Our series for those tempted or daunted by cryptics discusses those times when setters say what they mean, even if they don’t mean what they say
“How on earth do these things work?” is a reasonable question when faced with a cryptic clue. The answer goes “Well, half of it is a definition of the answer, and the other half is a little recipe for the letters in the answer,” because that’s how the things are always structured.
Except, of course, when they’re not.
This cylinder is jammed (5,4)
Die of cold (3,4)
16acSporting event one’s bound to compete in (5-6,4)
3d Even when frayed, it should be kept (6)
10acThey lead the way in the present transport system (8)
2d Paperwork finished without tears (7)
20ac Be careful! The time is not right (5,3)
24ac American behind bars, enclosure with little room (4,4)
[ wordplay: synonym for ‘enclosure’ next to (‘with’) synonym for ‘little room’, euphemistically ]
[ CAGE next to JOHN ]
[ definition: American behind bars ]