Religion and Ethics Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: SusanDoris on September 21, 2018, 03:55:50 PM
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For last Saturday’s cryptic crossword which I printed and started on Wednesday, I have been doing two or sometimes three clues a day, but would much appreciate some help with the following
:18 across:Cuts out about 13 physical jerks (9)
This is I presume EXERCISES or, more logically, EXORCISES
19 across: …Inputs marks (5)
(13 across is: In essence, mystique enfolds her (5) so it has to be QUEENm but I don’t see what this has to do with the 13 in 18 A.)
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...inputs marks
types?
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...inputs marks
types?
Oh, of course!!! Thank you.
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For last Saturday’s cryptic crossword which I printed and started on Wednesday, I have been doing two or sometimes three clues a day, but would much appreciate some help with the following
:18 across:Cuts out about 13 physical jerks (9)
This is I presume EXERCISES or, more logically, EXORCISES
19 across: …Inputs marks (5)
(13 across is: In essence, mystique enfolds her (5) so it has to be QUEENm but I don’t see what this has to do with the 13 in 18 A.)
Cuts out is "excises". 13 is queen which is where you get the ER from as in Elizabeth Regina. So Exercises is the answer.
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Cuts out is "excises". 13 is queen which is where you get the ER from as in Elizabeth Regina. So Exercises is the answer.
Ah, yes, many thanks , I see now how that works.
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Only a few more clues to go. May I ask for help with:
Like Tibet and Nepal, banning anything odd, authoritarian (7
E blank S blank blank blank N
I'm almost certain those letters are correct...
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EASTERN
(stern being authoritarian)
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EASTERN
(stern being authoritarian)
thank you again, much appreciated.
How do you get from the clue to the answer? I would be grateful if you could explain.
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thank you again, much appreciated.
How do you get from the clue to the answer? I would be grateful if you could explain.
As he said, authoritarian is "stern". Nepal banning anything odd (i.e. the odd letters) is "ea"
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As he said, authoritarian is "stern". Nepal banning anything odd (i.e. the odd letters) is "ea"
thank you, but I'm afraid I'm still not quite getting it. I can see that banning the odd letters in Nepal gives the EA but what has Tibet got to do with it? Is it because it is in the East too?
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Hi Susan,
thank you, but I'm afraid I'm still not quite getting it. I can see that banning the odd letters in Nepal gives the EA but what has Tibet got to do with it? Is it because it is in the East too?
Yes. It's not a particularly good clue but the "like Tibet" is the definition part for for "EASTERN" (Tibet being an example ("like") of an Eastern country), and the rest is the wordplay part ("EA" plus "STERN").
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Hi Susan,
Yes. It's not a particularly good clue
It's a fucking dreadful clue!
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Hi Susan,
Yes. It's not a particularly good clue but the "like Tibet" is the definition part for for "EASTERN" (Tibet being an example ("like") of an Eastern country), and the rest is the wordplay part ("EA" plus "STERN").
Thank you - I'm glad it wasn't just me who thought it was not a good clue! Having read that book, I expect all clues - in the Saturday prize cryptic crossword in particular - to be of a high standard!
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All I thought was:- East = ea, Nepal and Tibet I thought were 'Eastern';
stern - wouldn't put two 'st' so deleted one.
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Robbie,
All I thought was:- East = ea, Nepal and Tibet I thought were 'Eastern';
stern - wouldn't put two 'st' so deleted one.
No, Susan had it right. The "banning anything odd" after "Nepal" tells to you take out ("ban") the n, the p and the l - leaving EA.Otherwise "banning anything odd" would be redundant - a hanging crime for crossword setters.
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Gobbdegook.
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ad,
Gobbdegook.
Take the French out of nonsense? ;)
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ad,
Take the French out of nonsense? ;)
I have done quite a few clues already on yesterday's cryptic, so I think - I hope! - it is the same setter who compiled the one I completed a week or three ago.
No doubt there will be one or two extra- tricky ones needing assistance ...
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Hi Susan,
I have done quite a few clues already on yesterday's cryptic, so I think - I hope! - it is the same setter who compiled the one I completed a week or three ago.
No doubt there will be one or two extra- tricky ones needing assistance ...
Well, always happy to help if I can!
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I thought it was a good clue.
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Robbie,
I thought it was a good clue.
I don't think to - that "like Tibet" is too vague, and has various possible answers. How about, say, "Confuse nearest oriental (7)" instead?
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Robbie,
I don't think to - that "like Tibet" is too vague, and has various possible answers. How about, say, "Confuse nearest oriental (7)" instead?
Not Western (7)
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jeremy,
Not Western (7)
Erm...
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Not Western (7)
I think I'd have to say that's a bit too easy - even for me!!!
I'm just about half way through...
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jeremy,
Erm...
What? Too hard? How about
Anagram of asterne from the East (7)
Or
Elizabethan boat going backwards in the Orient (7)
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What? Too hard? How about
Anagram of asterne from the East (7)
Or
Elizabethan boat going backwards in the Orient (7)
:D I'd like your clues in a Quick crossword!
I have three-quarters finished the cryptic. <thums-up>
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Susan,
:D I'd like your clues in a Quick crossword!
I have three-quarters finished the cryptic. <thumbs-up>
Keep going girl - I've got every faith in you!
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Susan,
Keep going girl - I've got every faith in you!
Thank you! Just 8 letters to go.
Nothing to cap flier's romantically demonstrative partner (8) L blank blank E blank I blank bank blank
and the clue which has the same last letter is
Chicken-hearted eccentric's official warning (6,4) YELLOW then blank A blank blank
I've had two hours on trains today (to Dorchester and back) and was thinking about them, but failed to come up with an answer.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you! Just 8 letters to go.
Nothing to cap flier's romantically demonstrative partner (8) L blank blank E blank I blank bank blank
and the clue which has the same last letter is
Chicken-hearted eccentric's official warning (6,4) YELLOW then blank A blank blank
I've had two hours on trains today (to Dorchester and back) and was thinking about them, but failed to come up with an answer.
Glad you made it home ok. Are you after the answers or some more clues to get you there?
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Hi Susan,
Glad you made it home ok. Are you after the answers or some more clues to get you there?
I wasn't sure when I wrote the post, but I think clues, please, would be better.
I have assumed that the first four letters of the first clue I mentioned are LOVE
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Ok Susan,
Yes re tennis. Now just add a four letter flier to follow...
For the other one, think football and what happens for a misdemeanour...
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Ok Susan,
Yes re tennis. Now just add a four letter flier to follow...
For the other one, think football and what happens for a misdemeanour...
Thank you. So now I have LOVEBIRD and YELLOW CARD.
Where does the word 'cap' come into the former?
And I think 'CARD' is a little too far away from being a synonym of an ECCENTRIC'! Hmmm.
However, I will forgive the setter those since those two clues were the bottom right hand corner edges! And I obviously tune in to the style.
As that's finished, I'll try today's cryptic for which, of course, answers will be available tomorrow, i.e. not so challenging!
Edited about ten minutes later: I suppose it is because the letters L. I and D appear in the clue but that doesn't really explain ... ...
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. So now I have LOVEBIRD and YELLOW CARD.
Where does the word 'cap' come into the former?
And I think 'CARD' is a little too far away from being a synonym of an ECCENTRIC'! Hmmm.
However, I will forgive the setter those since those two clues were the bottom right hand corner edges! And I obviously tune in to the style.
As that's finished, I'll try today's cryptic for which, of course, answers will be available tomorrow, i.e. not so challenging!
Edited about ten minutes later: I suppose it is because the letters L. I and D appear in the clue but that doesn't really explain ... ...
No problem. No, I think that "cap" just means "follow" - is in "to cap it all" referring to a final event that follows the previous ones.
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I would appreciate a bit of help with yesterday's cryptic. I have done quite a few clues - and the setter seems to be quite similar to the one whose style seems to suit me - but a couple of longer answers would much assist.
For this one, a clue would help, please.
7 down: Break down seeing detective's meeting with hood (9) D-S-A----
20 across is: Insect following grouse (4) and if that is RANT, then the last letter of 7 down is A.
For this one, may I have an answer, please.
9 down: Green, blue and red school flag (7,7)
I shall, of corse, persever!
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I'm rubbish at this, Susan, but I wondered if the last one could be primary colours?
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I'm rubbish at this, Susan, but I wondered if the last one could be primary colours?
Thank you for reply - I did wonder about that, but green I don't think is a primary colour because it can be made by mixing blue and yellow!
ETA Ah, but of course, primary = primary school! And I looked at how PRIMARY COLOURS would sit with other clues, and it looks very promising!
So thank you, Rhiannon!
Not quite sure why the word 'flag' though...... :)
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Thank you for reply - I did wonder about that, but green I don't think is a primary colour because it can be made by mixing blue and yellow!
ETA Ah, but of course, primary = primary school! And I looked at how PRIMARY COLOURS would sit with other clues, and it looks very promising!
So thank you, Rhiannon!
Not quite sure why the word 'flag' though...... :)
"Colour" is a name for regimental flags. I agree with you about green, though, made me doubt it too.
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"Colour" is a name for regimental flags. I agree with you about green, though, made me doubt it too.
It seems that for cryptic crosswords, one has to have a synonyms reference page available all the time! colours = flag etc
And, of course, it was only after I'd posted that I thought of googling the answer about primary colours!
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Hi Susan,
I would appreciate a bit of help with yesterday's cryptic. I have done quite a few clues - and the setter seems to be quite similar to the one whose style seems to suit me - but a couple of longer answers would much assist.
For this one, a clue would help, please.
7 down: Break down seeing detective's meeting with hood (9) D-S-A----
The detective is a Detective Inspector, and the rest is a synonym for “hood”, the whole word meaning to take apart (“break down”).
20 across is: Insect following grouse (4) and if that is RANT, then the last letter of 7 down is A.
It isn’t! (Sorry). The answer is a synonym for “grouse” (as in “complaint”), and the word begins with an insect and ends with an abbreviation for “following”.
For this one, may I have an answer, please.
9 down: Green, blue and red school flag (7,7)
Rhi got there before me ;)
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,The detective is a Detective Inspector, and the rest is a synonym for “hood”, the whole word meaning to take apart (“break down”).
Thank you - in that case I assume it must be DISMANTLE - which I had tentatively written in but couldn't see why hood and mantle were synonyms or where the meeting came in!.
It isn’t! (Sorry). The answer is a synonym for “grouse” (as in “complaint”), and the word begins with an insect and ends with an abbreviation for “following”.
Right - so that's BEEF. :)
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Susan,
Thank you - in that case I assume it must be DISMANTLE - which I had tentatively written in but couldn't see why hood and mantle were synonyms or where the meeting came in!.
Bingo! A mantle is a hood, and the "meeting" just means the two parts of the answer (DIS and MANTLE) "met" - ie, came together.
Right - so that's BEEF.
Yes indeed.
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Thank you - actually, I think this is quite a difficult puzzle!
4 down: Saudis all over debs - to a large extent that's forbidden (10)
It begins with D and I'm fairly sure the third letter is S and I presume it is an anagram of Saudis debs, but there are too many S's. The only word I can come up with is DISABUSED, but that's no good.
I might just have to give up on this one ... ...!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - actually, I think this is quite a difficult puzzle!
4 down: Saudis all over debs - to a large extent that's forbidden (10)
It begins with D and I'm fairly sure the third letter is S and I presume it is an anagram of Saudis debs, but there are too many S's. The only word I can come up with is DISABUSED, but that's no good.
I might just have to give up on this one ... ...!
Are you sure about the clue? It looks like it should be DISALLOWED to me because it’s a portmanteau word (ie it's hidden in the clue) but it doesn’t quite work with the clue you’ve posted. “Saudis all owe debts” perhaps?
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Hi Susan,
Are you sure about the clue? It looks like it should be DISALLOWED to me because it’s a portmanteau word (ie it's hidden in the clue) but it doesn’t quite work with the clue you’ve posted. “Saudis all owe debts” perhaps?
Ah, yes - increased magnification shows that it is 'owe'. There are times when having to concentrate on peripheral vision is very annoying!
Anyway, :I've managed five mnore clues, so I shall have to carry on!
[/quote]
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Here we are - Saturday again. I've done the Quick, and a few clues of the Cryptic. I've given up on last Saturday's cryptic - too many obscure clues. However, there is one that I would be interested to know the answer to:
c
Pickled eel sandwiches German city backed for humour (7)
Picled eel - well there's not much you can do with E, E, and L!
sandwiches - sarnis? No, probably not!
German - G or D?
city- no idea
back - reverse a word?
for humour - answer is synonymn for humour?
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Still don't get cryptic clues. How do they work?
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Still don't get cryptic clues. How do they work?
The book 'Pretty girl in crimson rose' by Sandy Balfour certainly goes quite a way towards explaining. Interesting info about his and his girlfriend's travels too. It must be quite a short book - only four braille volumes!!
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Hi Susan,
Here we are - Saturday again. I've done the Quick, and a few clues of the Cryptic. I've given up on last Saturday's cryptic - too many obscure clues. However, there is one that I would be interested to know the answer to:
c
Pickled eel sandwiches German city backed for humour (7)
Picled eel - well there's not much you can do with E, E, and L!
sandwiches - sarnis? No, probably not!
German - G or D?
city- no idea
back - reverse a word?
for humour - answer is synonymn for humour?
I think I know the answer, but I don’t think the last word of the clue is “humour”- it should be “honour” I if I’m right. Subject to that…
“Pickled” tells you that “Eel” will be an anagram, and the “sandwiches” tells you that it’ll be wrapped around something else. Bonn is a German city, but you need to reverse it (hence “backed”). All of which gives you a synonym for “honour”, namely ENNOBLE.
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Hi Susan,
I think I know the answer, but I don’t think the last word of the clue is “humour”- it should be “honour” I if I’m right. Subject to that…
“Pickled” tells you that “Eel” will be an anagram, and the “sandwiches” tells you that it’ll be wrapped around something else. Bonn is a German city, but you need to reverse it (hence “backed”). All of which gives you a synonym for “honour”, namely ENNOBLE.
Ah, right. Thank you. I was thinking that a sandwich would mean EEL(or LEE or ELE!!) being both sides of a sandwich, but of course that didn't make any sense at all.!
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May I request an answer, please:
Short literary work Fitzgerald produced after a month (7)
The grid is looking a bit empty! I don't think it is the setter I like, but it is not as obscure as some.
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Hi Susan,
Of course: NOVELLA
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Hi Susan,
Of course: NOVELLA
than you.
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Yesterday and today – no time for crosswording, but I would like to get a bit further with it, so responses to a few questions would be much appreciated.
California men in charge concerned with heat (7)
Answer CALORIE but why? CA for alifornia, but the rest?
Ban so restricts business expert (7)
E - - - R - -
May I have a hint please?
Puzzles formulated in games (7)
Anagram of ‘in games’? But I’ve juggled the letters in every way I can butso far without luck, so an answer here, please?
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Hi again Susan,
Yesterday and today – no time for crosswording, but I would like to get a bit further with it, so responses to a few questions would be much appreciated.
California men in charge concerned with heat (7)
Answer CALORIE but why? CA for alifornia, but the rest?
I think it’s CALORIC. CAL is "California", OR is "men" ("Other Ranks") and the IC at the end gives you the “in charge”.
Ban so restricts business expert (7)
E - - - R - -
May I have a hint please?
Try the Latin for therefore (“so”) placed around a business qualification, the whole meaning “ban”.
Puzzles formulated in games (7)
Anagram of ‘in games’? But I’ve juggled the letters in every way I can butso far without luck, so an answer here, please?
ENIGMAS (anagram of “in games”). Quite a clever clue.
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I find crossword clues quite frustrating. They’re obvious when BHS explains them, but it seems to me that the compilers must make the rules up as they go along. I think it’s time for an embargo on this thread.
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Hi again Susan,
I think it’s CALORIC. CAL is "California", OR is "men" ("Other Ranks") and the IC at the end gives you the “in charge”.
Thank you. I'm afraid I wouldn't have got the explanation even if I had put a C at the end!
Try the Latin for therefore (“so”) placed around a business qualification, the whole meaning “ban”.
Thank you - I'l have a think about that, ER-Go with the rest in the middle...
ENIGMAS (anagram of “in games”). Quite a clever clue.
And one I certainly should have worked out! I did give fleeting consideration to googling anagrams, but rejected the thought immediately!
Your help much appreciated.]
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - I'l have a think about that, ER-Go with the rest in the middle...
No problem. Try E - RGO with the rest in the middle though ;)
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Hi jeremy,
I find crossword clues quite frustrating. They’re obvious when BHS explains them, but it seems to me that the compilers must make the rules up as they go along. I think it’s time for an embargo on this thread.
Very droll. To the contrary though, crossword compilers follow rules and conventions. The trick is to know what they are, and to get to grips with the house style. I find the Times and Telegraph generally fairly straightforward for example, but the Guardian I find almost entirely odd - presumably because I've never tried to familiarise myself with it.
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I'l have a think about that, ER-Go with the rest in the middle...
You must have skipped over my reply #54.
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You must have skipped over my reply #54.
My apologies! I didn't miss the post - but did miss the last sentence!
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Escort service provider perhaps - bribe with £500 (6,6)
The first word begins with G, so I came up with GUIDED PONIES
I think £500 is a pony? Well, the N and the E ofPONIES are definitely right.
If this is wrong, may I have a hint please, because:
That means that:
Operatic heroin's career's beginning to take off (5)
would have to be P-M-C
The C comes from caloric, the M from MOVABLE,
See a book spy pocketed, not being secure (7)
the V from nOVELLA and the B from EMBARGO.
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Hi Susan,
Escort service provider perhaps - bribe with £500 (6,6)
The first word begins with G, so I came up with GUIDED PONIES
I think £500 is a pony? Well, the N and the E ofPONIES are definitely right.
If this is wrong, may I have a hint please, because:
It is wrong I’m afraid. An escort is the name of a car, so an “escort service provider perhaps” is someone who services or repairs a car.
The first word is synonym for “bribe”, and the second a synonym for “£500” (a pony is £25 by the way).
That means that:
Operatic heroin's career's beginning to take off (5)
would have to be P-M-C
The C comes from caloric, the M from MOVABLE,
The “P” must be wrong. Think of the heroine from La Boheme, plus the first letter (“beginning”) of “career”, the whole meaning "to take off" or copy.
See a book spy pocketed, not being secure (7)
the V from nOVELLA and the B from EMBARGO.
Hard one this because you need to know the Latin abbreviation for an instruction to look somewhere else (“see”), the “A” is in the clue, as is the single letter short version for “book”, and put them all inside (“pocketed”) a synonym for a spy or a traitor. The whole word means “not stable”.
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Hi Susan,
It is wrong I’m afraid. An escort is the name of a car, so an “escort service provider perhaps” is someone who services or repairs a car.
The first word is synonym for “bribe”, and the second a synonym for “£500” (a pony is £25 by the way).
You can tell I've never been a betting person!! :D
I will read through your post again and then have another try to fill in the answers to the relevant clues.
Help much appreciated as always.
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bluehillside
GARAGE MONKEYS ?!! Quick edit - no, it can't be - I don't think garage is a synonym for bribe!!
MIMIC - I thought of MIMI, then I was recalling one of those talks between Acts they have on Radio 3 when I listened to a performance of the first Act of La Boheme and they were saying that Mimi's real name was ... well, something I've forgotten!!
Re MOVABLE: I seem to have forgotten to mention in a previous post that I was using MOLE for the spy. The V and the B were already in place.
Latin for "see" - vide? But I don't think I know what its abbreviation is.
Can I assume that MOVABLE is right?
The word which includes that E is a long one, 13 letters. It also includes the C of CALORIC and I think it's an anagram of 'sports cuisine' ...
I think the setter must enjoy cooking because there are several clues about cooks, kitchens and things cooked!
That almost completes the top right-hand corner. And there are several other answers around the grid.
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Hi again Susan,
GARAGE MONKEYS ?!! Quick edit - no, it can't be - I don't think garage is a synonym for bribe!!
No, but GREASE is!
MIMIC - I thought of MIMI, then I was recalling one of those talks between Acts they have on Radio 3 when I listened to a performance of the first Act of La Boheme and they were saying that Mimi's real name was ... well, something I've forgotten!!
Dunno but Mimi is as much as I know and it works for the clue, so hey!
Re MOVABLE: I seem to have forgotten to mention in a previous post that I was using MOLE for the spy. The V and the B were already in place.
Latin for "see" - vide? But I don't think I know what its abbreviation is.
Can I assume that MOVABLE is right?
Yes, and the “V” is indeed the abbreviation for “vide”. Well done you!
The word which includes that E is a long one, 13 letters. It also includes the C of CALORIC and I think it's an anagram of 'sports cuisine' ...
I think the setter must enjoy cooking because there are several clues about cooks, kitchens and things cooked!
That almost completes the top right-hand corner. And there are several other answers around the grid.
You might need to give me a bit more to go on here…like the clue?
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Hi again Susan,
No, but GREASE is!
Yes, I thought of it before reading this!
Dunno but Mimi is as much as I know and it works for the clue, so hey!
Yes, and the “V” is indeed the abbreviation for “vide”. Well done you!
You might need to give me a bit more to go on here…like the clue?
Yes, I will - but I'll have another try first...
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:) Think I've done it!!
Clue: One working in the kitchen cooked sports cuisine (13)
second E fourth C eighth I
percussionist
I think my subconscious must have been working on it - or it might be my little extra soul - you never know!!!
ETA the N in the word becomes the end of another clue:
Large number move aimlessly forward round island (7)
MILLION
mill- move aimlessly, but where does the island come Iona? How does he A get lost?!
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Hi Susan,
Posts: 5504
Re: Crossword Clues Part 2
« Reply #66 on: Today at 08:34:37 AM »
:) Think I've done it!!
Clue: One working in the kitchen cooked sports cuisine (13)
second E fourth C eighth I
percussionist
I think my subconscious must have been working on it - or it might be my little extra soul - you never know!!!
Nice answer - and a nice clue, provided you know that musicians refer disparagingly to the percussion area in an orchestra as "the kitchen"!
ETA the N in the word becomes the end of another clue:
Large number move aimlessly forward round island (7)
MILLION
mill- move aimlessly, but where does the island come Iona? How does he A get lost?!
No, the "island" is just the "I", and the "forward" gives you the ON (as in an instruction). MILL and ON are "round" the I of "island".
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Hi Susan,
Nice answer - and a nice clue, provided you know that musicians refer disparagingly to the percussion area in an orchestra as "the kitchen"!
No, the "island" is just the "I", and the "forward" gives you the ON (as in an instruction). MILL and ON are "round" the I of "island".
Must remember that 'on' can be an instruction ... ...
thank you. The grid is looking a little less empty, but if you could give me a hint for this one, please? -
Half-heartedly cleaning mule station (7,5)
Actually, I think a similar clue has come up beforee, but not yet stored properly in the crossword section of my brain..
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Hey Susan,
Must remember that 'on' can be an instruction ... ...
thank you. The grid is looking a little less empty, but if you could give me a hint for this one, please? -
Half-heartedly cleaning mule station (7,5)
Actually, I think a similar clue has come up beforee, but not yet stored properly in the crossword section of my brain.
