Strictly Speaking

The clues in 1-10 all define words in obscure ways. A-J contains the actual definitions or descriptions of the words. Determine the real words and match them with the similar-sounding descriptions. Example: “Set of twelve” (dozen) would match with “meditate” (do Zen). Please explain your answers.

-1. catch a tube
-2. mother of mutt
-3. ventilate a turkey
-4. pigpen is packed
-5. back bite
-6. has less hair to streak
-7. revenue is crooked
-8. a musical note
-9. without skill?
-10. able to hawk

-a. nonsense
-b. sugar coating
-c. doctrine
-d. holding office
-e. wind instrument
-f. smother
-g. reconcile
-h. delete
-i. aristocracy
-j. ghostly spirit

4f. sty filled / stifled

That's the way to start us off, manxman!

8g. a tone (atone)

2/c DOG/ma

Yes to both!

6/a. Balderdash

10/h. cancel - can sell

9/i nobility

1/e. bag pipe

9i. nobility - no ability

7d Income (revenue) bent (is crooked) = incumbent (holding office)

Good brain teasing puzzle.

All good solves!

5b fro sting

Yes!

3j. fan tom / phantom

Nicely done!