Anyone Into Cryptic Clues?

[M Swanson]

I love trying to answer cryptic clues and wondered if anyone would be interested in identifying the musical pop group in these clues. Your starter for five! :)

1. Is this a compromise on “Men only”?
2. A female relative in a bit of a tangle?
3. Firearms and floribunda will lead you to this US group
4. According to the saying, these do not amass small flowerless plants
5. A poodle, an alsatian, a beagle and Paul McCartney for instance

[changilass]

Twisted Sister and Guns n Roses straight away, will come back to the others later.


Doh!!!!! Girls aloud

[golach]

4:- Rolling Srones

[norscot]

5. Three Dog Night.

[changilass]

aye Gol managed that one with a bitty thinking

thanks norscot, I really didn't think there was a group called mongrel beetle

[linnie612]

Here's some more cryptic stuff:-

Two six-letter words in each answer, one letter is changed in the second answer to solve the cryptic clues.

1. Courteous detectives perhaps
2. Think about your food then add condiments
3. Take a fall during a gang-fight
4. A psychiatrist finds himself in a holy place
5. Lose your nerve before a big fight
6. Give an ant a disease
7. An Eastern ruler with a healthy glow )
8. Feel a bit shook-up about having a black eye
9. Got into a scrap over nothing at all
10. Haggle over price with an ex-US President

For example, the answer to the first question is:-

1. POLITE/POLICE

[M Swanson]

2. Reason & Season

[changilass]

3. Tumble rumble
4. shrink shrine
5. bottle battle

7. Sultan suntan


10. Barter Carter

[M Swanson]

6. Infect & Insect

[morganria]

8. Shiver & shiner

[Lorne]

9 Fought & Nought

[linnie612]

All correct. :)

[Aaldtimer]

I'll give you one from a long time ago in the "Weekend"(Sadly long defunct magazine) X word I used to love. It was compiled by an old Irish woman apparently, who had a sense of humour which took me quite a while to fathom.

"When the key is turned, it appears well oiled".

It was the last one I hadn't solved and the grid showed ..."-a--i-e".

Took me quite a while to fathom that one!:)

[M Swanson]

Got it Aaldtimer! It's a beaut and so clever. :) I won't give the answer, until others have had a chance to enjoy solving it. Don't want to cramp their style. ;)
Thanks for the fun. Brilliant!

[joxville]

From the original post

1 Girls Aloud

2 Twisted Sister

[Aaldtimer]

Thinking about the clue, I'm sure anyone under about 20 couldn't relate to it. Just when did these ring-pull cans come about?:confused

Of course it's not always oil nowadays!

[M Swanson]

Yes, I'm sure you're right Aaldtimer. You may like to read this link from Wiki, which gives the facts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverage_can

[M Swanson]

Can you find the answers from these abbreviations? Another starter for ten! :)

1. What SOTT is a verbal faux pas?
2. What MA is to Atone?
3. What MB received $18.5 million for nine minutes of screen time?
4. What BOAF means people of the same ilk?
5. What SH does someone do when they quibble?
6. What BK is the largest lake in Japan?
7. What ISS means scarce?
8. What BF is genuine?
9. What ATCF means in a direct line?
10. What RD is the fastest land animal in Britain?

[joxville]

1. Slip of the tongue
2. Make amends
3. Marlon Brando
4. Birds of a feather
5. Stupid huff?
6. Biwa-ko
7. In short supply
8. Bona fide
9. As the crow flies
10. Red deer

[linnie612]

5. split hairs?

[joxville]

By jingo, she's got it! Thanks Linnie, I've been thinking of that all evening and finally gave up, it's the only one I couldn't get.

[linnie612]

I know what you mean, I've just finally managed Auldtimers question - even with all the clues!:)

[M Swanson]

As a few of you seemed to enjoy the first ten questions, here's another ten, for you! :)

1. What DV is the hottest place on the earth?
2. What TS is an epidermal way of saying insensitive?
3. What KTBR means to keep something going?
4. What WW is thin, weak or sloppy?
5. What HBTY is the most frequently sung of all?
6. What GB is a mediator?
7. What DD is slang for gibberish?
8. What SASP is a popular Chinese restaurant dish?
9. What MOFW is a tight lipped male?
10. What CDB had a hit throughout Europe with "Missing You"?