It took some puzzling this one, but if I’m right…
…think of a synonym for “cleaning”, but with one of the middle letters missing (“half-heartedly”), and remember that a “mule” isn’t just an animal and you should end up with a station.
Coda - OK, just got the second word worked out. Same answer as before but forget the "a “mule” isn’t just an animal" bit - it is an animal, but one that doesn't come from two identical parents. Therefore it's a ...
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Hey Susan,
It took some puzzling this one, but if I’m right…
…think of a synonym for “cleaning”, but with one of the middle letters missing (“half-heartedly”), and remember that a “mule” isn’t just an animal and you should end up with a station.
Coda - OK, just got the second word worked out. Same answer as before but forget the "a “mule” isn’t just an animal" bit - it is an animal, but one that doesn't come from two identical parents. Therefore it's a ...
Thank you - I'll work on that ... ...
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bluehillside
I have to confess that I looked up definition of mule, because I couldn't remember the word which applies to hybrid animals like ligers. So I found hinny. Although I recognise the word, I think it is highly unlikely I'd have called it to mind!
I am pretty certain that I'll recognise the name of the station if hinny is correct. I still haven't thought of a synonym of cleaning which works, but I'll give myself until tomorrow and then I think I might have to give up on that one!
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Hi Susan,
I have to confess that I looked up definition of mule, because I couldn't remember the word which applies to hybrid animals like ligers. So I found hinny. Although I recognise the word, I think it is highly unlikely I'd have called it to mind!
I am pretty certain that I'll recognise the name of the station if hinny is correct. I still haven't thought of a synonym of cleaning which works, but I'll give myself until tomorrow and then I think I might have to give up on that one!
A mule is also a "cross" and the person who cleans is a char, so the station must be...
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[/tt]link=topic=16157.msg751098#msg751098 date=1539421512]
Hi Susan,
A mule is also a "cross" and the person who cleans is a char, so the station must be...
Ah - thank you! I was just about to write and say, I give up!! CHARING CROSS
I think perhaps I was thinking in too complicated a way. That answer, being the bottom line of the grid, will help with quite a few of the down clues, but then I'll wait for the rest of the answers till Monday!
Finished the Quick this morning without pause,
Done one clue of cryptic so far, but have been out as well ... ...
4:0 p.m. It must be my favourite setter because I've done about 15 clues so far!
Sunday morning: only six clues to go - all interlocking though and a couple of tricky ones. Definitely must be my favourite setter.
11:40 Down to five!
-
Hi Susan,
Ah - thank you! I was just about to write and say, I give up!! CHARING CROSS
I think perhaps I was thinking in too complicated a way. That answer, being the bottom line of the grid, will help with quite a few of the down clues, but then I'll wait for the rest of the answers till Monday!
Finished the Quick this morning without pause,
Done one clue of cryptic so far, but have been out as well ... ...
4:0 p.m. It must be my favourite setter because I've done about 15 clues so far!
Sunday morning: only six clues to go - all interlocking though and a couple of tricky ones. Definitely must be my favourite setter.
11:40 Down to five!
Team Susan is rooting for you. You go girl!
-
Hi Susan,
Team Susan is rooting for you. You go girl!
:) It is certainly quite satisfying to be able to follow the way of thinking of this particular setter, who seems to come along every four weeks.
If I haven't managed the last five by Wednesday, I'll be back with a question or two!
The word metropolis comes up in one down - what was that you said about that word a little while ago? I just think: Superman!
The clue is: Messenger is beaten going round metropolis (3,7) L - - A - - - - - S
And you'll have thought of it straight away!
-
Hi again Susan,
It is certainly quite satisfying to be able to follow the way of thinking of this particular setter, who seems to come along every four weeks.
If I haven't managed the last five by Wednesday, I'll be back with a question or two!
Yes, back in the day when I use to do the Times crossword on the way to work I could always tell when certain setters were involved. Each had a style of his or her own I found. And yes, some were easier than others!
The word metropolis comes up in one down - what was that you said about that word a little while ago? I just think: Superman!
The clue is: Messenger is beaten going round metropolis (3,7) L - - A - - - - - S
And you'll have thought of it straight away!
Actually I did (sorry) – think Hollywood!
-
Hi again Susan,
Yes, back in the day when I use to do the Times crossword on the way to work I could always tell when certain setters were involved. Each had a style of his or her own I found. And yes, some were easier than others!
Actually I did (sorry) – think Hollywood!
I'mquite pleased to say that I had thought of Los Angeles, but couldn't work out why ... and confused myself slightly by thinking there might be an O in it. Hmmmm...
ANGEL - messenger?
i.e. an O as sixth letter
-
Hey Susan,
I'mquite pleased to say that I had thought of Los Angeles, but couldn't work out why ... and confused myself slightly by thinking there might be an O in it. Hmmmm...
ANGEL - messenger?
Yes. The clue is: Messenger is beaten going round metropolis (3,7)
So... an ANGEL is a messenger (from god apparently!). "Is beaten" is LOSES, which surrounds ("going round") the ANGEL, et voila - a "metropolis"!
-
Hey Susan,
Yes. The clue is: Messenger is beaten going round metropolis (3,7)
So... an ANGEL is a messenger (from god apparently!). "Is beaten" is LOSES, which surrounds ("going round") the ANGEL, et voila - a "metropolis"!
Thank you - I see the 'loses', but still not quite sure about the metropolis. Never mind, I'l happily forgive the setter that! :)
-
Hey again Susan,
Thank you - I see the 'loses', but still not quite sure about the metropolis. Never mind, I'l happily forgive the setter that!
You’re over thinking it I think. LOS ANGELES is just an example of a metropolis – ie, a big city.
-
Hey again Susan,
You’re over thinking it I think. LOS ANGELES is just an example of a metropolis – ie, a big city.
Thank you.
Answers to these last two remaining clues not being requested here! However, if GIN PALACES is wrong, could you please say, and if Kelvin has anything to do with absolute zero, a yes or no would be appreciated.
Trap positions American inside pretentious public house (3,7)
G - - - A – A – E –
I’m fairly sure GINPALACES correct?
Which leaves just one:
Devil getting on with mostly agreeable Kelvin (3,4) – L - - - - -
Sixth letter could be C or R.
And of course the answer is oLD NICK.
Well, that's the record time so far for the cryptic's completion. :)
I shall try one or two of the mid-week cryptics, but then of course, the answers are available the next day.
Mind you, I'm still not sure where Kelvin comes in.
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you.
Answers to these last two remaining clues not being requested here! However, if GIN PALACES is wrong, could you please say, and if Kelvin has anything to do with absolute zero, a yes or no would be appreciated.
Trap positions American inside pretentious public house (3,7)
G - - - A – A – E –
I’m fairly sure GINPALACES correct?
Yes. GIN is a kind of trap, and “American” is A. If you put the A “inside” PLACES (ie, “positions”) you get a term for “pretentious public houses", ie GIN PALACES.
Which leaves just one:
Devil getting on with mostly agreeable Kelvin (3,4) – L - - - - -
Sixth letter could be C or R.
And of course the answer is oLD NICK.
Well, that's the record time so far for the cryptic's completion.
I shall try one or two of the mid-week cryptics, but then of course, the answers are available the next day.
Mind you, I'm still not sure where Kelvin comes in.
OLD NICK is (of course) the devil. “Getting on” (ie, ageing) gives you the OLD. “Agreeable” is NICE, but it’s only “mostly” agreeable, so that gives you NIC. K is the standard symbol for Kelvin, et voila!
-
Hi Susan,
Yes. GIN is a kind of trap, and “American” is A. If you put the A “inside” PLACES (ie, “positions”) you get a term for “pretentious public houses", ie GIN PALACES.
OLD NICK is (of course) the devil. “Getting on” (ie, ageing) gives you the OLD. “Agreeable” is NICE, but it’s only “mostly” agreeable, so that gives you NIC. K is the standard symbol for Kelvin, et voila!
Thank you; yes, I can of course see now!! I thought the letters N and C were right and the word NICE fitted, but that obviously wasn't right.
-
Yesterday's cryptic is a bit harder - obviously not my favourite setter. I've done 7 clues so far.
2 down is:
Something to scare people with and carry, being insecure (3,3)
I assume one of the words is BAT, but would appreciate knowing (a) if this is right and (b) whether it is the first or second word!
Thank you.
-
Hi again Susan,
Yesterday's cryptic is a bit harder - obviously not my favourite setter. I've done 7 clues so far.
2 down is:
Something to scare people with and carry, being insecure (3,3)
I assume one of the words is BAT, but would appreciate knowing (a) if this is right and (b) whether it is the first or second word!
Hmmm…took me a while this one. No BAT I’m afraid.
“With” is W, and it’s followed by an “insecure” (ie anagram of) “carry”, so "something to scare people" is a ...
-
Hi again Susan,
Hmmm…took me a while this one. No BAT I’m afraid.
“With” is W, and it’s followed by an “insecure” (ie anagram of) “carry”, so "something to scare people" is a ...
So it's WAR CRY. I'd never have got that! Thank you.
There are a couple of long clues with (4) at the end. Now that's not fair!!By the time I've read slowly through them, I've forgotten the start!
-
Susan,
By the time I've read slowly through them, I've forgotten the start!
So it's WAR CRY. I'd never have got that! Thank you. There are a couple of long clues with (4) at the end. Now that's not fair!!
I'm sure you would, and you're welcome. Yes long clues with short answers can be tricky, but then again I have every confidence in you!
-
I have modified previous post to get lines in the right order!
-
So it's WAR CRY. I'd never have got that! Thank you.
How on earth do you get that from the clue? I know "with" begins with w, but where are you told to only take the first letter of it? If it'd said "...scare people with initially..." or something, fair enough, but as it is, it's ridiculous. This is why I don't do crosswords!
-
How on earth do you get that from the clue? I know "with" begins with w, but where are you told to only take the first letter of it? If it'd said "...scare people with initially..." or something, fair enough, but as it is, it's ridiculous. This is why I don't do crosswords!
They are, however, something I can do because I can print them off on an A4 and put them on the CCTV to think about.
-
SteveH,
How on earth do you get that from the clue? I know "with" begins with w, but where are you told to only take the first letter of it? If it'd said "...scare people with initially..." or something, fair enough, but as it is, it's ridiculous. This is why I don't do crosswords!
"W" is a standard abbreviation for "with" - think "burger w/cheese" for example. There's a fair few of them - "D" for "died", "C" for "circa" etc.
-
May I have a hint, please, for:
Division used in school course (6) Second letter T
Pretty nieces short of energy, unusually cold (6) Third letter E
If they are really quite easy and I really ought to get them myself, please say!
Number of clues answered so far: 16
ETA Of course, having read that book, I am inclined to assume that the word 'pretty' must mean 'belle'!
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Hey Susan,
May I have a hint, please, for:
Division used in school course (6) Second letter T
I think you might have got me on this one! “School” is often “ETON” or similar, but I’m not seeing it yet. Are you sure about the clue?
Pretty nieces short of energy, unusually cold (6) Third letter E
Now you’re talking. If “nieces” are “short of energy” they’re missing (the abbreviation for) it. What’s left is “unusually”, so possibly an anagram – and there’s an abbreviation for “cold” at the end. Which leaves you with a synonym for “scenic”!
If they are really quite easy and I really ought to get them myself, please say!
Number of clues answered so far: 16
ETA Of course, having read that book, I am inclined to assume that the word 'pretty' must mean 'belle'!
No, they’re not easy at all but the “belle” doesn’t apply here I’m afraid.
-
Hey Susan,
I think you might have got me on this one! “School” is often “ETON” or similar, but I’m not seeing it yet. Are you sure about the clue?
Checked again with increased magnification and, yes, the clue is correct.
I think the last letter might be N, if the answer to this (down) clue:
Service bringing in tourists - jam's expected sooner or later, depending on area (5,3)
is TRAIN SET
No good?! :) Well, it has the right number of letters, and the E is right.
Now you’re talking. If “nieces” are “short of energy” they’re missing (the abbreviation for) it. What’s left is “unusually”, so possibly an anagram – and there’s an abbreviation for “cold” at the end. Which leaves you with a synonym for “scenic”!
Did you mean to say that! I presume the answer is actually SCENIC?
For wich, thank you.
I wasn't sure whether to remove one E or both, and thought of C for, e.g. cold tap, but couldn't get any further.
Have done a few more clues too, but some guesswork has been involved, which does not affect other answers.
-
Susan,
Division used in school course (6) Second letter T
Ah, pretty sure I've got this now (I was actually doing something else so it was obviously ticking away in the background!). Think small river...
-
Susan,
Ah, pretty sure I've got this now (I was actually doing something else so it was obviously ticking away in the background!). Think small river...
Oh dear, of course! STREAM Thank you.
I was thinking stages, levels ... ... and I was in teaching long enough to know something about it. And have some clear views too!
ETA and of course the other one is CREAM TEA I'd thought of that but thought it was too easy.
-
Yesterday evening I shut down the computer, went to the CCTV thinking I'd just have one more look before deciding to discard that one ... ... and promptly filled in several more answers!!
There are two I cannot do but, since it would be nice to fill those few empty squares, solutions to the following would be much appreciated:
Auditor's guarantee to the bank (6) blank S bnlankO blank E
'Slave Queen' depicted in science fiction (4) S blankR blank
PHONE BOX is the answer to the following clue:
Kent's changing situation -- 'smart' people no longer call here (5,3)
But I can't see where Kent comes in.
-
Hi Susan.
Think Clark Kent((Superman).
-
Hi Susan.
Think Clark Kent((Superman).
Ah, yes, of course! Thank you! :D
-
Science fiction = SF
Queen = ER
Put the queen in SF
SERF = Slave
-
Science fiction = SF
Queen = ER
Put the queen in SF
SERF = Slave
Ah, thank you, I see now. I'll have to try and remember that for when that clue or similar comes up again.
-
Quick - only completed half so far. :(
Cryptic - only 3 answers so far. :o
-
Hi Susan,
Quick - only completed half so far. :(
Cryptic - only 3 answers so far. :o
Yikes! Need any help? Funnily enough I find the quick ones harder to get started than the cryptic sometimes because there are often several answers that could be correct.
-
Hi Susan,
Yikes! Need any help? Funnily enough I find the quick ones harder to get started than the cryptic sometimes because there are often several answers that could be correct.
I managed a couple more answers yesterday evening, but yes, I think help is going to be needed!
ETA The CCTV has gone wrong. The screen has just gone completely fuzzy. It happened once before ages ago, so I've forgotten what the solution to the problem is. I have turned off and turned on again, but still there. Will try turning on again later but otherwise I'm stuck till tomorrow. I tried both their phone lines but the messages on both were that 'mailbox is full'.
Have been walking - okay when the wind was behind me, but cold wind the other way! Anyway, turned on CCTV again and all okay.
-
Hi Susan,
I managed a couple more answers yesterday evening, but yes, I think help is going to be needed!
ETA The CCTV has gone wrong. The screen has just gone completely fuzzy. It happened once before ages ago, so I've forgotten what the solution to the problem is. I have turned off and turned on again, but still there. Will try turning on again later but otherwise I'm stuck till tomorrow. I tried both their phone lines but the messages on both were that 'mailbox is full'.
Have been walking - okay when the wind was behind me, but cold wind the other way! Anyway, turned on CCTV again and all okay.
Glad to hear all's well again.
-
May I have a hint, please, for:
1 across – I realise that a similar clue has appeared not so long ago, but it is not internalised in my mind yet – like so many others! Does CEO come into it?
Penultimate letter T. Is it an anagram of some of the words?
It’s a job for company boss to get in old car, step on it (7,5)
5 down. This would give the tenth letter of 1 across. It would seem to be a clue that Sandy Balfour would approve of, as it includes cryptic crosswords and bridge … unless of course this refers to ones to walk over!
Word I had after opponent initially made optimistic call at bridge (7)
-
Hi Susan,
May I have a hint, please, for:
1 across – I realise that a similar clue has appeared not so long ago, but it is not internalised in my mind yet – like so many others! Does CEO come into it?
Penultimate letter T. Is it an anagram of some of the words?
It’s a job for company boss to get in old car, step on it (7,5)
No problem.
No CEO (and the penultimate letter can't be a T either I'm afraid), but a company boss does a job that’s the same term for the part of an old-fashioned car used to step up into the car.
5 down. This would give the tenth letter of 1 across. It would seem to be a clue that Sandy Balfour would approve of, as it includes cryptic crosswords and bridge … unless of course this refers to ones to walk over!
Word I had after opponent initially made optimistic call at bridge (7)
Bit technical this – the synonym is for an “optimistic call at bridge”, remembering that “bridge” is also a card game. The “initially" tells you that you need the first letter of something, and “I had” can be abbreviated. All you need then is a type of “word” to put in the middle!
-
Hi Susan,
No problem.
No CEO (and the penultimate letter can't be a T either I'm afraid), but a company boss does a job that’s the same term for the part of an old-fashioned car used to step up into the car.
thank you, so that means it is RUNNING BOARD. I had put an R as the first letter because 1 down starts with 'Kick off again ...'. That also means that the answer to 6 down is not TRAILER but RETAILER. Clue is:
Tail err badly in second test (7)
Bit technical this – the synonym is for an “optimistic call at bridge”, remembering that “bridge” is also a card game. The “initially" tells you that you need the first letter of something, and “I had” can be abbreviated. All you need then is a type of “word” to put in the middle!
Thank you – I’ll work on that. Actually Years ago, when my sons were early teens, a friend taught us how to play bridge. I wasn’t bad at it, but since it worries me not a jot whether I win or lose, I couldn’t get very serious! Also, during the years I lived in Little Aden ( BP refinery section of British Colony of Aden) in my twenties, some of the wives had bridge groups, but winning was important and I stayed well away.
-
2 down: I will cut inferior? Not at all.(7)
It has to be NEITHER, but why?
Top half nearly done now!
-
Susan,
thank you, so that means it is RUNNING BOARD. I had put an R as the first letter because 1 down starts with 'Kick off again ...'. That also means that the answer to 6 down is not TRAILER but RETAILER. Clue is:
Tail err badly in second test (7)
Thank you – I’ll work on that. Actually Years ago, when my sons were early teens, a friend taught us how to play bridge. I wasn’t bad at it, but since it worries me not a jot whether I win or lose, I couldn’t get very serious! Also, during the years I lived in Little Aden ( BP refinery section of British Colony of Aden) in my twenties, some of the wives had bridge groups, but winning was important and I stayed well away.
What an interesting and exotic life you’ve led! Re the clue, think about what people do at auctions too.
2 down: I will cut inferior? Not at all.(7)
It has to be NEITHER, but why?
Top half nearly done now!
The “I” is given to you, and it needs to be inside (“cut”) a synonym for “inferior”, which NETHER (as in “below”) is.
-
Susan,
What an interesting and exotic life you’ve led!
Pause while I think and picture the place, the people (except for my ex of course), the travel to and from, particularly the trip to Giza while the ship was going through the suez Canal ... ...... ... and then all the other travels I've done...
Re the clue, think about what people do at auctions too.
OVERBID - I had the V and The B too! so I should have thought of it sooner!
The “I” is given to you, and it needs to be inside (“cut”) a synonym for “Inferior”, which NETHER (as in “below”) is.
Another of those 'oh of course' answers!!
Thank you for your help.
-
A hint would help, please:
Political commentator's endless sauce (5)
Last letter O (from an anagram of whatever it was to which the answer is THE TWO RONNIES)
-
Hi Susan,
A hint would help, please:
Political commentator's endless sauce (5)
Last letter O (from an anagram of whatever it was to which the answer is THE TWO RONNIES)
No problem. Think ex BBC political commentator now working for a commercial station, but he’s “endless” – ie, the end of his name is missing. Which gives you an (Italian) sauce!
-
Hi Susan,
No problem. Think ex BBC political commentator now working for a commercial station, but he’s “endless” – ie, the end of his name is missing. Which gives you an (Italian) sauce!
Thank you, butI'm afraid I'll have to give up on that one - TV, politics, their commentators and cooking sauces are probably my weakest areas of knowledge! :)
An answer will be much appreciated.
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you, butI'm afraid I'll have to give up on that one - TV, politics, their commentators and cooking sauces are probably my weakest areas of knowledge! :)
An answer will be much appreciated.
PESTO. (Robert) Peston with the end if his name missing gives you the sauce.
-
Hi Susan,
PESTO. (Robert) Peston with the end if his name missing gives you the sauce.
Thank you. Robert Peston used to be a star on PM, but I could never understand quite why. I was very sorry for him that his wife died and he was quite amusing when he took on the learning of different skills, but his way of speaking I did not find appealing.
Right, that will give me the start of two down clues in the bottom half of the grid.
-
Hi Susan,
PESTO. (Robert) Peston with the end if his name missing gives you the sauce.
Damn. I had a go at that, but I thought it was the sauce that was endless.
-
Steve H,
Damn. I had a go at that, but I thought it was the sauce that was endless.
That was my first thought too, but there's enough ambiguity in the clue to allow for either option. Also cryptic crosswords tend to shy away from names as answers - maybe because that'd be more of a general knowledge type puzzle.
-
Steve H,
That was my first thought too, but there's enough ambiguity in the clue to allow for either option. Also cryptic crosswords tend to shy away from names as answers - maybe because that'd be more of a general knowledge type puzzle.
(in pretend huffy tones!) Well, exactly - who does this crossword setter think he (I did learn from the book there are not many female setters!) is, flouting the unwritten rules like that. :D
Steve: please don't write answer if you find it to following:
The next clue is:
Stolid trap for criminals in mission abroad (7)
Begins with the P from Pesto and the third letter is S from ABSTAIN = answer to:
Having a band sit out and take no part (7)
No hints requested at the moment!
-
Hi Susan,
(in pretend huffy tones!) Well, exactly - who does this crossword setter think he (I did learn from the book there are not many female setters!) is, flouting the unwritten rules like that. :D
Steve: please don't write answer if you find it to following:
The next clue is:
Stolid trap for criminals in mission abroad (7)
Begins with the P from Pesto and the third letter is S from ABSTAIN = answer to:
Having a band sit out and take no part (7)
No hints requested at the moment!
I got the answer quickly, but it took a while to work out why. Quite a clever clue, and the P & S are correct.
-
Hi Susan,
I got the answer quickly, but it took a while to work out why. Quite a clever clue, and the P & S are correct.
Is the last letter E?
-
Susan,
Is the last letter E?
No :(
If you are "stolid" (or serious) you are what-faced?
-
Susan,
No :(
If you are "stolid" (or serious) you are what-faced?
So it's not postage - post - stolid; trap - tag; postage - sort of mission abroad.
At least it's only Monday - I have all week!
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Hi Susan,
So it's not postage - post - stolid; trap - tag; postage - sort of mission abroad.
At least it's only Monday - I have all week!
The PO for "stolid" is good (as in "po-faced"). Now what you need is a five-letter word beginning with S that's a way to catch criminals et voila - a "mission abroad"!
-
Hi Susan,
The PO for "stolid" is good (as in "po-faced"). Now what you need is a five-letter word beginning with S that's a way to catch criminals et voila - a "mission abroad"!
POSTING I didn't get it from way of catching criminals though, it was concentrating on mission abroad! It was quite difficult to get postage out of the way in my mind.
