#322026-11-17·Reversal

Cryptic Clue #32

Use the 4 progressive hint tiers below or solve cleanly with 0 hints!

#32⭐ Flawless

Difficulty:

Returned desserts cause emotional strain(8)

Setter: Acrostic Ace

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Hints:

Post-Solve Analysis

Setter's Editorial Walkthrough

Setter: Acrostic Ace

1. Tripartite Structural Breakdown

Straight Definition (Final Word)emotional strainDictionary synonym of target solution

Wordplay Indicator (Reversal)ReturnedInstructs the operation

Fodder & EnumerationDESSERTS (8)Yields exactly 8 letters

2. Wordplay Equation

Reversal of DESSERTS = STRESSED

3. Mechanics & Setter Deception

"Returned" indicates that DESSERTS is read backwards, spelling STRESSED ("emotional strain").

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Clue #32 Questions & Answers

Q1.What is the straight definition in Clue #32?▼

The straight definition is "emotional strain", placed at the very end of the clue under the Extreme Placement Rule.

Q2.How does the wordplay in Clue #32 work?▼

This is a classic Reversal clue. The equation is: Reversal of DESSERTS = STRESSED. "Returned" indicates that DESSERTS is read backwards, spelling STRESSED ("emotional strain").

Q3.What is the significance of the enumeration (8)?▼

The enumeration (8) signifies that the target solution consists of exactly 8 letters.

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