What does the cryptic crossword clue "Keep prisoner present (8)" mean?

The definition is "Keep". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). CON (synonym="short for “convict”") + SERVE (synonym="to present/to deliver, as in “to serve a meal”, or “to serve a writ”") = CONSERVE; definition: "Keep" The answer is CONSERVE.

Keep prisoner present (8)

Guardian Cryptic #29671 | 5 Down | 2025-04-17 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Guardian's puzzle site →