-
Susan,
POSTING I didn't get it from way of catching criminals though, it was concentrating on mission abroad! It was quite difficult to get postage out of the way in my mind.
Bingo! As I'm sure you know, it's STING as in a "sting operation" the police stage to catch the bad guys ;)
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Susan,
Bingo! As I'm sure you know, it's STING as in a "sting operation" the police stage to catch the bad guys ;)
The one I'm going to concentrate on today is the bottom line across clue:
Record number seeing TV they turned off (7-5)
Since the G of POSTING is the middle letter, then the word LIGHT sounds as if it might fit in for the 5 part.
A yes or no for that would help ...?
Thanks in advance
Well, I've written and deleted a couple of ETAs, - I'll come back later.
Phew - this is hard!!
-
The one I'm going to concentrate on today is the bottom line across clue:
Record number seeing TV they turned off (7-5)
Since the G of POSTING is the middle letter, then the word LIGHT sounds as if it might fit in for the 5 part.
A yes or no for that would help ...?
Thanks in advance
Well, I've written and deleted a couple of ETAs, - I'll come back later.
Phew - this is hard!!
No
-
No
[/quote
Thank you. :]
I can think of plenty of phrases which would fit in, but none of them has a hyphen.
-
No
Thank you. :]
I can think of plenty of phrases which would fit in, but none of them has a hyphen.
I wouldn't call it a phrase as such.
-
Thank you. :]
I can think of plenty of phrases which would fit in, but none of them has a hyphen.
I wouldn't call it a phrase as such.
Thank you.
_-____________________________________________
This is a diversion and does not ask for hints or answers well, not yet anyway!!
I have done a bit of lateral thinking and come up with the thought of a number with a hyphen and a G in the middle of the second half – SEVENTY-EIGHT.
In the first word, the letters T and V appear and also SEEn!!!
And here, for those reading are a few, probably totally useless, thoughts: :D
14 across is:
Timid beast – roam around, nibbling a herb (9)
Well that is surely an anagram of BEAST and A HERb – nibbling the last B away?
Answer: HERBALIST
Letters in 14 across Aa - - - d – r – o
15 down is:
Spread grain indiscriminately for horse to eat (9)**
Letters are: - - R – A – I - -
The 'I' could be wrong but I don’t think so.
As you can see HERBALIST would fit here perfectly!
The last letter would be the first letter of the 5-letter part of hyphenated answer for ‘record number’ clue.
Do I detect a conspiracy here!! Has the Editor of the Puzzles section inadvertently swapped 14 across for 15 down?
Ah, wel, writing this will perhaps have given my subconscious a prod to get the right answers?
** I remember a similar clue came up a couple of months ago, but of course I’ve forgotten what the answer was. :))
-
Thank you.
_-____________________________________________
This is a diversion and does not ask for hints or answers well, not yet anyway!!
I have done a bit of lateral thinking and come up with the thought of a number with a hyphen and a G in the middle of the second half – SEVENTY-EIGHT.
In the first word, the letters T and V appear and also SEEn!!!
Is Seventy-eight an anagram of 'seeing tv they' as well as an old record speed?
;D
-
15 down answer is not herbalist
-
15 down answer is not herbalist
I turned the computer off before reading your last two posts - for which thank you - and have been sitting looking at CCTV screen to try to get further. So I had to turn on again to take a bow for getting 78!I have in fact done several more answers and obviously my subconscious - as we know from 'Searching for God' works ahead of conscious, so successfully thought of SEVENTY-EIGHT. It is not quite an anagram, is it, because all 12 letters are not in it, but I'll forgive the setter that! :)
That's enough for today, I'll try and finish it tomorrow.
-
Around midnight I spent an hour or so thinking ... ...!!
14 across ARMADILLO The R was wrong so changed 'retaileR' to 'retriaL'
15 down: margarine
Several other answers, which I'd thought of but hadn't put in because I hadn't worked out why, fell into place, so now only two clues remain!!
-
;D
-
] ;D
Last two done - INVOICE and ADVERSE sharing the V
The clue for the latter is: Unfavourable jungle, apparently (7)
A - V - R - E so adverse = unfavourable, but where does the jungle come in?
-
Last two done - INVOICE and ADVERSE sharing the V
The clue for the latter is: Unfavourable jungle, apparently (7)
A - V - R - E so adverse = unfavourable, but where does the jungle come in?
It would work if it was jingle rather than jungle!?
-
It would work if it was jingle rather than jungle!?
Which of course, on closer inspection, I find that it is. I didn't see the dot of the 'I'
thank you for your help.
-
Hi Susan,
Which of course, on closer inspection, I find that it is. I didn't see the dot of the 'I'
thank you for your help.
Sorry for the radio silence (I've been out of the UK) but it looks like you've been in good hands. Just to note that there were all 12 letters in the anagram for SEVENTY EIGHT too by the way ;)
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Hi Susan,
Sorry for the radio silence (I've been out of the UK) but it looks like you've been in good hands. Just to note that there were all 12 letters in the anagram for SEVENTY EIGHT too by the way ;)
Ah, yes, so there are! I miscounted on my fingers. :D
-
Ah, yes, so there are! I miscounted on my fingers. :D
You have 12 fingers?
-
Seb,
You have 12 fingers?
She's from Norfolk...
-
You have 12 fingers?
:D I used some of them twice!!
Norfolk?! :) No, born in Southampton - and after being here and there, I've been here for the past 54 years!
-
Susan,
:D I used some of them twice!!
Norfolk?! :) No, born in Southampton - and after being here and there, I've been here for the past 54 years!
I was joking! Reminds me though of the shop sign above the Norwich bakery: "In bread for 150 years"!
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Susan,
I was joking! Reminds me though of the shop sign above the Norwich bakery: "In bread for 150 years"!
Yes, I realised you wer joking - there ought to be a font to use to indicate when one knows another is joking!! :)
-
Susan,
I was joking! Reminds me though of the shop sign above the Norwich bakery: "In bread for 150 years"!
-
I saw a shop sign near me which said "baking since 1885". I thought "it'll be done by now".
-
Steve H,
I saw a shop sign near me which said "baking since 1885". I thought "it'll be done by now".
Or the curry house with the sign: "Try our curry - you'll never get better."
-
Today's Quick: done except for a clu: Fisherman's tool (7,3) L - - - S - - POT but I don't care what the answer is!
Cryptic: I haven't even managed to read all the clues yet, as quite a few of them take up three lines or more and there are sever Across and Down clues which had to be printed on to another page.
Managed one so far: INCH Clue: Measure edge (4)
So it's definitely not by my favourite setter!
-
Hi Susan,
Today's Quick: done except for a clu: Fisherman's tool (7,3) L - - - S - - POT but I don't care what the answer is!
Then make it snappy!
Cryptic: I haven't even managed to read all the clues yet, as quite a few of them take up three lines or more and there are sever Across and Down clues which had to be printed on to another page.
Managed one so far: INCH Clue: Measure edge (4)
So it's definitely not by my favourite setter!
A journey of a thousand miles and all that. Good luck!
-
PS You've got the S in the wrong place by the way.
-
Hi Susan,
Then make it snappy!
Okay - LOBSTER POT!!
A journey of a thousand miles and all that. Good luck!
There are about half a dozen very long answers, sometimes split into two, but I'm hoping they're the sort that tend to fall into place more easily than
the short ones.
Been out as usual with a friend for coffee and a teacake so perhaps that willhelp...
-
Susan,
There are about half a dozen very long answers, sometimes split into two, but I'm hoping they're the sort that tend to fall into place more easily than
the short ones.
Been out as usual with a friend for coffee and a teacake so perhaps that willhelp...
Hope so. If that fails though, maybe try a nip of something a little stronger? ;)
Re the cryptic, I find that the long answer puzzles are often easier than the niggly little ones because they drop letters all over the place that help with other clues.
-
Susan,
Hope so. If that fails though, maybe try a nip of something a little stronger? ;)
Re the cryptic, I find that the long answer puzzles are often easier than the niggly little ones because they drop letters all over the place that help with other clues.
Here's a sample: carpenter's mate with uniform held in stomach, sadly English droopy feature (6,9)
No hints requested yet, but CHISEL WASTLINE fits! Of course it would have to be chiselled wouldn't it.
any use? Or shall I forget that!
-
Hi Susan,
Here's a sample: carpenter's mate with uniform held in stomach, sadly English droopy feature (6,9)
No hints requested yet, but CHISEL WASTLINE fits! Of course it would have to be chiselled wouldn't it.
any use? Or shall I forget that!
Forget it (sorry!). I admit it took me a while though – the “droopy feature” gave it away in the end, and I worked back from that. The “carpenter’s mate” is a literary reference by the way.
-
Hi Susan,
Forget it (sorry!). I admit it took me a while though – the “droopy feature” gave it away in the end, and I worked back from that. The “carpenter’s mate” is a literary reference by the way.
So far I have five clues definitely right and the first letter of the 9-letter word is M
Various words and phrases I've been thinking of, but nothing yet that fits!
-
First word is definitely not from the Owl and the Pussycat. Wrong author! ;)
-
First word is definitely not from the Owl and the Pussycat. Wrong author! ;)
I thought it might be 'The Walrus and The Carpenter' so looked it up, but no words in it fit!!!
Actually, although the clues are mostly long, I can see I will probably be able to get quite a few by, say, Wednesday!
Ever the optimist!
-
Susan,
I thought it might be 'The Walrus and The Carpenter' so looked it up, but no words in it fit!!!
Actually, although the clues are mostly long, I can see I will probably be able to get quite a few by, say, Wednesday!
Ever the optimist!
Pretty sure one of the words in the title fits!
-
Susan,
Pretty sure one of the words in the title fits!
But, but but, ...if it's WALRUS MOUSTACHE, where does the 'uniform held in' come in?! I can see that the letters of stomach are in moustache, and that it ends with ACHE and the moustache is droopy, but, well, perhaps my level of optimism should be lowered a bit!
-
Susan,
But, but but, ...if it's WALRUS MOUSTACHE, where does the 'uniform held in' come in?! I can see that the letters of stomach are in moustache, and that it ends with ACHE and the moustache is droopy, but, well, perhaps my level of optimism should be lowered a bit!
Let’s dissect it:
Carpenter's mate with uniform held in stomach, sadly English droopy feature
So we know that the “droopy feature” is the synonym for WALRUS MOUSTACHE. We also know that the “carpenter’s mate” provides the WALRUS bit (from the poem). The standard abbreviation for “uniform” is U (as in police letters - Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, Uniform etc), and we’re told that it’s “held by” (ie, inside) the stomach bit. We’re also given “sadly” though, that tells us that we’re dealing with an anagram (of "stomach" with a U inside it). Then all we have to do is to add the “English” (ie, E) at the end and we have it.
-
Susan,
Let’s dissect it:
Carpenter's mate with uniform held in stomach, sadly English droopy feature
So we know that the “droopy feature” is the synonym for WALRUS MOUSTACHE. We also know that the “carpenter’s mate” provides the WALRUS bit (from the poem). The standard abbreviation for “uniform” is U (as in police letters - Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, Uniform etc), and we’re told that it’s “held by” (ie, inside) the stomach bit. We’re also given “sadly” though, that tells us that we’re dealing with an anagram (of "stomach" with a U inside it). Then all we have to do is to add the “English” (ie, E) at the end and we have it.
Many thanks - I must remember about the U for uniform.
Edited to add: It can't be an anagram as suggested below because there is a C in it somewhere. I am fairly certain it begins with O.
Yesterday evening I told my subconscious to work out the answer to the following clue, but it has failed to do so!I think it is an anagram of ]men soppy meeting'. If that is wrong, I would appreciate a 'right'' or 'wrong' but am not asking for hints - well, not yet anyway! No letters available.
It turns men soppy - meeting celebrity player (15)
-
Hi Susan,
Many thanks - I must remember about the U for uniform.
Edited to add: It can't be an anagram as suggested below because there is a C in it somewhere. I am fairly certain it begins with O.
Yesterday evening I told my subconscious to work out the answer to the following clue, but it has failed to do so!I think it is an anagram of ]men soppy meeting'. If that is wrong, I would appreciate a 'right'' or 'wrong' but am not asking for hints - well, not yet anyway! No letters available.
It turns men soppy - meeting celebrity player (15)
Wrong I'm afraid, but you're on the right lines with you anagram idea for part of it.
-
Susan,
Edited to add: It can't be an anagram as suggested below because there is a C in it somewhere. I am fairly certain it begins with O.
Both wrong I'm afraid.
-
Susan,
Both wrong I'm afraid.
Oh dear! I find that the C came from TOPICAL which should have been 19 across not 19 down. I have erased the wrong letters (using rubber on end of new pencil bought expressly for the purpose! ) and i'll try and sort out the anagram later.
-
Susan,
Oh dear! I find that the C came from TOPICAL which should have been 19 across not 19 down. I have erased the wrong letters (using rubber on end of new pencil bought expressly for the purpose! ) and i'll try and sort out the anagram later.
No problem – I’m sure you’ll get it eventually. Incidentally, you can subscribe to the Torygraph online if you like and do the crossword that way, though please don’t do that if it stops your daily constitutional to the paper shop. My mum (who’s probably about the same age as you) does both.
-
Susan,
No problem – I’m sure you’ll get it eventually. Incidentally, you can subscribe to the Torygraph online if you like and do the crossword that way, though please don’t do that if it stops your daily constitutional to the paper shop. My mum (who’s probably about the same age as you) does both.
The only way I can do it is via the web site. The Tech chap (from happy-lappy) set up my subscription and showed me what steps to take to get to the crosswords. I put it on screen then print it off on an A4 sheet of paper, so that I can put it on the CCTV and magnify it on the screen. I sometimes don't get the letters exactly in the squares, but it doesn't matter if it is not neat and tidy!
say hello to your Mum from me. :) I think I'm probably a bit older.
I think I'm going to ask for an answer to the clue, please. I think it is an anagram of 'men soppy meeting' but trying to see and re-arrange 15 letters is tricky. Will I kick self when I know the answer?! Never mind - I expect I can live with that!!
-
Susan,
The only way I can do it is via the web site. The Tech chap (from happy-lappy) set up my subscription and showed me what steps to take to get to the crosswords. I put it on screen then print it off on an A4 sheet of paper, so that I can put it on the CCTV and magnify it on the screen. I sometimes don't get the letters exactly in the squares, but it doesn't matter if it is not neat and tidy!
say hello to your Mum from me. I think I'm probably a bit older.
I think I'm going to ask for an answer to the clue, please. I think it is an anagram of 'men soppy meeting' but trying to see and re-arrange 15 letters is tricky. Will I kick self when I know the answer?! Never mind - I expect I can live with that!!
Will do, thank you (she’s 80 by the way).
OK, so the clue is: It turns men soppy - meeting celebrity player (15)
As you’ve already worked out the “soppy” tells us that we have an anagram, and “It turns men” is an anagram of INSTRUMENT.
Then we have the “celebrity” part. If you’re celebrity, you’re “A-list”. Add ALIST to the end of INSTRUMENT and we get INSTRUMENTALIST, which is a synonym for “player”.
-
Susan,
Will do, thank you (she’s 80 by the way).
OK, so the clue is: It turns men soppy - meeting celebrity player (15)
As you’ve already worked out the “soppy” tells us that we have an anagram, and “It turns men” is an anagram of INSTRUMENT.
Then we have the “celebrity” part. If you’re celebrity, you’re “A-list”. Add ALIST to the end of INSTRUMENT and we get INSTRUMENTALIST, which is a synonym for “player”.
Many thanks; I would not have got that. I thought it might end in -IST but did not think about it being only part of the answer. I shal not assume in future that all letters as indicated by the number in brackets is the actual number of letters to be anagrammed!
I've done two more clues, but still plenty more left.
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I did not look at crossword yesterday, but going to it today, it is remaining tricky. An answer would help here, please, but I think I might have to leave this one very much unfinished!
Chopped-up spam with in mac with cheese as fall-back option? (6,9)
I know this clue has come up since I've been doing the Cryptic, but I've forgotten the answer. It's one of those with some of it anagram, isn't it? And |I think the cheese was ROQUEFORT but that doesn't help, so it's wrong.
- - C - P - / - C - - - I- - -
With a bit of luck it will be favourite setter's day this coming Saturday.
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Hi again Susan,
I did not look at crossword yesterday, but going to it today, it is remaining tricky. An answer would help here, please, but I think I might have to leave this one very much unfinished!
Chopped-up spam with in mac with cheese as fall-back option? (6,9)
I know this clue has come up since I've been doing the Cryptic, but I've forgotten the answer. It's one of those with some of it anagram, isn't it? And |I think the cheese was ROQUEFORT but that doesn't help, so it's wrong.
- - C - P - / - C - - - I- - -
I think I know what it is, but your positioning of the letters is a bit off for it to fit.
You’re right about the anagram part (”chopped up”), and “spam”, “mac” and “cheese” have the right number of letters. All you have to do next is to work out a two-word term for a “fall-back option”.
The only word I could think of that would fit the first part is ESCAPE, so that means the remaining letters must make MECHANISM. I don’t like ESCAPE MECHANISM much as a synonym for “fall-back option” by the way, but I think the setter was quite pleased with himself for getting three foods into the anagram part so perhaps we can forgive him or her!
-
Hi again Susan,
I think I know what it is, but your positioning of the letters is a bit off for it to fit.
You’re right about the anagram part (”chopped up”), and “spam”, “mac” and “cheese” have the right number of letters. All you have to do next is to work out a two-word term for a “fall-back option”.
The only word I could think of that would fit the first part is ESCAPE, so that means the remaining letters must make MECHANISM. I don’t like ESCAPE MECHANISM much as a synonym for “fall-back option” by the way, but I think the setter was quite pleased with himself for getting three foods into the anagram part so perhaps we can forgive him or her!
Thank you. I had thought it might be ACCEPT but just because it fitted didn't make it sensible.
I'll fill in the answer and see if I can then answer the associated across clues.
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Susan,
Thank you. I had thought it might be ACCEPT but just because it fitted didn't make it sensible.
I'll fill in the answer and see if I can then answer the associated across clues.
I admit that "accept" didn't even occur to me! Go luck with the rest though.
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Susan,
I admit that "accept" didn't even occur to me! Go luck with the rest though.
Having given up on the crossword clues too long - when there have to be several across and several down clues needing a second page to print them, they're too long. so, in a desultory fashion, I googled a clue and came across
http://bigdave44.com/2018/11/03/dt-28887-hints-2/
and was pleased to see that several comments there feel the same!
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Hi Susan,
http://bigdave44.com/2018/11/03/dt-28887-hints-2/
Blimey - does this chap always publish the answers? I guess you won't me any more then...
...or does he wait a few days so you can't bear the anticipation until he does! ;)
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Hi Susan,
Blimey - does this chap always publish the answers? I guess you won't me any more then...
:) No he gives hints, and the BESIDES answer came from another link where you only get one at a time.
For me, the whole point of doing something like crosswords is to do it proplerly. I am not interested in dealing with an unknown blogger and am very grateful for your help, responding with only as much help as I've requested.
...or does he wait a few days so you can't bear the anticipation until he does! ;)
If that's how I felt, I would not carry on trying to pursue the hobby!
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Susan,
:) No he gives hints, and the BESIDES answer came from another link where you only get one at a time.
For me, the whole point of doing something like crosswords is to do it proplerly. I am not interested in dealing with an unknown blogger and am very grateful for your help, responding with only as much help as I've requested.
If that's how I felt, I would not carry on trying to pursue the hobby!
Oh OK - in that case I remain at your service Madam!
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Susan,
Oh OK - in that case I remain at your service Madam!
Thank you! :)
-
Today's Cryptic looks a lot more reasonable - all clues on one page for a start. I' have done several so
far
Quick is not easy, but the answers will be available tomorrow if required
What was that word which is often used when the word 'junkie' turns up?
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Hi Susan,
Today's Cryptic looks a lot more reasonable - all clues on one page for a start. I' have done several so far
Quick is not easy, but the answers will be available tomorrow if required
What was that word which is often used when the word 'junkie' turns up?
Good luck! Re "junkie", it it's in the quick one it's probably the standard meaning (addict, druggie, pill-popper etc) rather than the wider one of fan, enthusiast etc (as in "vinyl junkie"). Any letters so far?
-
Hi Susan,
Good luck! Re "junkie", it it's in the quick one it's probably the standard meaning (addict, druggie, pill-popper etc) rather than the wider one of fan, enthusiast etc (as in "vinyl junkie"). Any letters so far?
Not on that one - in fact I can't find it at the moment!! May I please have hints for:
When athletes run without delay (4,3,4,2)
- - O -/- - E/- - - -/- -
Second word THE presumably. It is quite a central clue so might help with others. Is it something to do with jumping the gun? Rather than the first word being STOP. Also I bet it's really easy!
Moderate Jack to plug debts (10)
Is this an anagram of some of those words? Moderate looks like an anagram indicator?
Not enough vowels!
I've only actually done five answers so far, but two of them are long ones so it doesn't look Too empty.
-
Hi Susan,
Not on that one - in fact I can't find it at the moment!! May I please have hints for:
When athletes run without delay (4,3,4,2)
- - O -/- - E/- - - -/- -
Second word THE presumably. It is quite a central clue so might help with others. Is it something to do with jumping the gun? Rather than the first word being STOP. Also I bet it's really easy!
Yup, it’s a straight clue. If someone shouts something meaning “start running now” it gives you a synonym for “from the beginning”.
Moderate Jack to plug debts (10)
Is this an anagram of some of those words? Moderate looks like an anagram indicator?
Not enough vowels!
I've only actually done five answers so far, but two of them are long ones so it doesn't look Too empty.
No – the synonym part is the “moderate”, so then you need three parts for “Jack” (as in sailor), “plug” and “debts” (actually letters that sound like words for being indebted to someone).
Hope it helps!
-
Hi Susan,
Yup, it’s a straight clue. If someone shouts something meaning “start running now” it gives you a synonym for “from the beginning”.
Thank you - so it is FROM THE WORD GO
No – the synonym part is the “moderate”, so then you need three parts for “Jack” (as in sailor), “plug” and “debts” (actually letters that sound like words for being indebted to someone).
That will take me a bit longer!
Hope it helps!
Yes, definitely - and much appreciated. I do not know anyone who does that cryptic crossword. It is so much more interesting to communicate with an expert.
-
Hey Susan,
Thank you - so it is FROM THE WORD GO
No probs – looks good to me.
That will take me a bit longer!
Start with the “debts” if that helps – that was my way in and it’s always the same answer. Debts expressed as bits of paper meaning person A owes something to person B are called…
Yes, definitely - and much appreciated. I do not know anyone who does that cryptic crossword. It is so much more interesting to communicate with an expert.
I’m certainly not an expert! For some reason I find the Torygraph cryptic generally to be straightforward to do – regardless of the setter it’s very consistent, and often returns to the same ideas (whiskey, foxtrot, tango etc for letters for example). The Times take me longer (not that I do it these days) and often there’d be a few answers left over that took me a bit longer. The Guardian on the other hand has a mind all of its own, and I’ve never got on with it.
-
Hey Susan,
No probs – looks good to me.
