Time for a Cryptic Clue

The answer is a 4-letter word. :)

Here are two threads containing a brief explanation of cryptic (crossword) clues. There are also links to tutorials online.

Direct-Answer Crypts

Keepsake ruined at Fir, indeed! (8) ? Artifact is so cracked, I've run! (8) ? Retain wine souvenir! (8) ? \(\;\)
www.freemathhelp.com

how to learn this "crypt" stuff

I can do the (fairly easy) crossword puzzles that are daily sent to my phone. But this "crypt" stuff is a whole different animal. Is there some "crypts for dummies" site that y'all could recommend, so I could at least start understanding the answers? :shock: Thank you! :p
www.freemathhelp.com
 
I haven't done one before so this might be unconventional. Here's the attempt.
ANSWER = Slug
bullet = slug (a type of bullet)
shrinks primary = to reduce the first word (somehow): "slug" -> "lug"
drag = lug (drag or pull something heavy)
 
BigBeachBanana said:
I haven't done one before so this might be unconventional. Here's the attempt.
ANSWER = Slug
bullet = slug (a type of bullet)
shrinks primary = to reduce the first word (somehow): "slug" -> "lug"
drag = lug (drag or pull something heavy)
Click to expand...
I got the same answer, though your reasoning isn't quite how things work; as I see it,
Direct definition:
bullet = SLUG
Wordplay:
shrinks primary = first letter of "shrinks" = S
drag = LUG
S+LUG = SLUG
 
BigBeachBanana said:
Here's the attempt.
Click to expand...
You got it bueno! 👋

In this crypt, "primary" is an indicator word that tells the solver to use the first letter of another word. Hence, "shrinks primary" equals 'S'.

There are many indicator-word lists online. Here is one site's list of letter-selection indicator words. No single list is complete. When I create cryptic clues, I often need to peruse multiple lists (or use a thesaurus), to find an indicator word that gives my clue good "surface". Clues that read as common or sensible statements are said to have good surface.

:)
 
Dr.Peterson said:
I got the same answer, though your reasoning isn't quite how things work; as I see it,
Direct definition:
bullet = SLUG
Wordplay:
shrinks primary = first letter of "shrinks" = S
drag = LUG
S+LUG = SLUG
Click to expand...
I had a feeling so. It was coincidentally (or intentionally?) both "shrink" and "slug" start with "s".
 
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