[laguna2]

10. Chris De Burg

[laguna2]

1. Death Valley
9. Man of few words .................

[laguna2]

3. Keep the ball rolling

[morganria]

5. happy birthday to you7. Double dutch8. Sweet And Sour Pork

[linnie612]

2. Touchy subject

[Aaldtimer]

2. Thick skin

[M Swanson]

4. Wishy washy

[M Swanson]

Only No. 6 left to answer, in the previous group, so here's another 10 to keep the pot boiling. :)

1. What CO was the Greek Billionairess who died in 1988?
2. What CFH had a hit record with ?You always hurt the one you love? in 1961?
3. What JD was the cult actor who only made 3 films?
4. What AE is an avid listener said to be?
5. What WO is to eradicate?
6. What PBS married the authoress of Frankenstein?
7. What AS are outlawed drugs for athletes?
8. What SOF is the Quaker religion?
9. What GP is the popular pet also known as cavy?
10. What TOTU is the TV programme originally introduced by Roald Dahl?

[laguna2]

No. 6 in previous group ... is it Go Between?

[laguna2]

1. Christina Onasis
2. Clarence Frogman Henry
3. James Dean
4. All ears
5. Wipe out
8. Society of Friends
9. Guinea Pig

[M Swanson]

Yes Laguna, it was 'go between.' Thought you were headed for a clean sweep on the last set too. :cool:

[linnie612]

6. Percy B? Shelley
7. Anabolic steroids
10. Tales of the Unexpected

[M Swanson]

All present and correct! :) Shelley's middle name was Bysshe, but I had no idea of the spelling. Apparently he was named after his grandfather.

Another ten for you all.

1. What STC is to shun or ostracise someone?
2. What IA are you when you?re behind with a payment?
3. What RB was a hard-drinking Welsh film star?
4. What TPT is a classification of the known elements?
5. What YP is traditionally eaten with Roast Beef?
6. What AD was a 1930s style of art?
7. What SB is a basic safe?
8. What LD is an almost circular mountainous area in Cumbria?
9. What POTB means to congratulate?
10. What WWW is a damp sounding pop group?

[linnie612]

1. Send to Coventry
2. In arrears
3. Richard Burton
4. The Periodic Table
5. Yorkshire pudding
6. Art Deco
8. Lake District?
9. Pat on the back
10. Wet Wet Wet

[linnie612]

7. Strong box

[laguna2]

Well done linnie!!!!!!!!!

[M Swanson]

Shall we have a double-bubble for the weekend? :D

How about some cryptic clues, where the answers are the names of Forumites? Don't shoot the amateur compiler! :eek:


1. Something fishy about German capital? 6

2. Queue to maintain order? 6

3. Conquer in a crafty setting? 7

4. Sounds like a rum, 1 of 5 around a point. 8

5. Drag your feet like Miss Stubbs? 6

6. Scramble! Initially, serve from at a feast and stick to it! 8

7. Strewth! Does this beautiful maiden come from down under? 5,5

[M Swanson]

These numbers are followed by letters. The letters are the abbreviation to a description.

For example: 52WOTY would be 52 weeks of the year. Good fun this one.
:)1. -32TIDFAWWF
2. 7DOTW
3. 7WOTW
4. 12SOTZ
5. 13SITUSF
6. 18HOAGC
7. 26LOTA
8. 52CIAPWJ
9. 66BOTB
10. 90DIARA

[laguna2]

2 Seven days of the week
3 Seven wonders of the world

:D

[morganria]

6. Holes On A Golf Course7. Letters Of The Alphabet4. Signs Of The Zodiac8. Cards In A Pack With Jokers

[laguna2]

8. Cards in a pack WITHOUT jokers?

[M Swanson]

Yeap! You and Morgan got 8. Not many to go now. You two are doing really well. :cool:

[laguna2]

10. 90 degrees in a right angle?

[M Swanson]

Sure is Laguna. Only three to go, 'though 1's a toughie!

[laguna2]

Sure is Laguna. Only three to go, 'though 1's a toughie!


It is indeed!! :eek:

[laguna2]

9. 66 Books of the Bible ?

[laguna2]

5. 13 Stripes in the United States flag?

[laguna2]

Please someone!!!! Put me out of my misery! What is number 1?

[Aaldtimer]

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at which water freezes.

[laguna2]

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at which water freezes.



