If you're interested, a clue in a cryptic crossword in the UK must give you the answer two different ways, one of the ways is a synonym/description, and no word

If you're interested, a clue in a cryptic crossword in the UK must give you the answer two different ways, one of the ways is a synonym/description, and no word may belong to both of the ways. Sometimes a setter will not meet these criteria, so they append a question mark to the clue to mark it as not quite proper. For example, "reprimand son for being so unfeeling" is scold -- a synonym of reprimand, and then s for son and cold for unfeeling. I enjoy doing the cryptic crossword in our local paper. Unfortunately, the ones in national papers are too hard for me. Often the trick is knowing something like that a sailor used to be called a "tar". They are a lot of fun though; I prefer them to general knowledge since all you need to answer them is time, lateral thinking and a good vocabulary. They are also a great illustration of the workings of the subconscious -- coming back to a puzzle after a short time usually yields some answers instantly.