Start with the “debts” if that helps – that was my way in and it’s always the same answer. Debts expressed as bits of paper meaning person A owes something to person B are called…
I’m certainly not an expert! For some reason I find the Torygraph cryptic generally to be straightforward to do – regardless of the setter it’s very consistent, and often returns to the same ideas (whiskey, foxtrot, tango etc for letters for example). The Times take me longer (not that I do it these days) and often there’d be a few answers left over that took me a bit longer. The Guardian on the other hand has a mind all of its own, and I’ve never got on with it.
I've found the one with junky in it:
/Reprimand junky occasionally sitting in spilt beer (6)
- - B - K - and of course I've just realised what it is REBUKE Why is 'junky' uk?
I have a word with blank H blank H ... so I think I might have made a mistake there! I'll have another look tomorrow.
-
Hey Susan,
I've found the one with junky in it:
/Reprimand junky occasionally sitting in spilt beer (6)
- - B - K - and of course I've just realised what it is REBUKE Why is 'junky' uk?
Well, you know that “beer” is an anagram because of the “spilt” – which gives you “REBE”. Also though you need something in the middle (“inside”) that's “occasionally” – ie, the alternate letters – from “junky”, which is the U and the K. UK inside REBE gives you REBUKE.
I have a word with blank H blank H ... so I think I might have made a mistake there! I'll have another look tomorrow.[/quote]
Blimey!
-
Lettin one makea call after husband (6) IPHONE
Type of critic with no standing (8) ARMCHAIR
If both those are right, then the answer to:
Old mathematician distributed nameless merchandise (10)
Has the blank H blank H in!!
- H – H – M – D - -
I suppose it is the Iphone that is wrong, isn’t it?!!
-
Hi again Susan,
Lettin one makea call after husband (6) IPHONE
I’m assuming that the “Lettin” is “letting? That gives you the synonym part. The “one” is given to you, and it comes just after “husband” – typically one letter. Then all you need to finish is a four-letter word meaning to “call” someone on the ‘phone.
Type of critic with no standing ( ARMCHAIR
Spot on – it’s straight clue.
If both those are right, then the answer to:
Old mathematician distributed nameless merchandise (10)
Has the blank H blank H in!!
- H – H – M – D - -
I suppose it is the Iphone that is wrong, isn’t it?!!
Yes! The “distributed” tells you that there’s an anagram, and “merchandise” has the right number of letters for that provided you make it “nameless”…
-
Hi again Susan,
I’m assuming that the “Lettin” is “letting? That gives you the synonym part. The “one” is given to you, and it comes just after “husband” – typically one letter. Then all you need to finish is a four-letter word meaning to “call” someone on the ‘phone.
Spot on – it’s straight clue.
Yes! The “distributed” tells you that there’s an anagram, and “merchandise” has the right number of letters for that provided you make it “nameless”…
Thank you. HIRING and ARCHIMEDES
But I don't see why that is nameless?
It's the N isn't it. archimeden ? ? (Which Synthetic Dave pronounces as Archimeden.)
Checked definition - it is spelt Archimedean. How does even my favourite crossword setter who has obviously compiled this one get away with that!
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you. HIRING and ARCHIMEDES
But I don't see why that is nameless?
It's the N isn't it. archimeden ? ? (Which Synthetic Dave pronounces as Archimeden.)
No problem. It's nameless because "merchandise" has one letter too many to be an anagram for ARCHIMEDES, and that letter if the "n". "Name" is "n", so making "merchandise" "nameless" just means taking out the "n".
-
Hi Susan,
No problem. It's nameless because "merchandise" has one letter too many to be an anagram for ARCHIMEDES, and that letter if the "n". "Name" is "n", so making "merchandise" "nameless" just means taking out the "n".
Oh I see! Ignore my last edit above written before reading this!
-
Just a few clues to go!
ABSTEMIOUS for the 'Moderate...' one.
Tart initially can be consumed - on this? (3,5)
Secnd word TABLE Could you please say whether first is THE? Bit ordinary if it is!! However, I like this setter's clues..
It would be nice to finish it today, but as long as I finish by about Wednesday, I'm content!
-
Susan,
Just a few clues to go!
ABSTEMIOUS for the 'Moderate...' one.
Tart initially can be consumed - on this? (3,5)
Secnd word TABLE Could you please say whether first is THE? Bit ordinary if it is!! However, I like this setter's clues..
It would be nice to finish it today, but as long as I finish by about Wednesday, I'm content!
I can say – it isn’t! Look at the “initially” for the first letter, and then a word for “can be consumed” to follow…
-
Susan,
I can say – it isn’t! Look at the “initially” for the first letter, and then a word for “can be consumed” to follow…
Oh dear! The T, B and E are right (the B from REBUKE, T from thoughtful and E from SLEEVE - arm covering!
I thought - T from tart an ABLE from 'an be'.
TEA TABLE?
Yes, so that gives fALSETTO for High river battle - and finishes that corner.
Four clues in last corner to go, plus 1 down. Hmmm.
-
Susan,
Oh dear! The T, B and E are right (the B from REBUKE, T from thoughtful and E from SLEEVE - arm covering!
I thought - T from tart an ABLE from 'an be'.
TEA TABLE?
Yup, though not for that reason - it's T + EATABLE.
-
Susan,
Yup, though not for that reason - it's T + EATABLE.
:) Oh yes, of course! Thank you.
See Edit to above post.
-
1 down: Flier the setter's sent up in this vein? (6)
Letters: - I - R - B -
MIDRIB ('bird' and 'im') Fits, but does the IM indicate the setter is saying, I am'
Three to go.
Edited:
Could you tell me please, with a yes or no, whether the letters I have look correct?
The 7th letter of both 8-letter words is shared.
The 3rd letter of 22 down is the 5th letter of 24 across.
24 across: Precise in theatre (8) S – R - - - - -
17 down: Ordinary novice supporting lady (6) L – R - - -
22 down: Brad and Angelina originally in love (4) N - - -
I’m fairly sure that last clue appeared a while back, but I’ve forgotten the answer.
-
Hi Susan,
1 down: Flier the setter's sent up in this vein? (6)
Letters: - I - R - B -
MIDRIB ('bird' and 'im') Fits, but does the IM indicate the setter is saying, I am'
Yes it does. The answer works but I confess I couldn’t see the “vein” bit so I looked up “midrib” and it turns out it’s the vein of a leaf. You learn something new every day eh?
Three to go.
Edited:
Could you tell me please, with a yes or no, whether the letters I have look correct?
The 7th letter of both 8-letter words is shared.
The 3rd letter of 22 down is the 5th letter of 24 across.
24 across: Precise in theatre ( S – R - - - - -
Yes. It’s a straight clue – not all theatres are for actors!
17 down: Ordinary novice supporting lady (6) L – R - - -
No – sorry. Think “learner” as in car driver “supporting” a woman’s name.
22 down: Brad and Angelina originally in love (4) N - - -
I’m fairly sure that last clue appeared a while back, but I’ve forgotten the answer.
This is a properly hard one – took me quite a while. The N is correct, and you need to now that “brad” isn’t just a man’s name…
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Hi Susan,
Yes it does. The answer works but I confess I couldn’t see the “vein” bit so I looked up “midrib” and it turns out it’s the vein of a leaf. You learn something new every day eh?
Yes. It’s a straight clue – not all theatres are for actors!
No – sorry. Think “learner” as in car driver “supporting” a woman’s name.
This is a properly hard one – took me quite a while. The N is correct, and you need to now that “brad” isn’t just a man’s name…
Thank you - very much appreciated. If I remember correctly, you said something about the Brad and Angelina one being a sort ofr egularly appearing one, but obviously not, otherwise you'd have got it straight away!
Yes, that is interesting info about the vein - I certainly didn't know that.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - very much appreciated. If I remember correctly, you said something about the Brad and Angelina one being a sort ofr egularly appearing one, but obviously not, otherwise you'd have got it straight away!
Yes, that is interesting info about the vein - I certainly didn't know that.
No problem. I don't remember the B & A thing, but sadly these days my not remembering something and whether it happened have an ever-more tenuous relationship. Ah well.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. I don't remember the B & A thing, but sadly these days my not remembering something and whether it happened have an ever-more tenuous relationship. Ah well.
Thank you. As the B and A one was not easy, I thought it was quite allowable to look up brad = nail.
However, if that is the case, what has the Angelina got to do with it, please?
SURGICAL for the theatre one.
The L from 19 (not 17) down which I wrongly numbered) comes from REHEARSALS for:
18 across: Having a trying time before play opens (8)
The plural worried me a bit - it should be singular, shouldn't it, but the E, H, A R are right - unless you say they are not!
Yes or no would be helpful, as I'll plod on a bit further to see if I can get the answers.
ETA the last four letters of Angelina form nail, but I can't see the reason.
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Hi again Susan,
Thank you. As the B and A one was not easy, I thought it was quite allowable to look up brad = nail.
However, if that is the case, what has the Angelina got to do with it, please?
ETA the last four letters of Angelina form nail, but I can't see the reason.
No problem. OK, as it was a hard one let’s deconstruct it:
The clue was: Brad and Angelina originally in love (4) N - - -
So we know that a “brad” is a nail so that’s the synonym part. (Notice too by the way that the “Brad” is the first word of the clue, which means it can be capitalised and so look like the name.)
Then we have “Angelina originally”, that “originally” giving us the A. The “in” tells us that the A must be inside something, and “love” (as in tennis) is another way of saying NIL. Et voila!
It’s extra clever too by the way because the “in love” is ambiguous – there’s the usual meaning, but also the meaning of inside love.
SURGICAL for the theatre one.
Yup.
The L from 19 (not 17) down which I wrongly numbered) comes from REHEARSALS for:
18 across: Having a trying time before play opens (
The plural worried me a bit - it should be singular, shouldn't it, but the E, H, A R are right - unless you say they are not!
Yes or no would be helpful, as I'll plod on a bit further to see if I can get the answers.
You’re on the right lines – try a different ending to the answer though. Again it’s straight clue though.
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Hi again Susan,
No problem. OK, as it was a hard one let’s deconstruct it:
The clue was: Brad and Angelina originally in love (4) N - - -
So we know that a “brad” is a nail so thats the synonym part. (Notice too by the way that the “Brad” is the first word of the clue, which means it can be capitalised and so look like the name.)
Then we have “Angelina originally”, that “originally” giving us the A. The “in” tells us that the A must be inside something, and “love” (as in tennis) is another way of saying NIL. Et voila!
Well, I suppose it is possible I might, if I'd had the I from SURGICAL, have found that the word NAIL fitted, by a process of elimination, but then I would never have worked out why! Thank you.
It’s extra clever too by the way because the “in love” is ambiguous – there’s the usual meaning, but also the meaning of inside love.
Yup.
You’re on the right lines – try a different ending to the answer though. Again it’s straight clue though.
Ah, Yes, I should have thought of that - REHEARSING. That gives me N - R - A -
*pause* So it's NORMAL
Cryptic complete - and it's still only Tuesday! Many thanks for your help. Now I'll only have four weeks to wait before favourite setter appears again, I suppose. the ones in between do not have such a friendly feel!
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Susan,
Spot on, and it's my pleasure.
Don't give up when you don't like the setter by the way - after a bit you'll probably come to appreciate them all.
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Susan,
Spot on, and it's my pleasure.
Don't give up when you don't like the setter by the way - after a bit you'll probably come to appreciate them all.
Hmmmm, not sure about that! :)
Anyway, the DT have seen fit to completely change the web site. Instead of a nice, neat, easy-to-access puzzles page, it is all acres of empty space, which my software doesn't like so far!
I phoned and spoke to a girl in the Puzzles dept and she was telling me about the word print in a coloured box.
As I tend not to let the grass grow under my feet, I phoned again and asked to speak to someone with regard to accessibility. The girl I spoke to was helpful, but is going to investigate and ring me back.
I have also e-mailed Tech chap to arrange a visit asap.
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My older son visited yesterday and was able to find the right link to print off yesterday’s Quick and Cryptic, but I’ll have to wait until Tuesday to get a set of clear steps to take to be able to access comfortably the new website.
I think I might have been mistaken about it being my favourite setter last Saturday, because this one I’m finding much more accessible, and have done quite a bit of top half already. This makes me think that perhaps I might be getting better at tuning in to other setters’ ideas.
A hint for the following clue would be much appreciated:
One unearthing facts about bread used by singer/actress (10)
R – S – A – C - - -
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Hi again Susan,
My older son visited yesterday and was able to find the right link to print off yesterday’s Quick and Cryptic, but I’ll have to wait until Tuesday to get a set of clear steps to take to be able to access comfortably the new website.
I think I might have been mistaken about it being my favourite setter last Saturday, because this one I’m finding much more accessible, and have done quite a bit of top half already. This makes me think that perhaps I might be getting better at tuning in to other setters’ ideas.
A hint for the following clue would be much appreciated:
One unearthing facts about bread used by singer/actress (10)
R – S – A – C - - -
Glad it's going well. Re the clue, what do we call someone who digs out facts, maybe for a TV programme or similar?
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Hi again Susan,
Glad it's going well. Re the clue, what do we call someone who digs out facts, maybe for a TV programme or similar?
Thank you. I was thinking more of the gardening aspect of digging!
P.S. Meant to add - why the singer/actress?
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Good morning Susan,
Thank you. I was thinking more of the gardening aspect of digging!
P.S. Meant to add - why the singer/actress?
No problem.
Re the singer/actress, the last four letters of RESEARCHER are CHER (as in Sonny & Cher).
I’m not seeing the “bread” part though – could it be “brand” perhaps, which would fit for the SEAR part?
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Good morning Susan,
No problem.
Re the singer/actress, the last four letters of RESEARCHER are CHER (as in Sonny & Cher).
I’m not seeing the “bread” part though – could it be “brand” perhaps, which would fit for the SEAR part?
Thank you. Cher is not the first name that springs to mind, especially as Snthetic Dave pronounces it as spelt!
brand or bread are not part of my daily vocabulary!! :D
There are not too many empty spaces, but a slight hint toward the following would be appreciated:
5 down: Woman waiting up? (10)
S - E - A - D - - - 9th lette might be T
ETA to put an A - I had misread my own writing and thought it was an R!
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. Cher is not the first name that springs to mind, especially as Snthetic Dave pronounces it as spelt!
brand or bread are not part of my daily vocabulary!!
There are not too many empty spaces, but a slight hint toward the following would be appreciated:
5 down: Woman waiting up? (10)
S - E - R - D - - - 9th lette might be T
I think your spacing might be a bit off – think of “waiting” as in restaurants etc, but conducted at 30,000 feet (ie, “up”).
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Hey Susan,
I think your spacing might be a bit off – think of “waiting” as in restaurants etc, but conducted at 30,000 feet (ie, “up”).
Ah, yes of course - thank you. Yes, R wrong - see ETa to previous post. STEWARDESS
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Several of the clues today have come up before since I started subscribing to the DT puzzles, but they'll need to appearquite a few times more before I remember the answers you have kindly helped with. One of them I think is:
Worrying about son is what could make one even happier (12)
- - - E - E - S - V -
APPREHENSIVE fits but it doesn't sound right.
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Hi Susan,
Several of the clues today have come up before since I started subscribing to the DT puzzles, but they'll need to appearquite a few times more before I remember the answers you have kindly helped with. One of them I think is:
Worrying about son is what could make one even happier (12)
- - - E - E - S - V -
APPREHENSIVE fits but it doesn't sound right.
Sounds right enough to me Susan – “about” (ie, surrounding) “son” (ie, S) is an anagram (“could make”) of “even happier”.
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Hi Susan,
Sounds right enough to me Susan – “about” (ie, surrounding) “son” (ie, S) is an anagram (“could make”) of “even happier”.
Oh, good! There is now a group of clues in bottom left-hand corner.One of them is 17 down:
A smooth telemark, ultimately - one that's found in Chamonix! (5-3
I googled a definition of telemark and find it is a way of doing a fancy stop in skiing. Well, it was called something different when I when skiing for the first and only time when I was 16!
Second letter P and last letter E - if answer to
Stumble knocking back lager (4) is REEL)
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Hi Susan,
Oh, good! There is now a group of clues in bottom left-hand corner.One of them is 17 down:
A smooth telemark, ultimately - one that's found in Chamonix! (5-3
I googled a definition of telemark and find it is a way of doing a fancy stop in skiing. Well, it was called something different when I when skiing for the first and only time when I was 16!
Second letter P and last letter E - if answer to
Stumble knocking back lager (4) is REEL)
Hmmm…if we start with the second one, I’m not liking REEL I’m afraid – there’s no connection to the “lager” part. On the other hand, if you think of a common four-letter word for “lager” (often with “ner” at the end of it) and then reverse it (“knocking back”) you get a nice synonym for “stumble”…
…which also gives you the correct letter for the telemark clue. What do people do/have after a hard day on the slopes of Chamonix etc?
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Hi Susan,
Hmmm…if we start with the second one, I’m not liking REEL I’m afraid – there’s no connection to the “lager” part. On the other hand, if you think of a common four-letter word for “lager” (often with “ner” at the end of it) and then reverse it (“knocking back”) you get a nice synonym for “stumble”…
…which also gives you the correct letter for the telemark clue. What do people do/have after a hard day on the slopes of Chamonix etc?
Thank you - so that's SLIP and APRES-SKI. In fairness to myself, I had thought of SLIP and TRIP but reversing the letters did not ring any recognition bells!
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I'm afraid I'm stuck on the last three clues. I think I should know all three because I'm fairly sure they have already appeard and that you have helped with answers, but I would appreciate strong hints or answers, please for these:
16 down: Detective's assistant has to capture cheat (8)- A - - - - - S
I know I had to think of a wide variety of synonyms for cheat ... ...
21 across: Speculate - that makes the euro finally increase in value (8 - - E - R - S -
24 across: A hospital rejected rocket scientists (4)
First letters of 21 and 24 from 16 down.
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Hey Susan,
I'm afraid I'm stuck on the last three clues. I think I should know all three because I'm fairly sure they have already appeard and that you have helped with answers, but I would appreciate strong hints or answers, please for these:
16 down: Detective's assistant has to capture cheat ( - A - - - - - S
I know I had to think of a wide variety of synonyms for cheat ... ...
OK. The “has” is given to you, and it has to go around (“capture”) a synonym for “cheat” – think what a bee does. This gives you a person’s surname, though I confess I haven’t looked up the literary reference to see which detective this chap was an assistant to.
21 across: Speculate - that makes the euro finally increase in value (8 - - E - R - S –
It’s a synonym for “speculate”, and the “the” and the last letter of euro (“euro finally”) get you started. All you need then for the last four letters is a synonym for “increase in value”. Like bread!
24 across: A hospital rejected rocket scientists (4)
First letters of 21 and 24 from 16 down.
Somewhat quaint abbreviation for “hospital” is backwards ("rejected") and the “a” is given to you. Which organisation do most American rocket scientists work for?
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Coda: Just looked him up Susan - turns out he was Hercule Poirot's assistant!
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Hey Susan,
OK. The “has” is given to you, and it has to go around (“capture”) a synonym for “cheat” – think what a bee does. This gives you a person’s surname, though I confess I haven’t looked up the literary reference to see which detective this chap was an assistant to.
Ah, I see - I thought it would be DS Detective Sergeant) or something to do the go arounding. Having now done the other two clues, THEORISE and naSA, I an see that it is HASTINGS and it's that word 'sting' that this setter obviously likes!
It’s a synonym for “speculate”, and the “the” and the last letter of euro (“euro finally”) get you started. All you need then for the last four letters is a synonym for “increase in value”. Like bread!
I had put in the I and E of rise but hadnd't worked out why.
Ditto with putting in the letters for NASA but couldn't see why. A SAN is certainly not a phrase in current use!
Somewhat quaint abbreviation for “hospital” is backwards ("rejected") and the “a” is given to you. Which organisation do most American rocket scientists work for?
Much appreciated, thank you. I will now have to practise finding the right places to click on to get to Saturday's crossword. I haven't yet tried following Tech chap's instructions.
I see your note about Hastings and Hercule Poirot.
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Today's crosswords successfully printed. Quick quite tricky. Cryptic: 7 answers so far with a few more possibles, but 15 across is:
Moves modem steeples (8)
And what sort of a clue is that, for goodness' sake?!! May I ask for a hint, please.
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Hi Susan,
Today's crosswords successfully printed. Quick quite tricky. Cryptic: 7 answers so far with a few more possibles, but 15 across is:
Moves modem steeples (
And what sort of a clue is that, for goodness' sake?!! May I ask for a hint, please.
Of course. If someone “moves” you they motivate you, or…you.
“Modern” means trendy, and then you just need a synonym for “steeples” for the last five letters.
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Hi Susan,
Of course. If someone “moves” you they motivate you, or…you.
“Modern” means trendy, and then you just need a synonym for “steeples” for the last five letters.
Thank you - I am cheered as it seems I got on the right track straight away, because I wrote down INSPIRE, but that is only 7 letters.
ETA: Actually, I hadn't realised it was 'modern' - I thought it was 'modem', so no wonder it sounded like a difficult clue! Back to CCTV and checked, so of course answer is INSPIRES.
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May I have hints, please:
Turn up at start of the finale(6) Fifth letter N.
ELFINA fits but I have no idea why that would be right! Or was there something about elfinA being a character in an opera?
Spiritual vessel? (4,5) HOLY GRAIL It can’t be anything else for the first word, can it? In second word G and I are correct.
ETA On taking another look, I think the second word must be GLASS - last S from aSSONANT
I ask because 1 down ought to be ABSTAINbut the H gets in the way.
Haven’t had as much time to work on it so far this week, but it still only Tuesday! I have done a few more answers this afternoon.
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Hi Susan,
May I have hints, please:
Turn up at start of the finale(6) Fifth letter N.
ELFINA fits but I have no idea why that would be right! Or was there something about elfinA being a character in an opera?
Of course. That’s quite a tricky one because some of the answer is hiding in plain sight within the clue. If you “turn up” to something, you….
The beginning of the answer is given to you, and the “start of” tells you that you need the first letter of the next word in the clue. Then all you need to finish it is a synonym for “finale”.
Spiritual vessel? (4,5) HOLY GRAIL It can’t be anything else for the first word, can it? In second word G and I are correct.
ETA On taking another look, I think the second word must be GLASS - last S from aSSONANT
I ask because 1 down ought to be ABSTAINbut the H gets in the way.
I’m glad you took a second look! “GLASS” is the word that first occurred to me, though the first word could be one of several things. My bet would be a synonym for what you’d have been if someone had fired a bullet at you!
Haven’t had as much time to work on it so far this week, but it still only Tuesday! I have done a few more answers this afternoon.
Good luck ; - )
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Hi Susan,
Of course. That’s quite a tricky one because some of the answer is hiding in plain sight within the clue. If you “turn up” to something, you….
The beginning of the answer is given to you, and the “start of” tells you that you need the first letter of the next word in the clue. Then all you need to finish it is a synonym for “finale”.
I’m glad you took a second look! “GLASS” is the word that first occurred to me, though the first word could be one of several things. My bet would be a synonym for what you’d have been if someone had fired a bullet at you!
Good luck ; - )
thank you for your help - I'll work on those......
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Susan,
thank you for your help - I'll work on those......
No problem. I'm sure that if you attend to it carefully you'll get it like a shot.
