Cryptic clues

[deptfordmarmoset]

Can I ask if this is cycling related?

Yes, it is.

I reckon we could keep a few clues on the go, provided each time someone adds a clue they carry forward the unsolved ones in their post. What thinketh thou?

 

[winjim]

yeah, that's sounds typical of the ones I hear.

I actually visited a random webpage about solving cryptic crosswords, and as I skimmed through it, I couldn't get this one even with solution and explanation:

Clue: “Oof!” Crew heard “Touch Me” group? (4)

Spoiler: Possible answer and annoyed commentary from me

Homophone: “THE DOORS”


they also say: "if the clue ends with a question mark you’re probably constructing an uncommon, possibly odd phrase that sounds like the answer, such as in the <this one>"

Honestly, I can't tell why that's the answer. I don't even know if the answer is "THE DOORS" or just "DOORS" or ??. for all the other questions on the page, the (4) would seem to indicate a four letter answer. If so, I have no idea what that is. I don't know any four letter homonyms for "The doors"

I think I can get an answer that might just fit that clue. I'm not sure where "oof!" comes in though. I'd have thought a coxswain could come up with

Spoiler

a four letter homophone for "doors".

But I may be completely wrong about any and all of this.

ETA: Just noticed @Stephenite 's post upthread. So yeah, maybe oars? Works with Crew but not sure about the "oof!". Any cox based insight if this is correct?

 

[Speicher]

This one doesn't just come up for air. (5,4)

?

Spoiler

short pant

 

[jefmcg]

@Stephenite,@winjim I think you are right, the answer must be (OARS)*. I used to row a lot and occasionally cox, and I have no idea where Oof comes in.

The reason I thought THE DOORS was the answer was it was part of a list of 3 homophone examples, and the other two listed what was clearly the correct answer in the same form.

Here are the other 2, btw.

Spoiler: In a comment, help ratify trigonometric function

COSINE

Spoiler: Cockney put on trees

OAKS

*there's more than one way to hide an answer. Select it to see.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

?

Spoiler

short pant

Not what's on my answer sheet, sorry.

 

[Speicher]

Not what's on my answer sheet, sorry.

It was a bit of a guess really.

 

[Tim Hall]

Not what's on my answer sheet, sorry.

Spoiler

inner tube

But I can't see why. Except for the "for air" bit.

 

[jefmcg]

Spoiler

inner tube

But I can't see why. Except for the "for air" bit.

similarly, I keep thinking

Spoiler

track pump

, mostly because it fits.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

similarly, I keep thinking

Spoiler

track pump

, mostly because it fits.

Correct.

Spoiler

because it goes up and down for air

 

[winjim]

Spoiler

inner tube

But I can't see why. Except for the "for air" bit.

similarly, I keep thinking

Spoiler

track pump

, mostly because it fits.

Equally

Spoiler

valve core

 

[jefmcg]

Correct.

Spoiler

because it goes up and down for air

Oh, that's quite good. Thanks

I am such an idiot at cryptic crosswords. Even with the right answer, I didn't see it. I am very good at other sort of puzzles, love algorithms, geometry equations. But not cryptic. It's like chess, I worked my way through dozens of examples in a Bobby Fischer book, solved them easily. But put me in front of a chess board with an experienced opponent, and I will fall for whatever 5-move checkmate they decide to try.

OK, I will try my hand at creating a puzzle. It will either be trivial or impossible to solve. Sorry in advance.

 

[jefmcg]

OK, cycling related.

We hear Gangnam Style has a steady beat? (7)

 

[Speicher]

It might be helpful to know the number of letters.

 

[Motobecane]

Yes, it is.

I reckon we could keep a few clues on the go, provided each time someone adds a clue they carry forward the unsolved ones in their post. What thinketh thou?

I think so...as long as it doesn't get too confusing for my poor little brain!

 

[Motobecane]

OK, cycling related.

We hear Gangnam Style has a steady beat? (7)

Doesn't seem quite right but I'll just post this to eliminate it from possible answers:

Spoiler

Pumping