What does the cryptic crossword clue "Dire son following Norm Reed? (7)" mean?

The definition is "Dire". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PAR (synonym="norm, as in golf") + LOU (synonym="Reed, musician") + S (synonym="S") = PARLOUS; definition: "Dire" The answer is PARLOUS.

Dire son following Norm Reed? (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29635 | 5 Across | 2025-03-06 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →