CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE LESSON # 2 WORD CONNECTIONS

 

A CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE

By the Cryptic Pro

In this lesson you will realize that cryptic crossword solving is not as difficult as it appeared to be at first glance.

Hey! This could be fun now that have an idea of what you are looking for when you see a clue that initially appeared meaningless and incomprehensible.

A connection or liaison combines portions of words together to make other words.

Example: French articles can be connected to produce CHART.

Cryptic puzzle creators make frequent use of liaisons and once you learn to spot them the puzzles will become easier to solve.

This lesson introduces the techniques that the puzzle makers use to formulate this particular type of clue. The word connection clue actually tells the solver in a subtle sort of way that a liaison is in order however, there are many ways that this is done as this lesson will illustrate.

The puzzle creator will tell you that the answer lies within the text of the clue. He may write they entertain hiding Japanese money. Can you find yen hiding in they entertain? The word hiding and other words like; enclosed, within, included and contains are just a few of the many designations that are used to indicate a connection. Here is another example before you go to the next part of this lesson. In speech one may detect a resonant sound. The answer is echo a synonym for resonant sound and the little word in indicates the answer is hidden in speech one.

The best way to learn is to have fun. Study the clues for several minutes and try to figure out the answers. See if you can spot that part of the clue that suggests there is a liaison in order. If you can spot it you are ahead of the game because it reveals the correct answer.

Now put your thinking cap on and enjoy the mental workout as you study the following clues. As with all cryptic clues they look terribly difficult at first sight. Once you learn the techniques you will amaze yourself and your friends who will think you are a mental genius.

Each clue has two parts. One part gives a word or phrase that is the main ingredient. It is the part that has to be defined. The other part is the supporting element. It tells you where to look for the answer. With a little practice it will be easier to understand.

Do only one clue at a time, study it for a few minutes to see if you can decipher the meaning. Study the answer to see how it was conceived. Repeat the procedure for each consecutive clue. After three or four it’s a good bet you will find the definitions for the rest of the clues without looking at the answers beforehand. That’s how it is with cryptic riddles you learn more by simply looking at the answers.

CONNECTING WORDS:

PUZZLE CLUES:

1. Religious holiday in flea's territory [ 6 ].............................................E

2. A portion of cement ordered for professor.[ 6 ]................................M

3. Winter rupture hides break in [ 8 ].....................................................I

4. Bear lying possibly before the appointed time. [ 5 ]..........................E

5. Mechanical system in which a user voted for. [ 5 ]............................S

6. The gunman drew hiding him. [ 6 ]....................................................A

7. A French anthem rhythmic melody. [ 5 ]............................................C

8. Friend is in a jam, I got to get help. [ 5 ].............................................A

9. A bit of over-sentimental poetry. [ 5 ].................................................V

10. In fantasy a child is born. [ 6 ]...........................................................I

11. Falcon tours have a specific outline. [7 ]...........................................C

12. There is a lot to win playing a game of chance. [ 5 ]..........................L

13. It is fun cleaning with a relative [ 5 ]....................................................U

14. It’s a bit early for a hot drink [ 3 ].........................................................T

 

15. Wife very hot has high temperature. [ 5 ]..............................................F

 

Answers to lesson #2 CONNECTING WORDS

Note that each clue has two elements. One part gives a word or phrase that needs defining. The other part subtly tells you where to look for the correct answer.

1. EASTER...This clue tells you where to look for a religious holiday. It is in flea’s territory. The last three letters of flea’s connected to the first three letters of territory spell EASTER

2. MENTOR...The clue states a portion of cement ordered .The last four letters of cement and the first two letters of ordered is the portion that defines professor as a MENTOR.

3.INTERRUPT... Break in means to INTERRUPT which you will find hiding in winter rupture.

4. EARLY...Before the appointed time is EARLY. The clue word ‘possibly’ refers to bear lying for the answer.

5. SERVO ...in the phrase ‘a user voted for’ a mechanical system is defined as SERVO.

6. ANDREW...The answer is ANDREW who you will find hiding in the phrase ‘the gunman drew.

7.CHANT...A rhythmic melody stemming from a French anthem is CHANT

8.AMIGO...A friend is in the phrase ‘a jam I got to get help’ AMIGO.

9. VERSE...A bit of ‘over-sentimental’ when connected is VERSE the definition of poetry.

10. INFANT...In fantasy a child is born. INFANT is naturally a newly born child.

11. CONTOUR...Falcon tours have a specific outline. CONTOUR

12. LOTTO...There is a lot to win playing a game of chance LOTTO.

13. UNCLE...It is fun cleaning with a relative. UNCLE

14. TEA...It’s a bit early for a hot drink. TEA

15. FEVER...Wife very hot has a high temperature. FEVER