Next in our series for those tempted or daunted by the cryptic crossword: the rivers that solvers need to know
In the example clues below, I explain the two parts of each: the definition of the answer, given in bold type, and the wordplay – the recipe for assembling its letters. In a genuine puzzle environment, you also have the crossing letters, which massively alleviates your solving load. The explanations contain links to previous entries in this series on such matters as spelling one word backward to reveal another. And setters’ names tend to link to interviews, in case you feel like getting to know these people better.
There is an eye-opening moment early on when you’re getting used to solving cryptic crosswords, and it goes like this:
21acIn river, you might well see one! (5)
[ wordplay: synonym for ‘in’ (meaning trendy) + name of a river ]
[ HIP + PO ]
[ definition: something you might see in a river ]
7dRussian flower situation is indecent (7)
[ wordplay: Russian river + synonym for ‘situation’ ]
[ OB + SCENE ]
[ definition: indecent ]
2dAmbitious banker hasgreat taste (7)
[ wordplay: synonym for ‘ambitious’ + name of a river (‘banker’) ]
[ EPIC + URE ]
[ definition: one with fine tastes ]
16dPlantsare reportedly in flower (5)
[ wordplay: soundalike for (‘reportedly’) ‘are’ inside (‘in’) name of a river (‘flower’) ]
[ R inside TEES ]
[ definition: plants ]
1acStand in place on island in river (8)
[ wordplay: synonym for ‘place’ with (‘on’) abbrev for ‘island’, both inside (‘in’) name of a river ]
[ PUT with IS, inside DEE ]
[ definition: stand in ]