:D Hooray!!!! Thank you Aaldtimer! I had an idea it was about temperature but couldn't work out what!! :D

[M Swanson]

Aaldtimer to the rescue. Phew! Thanks to everyone who played. :cool:

[laguna2]

Really enjoyed that ... thanks M Swanson :D

[M Swanson]

You're very welcome, Laguna. I forgot to mention there was a cyber prize! You all get another 10 to drive you bonkers! :lol:


1. 7CIAR
2. 2WIAF
3. 64SOACB
4. 57HV
5. 3WOARR
6. 9LOAC
7. 10EIAD
8. 12AAJATLS
9. 20BOCIAN
10. 50IBEOADB

[M Swanson]

Shall we have a double-bubble for the weekend? :D

How about some cryptic clues, where the answers are the names of Forumites? Don't shoot the amateur compiler! :eek:


1. Something fishy about German capital? 6

2. Queue to maintain order? 6

3. Conquer in a crafty setting? 7

4. Sounds like a rum, 1 of 5 around a point. 8

5. Drag your feet like Miss Stubbs? 6

6. Scramble! Initially, serve from at a feast and stick to it! 8

7. Strewth! Does this beautiful maiden come from down under? 5,5

I've had a thought. If anyone is struggling with any of these clues, then please feel free to PM me. This is the first time I've tried to compile my own and it maybe some may not be as good as perhaps they should be. I've occasionally been driven to distraction by crosswords that I later discovered contained an error. So frustrating!! :eek:

[linnie612]

5. laguna(2)?

[M Swanson]

Yes, well done Linnie. First point goes to you. :)

[linnie612]

They're really bugging me!:)

[M Swanson]

Whoops! Sorry about that Linnie. I just hope I've done a good enough job, or I'll be run out of the place and I'm kinda fond of the Org. :D Save me Linnie! :lol:

[linnie612]

I'll try :lol:

7. Hells belle?

[M Swanson]

Yessssss! A big thumbs up to you. :D

[laguna2]

5. laguna(2)?


:)..........................

[linnie612]

6. Rheghead (got help with this one, if its correct!:))

[M Swanson]

Wow! You cracked it Linnie! No matter that you had a little help. We all need it at times! Very well done! Proud of you! :cool::D

[M Swanson]

:)..........................

You're famous now Laguna. :lol: Don't relax too much 'though! You need to check-out #56. It's got your name on it! :lol:

[linnie612]

linnie(612) .. :o:o

[M Swanson]

You didn't think I'd leave your name off the list, did you Linnie? You should be so lucky. :lol: Well done again. :cool:

[linnie612]

Ha Ha, thankyou, three to go! I'll get my thinking cap on - it may take some time ....[lol]

[M Swanson]

You have all the time in the world, Linnie. Tomorrow will do nicely. :lol:

[laguna2]

Just can't get my head round these ones at all :( :eek: :(

[M Swanson]

As Christmas is not far away now, I thought I'd give the answers to the last three clues! I don't want anyone mithering over the holiday! Especially not Linnie who has been such a good sport. If anyone has any queries, or think I need a cyber clout round the ear, then please PM. :lol: Think I may list a few new clues soon! You know you want me to. :D


1. Something fishy about German capital? 6 - An anagram of loach, (fishy) and (G)erman capital = Golach.

3. Conquer in a crafty setting? 7 - Conquer (lick) in a crafty (sly) setting = Slickly

4. Sounds like a rum, 1 of 5 around a point. 8 Rum (odd), 1 of 5 is a (quin) around a point (e) = OddQuine.

Hope you enjoyed them, even if you didn't play. :cool:

[laguna2]

Excellent ... look forward to trying some more soon :D

[M Swanson]

Then so it shall be Laguna. :D I didn't know you were trying them, but very pleased that you did. I've a hunch, that if you're new to cryptic clues, you will crack 'em, no trouble. :cool:

[linnie612]

I'd got 4. Oddquine, but didn't manage no's 1. and 3.:( Good fun though:D

[M Swanson]

Thank you Linnie, I enjoyed it too. :cool: Maybe some other folks may like to join us in round two. As my ole Granny used to say, "No pain, no gain." :lol:

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas. x

[M Swanson]

On your marks, get set .............. ! :D


1. Singapore hell-hole. No place for a lady! 10

2. A confused Queen Matilda? Surely not. 9

3. Vintage car driven by a reformed terrorist group? 9

4. Would sir like a German or Scotch whiskey? 7

5. Enigma's kept in proportion? 7,2,8

6. British Rail includes lifeline and stirs things up. Ay, Ay, Cap'n! 4,6

7. Addled guides and Quaker leader, herds us into a tight space. 7

8. Could Mr Gore be a bit of a hard-man? 6

9. On top of the hill, but sounds bewildered. 7

[laguna2]

1. Changilass
8. Alrock

[M Swanson]

Yes and Yes! Well done Laguna. You've started the ball rolling. :cool::D

[laguna2]

Will keep coming back and having another think :D

[M Swanson]

Good for you. Another good sport on the Org. :cool::)

[M Swanson]

Would anyone like a few clues? Or would you prefer me to give the answers? If not, I'll let it run a wee while longer! Thinking caps on! :cool:

[laguna2]

Clues please? :eek:

[M Swanson]

Okey-dokey, Laguna. This one's for:-

5. Enigma's kept in proportion. 7,2,8. Think synonym for enigma's and this will crack the clue. :cool:

[laguna2]

5. Secrets in Symmetry

:D

Thank you M

[M Swanson]

Super. As ever, you're more than welcome Laguna! :cool: Wanna nuvver one? :)

[M Swanson]

I've got to go offline, so will leave you with the next clue. :D

6. British Rail includes lifeline and stirs things up! 4,6. Abbreivate British Rail and add these two letters to 'lifeline.' This will give you an anagram.

