I suppose these are a bit like cryptic crossword clues, but they just have, well, that little something extra, including the fact that there’s a clue in the title, and that some of them are nearly poems! Answers are at the foot of the page here.

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1. Long live the King

The whole royal palace was in quite a state

For nobody knew who had made the King late;

They knew what he’d done, though, what was it?

 

2. Poor fighter

A boxer knocked unconscious off his feet

Is like a man who’s living on the street.

 

3. The way we were

Press here once

 

4. The point is…

Sharp quite undoubtedly they all may be

But doubling their end makes them unnecessary

 

5. The key to it…

He was working at the face and the roof collapsed on him

 

6. Sung Frankly

My first is quite definite as you will soon see

My second’s in waiting (at court, probably)

My third is… my fourth is a…

My last’s on the street

A dogged old number when all is complete

 

7. Application, application, application

We hear it is delicate attire

But you need it to run

 

8. Way to go

Past it

 

9. Way off

Split into three I am secondary;

Altogether I am in foreign parts

 

10. Charming

I often wear a hood and spit;

In short, I am a firm supporter of two

 

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ANSWERS

1. Regicide

2. Down and out

3. Fleet Street

4. Needles

5. A flat minor (miner)

6. The Lady Is A Tramp

7. Software

8. Exit

9. Abroad

10. Cobra