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Computer problems ... hope I can post this - ATTEND and SHOT GLASS
Can't print today's
Hope Dolphin will do a remote control and fix early next week
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I have only two clues unanswered now. Hins would be much appreciated.
14 down: John held up in delay, getting frantic (8)
D - O - A - L -
12 across: Fashions wtihout diamonds covering new veils (8)
- N - E - O - S
Having no access to IE, I have had to learn more about using Google Cghroms in three days than I would have done in a year,I think! But the sooner I get SuperNova back in order, the better.
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Hi Susan,
I have only two clues unanswered now. Hins would be much appreciated.
14 down: John held up in delay, getting frantic (
D - O - A - L –
It’s a down clue so you know the “up” means there’s reversed part somewhere running upwards. A “John” is a WC, so maybe that’s it…
All you need then is a synonym for “delay” wrapped around it, and the whole thing to mean “frantic” (though I always though this word was more akin to “crazy” or similar). Tricky clue though.
12 across: Fashions wtihout diamonds covering new veils (
- N - E - O – S
Also a tricky one. “Without diamonds” tell you that there’s a “D” missing from something, and that something could well be a synonym for “fashions”. “Covering new” tells you that there must be an “N” in there somewhere, and the whole word must therefore be a synonym for “veils” (ie, covers of wraps around).
Having no access to IE, I have had to learn more about using Google Cghroms in three days than I would have done in a year,I think! But the sooner I get SuperNova back in order, the better.
Hope you’re back up and running soon Susan.
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Hi Susan,
It’s a down clue so you know the “up” means there’s reversed part somewhere running upwards. A “John” is a WC, so maybe that’s it…
All you need then is a synonym for “delay” wrapped around it, and the whole thing to mean “frantic” (though I always though this word was more akin to “crazy” or similar). Tricky clue though.
Also a tricky one. “Without diamonds” tell you that there’s a “D” missing from something, and that something could well be a synonym for “fashions”. “Covering new” tells you that there must be an “N” in there somewhere, and the whole word must therefore be a synonym for “veils” (ie, covers of wraps around).
Hope you’re back up and running soon Susan.
Thank you for your help. much appreciated as always. I'll read it again I can hear it, but I have been thinking DOOLALLY and ENVELOPS, so I'll compare those withi what you say tomorrow.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your help. much appreciated as always. I'll read it again I can hear it, but I have been thinking DOOLALLY and ENVELOPS, so I'll compare those withi what you say tomorrow.
No problem, and I'm liking your thinking!
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Last Saturday's cryptic (my neighbour used computer without SuperNova and printed it for me) is one where the setter likes to use long comnplicated clues but when the answer is found, it raises a smile!
I have a question:
5 down: Bishop began to perambulate about area round seat (7)
BRAMBLE is, I'm fairly sure, the right answer and it fits other clues.
However, 14 across is:
Protective cover for biography, apparently one's occasionally needed when bathing (9)
L - F - - - - - - so it looks as if it begins with LIFE, but if BRAMBLE is right, then the fifth letter is E.
May I have a hint or two please?
I think I shall have a large numbe of posts to catch up on in 'Searching for God'! Will I be missing anything much if I skip to the end when SuperNova is back in action? :)
Friday morning: Here follows some thinking out loud ...
I am wondering whether:
- if the answer to: 9 across - Stop being faithful (7) is SINCERE
- then the third letter of 5 down is N
- if the answer to 14 across is LIFESAVER
-then last letter of 5 down is S
This gives B - N - B - S and that shouts BONOBOS! I suppose it could be B on a Bos but that doesn't mean anything and in any case the fourth letter is not A. I tried googling definition of Bos, but cannot see or hear result.
That secondB comes from SUBSOIL = anwer to:
Reserves - fuel that lies beneath what lies beneath (7)
Thank you for reading!
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Hi Susan,
Sorry it’s taken a while - was out of the UK yesterday, and back late.
Last Saturday's cryptic (my neighbour used computer without SuperNova and printed it for me) is one where the setter likes to use long comnplicated clues but when the answer is found, it raises a smile!
I have a question:
5 down: Bishop began to perambulate about area round seat (7)
BRAMBLE is, I'm fairly sure, the right answer and it fits other clues.
Not liking BRAMBLE I’m afraid. You’re on the right track with the B for “bishop”, but have a look at that “perambulate” – it’s telling you that there’s an anagram of “began” perhaps? Then it needs to go “round” an abbreviation for “area", and maybe you’ll have a synonym for a seat…
However, 14 across is:
Protective cover for biography, apparently one's occasionally needed when bathing (9)
L - F - - - - - - so it looks as if it begins with LIFE, but if BRAMBLE is right, then the fifth letter is E.
May I have a hint or two please?
Well, once you get the “bishop” clue this one should fall into place.
I think I shall have a large numbe of posts to catch up on in 'Searching for God'! Will I be missing anything much if I skip to the end when SuperNova is back in action?
No, it’s just more of AB refusing or or being incapable of engaging with what’s being said and repeating the same mistakes and (already answered) questions over and over again. He’s the living definition of uneducable.
Friday morning: Here follows some thinking out loud ...
I am wondering whether:
- if the answer to: 9 across - Stop being faithful (7) is SINCERE
- then the third letter of 5 down is N
- if the answer to 14 across is LIFESAVER
-then last letter of 5 down is S
This gives B - N - B - S and that shouts BONOBOS! I suppose it could be B on a Bos but that doesn't mean anything and in any case the fourth letter is not A. I tried googling definition of Bos, but cannot see or hear result.
That secondB comes from SUBSOIL = anwer to:
Reserves - fuel that lies beneath what lies beneath (7)
Thank you for reading!
I’d need to see the clues Susan, but I’m not liking LIFESAVER. Keep the LIFE bit, but you need a different ending with the correct letter from the “bishop” clue.
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Hi Susan,
Sorry it’s taken a while - was out of the UK yesterday, and back late.
Not liking BRAMBLE I’m afraid. You’re on the right track with the B for “bishop”, but have a look at that “perambulate” – it’s telling you that there’s an anagram of “began” perhaps? Then it needs to go “round” an abbreviation for “area", and maybe you’ll have a synonym for a seat…
Well, once you get the “bishop” clue this one should fall into place.
No, it’s just more of AB refusing or or being incapable of engaging with what’s being said and repeating the same mistakes and (already answered) questions over and over again. He’s the living definition of uneducable.
I’d need to see the clues Susan, but I’m not liking LIFESAVER. Keep the LIFE bit, but you need a different ending with the correct letter from the “bishop” clue.
Many thanks for your help - much apprecaited. I'll work on the answers later. I'm going to Salisbury this afternoon - one of my granddaughters is visiting her parents from Northampton for a couple of days.
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Sounds lovely Susan, despite the weather. Hope you have a super time ;)
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Sounds lovely Susan, despite the weather. Hope you have a super time ;)
I had arranged for a taxi wait-and-return so, while waiting, I sorted out the BEANBAG!!! I think it's a bit of a chhek to use the B of SLEEPING BAGS = answer to 1 across, for another answer including a BAG! :D However, it is cosistent with setter's sense of fun I suppose - it certainly made me smile!
LIFEGUARD I had thought of, but couldn't see how the G fitted the Bishop clue.
This, however, presents another dilemma as 6 down ends with an A. Hmmm.
My granddaughter and I played Scrabble, but she has to tell me what is available on the board and choose places to put words. Really nice to hear all about her and her partner's house (their own for three months) and the work they have done in it so far.
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Hi Suan,
I had arranged for a taxi wait-and-return so, while waiting, I sorted out the BEANBAG!!! I think it's a bit of a chhek to use the B of SLEEPING BAGS = answer to 1 across, for another answer including a BAG! :D However, it is cosistent with setter's sense of fun I suppose - it certainly made me smile!
LIFEGUARD I had thought of, but couldn't see how the G fitted the Bishop clue.
Yup - well done for both.
This, however, presents another dilemma as 6 down ends with an A. Hmmm.
I can't see the clue I'm afraid, but lots of words end with A!
My granddaughter and I played Scrabble, but she has to tell me what is available on the board and choose places to put words. Really nice to hear all about her and her partner's house (their own for three months) and the work they have done in it so far.
Sounds like a lovely afternoon.
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Hi Suan,
Yup - well done for both.
I can't see the clue I'm afraid, but lots of words end with A!
Sounds like a lovely afternoon.
It seems that the list of words which can be used to signal an anagram gets longer and longer - e.g. perambulate
The 6 down clue is: Boat wrecked along with boarding party (7) (At this point I posted by mistake.)
To continue: G - - - O - A
So far, I'm assuming anagram of along ... ...
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Hey Susan,
It seems that the list of words which can be used to signal an anagram gets longer and longer - e.g. perambulate
The 6 down clue is: Boat wrecked along with boarding party (7)
Well, any word with a sense of mix up will do I suppose…
….and speaking of which, have a look at that “wrecked”. That’s a hint that there’s an anagram, and right next to it is the word “along” (and the “a” could be helpful as you already know it’s the last letter of the answer).
Problem is though that “along” doesn’t have enough letters, but you’re also told that it contains something else (“boarding”), so the missing two letters must be a synonym for “party”.
PS I only got this by the way because you told me that the last letter is an “a”, and there aren’t many boats that end with that!
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Hey Susan,
Well, any word with a sense of mix up will do I suppose…
….and speaking of which, have a look at that “wrecked”. That’s a hint that there’s an anagram, and right next to it is the word “along” (and the “a” could be helpful as you already know it’s the last letter of the answer).
Problem is though that “along” doesn’t have enough letters, but you’re also told that it contains something else (“boarding”), so the missing two letters must be a synonym for “party”.
PS I only got this by the way because you told me that the last letter is an “a”, and there aren’t many boats that end with that!
GONDOLA – I suppose I might have got that in the end … … anyway, I see that ‘boarding’ is another signal-type word.
I’m assuming that the setter has an answer to raise a smile to the following clue, but as it is Saturday, and my neighbour will, I hope, be kind enough to print today’s for me, a strong hint to this would be much appreciated, so that I can finish this one.
10 down: Tourist’s old cap crushed by wild punch (12)
- - L – D - - - A – E –
There was a somewhat similar clue a while back but that included ‘titfer’ and this one obviously doesn’t. I assume ‘old cap’ is anagrammed and is either in the middle or at the end of the word. …PLACED would fit nicely at the end but that leaves out the O.
And to this:
9 across: Stop being faithful (7) This is yet another which has appeared before, but I can’t remember what you said about it.
S – A – N - - The last letter is the first letter of 10 down.
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Hi again Susan,
GONDOLA – I suppose I might have got that in the end … … anyway, I see that ‘boarding’ is another signal-type word.
Yes indeed.
I’m assuming that the setter has an answer to raise a smile to the following clue, but as it is Saturday, and my neighbour will, I hope, be kind enough to print today’s for me, a strong hint to this would be much appreciated, so that I can finish this one.
10 down: Tourist’s old cap crushed by wild punch (12)
- - L – D - - - A – E –
There was a somewhat similar clue a while back but that included ‘titfer’ and this one obviously doesn’t. I assume ‘old cap’ is anagrammed and is either in the middle or at the end of the word. …PLACED would fit nicely at the end but that leaves out the O.
Think of another word for “vacation”, and then the person who goes on one…
“Cap” doesn’t necessarily mean hat – think of the top of a jar of jam for example – and it isn’t an anagram in this case. “Old” is usually abbreviated to “o”, and you just need a common term for a swinging punch to wrap around it (“crushed”).
And to this:
9 across: Stop being faithful (7) This is yet another which has appeared before, but I can’t remember what you said about it.
S – A – N - - The last letter is the first letter of 10 down.
It’s a straight clue – the answer means both “stop” (think of stopping the blood from a wound for example) and “faithful”, as in a loyal friend.
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Hi again Susan,
Yes indeed.
Think of another word for “vacation”, and then the person who goes on one…
“Cap” doesn’t necessarily mean hat – think of the top of a jar of jam for example – and it isn’t an anagram in this case. “Old” is usually abbreviated to “o”, and you just need a common term for a swinging punch to wrap around it (“crushed”).
It’s a straight clue – the answer means both “stop” (think of stopping the blood from a wound for example) and “faithful”, as in a loyal friend.
Thank you. STAUNCH is a word I must remember! And of course HOLIDAYMAKER is an easy word once you know what it is!
There are in fact wo more incomplete answers, but I am quite happy for them to remain so if necessary.
I may change my mind ...
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Susan,
Thank you. STAUNCH is a word I must remember! And of course HOLIDAYMAKER is an easy word once you know what it is!
There are in fact wo more incomplete answers, but I am quite happy for them to remain so if necessary.
I may change my mind ...
Well if you do, I'm happy to help if I can ;)
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This is a bit long, I'm afraid, but help will as always be much appreciated.
Saturday’s Cryptic , which I started – and of which I completed almost three-quarters on Sunday – was a bit easier in some ways than the Quick!!
May I please have hints for the following?as usual it involves clues which share letters:
2 down: Involved in eighth part of magic show on the radio (9)
- - - R - C - - E 2nd letter shared with 4th of 8 across
- Does ABRACADABRA have anything to do with it?
8 across: Black snow leopard in spring (6) - O - - - E
BOUNCE fits and is a spring, but I cannot, as one of my sons used to do when he was young, put in a word just because it fits and has the right number of letters!
Next pair:
5 down: People, say, kept in denial (8)
- - - - W – O - First letter probably N. WOOD would seem to be a sensible ending.
9 across: Viewing part of gun at home before midnight (8)
S - - - T – N - TING to end presumably.
Thirde letter of each is shared letter.
And just a bit more: last Saturday’s remaining two clues shared the first letter: the down clue was PICKAXE The across clue has P –R – Y and the clue was Camp quietly avant-garde
That has certainly appeared before but can’t remember the answer. I’ve tried all alphabet combinations but none of the answers makes sense.
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Hey Susan,
This is a bit long, I'm afraid, but help will as always be much appreciated.
Saturday’s Cryptic , which I started – and of which I completed almost three-quarters on Sunday – was a bit easier in some ways than the Quick!!
May I please have hints for the following?as usual it involves clues which share letters:
2 down: Involved in eighth part of magic show on the radio (9)
- - - R - C - - E 2nd letter shared with 4th of 8 across
- Does ABRACADABRA have anything to do with it?
Well, I don’t think so. It’s a bit of an odd clue though – the first two letters are given to you, and “on the radio” tells you that the rest sounds like something – ie, the thing they do at magic shows that comes eighth. The whole thing being a synonym for “Involved”.
8 across: Black snow leopard in spring (6) - O - - - E
BOUNCE fits and is a spring, but I cannot, as one of my sons used to do when he was young, put in a word just because it fits and has the right number of letters!
But you can if you happen to know that “ounce” is another name for the snow leopard!
Next pair:
5 down: People, say, kept in denial (
- - - - W – O - First letter probably N. WOOD would seem to be a sensible ending.
But not sensible enough I’m afraid ;) A large group of people is a country or a …. Then you have that “say”, which in Latin abbreviated form is inside (“kept in”) the "people" part, the whole meaning “denial”.
9 across: Viewing part of gun at home before midnight (
S - - - T – N - TING to end presumably.
Thirde letter of each is shared letter.
Took me a while this one (I kept thinking of inspecting, which is wrong). “At home” is always the same two letters, and “midnight” is always the same one letter (ie, the middle letter in “night”). Before that though you need part of a gun, the whole thing meaning “viewing”.
And just a bit more: last Saturday’s remaining two clues shared the first letter: the down clue was PICKAXE The across clue has P –R – Y and the clue was Camp quietly avant-garde
That has certainly appeared before but can’t remember the answer. I’ve tried all alphabet combinations but none of the answers makes sense.
There aren’t many words that fit! A “camp” is a group or a sect, so there’s your synonym. “Quietly” is a one-letter musical notation, and the last four letters come from the “avant-garde” bit.
You’ll kick yourself when you see it!
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Hey Susan,
Well, I don’t think so. It’s a bit of an odd clue though – the first two letters are given to you, and “on the radio” tells you that the rest sounds like
something – ie, the thing they do at magic shows that comes eighth. The whole thing being a synonym for “Involved”.
Hmmm, I'll have to think about that.
But you can if you happen to know that “ounce” is another name for the snow leopard!
Thats something I didn't know, but must remember for future clue reference!
But not sensible enough I’m afraid ;) A large group of people is a country or a …. Then you have that “say”, which in Latin abbreviated form is inside (“kept in”) the "people" part, the whole meaning “denial”.
Took me a while this one (I kept thinking of inspecting, which is wrong). “At home” is always the same two letters, and “midnight” is always the same one letter (ie, the middle letter in “night”). Before that though you need part of a gun, the whole thing meaning “viewing”.
Thank you for all the above - I'll get to work on them tomorrow.
There aren’t many words that fit! A “camp” is a group or a sect, so there’s your synonym. “Quietly” is a one-letter musical notation, and the last four letters come from the “avant-garde” bit.
You’ll kick yourself when you see it!
Oh, I see! PARTY Yes that word was a good one, but I certainly hadn't workd out why!.
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Well, I don’t think so. It’s a bit of an odd clue though – the first two letters are given to you, and “on the radio” tells you that the rest sounds like something – ie, the thing they do at magic shows that comes eighth. The whole thing being a synonym for “Involved”.
intricate? I had actually thought of that, but couldn't work out why - and still don't quite see the 'eighth' connection. I thought IN was too easy for the beginning! In a TRICE could be connected with magic ... or CAT as in 'cat out of the bag', ...
A large group of people is a country or a …. Then you have that “say”, which in Latin abbreviated form is inside (“kept in”) the "people" part, the whole meaning “denial”.
NEGATION Yes, I should have got the NATION part. I'd thought of negative but of course it didn't fit.
Took me a while this one (I kept thinking of inspecting, which is wrong). “At home” is always the same two letters, and “midnight” is always the same one letter (ie, the middle letter in “night”).
IN for at home? SIGHTING for whole word.
Before that though you need part of a gun, the whole thing meaning “viewing”.
Ah, yes the G (middle letter of night) is the end G.
One clue left - but no help requested at the moment! I'll see what I can do. And you'll have got the answer before ouve finished reading the clue!
15 down: Outfit's shares perhaps not popular (8)
- E - T - E - T
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Hi Susan,
intricate? I had actually thought of that, but couldn't work out why - and still don't quite see the 'eighth' connection. I thought IN was too easy for the beginning! In a TRICE could be connected with magic ... or CAT as in 'cat out of the bag', ...
It's simpler than that: said out loud “intricate” sounds like “in trick eight”…
NEGATION Yes, I should have got the NATION part. I'd thought of negative but of course it didn't fit.
Spot on.
IN for at home? SIGHTING for whole word.
Ah, yes the G (middle letter of night) is the end G.
Yup – “at home” is always “in”, and a “sight” is part of a rifle I think. “G” from “midnight” is pretty common too.
One clue left - but no help requested at the moment! I'll see what I can do. And you'll have got the answer before ouve finished reading the clue!
15 down: Outfit's shares perhaps not popular (
- E - T - E - T
Well… ;)
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Hi Susan,
It's simpler than that: said out loud “intricate” sounds like “in trick eight”…
Oh dear! *shakes head ruefully*
Today's Quick has four 13-letter answers!
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I have been going methodically through the alphabet, mentally putting letters in here and there, but can not come up with answer to 15 down (Outfit's shares perhaps not popular (8) ) so would much appreciate a strong hint, please.
I suppose it'll turn out to be one of those kick-self answers ... ... !
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Hi Susan,
I have been going methodically through the alphabet, mentally putting letters in here and there, but can not come up with answer to 15 down (Outfit's shares perhaps not popular ( ) so would much appreciate a strong hint, please.
I suppose it'll turn out to be one of those kick-self answers ... ... !
It might just be. If you put our money into shares etc you make an…
…but as that word is “not popular”, it must be missing the part that means “popular” – possibly a two-letter part at the beginning?
And when you remove that part maybe you’ll be left for a synonym for an “outfit” or item of clothing.
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Hi Susan,
It might just be. If you put our money into shares etc you make an…
…but as that word is “not popular”, it must be missing the part that means “popular” – possibly a two-letter part at the beginning?
And when you remove that part maybe you’ll be left for a synonym for an “outfit” or item of clothing.
Mind stayes blank ... ... phoned my neighbour about something else ... ... came back to have another think about item of clothing that fitted the letters ... and of course it is VESTMENT.
I don't think that counts as a kick-self - as I am not into investing in shares! :)
Thank you for your help.
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Susan,
Mind stayes blank ... ... phoned my neighbour about something else ... ... came back to have another think about item of clothing that fitted the letters ... and of course it is VESTMENT.
I don't think that counts as a kick-self - as I am not into investing in shares! :)
Thank you for your help.
My pleasure ;)
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Hi Susan - if you're online, I'm just checking that you're ok as we haven't heard from you this week.
All best
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Hi Susan - if you're online, I'm just checking that you're ok as we haven't heard from you this week.
All best
She hasn't posted since the 16th but she was logged on yesterday morning. But echo your thought
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Thanks NS
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bluehillside and NS
Thank you for your concern. I expect you have seen my post in Topic for going off topic? I have a few more pills to take!
Right - back to work!
I have done about 8 of the clues, but a couple of helpful hints will assist, please.
6 across: Christmas favourite thing: tinsel for decorating (6,5)
Sixth letter T, but that means it can't be 'silver paper. I'm pretty sure a similar clue has cropped up before, but I can't remember the answer.
1 down: Wallet ultimately secreted by Scrooge - that's what you'd call him (6)
Does MISER have anything to do withit?There doesn't seem to be any logical reason why it should! Presumably, ultimately means the t at the end of wallet, and that must be inside something else. Hmmm.
Help will be much appreciated as always
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your concern. I expect you have seen my post in Topic for going off topic? I have a few more pills to take!
Not at all. I‘ve PM’s you back by the way.
Right - back to work!
I have done about 8 of the clues, but a couple of helpful hints will assist, please.
6 across: Christmas favourite thing: tinsel for decorating (6,5)
Sixth letter T, but that means it can't be 'silver paper. I'm pretty sure a similar clue has cropped up before, but I can't remember the answer.
The “decorating” suggests an anagram, and “thing tinsel” has the requisite number of letters…
…maybe a favourite carol would be a good synonym here too?
1 down: Wallet ultimately secreted by Scrooge - that's what you'd call him (6)
Does MISER have anything to do withit?There doesn't seem to be any logical reason why it should! Presumably, ultimately means the t at the end of wallet, and that must be inside something else. Hmmm.
Help will be much appreciated as always
Yes, you’re definitely on the right lines here. And yes “miser” is there too – so what happens when you insert the “ultimate” of wallet into that word?
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Hi Susan,
Not at all. I‘ve PM’s you back by the way.
Yes, I saw it yesterday, thank you; and for your help here.
The “decorating” suggests an anagram, and “thing tinsel” has the requisite number of letters…
…maybe a favourite carol would be a good synonym here too?
Oh dear, I really should have thought of that! SILENT plus NIGHT.
Yes, you’re definitely on the right lines here. And yes “miser” is there too – so what happens when you insert the “ultimate” of wallet into that word?
MMISTER ...but that sounds too easy!
Anyway, I did a few more answers yesterday.
