Order of Operations
Solution
by Ivan Wang and Tracey Lin
Each puzzle in this round is a set of cryptic clues themed around a particular mechanic. The clues are given alphabetically by answer, and solving a subset unlocks the next puzzle in the sequence. For a list of standard mechanics, see the Puzzled Pint guide.
This puzzle builds off the first of the sequence, but adds additional parentheses. Like in math, clues in parentheses should be resolved first to a word before the overarching cryptic indicator is applied.
Clue | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Anarchy combatants (final North Missouri regiment) attack on several fronts (5) | CHAOS | fronts of C_ (_H _[i] _[t] finals) A_ O_ S_ |
| Honor and (leaders of granny, nephew, uncle) effect happy endings (4) | DUTY | _D ([g]_ [n]_ U_) _T _Y |
| (Heads or tails?) Gambler’s coin aggravates dormant bug (4) | GNAT | G_ _N A_ _T (take first or last letters) |
| Leaders of senators, archdukes, (beheaded dictators) dutifully spoke (4) | SAID | S_ A_ ([d]Ictators) D_ |
| Tails of goats, sheep, yeti, (retreating evil) rams, or moles (5) | SPIES | _S _P _I (Evil (rev.)) _S |