For Consideration

[crosswhit99]

(a) This money could be tool (4)

(b) This money when processed could be tool (4)

(c) This money when withdrawn could be tool (4)

[elliemay1]

loot

[scorpiojo]

Which crossword?

[Mamyalynne]

Quiz?

[crosswhit99]

Well admittedly they are all poor, but for different reasons.

In any cryptic clue the definition could be the wordplay, or vice versa, by some means. It's the setter's job to tell us how, albeit in a cryptic manner.

(a) completely fails to tell the solver How LOOT could be TOOL,

(b) includes an anagram indicator

and more helpfully (c) includes a reversal indicator

[Neveracrossword]

interesting stuff! Do you like this one?...

No cop can be hot in a cape! (6)

[elliemay1]

poncho

[Neveracrossword]

Yes, but I was really just continuing the anagrind debate.

[elliemay1]

I know that! I just thought I'd answer anyway.

[crosswhit99]

X = H in Answer (6)

where X is 'no cop'

5 letters = 7 letters

[Neveracrossword]

I'm not sure I understand - sorry!

The subtleties of clueing and parsing are often lost on me, but this was just a clue with 'can be' (similar to 'could be'). It's from a Guardian crossword.

[crosswhit99]

A sound clue can be thought of as an algebraic formula. My example was of the simplest form A (anag. or rev.) = B where A is the answer.

In the Guardian clue we are told 'no cop' = H inside PONCHO, whereas in reality 'no cop' = (PONCHO - H) (anag.)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks again. I don't know why I'm sticking up for these can be/could be clues - maybe it's just that I saw nothing untoward in them.

[crosswhit99]

You certainly aren't alone there, don't worry, it's just that they don't really tick the box for indicating a rearrangement of the letters, that's all. They do appear in lists of 'acceptable' anagram indicators both online and in print, even Chambers Crossword Guide, but more experienced setters tend to avoid them. Here is a lovely example of the correct use of 'could be' in conjunction with an anagram indicator, in a prize winning &lit Azed Competition clue:

Ham, a slice of Granary, plus a couple of onions (pickled)? Could be ——’s (9)

[Neveracrossword]

Thanks again - and that was a lovely clue. Today's 'could be' clue was from Doc - so as a setter and an editor, he should maybe have tried harder!