Charade clues

The answer is built in pieces, like a game of charades: each piece is a synonym or abbreviation, and they are written one after another in order.

How to spot one

• The clue reads like a list of small ideas joined by 'with', 'and' or 'then'.
• Split the answer length into likely chunks such as 3+2 or 3+4.
• Short words like 'son', 'mother' or 'turn' often become one or two letters.
• There is no shuffling indicator; the pieces go in the order given.

Common indicators

and, with, then, after, before, by, next to, on, has, gets, plus, beside, joins, meets, follows

Examples

• Throw away turn for game (5)
• Help catch purse (7)
• Distinguished — not competent (7)
• Follow mother's creed (5)
• Counter profit's a snip (7)
• Son's motor, rented out, is bright red (7)