Cryptic Mini #3: The Balance
10 clues, fully checked intersections, and zero filler. Can you solve it in under 3 minutes?
Cryptic Mini #3: The Balance
Tip: Press Space or click cell to toggle Across / Down.
Across
Down
Editorial Wordplay Breakdown (Cryptic Mini #3: The Balance)
Examine the clue mechanics, indicator triggers, and equations for all 10 clues.
Across Clues (5)
To SCALE a mountain is to climb it, and a fish is covered in a SCALE.
A COLON is a punctuation mark (:), and a colonist/settler in Spanish territories is a colon.
A + LOT (great deal / parcel of land) = ALLOT ("distribute / apportion").
An untied rope is LOOSE, which also defines not being tightly bound.
To ENTER a room is to go in, and on a keyboard you hit ENTER to record input.
Down Clues (5)
A SCALE measures weight, and to SCALE means to climb up.
The COLON is part of the large intestine, and a COLON consists of two stacked dots.
A + LOT (parcel) yields ALLOT ("assign a share").
To set LOOSE is to free, and an unfastened garment is LOOSE.
To ENTER a competition is to register, and to ENTER a doorway is to come inside.
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