What does the cryptic crossword clue "In front of uncovered king, captures rooks (5,2)" mean?

The definition is "rooks". The wordplay uses a deletion. TAKES (synonym="”captures” going in front") + IN (synonym="IN") = TAKESIN; definition: "to rook means to swindle" The answer is TAKESIN.

In front of uncovered king, captures rooks (5,2)

Guardian Cryptic #29001 | 8 Down | 2023-02-23 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →