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What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking? (4)

Minute Cryptic clue · November 14, 2026 · answer and full explanation
By Ahmed Hassan
Answer verified against the live puzzle

The Minute Cryptic clue “What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking?” (4) was set for Saturday, November 14, 2026. Below is the answer — blurred until you tap — followed by the definition, the wordplay and why the letters land where they do.

Minute Cryptic · November 14, 2026

What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking?

(4)

The answer isCORK

No spoilers — the answer stays blurred until you tap.

Letters 4Set by Winston with Liam (community)Par 2Solvers 16,864

The clue, colour-coded

What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking?
DefinitionWordplay / fodderLinking words

How this clue works

The definition

s to stop drinkin

Our definition here is 'to stop drinking?', and our answer will be something that fits this description. The question mark suggests some stretchiness is involved.

The wordplay

Not published for this clue

The answer

CORK

The clue reads “What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking?” (4). The definition part — “s to stop drinkin” — points straight at CORK, and the rest of the clue builds it through wordplay.

Minute Cryptic publishes a short walkthrough for this clue — watch Winston with Liam’s own explanation →

This clue’s puzzle day

This clue was the Minute Cryptic for Saturday, November 14, 2026. Open the November 14, 2026 puzzle page for that day’s write-up, or browse the full Minute Cryptic archive.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the answer to “What are _atherine’s options to stop drinking?”?
The answer is CORK (4 letters). Tap the reveal button above to see it in the answer card.
How do I read a cryptic clue like this?
Every cryptic clue has two halves: a straight definition (at the start or the end) and a piece of wordplay that builds the same word letter by letter. Find the definition first, count the letters from the enumeration, then work out which trick the rest of the clue is playing.
Is there a new Minute Cryptic every day?
Yes — one cryptic clue a day at minutecryptic.com, plus community-set clues. We publish each day’s answer and breakdown here shortly after it goes live.