Worst cryptic clue?

[soroban]

One of the worst clues was in a British cryptic puzzle many years ago.

. . \(\displaystyle \text{Noon? Correct! (5)}\)

**
"Noon": a.m. end

Answer: AMEND
**



There was a cryptic crossword (probably by Cox and Rathvon)
. . with the title "Absolutely!"

I found that some words had to be shortened
. . before entering them in the grid.

Dissimilar: DFERENT
Comprehend: UNDERST
Monarch: TERFLY

Get it?
No IFs, ANDs or BUTs.


Another puzzle was titled "Men of Art".
There were several unclued entries.
I was puzzled about the theme
. . until I found GAWAIN.
(face palm)

 

[mmm4444bot]

One of the worst clues was in a British cryptic puzzle many years ago.


\(\displaystyle \text{Noon? Correct! (5)}\)

An exclamation point indicates that the entire clue defines the answer (& lit type of word play).

I don't see how this example stands as an & lit clue. I'll also volunteer that I don't understand a lot of British humor.

Maybe better as:

Correct time at noon? (5)


I think the Men of Art theme is quite clever, but any puzzle with clueless answers would be a real challenge. (Out of my league, anyways.)

That other themed puzzle would have had me pulling hair out, absolutely! (The given theme-clue seems cruelly vague.)


Thanks for sharing :cool:

 

[mmm4444bot]

an &lit MUST end with exclamation point, but an
exclamation point does not "force" an &lit

That figures, lol

So then, it seems that an exclamation point may appear anywhere within a clue.

a question mark (like with "Noon?") usually means
"watch out: this is triky!!"

Yes, puns within word play