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Since laast Saturday's Cryptic was nearly complete and since it was Christmas Day yesterday, I consulted Big Dave's blog hints instead of here! The page was sort of flickering ... there were continuous snowflakes falling down.
15 across: Seasonal good wishes, remarks inspiring leaders in pretty lacklustre institutions (11)
I had: - - M - - - I - E N - - -
I knew P, L and I had to go in but would not have got COMPLIMENTS without the hint 'synonym of remarks'.
There are, however, a couple of answers with gaps:
Duck with orange (8) - A - D - R - N
I know that 'duck' can be 0, but as there is no D in 'orange', a hint towards the answer would help please. No rush of course!!
There is also: Particular Christmas film seen in Irish house (6)
I have D- T - I - So I thought ET for the film, butI don't know why the answer might be DETAIL?
I have printed Monday's Cryptic and have done quite a few answers ... another Christmasy one.
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Since laast Saturday's Cryptic was nearly complete and since it was Christmas Day yesterday, I consulted Big Dave's blog hints instead of here! The page was sort of flickering ... there were continuous snowflakes falling down.
15 across: Seasonal good wishes, remarks inspiring leaders in pretty lacklustre institutions (11)
I had: - - M - - - I - E N - - -
I knew P, L and I had to go in but would not have got COMPLIMENTS without the hint 'synonym of remarks'.
There are, however, a couple of answers with gaps:
Duck with orange (8) - A - D - R - N
I know that 'duck' can be 0, but as there is no D in 'orange', a hint towards the answer would help please. No rush of course!!
There is also: Particular Christmas film seen in Irish house (6)
I have D- T - I - So I thought ET for the film, butI don't know why the answer might be DETAIL?
I have printed Monday's Cryptic and have done quite a few answers ... another Christmasy one.
For the duck clue, it's a name that a type of duck and a type of orange share. Also strong associations with part of China.
Detail is correct, the Dail is the lower house in Irish parliament.
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For the duck clue, it's a name that a type of duck and a type of orange share. Also strong associations with part of China.
Ah, right, so it is MANDARIN. I would not have thought of that, but must remember it for future occasions.
Detail is correct, the Dail is the lower house in Irish parliament.
Another one I didn't know!
thank you for your help - much appreciated.
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Hi again Susan – hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Since laast Saturday's Cryptic was nearly complete and since it was Christmas Day yesterday, I consulted Big Dave's blog hints instead of here! The page was sort of flickering ... there were continuous snowflakes falling down.
15 across: Seasonal good wishes, remarks inspiring leaders in pretty lacklustre institutions (11)
I had: - - M - - - I - E N - - -
I knew P, L and I had to go in but would not have got COMPLIMENTS without the hint 'synonym of remarks'.
There are, however, a couple of answers with gaps:
Duck with orange ( - A - D - R - N
I know that 'duck' can be 0, but as there is no D in 'orange', a hint towards the answer would help please. No rush of course!!
There is also: Particular Christmas film seen in Irish house (6)
I have D- T - I - So I thought ET for the film, butI don't know why the answer might be DETAIL?
I have printed Monday's Cryptic and have done quite a few answers ... another Christmasy one.
NS beat me to it re MANDARIN, but you’re right on the other one with DETAIL. The DAIL is the Irish parliament, so putting ET inside it gives you a synonym for “particular”.
Incidentally, was there not a bumper festive crossword this year? Various papers do it, but I'm not sure if the Telegraph is one of them.
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Hi again Susan – hope you had a lovely Christmas.
Yes, thank you, and I hope you did too. Younger son and family in Northampton and older over in the far west of Wiltshire, so I would have been perfectly content on my own, but a neighbour, a few years older than I am and a very good cook!, who was also going to be on her own invited me over for lunch yesterday and today and that has been very pleasant, as we have known each other for a long time.
NS beat me to it re MANDARIN, but you’re right on the other one with DETAIL. The DAIL is the Irish parliament, so putting ET inside it gives you a synonym for “particular”.
Ah, I hadn't seen that point.
Incidentally, was there not a bumper festive crossword this year? Various papers do it, but I'm not sure if the Telegraph is one of them.
I don't know - I am sticking to the Quick and the Cryptic. I can manage them, printing them and using the CCTV, , moving the paper around from clu to grid. Also, since the DT changed - I suppose they call it 'improved' (*sigh*) -the web page, it is not so easy to get them on screen and print them!
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Saturday – crossword day again; may I ask for comments or hints, please?
Printed today’s cryptic, plodded through all the clues, thought I couldn’t do any, but then found an easy one … … I think it is my favourite setter’s … and have done quite a few already.
28 across:Baby girl might be found here enjoying perfect health (2,3,4)
IN HER PRAM? P starts the third word, but I can’t see what ‘perfect health’ has to do with it.
8 across: Stewards badly organising plant (5,8)
- - - Y -/B – D - - - - -
- Anagram of first two words presumably, but even if I get all the intervening letters, I doubt if I will know the plant!
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Saturday – crossword day again; may I ask for comments or hints, please?
Printed today’s cryptic, plodded through all the clues, thought I couldn’t do any, but then found an easy one … … I think it is my favourite setter’s … and have done quite a few already.
28 across:Baby girl might be found here enjoying perfect health (2,3,4)
IN HER PRAM? P starts the third word, but I can’t see what ‘perfect health’ has to do with it.
8 across: Stewards badly organising plant (5,8)
- - - Y -/B – D - - - - -
- Anagram of first two words presumably, but even if I get all the intervening letters, I doubt if I will know the plant!
Hi Susan.
Think what colour little girls are supposed to wear. Then have a look again at your answer 'in her pram'. You're right. the whole thing means in tip top health.
The second is an anagram of 'stewards badly'. Clue- the dried flowers were sometimes used for stuffing matresses, especially for gentile females perhaps?
Have a good new year, Susan. I've just got a date for the first of my hip replacements.
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Hi Susan.
Think what colour little girls are supposed to wear. Then have a look again at your answer 'in her pram'. You're right. the whole thing means in tip top health.
Ah, yes of course, thank you! IN THE PINK
The second is an anagram of 'stewards badly'. Clue- the dried flowers were sometimes used for stuffing matresses, especially for gentile females perhaps?
I think that one might defeat me! However, I will try and get some more letters ... and the grid is about one third complete so far, so that's not bad for a Saturday!
Have a good new year, Susan. I've just got a date for the first of my hip replacements.
All the best for the hip op - and I am sure you will make sure you do all the physio exercises you are given to regain full movement.
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A couple more clues solved this morning. A not-too-easy hint for the following would be much appreciated:
Brief success for chef? (5,2,3,3)
- L - - -/N -/T - -/- A - The fourth letter I think is S. With the second word beginning with N, there is very little choice as to preceding word, or following letter. Hmmmm....
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A couple more clues solved this morning. A not-too-easy hint for the following would be much appreciated:
Brief success for chef? (5,2,3,3)
- L - - -/N -/T - -/- A - The fourth letter I think is S. With the second word beginning with N, there is very little choice as to preceding word, or following letter. Hmmmm....
Are you sure that the second word isn't -N rather than N-, Susan?
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Are you sure that the second word isn't -N rather than N-, Susan?
Well the down clue is:
Polish or another language that's heard (6)
and the N of FRENCH is the letter N of the two-letter word. . The square next to it has no adjacent up.down letters.
The F and the H of FRENCH are right.
FLASH IN THE PAN ??
So I suppose FRENCH is wrong. Bother!! Unless, of course, the setter and the DT Puzzles Editor have made a mistake!!
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Hi Susan,
A couple more clues solved this morning. A not-too-easy hint for the following would be much appreciated:
Brief success for chef? (5,2,3,3)
- L - - -/N -/T - -/- A - The fourth letter I think is S. With the second word beginning with N, there is very little choice as to preceding word, or following letter. Hmmmm....
The second word should be - N I think, and the answer derives from what happens when the gunpowder in a flintlock pistol ignites but doesn't set off the charge to expel the bullet.
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Susan,
Well the down clue is:
Polish or another language that's heard (6)
and the N of FRENCH is the letter N of the two-letter word. . The square next to it has no adjacent up.down letters.
The F and the H of FRENCH are right.
FLASH IN THE PAN ??
So I suppose FRENCH is wrong. Bother!! Unless, of course, the setter and the DT Puzzles Editor have made a mistake!!
Nope. Try a synonym for “polish” and a homonym for a language from further north than France!
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Hi Susan,
The second word should be - N I think, and the answer derives from what happens when the gunpowder in a flintlock pistol ignites but doesn't set off the charge to expel the bullet.
Ah, thank you - I didn't know that! And the FLASH-IN-THE-PAN answer is another one of those phrases I must remember!
,
Nope. Try a synonym for “polish” and a homonym for a language from further north than France!
I remembered that Polish can refer to e.g. French polishing, but that would not have taken me to the answer, I'm afraid! So, heading North, it must be Finnish, but with only one N...
thank you for your help.
There is another clue I'm stuck on, but will have another try at it first ... ...
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Edited at 3:25 because on looking at grid on CCTV I see that I have made a mistake! The second letter of 10 down is not what I said. I'll be back in a minute to clarify.
Right - 12 across is: Appreciate something that's on hand (5) Middle letter G, which is a pity, because it can't be GLOVE!
It is the last letter of the answer here that is second letter of 10 down.
This is a bit long-winded, but hope a bit of thinking aloud is okay.
Am I on the right track?
At the right-hand side of the grid, 10 down: Weighing machine somewhere next to foundry? (9)
- - - E - - - R? –
The second letter is the end of ‘stewwards badly’ so I think it will be S – even though I do not know what that answer is.
I think the answer is ASSESSORS or ASSESSING, but I prefer the first, although I can’t really work it out.
Assess – weigh (up)
Somewhere – ‘in’ in assessing
Next to – i.e. letters not inside another part of word
Foundry – ‘esso’ but that really is stretching things a bit too far!!
I like the 8th letter as R because I think 26 across is CORER and 26 down I think is CLEAN.
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Hey again Susan,
Edited at 3:25 because on looking at grid on CCTV I see that I have made a mistake! The second letter of 10 down is not what I said. I'll be back in a minute to clarify.
Right - 12 across is: Appreciate something that's on hand (5) Middle letter G, which is a pity, because it can't be GLOVE!
It is the last letter of the answer here that is second letter of 10 down.
Bit cheeky this one – you need an hippy-era two-word phrase that means “appreciate” but when you join them together it gives you something you have on your hand.
This is a bit long-winded, but hope a bit of thinking aloud is okay.
Am I on the right track?
At the right-hand side of the grid, 10 down: Weighing machine somewhere next to foundry? (9)
- - - E - - - R? –
The second letter is the end of ‘stewwards badly’ so I think it will be S – even though I do not know what that answer is.
I think the answer is ASSESSORS or ASSESSING, but I prefer the first, although I can’t really work it out.
Assess – weigh (up)
Somewhere – ‘in’ in assessing
Next to – i.e. letters not inside another part of word
Foundry – ‘esso’ but that really is stretching things a bit too far!!
I like the 8th letter as R because I think 26 across is CORER and 26 down I think is CLEAN.
I’m afraid not. You need a place that’s normally next to a foundry for the synonym. The “weighing machine” bit is normally two words, but you need to know that that’s what those words mean. I confess that I didn’t – once I worked it out I then had to look up why it was a weighing machine!
Good luck!
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Hey again Susan,
Bit cheeky this one – you need an hippy-era two-word phrase that means “appreciate” but when you join them together it gives you something you have on your hand.
Thank you - no idea, but I've done an alphabetical elimination and quickly arrived at DIG IT!!
I’m afraid not. You need a place that’s normally next to a foundry for the synonym. The “weighing machine” bit is normally two words, but you need to know that that’s what those words mean. I confess that I didn’t – once I worked it out I then had to look up why it was a weighing machine!
Good luck!
In that case, it will definitely be beyond me! As it isn't 'weighing scales' and I don't know what's next to a foundry, unless it is STEEL for the first five letters with the T of 'digit giving the second letter,may I ask for an answer, please?
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Hi Susan,
In that case, it will definitely be beyond me! As it isn't 'weighing scales' and I don't know what's next to a foundry, unless it is STEEL for the first five letters with the T of 'digit giving the second letter,may I ask for an answer, please?
Of course: STEELYARD
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Hi Susan,
Of course: STEELYARD
Many thanks. That gives a Y for apathy and makes the other two dependent answers right.
Satirday's cryptic complete ... and it's only Monday! Well, except for the plant clue I'll never get that one, I'm afraid!
I have printed today's Cryptic but it's the Saturday ones, without answers available next day, that I find more interesting.
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks. That gives a Y for apathy and makes the other two dependent answers right.
Satirday's cryptic complete ... and it's only Monday! Well, except for the plant clue I'll never get that one, I'm afraid!
I have printed today's Cryptic but it's the Saturday ones, without answers available next day, that I find more interesting.
No problem, and well done for Saturday’s. Try LADY’S BEDSTRAW for the plant one ;)
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Today's Cryptic is quite hard, but as I have already done 8 answers, it seems to be one I should complete by about Wednesday ... with a bit of help here and there , please!
7 down: Rather like meal to be a success (8)
First letter F
Ratherlike > familiar
Am I on the right lines here?
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Hey Susan,
Today's Cryptic is quite hard, but as I have already done 8 answers, it seems to be one I should complete by about Wednesday ... with a bit of help here and there , please!
7 down: Rather like meal to be a success (
First letter F
Ratherlike > familiar
Am I on the right lines here?
No very I’m afraid. “Meal” means a product made from grain as well as a breakfast, dinner etc so perhaps you could try a word for something like that that’s also a synonym for “to be a success”?
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Hey Susan,
No very I’m afraid. “Meal” means a product made from grain as well as a breakfast, dinner etc so perhaps you could try a word for something like that that’s also a synonym for “to be a success”?
.. ...
Thank you. I'l work on that .
18:22 ah, yes, got it - FLOURISH
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Susan,
Thank you. I'l work on that .
18:22 ah, yes, got it - FLOURISH
Bingo!
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Susan,
Bingo!
Only a few weeks ago there was a clue which was: 'Stop race (4)
The same clue is on yesterday's Cryptic and I'm sorry to say I have forgotten the answer and a repeat hint will be much appreciated.
25 a cross: Fought against mineral racket once (10)
Second letter A and fourth letter is second letter of Stop race. Here again, a hint will be much appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
Only a few weeks ago there was a clue which was: 'Stop race (4)
The same clue is on yesterday's Cryptic and I'm sorry to say I have forgotten the answer and a repeat hint will be much appreciated.
I think there was, yes. I don’t like this one much because the synonym for “race” is so obscure, but the synonym for “stop” is ok – think of a word for stopping the flow of a liquid, or for the main vertical part of a plant.
25 a cross: Fought against mineral racket once (10)
Second letter A and fourth letter is second letter of Stop race. Here again, a hint will be much appreciated.
Took me a while this one – the answer is also fairly obscure word (unless you know your history of racquet sports) but working it out is straightforward – your need a seven-letter synonym for “fought against” (think Hastings maybe?) and then a three-letter one for “mineral”.
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Hi Susan,
I think there was, yes. I don’t like this one much because the synonym for “race” is so obscure, but the synonym for “stop” is ok – think of a word for stopping the flow of a liquid, or for the main vertical part of a plant. Thank you. STEM - but I'm glad I have an excuse for not remembering it - it having an obscure word in it!
Took me a while this one – the answer is also fairly obscure word (unless you know your history of racquet sports) but working it out is straightforward – your need a seven-letter synonym for “fought against” (think Hastings maybe?) and then a three-letter one for “mineral”.
The first thing I thought of was 'battled' but couldn't make a long enough word; then I have been thinking 'campaigned' but that doesn't make sense.
Pause to think.
BATTLEDORE - and in fact that rings a bell as it is something I recognise knowing, but from wel, who knows where, and from how long ago. Sounds a bit as if it could also be something from Harry Potter books!
Where does the word once' in the clue fit in?
I wonder why the setter used the spelling 'racket' instead of 'racquet'.
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His Susan,
BATTLEDORE - and in fact that rings a bell as it is something I recognise knowing, but from wel, who knows where, and from how long ago. Sounds a bit as if it could also be something from Harry Potter books!
Where does the word once' in the clue fit in?
I wonder why the setter used the spelling 'racket' instead of 'racquet'.
The "once" tells you either that it's an archaic sport or that "racket" was then the correct spelling for the kit they used to play it.
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His Susan,
The "once" tells you either that it's an archaic sport or that "racket" was then the correct spelling for the kit they used to play it.
Thank you - that's another word use that I must remember.
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Nine clues to go ... ... there were 10, but this morning I knew why BENEFACTRESS was right - N for new in BEEF for complaint. Whole clue: Generous woman makes complaint about new player (12)
Hints for the following will, as usual, be much appreciated|:
9 across: Mostly seek advice from transport office in Rome (10)
- - N - U - - - I -
I keep thinking ANNUNCIO but that's probably daft , apart from the fact that the number of letters is wrong!
21 across: Party needs servile type to get power (8)
- - - - N - O -
I think this one has come up before and I know there is an assortment of meanings for 'party' ... ...
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Morning Susan,
Nine clues to go ... ... there were 10, but this morning I knew why BENEFACTRESS was right - N for new in BEEF for complaint. Whole clue: Generous woman makes complaint about new player (12)
Hints for the following will, as usual, be much appreciated|:
9 across: Mostly seek advice from transport office in Rome (10)
- - N - U - - - I -
I keep thinking ANNUNCIO but that's probably daft , apart from the fact that the number of letters is wrong!
The “I” messes up the obvious answer, but I think I have it now. Try most of a synonym for “seek advice from” but chop the end off (that’s the “mostly” bit). Then you need a four-letter (big) means of transport to complete it, the whole thing meaning a historic Roman office.
21 across: Party needs servile type to get power (
- - - - N - O -
I think this one has come up before and I know there is an assortment of meanings for 'party' ... ...
Yes, but the go to one to start with is a two-letter word. Begin with that and then just add a six-letter word for a servile person to complete it, the whole meaning to have power or authority (and it’s a theatre on the Tottenham Court Road!).
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Morning Susan,
The “I” messes up the obvious answer, but I think I have it now. Try most of a synonym for “seek advice from” but chop the end off (that’s the “mostly” bit).
CONSULT (ATION or ING)
Then you need a four-letter (big) means of transport to complete it, the whole thing meaning a historic Roman office.
CONSULSHIp ? Thank you - I wouldnt have got that one.
I realised though that I more or less had the starting C – 1 down is Playground on a street reconstructed (6) and I had REC and A ST, but the word’reconstructed’ seemed a bit far away from RECAST.
Yes, but the go to one to start with is a two-letter word. Begin with that and then just add a six-letter word for a servile person to complete it, the whole meaning to have power or authority (and it’s a theatre on the Tottenham Court Road!).
Thank you - I’ll have to think about that one.
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Hey Susan,
CONSULT (ATION or ING)CONSULSHIp ? Thank you - I wouldnt have got that one.
I realised though that I more or less had the starting C – 1 down is Playground on a street reconstructed (6) and I had REC and A ST, but the word’reconstructed’ seemed a bit far away from RECAST.
Spot on!
Thank you - I’ll have to think about that one.
No worries.
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I had no luck with trying alphabetical choices, so shelved it for the moment.Went to it this morning, looked again at down clue to get first letter, realised that answer was STUDIOUS giving D for the first letter of 21 across .. so then DOMINION
I had thought of STUDIOUS but only worked out why just now!
The M of 'dominion' gives TEAMSTER for:
Truck driver - one trying to go round America (8) -
TESTER with AM in the middle?
Some connection with a film or something? Anyway, it fits!
five empty squares to fill.
12 across: TV presenter in cast for folk song (6) C - A - T -
CHANTS? I don't know, but there was something you said a while ago about a word that occurs in reference to folk songs...
25 across: One bound to work swears regularly and loudly (4) S - R - SERF? but I can't quite see why! I suppose R for regularly and F for the swearing, but sounds a bit far-fetched.
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Morning Susan,
I had no luck with trying alphabetical choices, so shelved it for the moment.Went to it this morning, looked again at down clue to get first letter, realised that answer was STUDIOUS giving D for the first letter of 21 across .. so then DOMINION
I had thought of STUDIOUS but only worked out why just now!
The M of 'dominion' gives TEAMSTER for:
Truck driver - one trying to go round America ( -
TESTER with AM in the middle?
Some connection with a film or something? Anyway, it fits!
Spot on – the teamsters are the US union for truck drivers, and it is indeed TESTER with AM (for America) in it.
five empty squares to fill.
12 across: TV presenter in cast for folk song (6) C - A - T -
CHANTS? I don't know, but there was something you said a while ago about a word that occurs in reference to folk songs...
Where is the C from? I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but only if that C is an S…
Think “I’m a celebrity” presenter inside of “cast” (as in throw a coconut) and you have a synonym for a folk song.
25 across: One bound to work swears regularly and loudly (4) S - R - SERF? but I can't quite see why! I suppose R for regularly and F for the swearing, but sounds a bit far-fetched.
The answer is right, but not the method. “One bound to work” is the SERF. “Swears regularly” gives you the alternate (or regular) letters from the word “swears”, ie SER and the F if from “loudly” (ie, fortissimo).
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Morning Susan,
Spot on – the teamsters are the US union for truck drivers, and it is indeed TESTER with AM (for America) in it.
Where is the C from? I’m pretty sure I know the answer, but only if that C is an S…
Oh dear, yes, it is an S - I had written over it a couple of times and thought it was a C. So that makes it SHANTY.
Think “I’m a celebrity” presenter inside of “cast” (as in throw a coconut) and you have a synonym for a folk song.
The world of celebrities is something I do not follow! :) Although I concede I have heard of somebody called 'Ant'!
The answer is right, but not the method. “One bound to work” is the SERF. “Swears regularly” gives you the alternate (or regular) letters from the word “swears”, ie SER and the F if from “loudly” (ie, fortissimo).
Ah, I see now - thank you.
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Hi Susan,
Oh dear, yes, it is an S - I had written over it a couple of times and thought it was a C. So that makes it SHANTY.
The world of celebrities is something I do not follow! :) Although I concede I have heard of somebody called 'Ant'!
Spot on.
Ah, I see now - thank you.
No worries - keep going ;)
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Good start this morning - Quick completed before 9:30, then this afternoon I have done top right-hand corner of the Cryptic,so it looks as if it might be one of the easier ones.
Well, it's nowjust gone 6:30 and I have done three-quarters of it - obviously too easy!!
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Good start this morning - Quick completed before 9:30, then this afternoon I have done top right-hand corner of the Cryptic,so it looks as if it might be one of the easier ones.
Well, it's nowjust gone 6:30 and I have done three-quarters of it - obviously too easy!!
All of a sudden I feel quite redundant Susan!
Well done so far, and good luck for the rest.
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All of a sudden I feel quite redundant Susan!
Well done so far, and good luck for the rest.
I'll see how far I get today!
In IS there is a new topic about cryptic crosswords (http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=334154) which I think you might find interesting.
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May I have a hint, please, for:
4 down: Thief left fire-raiser, reportedly (9)
L - - - E - I - -
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Hi Susan,
May I have a hint, please, for:
4 down: Thief left fire-raiser, reportedly (9)
L - - - E - I - -
Of course. You have the abbreviation for “left” already, so for the rest you need something that sounds like (“reportedly”) someone who sets fire to things (“fire-raiser”). Then you’ll have a word for a thief.
