Question 1

What does the cryptic crossword clue "Workforce, following decline, means to raise standards (9)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The definition part of the clue is "means to raise standards". The wordplay technique is a charade (building blocks). The answer is FLAGSTAFF. Explanation: FLAG (synonym="FLAG") + STAFF (synonym="STAFF") = FLAGSTAFF; definition: "means to raise standards"

Question 2

What is the answer to "Workforce, following decline, means to raise standards (9)"?

Accepted Answer

The answer is FLAGSTAFF.

Question 3

What type of wordplay is used in "Workforce, following decline, means to raise standards (9)"?

Accepted Answer

This clue uses a charade (building blocks) as its wordplay technique.