Puzzling

It's been a while since I dissected a Gemini Cryptic; here's the first one for 2014 ... This one appeared in the Monday 13 January issue of The Canberra Times.  The Gemini Cryptic is a British cryptic, set by two people. More detail here.   As ever, the definition is underlined (except in double and cryptic definition clues).  ACROSS 1) He requires staff for the spring (4-7) = POLE-VAULTER Cryptic definition. Nothing to do with hiring people, this guy needs a pole to spring up with! 9) Vindication of French miscreant (7) = DEFENCE Charade clue. Of French  = DE ('of' in French) + FENCE (a miscreant, as in someone who received stolen goods). 10) Cool courage is never shattered (5) = NERVE Anagram ( shattered ) of never. 11) She's not improved by the golden touch (4) = LILY Cryptic definition. Reference to 'gild the lily' and a girl's name. 12) In use can turn into a problem (8) = NUISANCE Anagram ( turn into ) of i...

Happy New Year all! I'm pleased to announce the winners of the last cryptic clue writing competition, for the word CENTENNIAL. First prize: For the hundredth time Len, nice tan job (GrizNHeph) — A lovely concise clue, with LEN NICE TAN as the anagram fodder, and job as the anagram indicator. Second prize: Celebrate one hundred years by shaking 50 Romans in canteen (sandbox74)— an anagram of 50 Romans (L) with IN CANTEEN, indicated by shaking. Third prize: CNN late in e-broadcast, spoil 100th year anniversary (Asuquo) — an anagram of CNN LATE IN E. Broadcast and spoil  could be the anagram indicators (although only one is needed). I know that sandbox74 and Asuquo are both outside of the regions where I can gift apps, sorry people ... but you can have that peaceful inner glow and smugness of knowing you did good  ;) GrizNHeph, drop me an email to let me know where you live, and hopefully I can send an app to you!