA 24: Cushion in a paddy field (3)

CA 25: Sloping surface can be cramped (4)

Solutions to the above clues can be viewed at Solutions for CA 21 to CA 25

Would you like to understand the above type of clues before answering them? Click Understanding Cryptic Clues Type "A"

SOLUTIONS to Cryptic Clues CA 16 to CA 20

CA 16: Composite area of ground (4) SITE (= area of ground)

CA 17: Listen, art lends courage to the fainthearted (4) HEAR (= listen)

CA 18: Illegal burning of a parsonage (5) ARSON (= illegal burning)

CA 19: Can you spare that peel? (4) PARE (= peel)

CA 20: Harvest season has reappeared (4) REAP (= Harvest)

Cryptic Clues posted here are a part of "Play with Words" section in this blog.