A very common clue type is the “Charade.”  Named after the parlor game, Charade clues break the solution down into its component parts and define each part using various types of wordplay.  The separate clues are reconstructed, leading to the solution.

Charade clues typically contain:

1.  Standard definition
2.  Separate component definitions – discreet definitions of each part of the solution
3.  Sometimes the clue contains position indicators

The components of charade clues may include various types of cryptic clues, including abbreviations, reversals, containers, anagrams, etc.  When appropriate, each part of the clue will include its own indicator.

Examples of Charade clues:

Stop the French gold exhibition (7)

The answer is “tableau.” “Stop” = tab, “the French” = le, “au” = gold.  “Exhibition” defines tableau.

Cheers character, Alfred, and Young pitcher find formula (8)

Answer is “normalcy.” “Cheers character” = norm, “Alfred” = al, “Young pitcher” = cy.  “formula” defines normalcy.

Sounds like one is sure about following sad orderly (8)

Answer is “bluenose.” “Sounds like one is sure about (‘knows’) = nose, “following” informs the solver that “nose” comes after the next part of the clue, “sad” = blue, “orderly” defines bluenose.