Editing Cryptic crossword (section)

====Semi-&lit.====

A ''semi-&lit.'' clue is a variant of the &lit. where the entire clue still provides the definition, but the wordplay is only given by part of the clue.

For example:

:''Dressed up to hear a bit of Puccini? This may be part of it (5,3)''<ref>Phi (30 July 2021). "Cryptic Crossword No. 10,857". ''[[The Independent]]''.</ref>

gives {{sc2|[[Opera hat|OPERA HAT]]}}. The whole clue provides a definition of the answer (i.e. something that might be worn while listening to [[Puccini]]), but only the first part of the clue is wordplay ("bit of Puccini" cluing {{sc2|P}}, and "dressed up" clueing an anagram; overall an anagram of {{sc2|TO HEAR A P}}).<ref>{{cite web |author1=RatkojaRiku |title=Independent 10,857 / Phi |url=https://www.fifteensquared.net/2021/07/30/independent-10857-phi/ |website=Fifteensquared |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=30 July 2021 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703124942/https://www.fifteensquared.net/2021/07/30/independent-10857-phi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Another example:

:''Dog in wild? Yes! (5)''<ref>"Cryptic crossword No. 27,470". ''[[Daily Telegraph]]''. 22 April 2014.</ref>

gives {{sc2|[[dingo|DINGO]]}}. Only the first part of the clue provides wordplay ("wild" indicating an anagram  of {{sc2|DOG IN}}), but the whole clue can be interpreted as a definition of the answer.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Gazza |title=DT 27470 |url=https://bigdave44.com/2014/04/22/dt-27470/ |website=Big Dave's Crossword Blog |access-date=12 April 2024 |date=22 April 2014 |archive-date=26 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926091118/http://bigdave44.com/2014/04/22/dt-27470/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The term ''clue-as-definition'' (CAD) can be used as an inclusive descriptor covering both &lit. and semi-&lit. clues.