This is the fourth in a new series of extremely small and free-form cryptic crossword puzzles, published every two weeks to coincide with our latest essay on which the puzzle will be themed.
This puzzle set by Tope is themed on our essay A Princely Ploy: Inside the Ruse of a French-Armenian Scammer.
You can print the puzzle or fill it in online. Join our newsletter to be informed when the next one is published and see the answers to this grid.
Scroll through the whole page to download all images before printing.Across1. So-called “elfs”, according to this writer (4-6)
4. Pine for instance without yours truly present (6)
6. Initial bit of bunching removed from skirt arrangement (5)
9. Quit job (again ousted) giving notice (4)
11. Mean story splits spiritual community (9)
Down1. Search boxing club, after first sign of upset, for assistance (7)
2. Put nut back over middle of screw and rotate (4)
3. Find meaning in this wanton raid on city (10)
5. A title awarded? In return, nothing (4)
7. Sure about scheme (4)
8. This Charming Man track’s on the radio? (6)
10. Counter cry of pain with love, make amorous advances (3)
New to cryptic crosswords? Our clues should typically be on the easier end so could be a good place to get started! (Check out this guide from The Nation and this video from the New Yorker.)
See all the puzzles in the series here.
