Let’s take a look at another Eye crossword from Private Eye. Their 1 March issue begins with this ‘weak’ cryptic clue.
The answer is LAME DUCK (a two-word phrase for a ‘vulnerable type’).
We get to the answer by finding two synonyms in the cryptic part of the clue (‘feeble’ = lame and ‘bob’ = duck).
So there we have it, cryptic crosswords continue to do a sterling job of keeping thesaurus makers in business.
Think you’re well on the way to mastering the art of cryptics thanks to our 1 Across series? Take our clues quiz and see how you fare.