What’s IS by the way?
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Hi Susan,
Of course. You have the abbreviation for “left” already, so for the rest you need something that sounds like (“reportedly”) someone who sets fire to things (“fire-raiser”). Then you’ll have a word for a thief.
Thank you. I had thought of 'arsonist', but that didn't fit of course! I don't think I've heard of a larcenist, but that must be it. Must remember for when that sort of clue comes up again!
this crossword is definitely one of the easier ones - I have nearly finished it. Just a few more clues to go.
What’s IS by the way?
International Skeptics. evolved from JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation)
I've beena member there from when just before I joined the BBC. had looked up 'discussion forums' and a table opened with dozens of names. I clicked on and looked at the first eight or so, but the one that seemed to be the most interesting was jREF and has remained so ever since. If you look at my posting history there, you will see I avoid political, sports, oh, and many other topics, but the two I am reading and posting in a bit at the moment are the Crosswords one (in which I have mentioned your helpful hints) and the one about interesting scientific facts (http://www.internationalskeptics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333990)
If I could read visually, ;i.e. quickly, there are more topics that I would follow.
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. I had thought of 'arsonist', but that didn't fit of course! I don't think I've heard of a larcenist, but that must be it. Must remember for when that sort of clue comes up again!
this crossword is definitely one of the easier ones - I have nearly finished it. Just a few more clues to go.
“Grand larceny” is quite a common term I think, and least in the US. Hope you finish the last clues too though.
International Skeptics. evolved from JREF (James Randi Educational Foundation)
I've beena member there from when just before I joined the BBC. had looked up 'discussion forums' and a table opened with dozens of names. I clicked on and looked at the first eight or so, but the one that seemed to be the most interesting was jREF and has remained so ever since. If you look at my posting history there, you will see I avoid political, sports, oh, and many other topics, but the two I am reading and posting in a bit at the moment are the Crosswords one (in which I have mentioned your helpful hints) and the one about interesting scientific facts
If I could read visually, ;i.e. quickly, there are more topics that I would follow.
Ah, I see – thank you. I’ll have a look.
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Hey Susan,
“Grand larceny” is quite a common term I think, and least in the US. Hope you finish the last clues too though.
Ah, I see – thank you. I’ll have a look.
As there are only four incomplete answers, two pairs of crossed clues, I wonder if I may have a hint to get it finished, please?
2 down: About five kilometres for the union (6)
First letter L and fifth letter U so I have linkup
The third letter is the second letter of:
9 across: Influence loud performer (6)
- - - T - R
Then there are:
22down: Brother's ring seen underneath instrument (5)
H - - - O but I'm not entirely sure about the H
and
24 across: We backed abandoning the wrong crowd (6)
T - - -N -
The third letter of each is the shared letter.
ETA got it! It's 'we' removed from 'thE Wrong' isn't it!
So the word that fits 22 down is HARPO
But what has brother got to do with it?
Your help will, as always, be much appreciated.
I expect it will be back to one of the tougher setters next week...)
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Hi Susan,
As there are only four incomplete answers, two pairs of crossed clues, I wonder if I may have a hint to get it finished, please?
2 down: About five kilometres for the union (6)
First letter L and fifth letter U so I have linkup
The answer jumped out at me but it took me a while to figure out how it works. Turns out I was overthinking it – the answer is just a synonym for the distance of “about five kilometres” and for “union”. Think football or other sports divisions for the latter perhaps.
The third letter is the second letter of:
9 across: Influence loud performer (6)
- - - T – R
You know the first letter because the musical notation for “loud” came up just the other day! Just add a synonym for “performer” and you have a synonym for an “influence”.
Then there are:
22down: Brother's ring seen underneath instrument (5)
H - - - O but I'm not entirely sure about the H
and
No, it’s good. Think of a four-letter instrument beginning with “H”, then add a “ring” (which you already have) at the end and you’ll have one of the brothers in a very famous comedy family from the 30s/40s I think.
24 across: We backed abandoning the wrong crowd (6)
T - - -N -
ETA got it! It's 'we' removed from 'thE Wrong' isn't it!
The third letter of each is the shared letter.
Your help will, as always, be much appreciated.
I expect it will be back to one of the tougher setters next week...)
Spot on, and it’s my pleasure as always.
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Hi Susan,
The answer jumped out at me but it took me a while to figure out how it works. Turns out I was overthinking it – the answer is just a synonym for the distance of “about five kilometres” and for “union”. Think football or other sports divisions for the latter perhaps.
You know the first letter because the musical notation for “loud” came up just the other day! Just add a synonym for “performer” and you have a synonym for an “influence”.
thank you - I shall have to think about those!
No, it’s good. Think of a four-letter instrument beginning with “H”, then add a “ring” (which you already have) at the end and you’ll have one of the brothers in a very famous comedy family from the 30s/40s I think.
Spot on, and it’s my pleasure as always.
HARPO - I was trying to work out how BRO came into it!
[/quote]
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LEAGUE and FACTOR
/Even if I'd had the A of FACTOR, I think it is very unlikely I'd have got LEAGUE, so thank you - that's it, completed.
I had the F for loud, but was trying to put it in the middle of a word. The word 'influence' just on its own made it sound like a verb in the imperative but that is just its cryptic crossword quality I suppose. Hmmm, I wonder if crypticism is a word?!
Pause to google it.
state or condition of being cryptic
Submitted By: DavedWachsman - 16/12/2012
Approval Status: Pending Investigation
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Quick completed by lunchtime. Cryptic: 13 answers done so far. I am finding that I read the clues with a more practised eye nowadays!
26 across is: Optimise the condition of air (4) R - N -
It is possible one of those letters is wrong, but I don't think so. The only word that appears to come anywhere near making sense is RANK. Is that right?
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Quick completed by lunchtime. Cryptic: 13 answers done so far. I am finding that I read the clues with a more practised eye nowadays!
26 across is: Optimise the condition of air (4) R - N -
It is possible one of those letters is wrong, but I don't think so. The only word that appears to come anywhere near making sense is RANK. Is that right?
The first letter might be wrong....
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The first letter might be wrong....
Thank you. The down clue which gives the R is, I think, CAMPAIGNER, but it could be CAMPAIGNED. Do you think a D is more useful?
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Hi Susan - hope all's well.
Thank you. The down clue which gives the R is, I think, CAMPAIGNER, but it could be CAMPAIGNED. Do you think a D is more useful?
No! I don't have access to the clues, but for the previous one remember that "air" also means a piece of music.
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Thank you. The down clue which gives the R is, I think, CAMPAIGNER, but it could be CAMPAIGNED. Do you think a D is more useful?
No.
What is the clue for the down one?
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Hi Susan - hope all's well.
see: https://eu0.proxysite.com/process.php?d=A%2FSkqfdKtZxVtaVvxKkImQNC2Ks12KAjqnqOOElZjDwJonuvjgQ%2BHyQ3FYHTZggnflJS9zfQw3PB7Q0%3D&b=1#msg761266for latest state of health!
No! I don't have access to the clues, but for the previous one remember that "air" also meaning a piece of music.
Thank you – I hadn’t thought of ‘air] as in music – another thing to rmember!
13 down: One petitions current leader of Conservatives to block overthrow (10)
Letters: -A – P – I – N –
So CAMPAIGNER
18 down: Deflated and sad after service that’s not quite right (3,4)-
LET DOWN
Last letter of each give the R and N
If they are right, I will have to have a think, as the answer does not spring to mind.
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Hey Susan,
see: https://eu0.proxysite.com/process.php?d=A%2FSkqfdKtZxVtaVvxKkImQNC2Ks12KAjqnqOOElZjDwJonuvjgQ%2BHyQ3FYHTZggnflJS9zfQw3PB7Q0%3D&b=1#msg761266for latest state of health!
The link’s not working for me for some reason but I wish you well regardless of course.
Thank you – I hadn’t thought of ‘air] as in music – another thing to rmember!
No problem.
13 down: One petitions current leader of Conservatives to block overthrow (10)
Letters: -A – P – I – N –
So CAMPAIGNER
Ah OK. The synonym is indeed for someone who makes a petition. For the rest though, I think some of your letters are out (and you’d need another one if CAMPAIGNER was to fit!). There’s a two-letter abbreviation for an electric current, and the “leader” of something can be its first letter. Put those three letters inside a word meaning “overthrow” (ie, “block” it) and you’ll have it.
18 down: Deflated and sad after service that’s not quite right (3,4)-
LET DOWN
Last letter of each give the R and N
If they are right, I will have to have a think, as the answer does not spring to mind.
That second one looks pretty good to me Susan.
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Hey Susan,
The link’s not working for me for some reason but I wish you well regardless of course.
Thank you.
No problem.
Ah OK. The synonym is indeed for someone who makes a petition. For the rest though, I think some of your letters are out (and you’d need another one if CAMPAIGNER was to fit!). There’s a two-letter abbreviation for an electric current, and the “leader” of something can be its first letter. Put those three letters inside a word meaning “overthrow” (ie, “block” it) and you’ll have it.
Hmmmmm, that is going to need a bit of thinking ... ...
That second one looks pretty good to me Susan.
Thank you - help appreciated as usual.
ETA On taking a closer look,. I see that the only letters I am fairly sure of are P and I!
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Susan,
ETA On taking a closer look,. I see that the only letters I am fairly sure of are P and I!
I think I agree!
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Susan,
I think I agree!
Oh dear!!! Well, at least I have achieved one more answer today - TOURNAMENT competition our chap set up in temporary accommodation(10)
There are several long words, with 10 or 13 letters and one with 15. I think this will take me until probably Thursday, even with helpful hints!
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Well, I was just about to post another request for a helpful hint to the following:
11 down: Not working, manipulated city's loan fund (13) D - - - U - - - I - - -
I know it must be an anagram of the last three words. Went back to hav another slightly disgruntled look and, thought of it immediately:
DYSFUNCTIONAL :)
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Clue: Snake coffee's trendy, reportedly (8)
- O - C - S - N
So that's MOCASIN
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Clue: Snake coffee's trendy, reportedly (8)
- O - C - S - N
So that's moccasin. Coffee - mocca; trendy - in; but where is the snake? Is it just the S? That seems a bit dodgy to me!!
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Moccasin is a type of snake
-
Moccasin is a type of snake
Ah, right - thank you - I didn't know that!
On second thoughts, I think I recollect that it came up some time last year, so I should have remembered!
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/Finished it. Actually, I have spent nearly all my thinking time today on it. 13 down was just about the last clue. It was only when I got the U that it worked, but that's probably because my brain had been busily working it out!
I can see the SUPPL--ANT part and the C for leading letter, but where does the current come in? The only letter it can be is the I but I don't see why.
That presumably makes the 'Optimise condition of air' TUNE?
I think that one was quite hard, but am quite pleased that I have not googled anything for quite a while now and it makes it much more interesting to know that help is at hand here.
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Hi Susan,
/Finished it. Actually, I have spent nearly all my thinking time today on it. 13 down was just about the last clue. It was only when I got the U that it worked, but that's probably because my brain had been busily working it out!
I can see the SUPPL--ANT part and the C for leading letter, but where does the current come in? The only letter it can be is the I but I don't see why.
That presumably makes the 'Optimise condition of air' TUNE?
I think that one was quite hard, but am quite pleased that I have not googled anything for quite a while now and it makes it much more interesting to know that help is at hand here.
Well done!
Yes to “TUNE”, and the abbreviation for electric current is “I”. I didn’t know that either by the way (usually in crosswords it’s AC, DC etc) but, having got the SUPPLICANT, I looked it up.
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Hi Susan,
Well done!
Yes to “TUNE”, and the abbreviation for electric current is “I”. I didn’t know that either by the way (usually in crosswords it’s AC, DC etc) but, having got the SUPPLICANT, I looked it up.
There is one otherclue to which I have the answer but can't quite work out why:
Man behind the counter heading off for mountain (5)
The letters were E - G - R so the answer is eIGER
What do you think?
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Hi again Susan,
There is one otherclue to which I have the answer but can't quite work out why:
Man behind the counter heading off for mountain (5)
The letters were E - G - R so the answer is eIGER
What do you think?
Yes. I overthought it at first by messing around with REG backwards for the man, but it's simpler than that. The "counter" is a Geiger counter (presumably invented by a man called Geiger), and when you take the head (ie, the G) off that leaves the mountain.
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There is one otherclue to which I have the answer but can't quite work out why:
Man behind the counter heading off for mountain (5)
The letters were E - G - R so the answer is eIGER
What do you think?
Think of a type of counter that has those letters and one other in it.
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bluehillside and NS
thank you - I can see that 'counter' is another word with far more meanings than at first come to mind and which must be remembered for further crosswords!
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Today's cryptic is by one of the setters who does long, long-worded clues where, by the time I have reached the end of the clue, I have half -forgotten the beginning! I've plodded through them all twice, and so far I only think I might have one of them. I'll pick out a couple in hopes that hints to answers will start me off which will, as always be much appreciated.
I haven't completed the Quick either ... ...
1 across: Seasonal visitors behave like hippos aboard ship (8)
I think the third letter is 'A, but not sure, and I think the hippos aboard ship has come up before ...
12 across: Menace seen in newsagents returned and trespassed (6)
The only clue I might have is 2 down: It may give you a reaction ((6) so ACTION which is where the A came from.
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Hi Susan,
Today's cryptic is by one of the setters who does long, long-worded clues where, by the time I have reached the end of the clue, I have half -forgotten the beginning! I've plodded through them all twice, and so far I only think I might have one of them. I'll pick out a couple in hopes that hints to answers will start me off which will, as always be much appreciated.
I haven't completed the Quick either ... ...
1 across: Seasonal visitors behave like hippos aboard ship (
I think the third letter is 'A, but not sure, and I think the hippos aboard ship has come up before ...
Well, a ship is typically abbreviated to two letters, and “aboard” tells you that those two letters will surround something else, ie something hippos do. That then gives you a type of “visitor” that returns to our shores every year.
12 across: Menace seen in newsagents returned and trespassed (6)
The only clue I might have is 2 down: It may give you a reaction ((6) so ACTION which is where the A came from.
I’m not convinced by ACTION, but there is a famous “Menace” in a comic, and if your reverse his name (“returned”) perhaps you’ll come up with a word that could be said to be a synonym for “trespassed” (though not a great one I think).
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Hi Susan,
Well, a ship is typically abbreviated to two letters, and “aboard” tells you that those two letters will surround something else, ie something hippos do. That then gives you a type of “visitor” that returns to our shores every year.
Ah, so that is SWALLOWS. I thought of Migrants, but that didn't make sense!
I’m not convinced by ACTION, but there is a famous “Menace” in a comic, and if your reverse his name (“returned”) perhaps you’ll come up with a word that could be said to be a synonym for “trespassed” (though not a great one I think).
DENNIS - SINNED.
And I'll try ALLERGY for the A...
thank you for your help, I'll put those in and see if I can do more.
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Hey Susan,
Ah, so that is SWALLOWS. I thought of Migrants, but that didn't make sense!
DENNIS - SINNED.
And I'll try ALLERGY for the A...
thank you for your help, I'll put those in and see if I can do more.
Spot on for the first two – I’m not seeing “ALLERGY” though.
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Hey Susan,
Spot on for the first two – I’m not seeing “ALLERGY” though.
No - too many letters! I'll spend some more time on it tomorrow, but if I can't make progress, I might just have to give up on this one. Hmmmm, I'll see .. ...
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If you happen to have time to read this and tell me whether I am right, or, more likely, heading in entirely the wrong direction, I would be most grateful and will then decide whether to persevere or throwin the towel!
I'm having another look at top left-hand corner this morning- I've tried to work out the answers and have come up with the following:
9 across: Sound of McCartney's instrument designed after muffling a cellar (8)
9 down: Creepy-crawlies found in taps (4)
2 down: It may give you a reaction (6)
3 down: Frontiers should be plain - main test, having no odd parts (6)
11 across: Most celebrated as King George renovated estate (8)
Answers:
BASEMENT
BUGS
ANSWER
LIMITS
GREATEST
BASEMENT: Basement for cellar; base for McC’s guitar; m for muffled??? S shared with anSwer; M shared with liMits;
BUGS: B shared with Basement and G with Greatest.
ANSWER: A from 1 across: SWALLOWS; s – basement; E - grEatest
LIMITS: L from SWALLOWS; m – basement; T – greatest
GREATEST: G – buGs; E – answer – answer; T – limiTs
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Hi Susan,
If you happen to have time to read this and tell me whether I am right, or, more likely, heading in entirely the wrong direction, I would be most grateful and will then decide whether to persevere or throwin the towel!
I'm having another look at top left-hand corner this morning- I've tried to work out the answers and have come up with the following:
9 across: Sound of McCartney's instrument designed after muffling a cellar (
9 down: Creepy-crawlies found in taps (4)
2 down: It may give you a reaction (6)
3 down: Frontiers should be plain - main test, having no odd parts (6)
11 across: Most celebrated as King George renovated estate (
Answers:
BASEMENT[
Yes – “Bass” + “meant” = BASEMENT (ie, sounds like – hence “muffled”).
BUGS
Yup. It’s ”taps” as in tapping a ‘phone line etc.
ANSWER
Yes. Quite subtle - the “a” is an abbreviation for ANSWER.
LIMITS
Yes. The answer is in “plain – main test” with alternate letters missing.
GREATEST
Yes. GR = “George”, plus an anagram (“renovated”) of “estate”.
10/10!
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Hi Susan,
Yes – “Bass” + “meant” = BASEMENT (ie, sounds like – hence “muffled”).
Yup. It’s ”taps” as in tapping a ‘phone line etc.
Yes. Quite subtle - the “a” is an abbreviation for ANSWER.
Yes. The answer is in “plain – main test” with alternate letters missing.
Yes. GR = “George”, plus an anagram (“renovated”) of “estate”.
10/10!
I wasn't expecting that - very encouraging, thank you!!
And since reading your post, I hav done quite a few more answers. It is certainly a tricky one though.
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May I please have a hint for:
23 across: Kind of animal story with a message - all is lost (8)
Second letter A, last letter Y
I suppose it is expecting too much for the first letter to be F?!
Not that that would help much - the only word that springs to mind then is FATALITY.
I
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Hey Susan,
May I please have a hint for:
23 across: Kind of animal story with a message - all is lost (
Second letter A, last letter Y
I suppose it is expecting too much for the first letter to be F?!
Not that that would help much - the only word that springs to mind then is FATALITY.
I
Try a domestic animal to start, then a word meaning “story” but with the letters ALL removed – the whole thing meaning a “kind”.
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Hey Susan,
Try a domestic animal to start, then a word meaning “story” but with the letters ALL removed – the whole thing meaning a “kind”.
CATEGORY
CAT plus ALLEGORY
Thank you very much - I would not have thought of ALLEGORY unless I'd had some other letters - not available yet!
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Good morning - I have a question:
25 Across: Individual copies turned over with speed (8)
- E - - - A –E
SEPARATE Individual – separate; speed – rate, but where are the copies, especially if they have to be turned over? Apes?!
Reminding myself to read each word individually has given me a few more answers, but still about 9 to go.
It's synonyms for everything, isn't it?!
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Hi Susan,
Good morning - I have a question:
25 Across: Individual copies turned over with speed (8)
- E - - - A –E
SEPARATE Individual – separate; speed – rate, but where are the copies, especially if they have to be turned over? Apes?!
Reminding myself to read each word individually has given me a few more answers, but still about 9 to go.
It's synonyms for everything, isn't it?!
Yes - to "ape" something is to copy it, and yes every clue should contain a synonym part.
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I’m down to three unsolved clues.
5 across: Theymake immature butts or fools (4)
Last letter S. Is the answer Kids?
If not, a hint would be very helpful, please.
That will leave two down clues, 6 and 19, which I’ll give my brain instructions to solve by tomorrow, but if it fails, I will have to ask for more hints, I’m afraid because,of course, the puzzle muste be completed!
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Hey Susan,
I’m down to three unsolved clues.
5 across: Theymake immature butts or fools (4)
Last letter S. Is the answer Kids?
If not, a hint would be very helpful, please.
Yes. Goats butt things – baby goats make “immature butts” therefore, and to “kid” as a verb is to fool.
That will leave two down clues, 6 and 19, which I’ll give my brain instructions to solve by tomorrow, but if it fails, I will have to ask for more hints, I’m afraid because,of course, the puzzle muste be completed!
Any time Susan, any time.
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Hey Susan,
Yes. Goats butt things – baby goats make “immature butts” therefore, and to “kid” as a verb is to fool.
Any time Susan, any time.
Many thanks.
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6 down is IMAGINED.
Clue: Thought alcohol should be present in rum I made (8)
Just now worked out that word rum was to indicate anagram of ‘I made’ and that it must be a synonym of ‘thought’.
19 down: Heath may be cut through by slate set up to make tracks(6)
It is not quite clear if there is a space between ‘may’ and ‘be’ but I think not. Letters – E – A - T
You’ll have the answer already - but I’ll give it until tomorrow morning!
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Having spent quite a long time yesterday evening visualising different letters in the three spaces, I found that the only combination I could come up with which made any sense at all was DEPART.
DEPART - to make tracks
RAP - 'slate set up' - criticise severely - RAP
But I cannot associate 'heath maybe cut through' with anything.
Can you explain, please?
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Hi Susan,
Having spent quite a long time yesterday evening visualising different letters in the three spaces, I found that the only combination I could come up with which made any sense at all was DEPART.
DEPART - to make tracks
RAP - 'slate set up' - criticise severely - RAP
But I cannot associate 'heath maybe cut through' with anything.
Yes - note that "Heath" was the first word of the clue, which meant a capital "H" - which is handy if you want to refer to a person called "Heath". The "maybe" means it could be one of any Heaths, including former PM Ted. As you say, "slate" gives you "rap" that "cuts through" Ted, only it's also "set up" - ie, reversed in a down clue.
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Hi Susan,
Yes - note that "Heath" was the first word of the clue, which meant a capital "H" - which is handy if you want to refer to a person called "Heath". The "maybe" means it could be one of any Heaths, including former PM Ted. As you say, "slate" gives you "rap" that "cuts through" Ted, only it's also "set up" - ie, reversed in a down clue.
Oh, I see. Thank you very much. I had thought of Heath as a name, but couldn't get past thinkingHeathcliff of Wuthering Heights - which I knew was quite daft of course!
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Saturday again - a rather sad one, since the unexpected death last Sunday of my coffee outing neighbour and friend, also a crossword doer, although not of the DT-type cryptic ones.
Nine answers so far… …
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Three-quarters complete! May I have hints towards the folloing, please:
6 across: Fellow feeling secure?(4)
20 down: Words introducing unknown religious belief not generaly accepted (6)
Letters: - E - - - Y
HERESY? Sort of, 'hearsay'?
ETA The answer is DOGE, but the clue is: Cheat, say, repelled magistrate . Why repelled?
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Hi Susan,
Saturday again - a rather sad one, since the unexpected death last Sunday of my coffee outing neighbour and friend, also a crossword doer, although not of the DT-type cryptic ones.
Nine answers so far… …
I’m sorry to hear that – I hope her loss doesn’t upset you too much.
