Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Welcome to Clueless, our informal weekly clue setting competition. The idea is to compose a cryptic clue to a given word or phrase.

The winner of the previous week's competition both sets the word to be clued and judges the entries for the current week. The judge's decision is final and reasons may or may not be given at the judge's discretion. It is customary for the judge to donate a virtual prize to the winner.

Multiple entries may be submitted and new competitors are particularly welcome. Feel free to give an explanation if you think it might help.

Clues should be submitted by 8:00 pm (UK time) on Wednesday, December 8st.

This week's challenge is:

ORSON WELLES (5, 6).

Good luck to everyone!

Wanted to do a chess-themed clue but couldn't think of a suitable one. This subject inspired by a recent "TEMPER TANTRUM" prize video.

Swollen rose could direct (5,6)

Actor’s devastating loss when cast in new role (5,6)

Actor Sellers won Oscar by default (5,6)

Think that needs a tweak…

Actor’s loss when cast in diabolical new role (5,6)

Actor and essayist take issue to heart - a case of ethics (5,6)

(George Orwell being the essayist)

Les’s role now - playing another actor (5,6)

He played with Rosebud, became dolorous with British newsreels (5,6)

ORSON WELLES ROSEBUD anagrams to DOLOROUS B NEWSREELS

Time to lie down.

You wanted a chess clue?

King and knight get soo well positioned by Spanish player (5,6)

Strange otherworldliness without the mixed-up Third Man of film (5,6)

(otherworldliness - third)*
Def. man of film