#282026-11-13·Deletion

Cryptic Clue #28

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#28⭐ Flawless

Difficulty:

Downpour as locomotive loses head(4)

Setter: Puzzler Prime

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Hints:

Post-Solve Analysis

Setter's Editorial Walkthrough

Setter: Puzzler Prime

1. Tripartite Structural Breakdown

Straight Definition (First Word)DownpourDictionary synonym of target solution

Wordplay Indicator (Deletion)loses headInstructs the operation

Fodder & EnumerationTRAIN (locomotive) - T (4)Yields exactly 4 letters

2. Wordplay Equation

TRAIN - T = RAIN

3. Mechanics & Setter Deception

"Locomotive" is TRAIN. When it "loses head" (the initial letter T is deleted), it leaves RAIN ("Downpour").

Master this mechanism: Read the complete Deletion Guide →

Check related indicators: Browse Indicator Lexicon →

Clue #28 Questions & Answers

Q1.What is the straight definition in Clue #28?▼

The straight definition is "Downpour", placed at the very beginning of the clue under the Extreme Placement Rule.

Q2.How does the wordplay in Clue #28 work?▼

This is a classic Deletion clue. The equation is: TRAIN - T = RAIN. "Locomotive" is TRAIN. When it "loses head" (the initial letter T is deleted), it leaves RAIN ("Downpour").

Q3.What is the significance of the enumeration (4)?▼

The enumeration (4) signifies that the target solution consists of exactly 4 letters.

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