[M Swanson]

Okay! I'll give the answers and how I arrived at them, for anyone who may be interested. A New Year's broom always sweeps clean. :cool:

6. British Rail includes lifeline and stirs things up. Ay, Ay, Cap'n. An anagram of BR and lifeline = Bill Fernie. Ay. Ay. Cap'n. :D

2. A confused Queen Matilda? Surely not. 9 Another anagram of ER, (Queen) and Matilda = Aaldtimer.

3. Vintage car driven by a reformed terrorist group? 9 Vintage car, (Morgan), with reformed terrorist group, (IRA) anagram = Morganria.

4. Would sir like a German or Scotch whiskey? 7 This one's in the clue. GermaN OR SCOTch whiskey = Norscot.

7. Addled guides and Quaker leader, herds us into a tight space. 7 An anagram of addled GUIDES and Quaker leader (Q) and means tight space = Squidge

9. On top of the hill, but sounds bewildered. 7 On top of the hill, TOR, but sounds bewildered Vaig/Vague = Torvaig.

[laguna2]

Thanks for the answers! Just could not get my head round the clues ... possibly cos I don't know a lot of orger's names :o

[M Swanson]

Again, you're welcome L. At least you're always willing to give it a go and I appreciate that. :cool:

[laguna2]

I appreciate all the hard work you put into the cryptic clues so have a wee rest M and then perhaps you will feel like doing another set of cryptic clues?

Thanks again :D

[M Swanson]

Thanks very much L. I don't actually put too much time into the clues and as I've never compiled them before, I've really enjoyed the outing. I know by the viewing figures that it's garnered a good deal of interest in the challenge, but it's such a pity this hasn't been reflected in the number of folks who are willing to join in. Shame! But no matter, at the end of the day, I so appreciate those few like yourself who have. I'll leave if for a bit and try again. :D This is my favourite category in the Org. Nowt wrong with having a bit of fun, as we both know! :cool:

[joxville]

I think some of them are just too thick.

[M Swanson]

You don't want to know how stupid I can be at times, Jox. :D

So, how about we try another set of six cryptic clues, with an Orger's name being the answer? I've deliberately made these easier than the last batch, to help folks who maybe learning how to solve them. We all have to start somewhere. Is anybody out there? We shall see! :cool:

1. In short an army officer with an artful disposition. 9
2. A member of the family, that is. 5
3. Sounds like a Scotsman from Thurso, or Wick, or similar. 8
4. A scruffy dog, featured in a long-winded, pointless story? 6
5. Royal Princess joins forces with Mrs Curie? 9
6. A world famous camera with the start of India in the middle. 6

[linnie612]

1. cptdodger
2. dadie
5. annemarie(482)

[M Swanson]

Yeap. Great start Linnnie. Well done to you. :cool:

[laguna2]

sorreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :( am not familiar enough with org names to get my head round this one!

[M Swanson]

Definitely no need to apologise L. We can still play the other thread games. You're such a good sport and I really enjoy the fun. :cool:

[linnie612]

Thanks M :)

6. kodiak

[linnie612]

3. joxville

[M Swanson]

Very well done again, Linnie. Another two in the bag. :cool: I sometimes struggle for ages with a clue; leave it and when I come back to it, the answer suddenly jumps out at me. Then, it all becomes so obvious I wonder how I could ever have missed it. :lol: They're infuriating but I love the challenge! Only one to go! Nail it Linnie. :D

[linnie612]

Thanks M, though I fear no 4 may be my undoing!:lol: Will keep thinking, though :)

[M Swanson]

Nope! You're going to crack it, Linnie. The Org this week - next week The Times! Come on Linnie.! That's me cheering you. :lol:

[M Swanson]

If you're around Linnie, think of a particular type of story with a canine connection. :cool:

[M Swanson]

As Linnie seems to have gone walkabout, I'll give the answer:-

4. A scruffy dog, featured in a long-winded, pointless story? 6 A scruffy dog, (shaggy), pointless story = shaggy dog story!

Hands up all those who sussed it? :D