Cryptic Mini #2: The Gaze
10 clues, fully checked intersections, and zero filler. Can you solve it in under 3 minutes?
Cryptic Mini #2: The Gaze
Tip: Press Space or click cell to toggle Across / Down.
Across
Down
Editorial Wordplay Breakdown (Cryptic Mini #2: The Gaze)
Examine the clue mechanics, indicator triggers, and equations for all 10 clues.
Across Clues (5)
"Crying" is an anagram indicator signaling that TEARS unscrambles to STARE, meaning a fixed look.
A TAMER is someone who handles wild animals, and to be more subdued is to be TAMER.
Removing the leading letter ("curtailed at the start") from SAMPLE leaves AMPLE ("generous/plentiful").
"Discovered in" reveals the letters R-E-L-I-C embedded inside "puRE LIQuor", signifying a sacred relic.
To ERECT is to build or put up, and standing upright is ERECT.
Down Clues (5)
A sailor is a TAR. Placed inside SE (compass direction Southeast) gives STARE ("fixed gaze").
"Agitated" rearranges the letters in MATER into TAMER ("animal handler").
Letters A-M-P-L-E are hidden across the words "dreAM PLease", defining "spacious".
Concealed in "puRE LICense" is RELIC ("holy survivor/artifact").
To build is to ERECT, and standing vertical is ERECT.
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