Three-quarters complete! May I have hints towards the folloing, please:
6 across: Fellow feeling secure?(4)
Blimey, that was quick! Re the clue, not obvious this one (and I might be wrong) – try a word meaning both “fellow feeling” and “secure” though – or you could ask Miss Moneypenny!
20 down: Words introducing unknown religious belief not generaly accepted (6)
Letters: - E - - - Y
HERESY? Sort of, 'hearsay'?
I like that answer. When you introduce something you can say “here’s a”, which leads to (ie, “introduces”) an “unknown” in maths, which is normally X or Y (in this case Y).
ETA The answer is DOGE, but the clue is: Cheat, say, repelled magistrate . Why repelled?
Because “say repelled” means you need a synonym for “say (ie, “eg”) that you reverse. The first bit (DO) is the synonym for “cheat”.
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Hi Susan,
I’m sorry to hear that – I hope her loss doesn’t upset you too much.
No - or rather not in the way it would if it had been one of my closer friends, and such things happening are a consequence of being old oneself.
Blimey, that was quick!
Yes, I shall have to remind myself that pride comes before a fall!
Re the clue, not obvious this one (and I might be wrong) – try a word meaning both “fellow feeling” and “secure” though – or you could ask Miss Moneypenny!
I have this minute come back to the computer to say that I know what it is! BOND - I got the last letter - D of DETONATE 'Let off appointment college introduced', which has taken me all day!! So then it was BOND.
I like that answer. When you introduce something you can say “here’s a”, which leads to (ie, “introduces”) an “unknown” in maths, which is normally X or Y (in this case Y).
Thank you - I'll fill it in.
Because “say repelled” means you need a synonym for “say (ie, “eg”) that you reverse. The first bit (DO) is the synonym for “cheat”.
Thank you - much appreciated as always. - there are now only threemore clues to go, two of which share a middle letter.
ETA Correction - only two to go!
I couldn't have made the improvement I've made during the past year without the help I have had here, and the Balfour book. It has made a very interesting hobby.
mostl yours, here on the forum.
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I had hoped the answers would appear in my head this morning, but no luck, so a hint or two will be much appreciated to finish off those last two gaps.
19 down: Intended to separate the first knight from money (6)
- I - - - E
- First – the t of the? Seems a bit unlikely. I googled synonyms of intended which include fiancé and that lacks an n from finance, but is not the first letter of knight! *sigh*!!
- Shares fourth letter with third letter of:
- 25 across: Name adopted by one famous acting style (5)
- G - - - E
- I looked up acting styles but no words fitted – the only one I know is method.
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ETA I suppose it could be GENRE if FIANCE is right? Hmmm.
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I had hoped the answers would appear in my head this morning, but no luck, so a hint or two will be much appreciated to finish off those last two gaps.
19 down: Intended to separate the first knight from money (6)
- I - - - E
- First – the t of the? Seems a bit unlikely. I googled synonyms of intended which include fiancé and that lacks an n from finance, but is not the first letter of knight! *sigh*!!
- Shares fourth letter with third letter of:
- 25 across: Name adopted by one famous acting style (5)
- G - - - E
- I looked up acting styles but no words fitted – the only one I know is method.
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ETA I suppose it could be GENRE if FIANCE is right? Hmmm.
Richard Gere, add N(ame) ie adopted by.
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Hi Susan,
Good to hear that you’ve enjoyed the journey.
I had hoped the answers would appear in my head this morning, but no luck, so a hint or two will be much appreciated to finish off those last two gaps.
19 down: Intended to separate the first knight from money (6)
- I - - - E
- First – the t of the? Seems a bit unlikely. I googled synonyms of intended which include fiancé and that lacks an n from finance, but is not the first letter of knight! *sigh*!!
Ah, but in chess “n” is the symbol for knight so “fiancé” is on the money.
OK,
- Shares fourth letter with third letter of:
- 25 across: Name adopted by one famous acting style (5)
- G - - - E
- I looked up acting styles but no words fitted – the only one I know is method.
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ETA I suppose it could be GENRE if FIANCE is right? Hmmm.
It certainly could be. If you “adopt” – ie, incorporate – the abbreviation for “name” into a famous actor, that’s the “style” it gives you.
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Richard Gere, add N(ame) ie adopted by.
Thank you - does that mean that it is Gere plus an N in the middle?
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Hi Susan,
Good to hear that you’ve enjoyed the journey.
I hope to keep going!
Ah, but in chess “n” is the symbol for knight so “fiancé” is on the money.
Thank you - I was never interested in learning to play chess.
It certainly could be. If you “adopt” – ie, incorporate – the abbreviation for “name” into a famous actor, that’s the “style” it gives you.
Thank you - so that's another completed cryptic! (I responded to Sebastian Toe's post before writing this.)
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Fellow feeling secure: hold or held?
Heresy seems right for the next one.
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Fellow feeling secure: hold or held?
Heresy seems right for the next one.
This week I printed Tuesday's cryptic and did half of it, but knowing that the answers are available the next day takes the challenge out of it! However, I did not look at the answers until this morning. The ones I had done were right, but some of the others sounded silly!! :)
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Yesterday's Cryptic
ten answers done, so a reasonable start, although a couple might be wrong.
I don't think I like the setter's thinking:
16 across: Scoff as an article gets penned by Sue's partner (4)
Last letter L and I knew A would be inside a word for Sue's partner - definitely unknown.
This morning, googled synonyms for 'scoff' - none worked.
Decided to get answer = MEAL
Okay, I have heard of Mel and Sue, but a meal can be scoffed, but I do not see how one is supposed to get from 'scoff' to 'meal', so an explanation would be much appreciated.
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Hi again Susan,
Yesterday's Cryptic
ten answers done, so a reasonable start, although a couple might be wrong.
I don't think I like the setter's thinking:
16 across: Scoff as an article gets penned by Sue's partner (4)
Last letter L and I knew A would be inside a word for Sue's partner - definitely unknown.
This morning, googled synonyms for 'scoff' - none worked.
Decided to get answer = MEAL
Okay, I have heard of Mel and Sue, but a meal can be scoffed, but I do not see how one is supposed to get from 'scoff' to 'meal', so an explanation would be much appreciated.
It works. “Scoff” is slang word for a meal. The “article” is A, and it’s “penned” (ie, contained by) Sue Perkins’ comedy partner, who is indeed MEL. The cleverness of it is to lead you down the garden path of inferring that "scoff" means "mock".
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Hi again Susan,
It works. “Scoff” is slang word for a meal. The “article” is A, and it’s “penned” (ie, contained by) Sue Perkins’ comedy partner, who is indeed MEL. The cleverness of it is to lead you down the garden path of inferring that "scoff" means "mock".
Ah, well then, the setter didn't fool me on that one - I'm definitey more aware of the need for synonyms now! - but it was still just a bit too unclear.
thank you for the explanation.
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Deleted what I have been writing today because I have in fact finished it!
However, one clue was: Keeper's fee? ( 8 )
Letters: R - S - - N - R
The answer that fits is RESIGNER but I cannot see why.
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Not in the UK just now Susan, but the answer must be RETAINER.
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Not in the UK just now Susan, but the answer must be RETAINER.
Ah, thank you - I will go back and check the answer with the S in.
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I have looked again at the across clue, as follows:
21 across: Talk about son, occasionally filthy, showing virtue (6)
C – A – T – T –
So I had CHASTISE, virtue – chaste, talk about –chat, but I haven't worked out the filthy connection.
theT of RETAINER is the 7th letter of whatever word should replace CHASTISE and I've checked the other letters and I think they are right.
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Hello again Susan – hope all’s well.
I have looked again at the across clue, as follows:
21 across: Talk about son, occasionally filthy, showing virtue (6)
C – A – T – T –
So I had CHASTISE, virtue – chaste, talk about –chat, but I haven't worked out the filthy connection.
theT of RETAINER is the 7th letter of whatever word should replace CHASTISE and I've checked the other letters and I think they are right.
OK, you’re most of the way there already. “Talk” is CHAT and it’s “about son”, which gives you CHAST. The “occasionally filthy” means you then take the alternate letters from “filthy” – ie, ITY. Add that to the end of CHAST and you have CHASTITY, which is a synonym for “virtue”.
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Hello again Susan – hope all’s well.
OK, you’re most of the way there already. “Talk” is CHAT and it’s “about son”, which gives you CHAST. The “occasionally filthy” means you then take the alternate letters from “filthy” – ie, ITY. Add that to the end of CHAST and you have CHASTITY, which is a synonym for “virtue”.
Thank you for your help. I can see I must remember to look out for signs indicating alternate letters.
I printed the Monday cryptic, but apart from the fact that the answers were available yesterday, I did not like the answer to 5 across:
Organised party machine, originally unsystematic (6)
RANDOM
Looks a bit as if it might be an anagram of an anagram. I might have an occasional look at the page before Saturday, but that's all. I'm not interested in finishing it by copying out the answers!!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your help. I can see I must remember to look out for signs indicating alternate letters.
I printed the Monday cryptic, but apart from the fact that the answers were available yesterday, I did not like the answer to 5 across:
Organised party machine, originally unsystematic (6)
RANDOM
Looks a bit as if it might be an anagram of an anagram. I might have an occasional look at the page before Saturday, but that's all. I'm not interested in finishing it by copying out the answers!!
"Organised" = RAN.
"Party" = DO.
"machine, originally" = M.
"Unsystematic" = RANDOM.
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Hi Susan,
"Organised" = RAN.
"Party" = DO.
"machine, originally" = M.
"Unsystematic" = RANDOM.
Oh dear, yes, of course! - and I should have worked it out!
Maybe I'll have another look at the clues and, if I can't work out an answer, I'll look it up and then try to deconstruct.
thank you.
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Today's setter is one of those who sometimes needs three lines for the clue, so b the time I've read through to the end, I've half-forgotten the beginning! Eleven answers so far.
A hint would be much appreciated for:
6 across: Bow beau reviews revues there - they're what distinguishes them? (9)
Homophone springs to mind, but no room for an S on that, and in any case, I am fairly certain the third letter is E.
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Hi Susan,
Toda's seter is one of those who sometimes needs three lines for the clue, so b the time I've read through to the end, I've half-forgotten the beginning! Eleven answers so far.
A hint would be much appreciated for:
6 across: Bow beau reviews revues there - they're what distinguishes them? (9)
Homophone springs to mind, but no room for an S on that, and in any case, I am fairly certain the third letter is E.
You’re right that they’re homophones, but you’re over thinking it. What distinguishes one homophone from another is the way each is…
...and the plural of that is ….
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Hi Susan,
You’re right that they’re homophones, but you’re over thinking it. What distinguishes one homophone from another is the way each is…
...and the plural of that is ….
Thank you. In fact, since writing the above, I have acquired a few more letters - L-N-S, so I was going to post to say that I was wondering whether it was anything to do with LINKS, but it must be spellings.
that's enough for today - I'll see whether my brain does any subconscious thinking for some of the other clues by tomorrow morning.
Must remember not to do the over-thinking bit!! :)
P.S. I have corrected typos in previous post"
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13:00 Cryptic completed – well, except for three letters. I quibble a bit at some of the answers, but since I wouldn’t even know where to begin, I will not be challenging any of the setters!
The three letters are missing from 20 down. I have – O – I – N
Clue:: Thought rising weight should accompany one getting on (6)
5th letter presumably O
If the weight is rising, then presumably it has to be at least two letters, so gram won’t do, oz could mean first letter Z but that doesn’t work.
Info will be as usual much appreciated.
Also, how about this one::
12 down: Old-fashioned, perhaps, painting over oil – and it runs (11)
T – A - I – I-N - - so TRADITIONAL, but why?!!
Old-fashioned – no problem, but the rest?
I can see that the letters for oil are not together, so ‘over’
Trail or rail– for runs? Bit dodgy, that!
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Hiya Susan,
13:00 Cryptic completed – well, except for three letters. I quibble a bit at some of the answers, but since I wouldn’t even know where to begin, I will not be challenging any of the setters!
The three letters are missing from 20 down. I have – O – I – N
Clue:: Thought rising weight should accompany one getting on (6)
5th letter presumably O
If the weight is rising, then presumably it has to be at least two letters, so gram won’t do, oz could mean first letter Z but that doesn’t work.
Info will be as usual much appreciated.
Well, the synonym is for the “thought” bit I think. The “one getting on” gives you the last three letters, so for the first three all you need is a synonym for a “weight” that’s “rising” (ie, reversed as it's a down clue).
Also, how about this one::
12 down: Old-fashioned, perhaps, painting over oil – and it runs (11)
T – A - I – I-N - - so TRADITIONAL, but why?!!
Old-fashioned – no problem, but the rest?
I can see that the letters for oil are not together, so ‘over’
Trail or rail– for runs? Bit dodgy, that!
Yes, TRADITIONAL looks good to me. It starts with “painting” – ie, ART – that’s “over”, so you reverse it to give you TRA. Then you have “oil – and it” that “runs”, ie it’s an anagram of those words. Et voilà!
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Hiya Susan,
Well, the synonym is for the “thought” bit I think. The “one getting on” gives you the last three letters, so for the first three all you need is a synonym for a “weight” that’s “rising” (ie, reversed as it's a down clue).
Oh, yes, of corse - notion!
Yes, TRADITIONAL looks good to me. It starts with “painting” – ie, ART – that’s “over”, so you reverse it to give you TRA. Then you have “oil – and it” that “runs”, ie it’s an anagram of those words. Et voilà!
Ah, yes, I hadn't seen the TRA as reverse of ART.
Many thanks, as always.
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It took me until about 3:0 p.m. to do the Quick today, and I'mafraid to say I have only done five of the Cryptic answers. I had to go out for a while this morning and have spent some time starting an audio book, but I don't think that is a good excuse! :)
I printed the Tuesday Cryptic and worked on that, although not with any real enthusiasm and decided to do a bbit of guessing at answers ... ... however, was amused to see that they were mostly correct!
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Completed 12 answers before switching off yesterday. May I please have a hint for:
13 across: Celebration of moving conflict between two dynasties (5-7)
- - U – S/- - - M – N –
I hope the letters are right and I'm sort of assuming MENT for the last four?
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Hi Susan,
Completed 12 answers before switching off yesterday. May I please have a hint for:
13 across: Celebration of moving conflict between two dynasties (5-7)
- - U – S/- - - M – N –
I hope the letters are right and I'm sort of assuming MENT for the last four?
Of course. When people move they often have a party to celebrate, called a…
For the cryptic part you need a synonym for “conflict” that you put between two other words, each referring to a type of dynasty.
Good luck!
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Hi Susan,
Of course. When people move they often have a party to celebrate, called a…
For the cryptic part you need a synonym for “conflict” that you put between two other words, each referring to a type of dynasty.
Good luck!
Thank you - much appreciated as always. I shall have to have a think about that!
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Oh dear, silly of me! I was, of course, putting the moving with the conflict - no comma in between so not separating the words! You'd think I'd have remembered that by now!
I had thought of war though!
So that's HOUSE/WARMING
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The lower left-hand corner has five intersecting answers which are presenting difficulty. Googling synonyms hasn’t helped, I'm afraid! Not quite sure which to ask for hint for but as the following seems to be a chess-related one and as I know very little about the game, I would be grateful for one here.
15 down: A queen needing husband in inferior play (3,5)
Third letter of second word – R.
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Hi Susan.
Took me a while this one. The synonym is for a play that did very well recently. For the cryptic part, you need a synonym for “inferior” with three additional letters inside. The A is given to you, so you just need one each for “queen” and for “husband” too.
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Hi Susan.
Took me a while this one. The synonym is for a play that did very well recently. For the cryptic part, you need a synonym for “inferior” with three additional letters inside. The A is given to you, so you just need one each for “queen” and for “husband” too.
Thank you for your reply. However, I think that I shall have to give up on that and request an answer, please! I've no idea what plays run locally, let alone in London! I suggest R and H for the letters for queen and husband? But even then I do not know what the word will be.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your reply. However, I think that I shall have to give up on that and request an answer, please! I've no idea what plays run locally, let alone in London! I suggest R and H for the letters for queen and husband? But even then I do not know what the word will be.
No problem: WARHORSE. A is given to you, queen is R (Regina) and husband is H. ARH is "in" a synonym for "inferior" (WORSE), which gives you the name of the hit play.
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Hi Susan,
No problem: WARHORSE. A is given to you, queen is R (Regina) and husband is H. ARH is "in" a synonym for "inferior" (WORSE), which gives you the name of the hit play.
Thank you - I'd never have got that. That has supplied letters for the other two remaining clues, the answers to which I'd still like to have a small quibble with the setter about!
Chuck aunt and uncle finally avoiding relations. CHASTE
I had to work that one out alphabetically and only after coming up with the only available choice did I remember that Chuck could be Chas. So the T and the E are the last letters of aunt and uncle.
This person overwhelmed by small amount of money gets stick. CEMENT
Okay cent, but since 'this person' is singular, I didn't think of 'men'. I googled it! It still doesn't make sense - how can cement be an answer to 'gets stick', for goodness sake?!?
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - I'd never have got that. That has supplied letters for the other two remaining clues, the answers to which I'd still like to have a small quibble with the setter about!
Chuck aunt and uncle finally avoiding relations. CHASTE
I had to work that one out alphabetically and only after coming up with the only available choice did I remember that Chuck could be Chas. So the T and the E are the last letters of aunt and uncle.
This person overwhelmed by small amount of money gets stick. CEMENT
Okay cent, but since 'this person' is singular, I didn't think of 'men'. I googled it! It still doesn't make sense - how can cement be an answer to 'gets stick', for goodness sake?!?
Yup, CHASTE is correct.
For the second one, CEMENT is a verb as well as a noun – you can cement (ie, stick together) a relationship or the parts of an Airfix kit as examples. “This person” is ME (not MEN), and ME in (ie, “overwhelmed by”) CENT (the “small amount of money”) gives you the CEMENT.
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Hi Susan,
Yup, CHASTE is correct.
For the second one, CEMENT is a verb as well as a noun – you can cement (ie, stick together) a relationship or the parts of an Airfix kit as examples. “This person” is ME (not MEN), and ME in (ie, “overwhelmed by”) CENT (the “small amount of money”) gives you the CEMENT.
Many thanks! Actually, I'm going to blame Synthetic Dave who can only pronounce words like 'cement' in one way, which I suppose is the more common. No doubt future versions of SuperNova will have context pronunciation ironed out too! :)
ETA: Ah, no, that won't work, will it?! 'cement' is pronounced the same in both contexts... ...
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Hey Susan,
Many thanks! Actually, I'm going to blame Synthetic Dave who can only pronounce words like 'cement' in one way, which I suppose is the more common. No doubt future versions of SuperNova will have context pronunciation ironed out too! :)
ETA: Ah, no, that won't work, will it?! 'cement' is pronounced the same in both contexts... ...
Yes it is, but there could be a problem in other examples - in crosswords "flower" for example often rhymes with "mower" rather than "hour", and points to the name of a river rather than to a daffodil!
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Finished the Quick, but have only done one clue to the Cryptic so far. this is just not good enough! :)
I'll have to concentrate harder tomorrow!
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This morning I did most of the top left-hand corner and have made some progress elsewhere, but it is not one of the easier ones.
Could you tell me, please, if the last letter of the answer to the following clue is an O? The fourth letter is C.
Lions perhaps face to face, caged in so disconnectedly (8)
The clues are very wordy - so much so that there are three across clues on a second page!
ETA Just remembered, the lions face to face is something to do with heraldry, isn't it?
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How many letters Susan?
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How many letters Susan?
Thank you for reply. There are 8.
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Hi Susan,
OK. What kind if animal is a lion? It's "lions" plural though, and you need two of them and to reverse one of them to make them "face to face". Then you need to "cage" them inside "so", and you have a synonym for "disconnectedly". I agree that it's a tricky clue though.
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Hi Susan,
OK. What kind if animal is a lion? It's "lions" plural though, and you need two of them and to reverse one of them to make them "face to face". Then you need to "cage" them inside "so", and you have a synonym for "disconnectedly". I agree that it's a tricky clue though.
Thank you for your help. STACCATO I was thinking the word would have to be CATS which would make too many S's, and no space left to cage them in something!
I've managed about half of it now, but there are still far too many empty squares.. at this end of Sunday.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your help. STACCATO I was thinking the word would have to be CATS which would make too many S's, and no space left to cage them in something!
I've managed about half of it now, but there are still far too many empty squares.. at this end of Sunday.
No worries (and keep going - I'm rooting for you!)
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Hi Susan,
No worries (and keep going - I'm rooting for you!)
Thank you. May I have a hint, please, for:
9 down: Dancing bear that sits on royalty, amazingly (14)
It seems obvious that it is an anagram of 'bear that sits on' and so far I have:
- R - A - - - A - I - - - -
BREATH-something like 'breathtaking, but that's no good! I can't make the other letters fit after 'breath' in a synonym of amazingly, and where royalty comes in .... well ... !
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. May I have a hint, please, for:
9 down: Dancing bear that sits on royalty, amazingly (14)
It seems obvious that it is an anagram of 'bear that sits on' and so far I have:
- R - A - - - A - I - - - -
BREATH-something like 'breathtaking, but that's no good! I can't make the other letters fit after 'breath' in a synonym of amazingly, and where royalty comes in .... well ... !
You’re more or less there. The “Dancing” tells you that there’s an anagram, only it’s just of “bear that”. Then you need “sit” it (because it’s a down clue) on a six-letter word for “royal” – you have the first four already, and the last two could be the final two letters of the clue!
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Hey Susan,
You’re more or less there. The “Dancing” tells you that there’s an anagram, only it’s just of “bear that”. Then you need “sit” it (because it’s a down clue) on a six-letter word for “royal” – you have the first four already, and the last two could be the final two letters of the clue!
Oh, I see!! thank you very much - so it is BREATHTAKINGLY after all. It fitted, but I couldn't work out why. That should help with quite a few across clues.
By the way, one of the clues contains the word 'princess' and I think you once mentioned something about a word that is often used to stand for that. I'd be grateful for a reminder!
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Hi Susan,
Oh, I see!! thank you very much - so it is BREATHTAKINGLY after all. It fitted, but I couldn't work out why. That should help with quite a few across clues.
By the way, one of the clues contains the word 'princess' and I think you once mentioned something about a word that is often used to stand for that. I'd be grateful for a reminder!
No problem. I don't remember a stand in for princess specifically, but if I saw it in a clue I'd start with "dauphine", and then perhaps work through the famous ones (Diana, Anne etc).
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Hi Susan,
No problem. I don't remember a stand in for princess specifically, but if I saw it in a clue I'd start with "dauphine", and then perhaps work through the famous ones (Diana, Anne etc).
thank you - it turned out to be Di
I think it is 100% likely I shall be back with a few more requests for hints!
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I nanaged another two answers this morning. Then went to the gym to restore expended energy!! :)
Anyway, I would much appreciate help with the following:
16 down: Fancy a drink? ‘Pronto!’ (4,1,4)
I knew the answer would be LIKE A …. But only remembered the SHOT this morning.
This makes T the second letter of:
29 across: Small lock causes anxiety (6)
And a hint would be most helpful.
Also,
20 across: Thousand lent for collection again – congregation did it (5)
The K was from LIKEbut it was only this morning that I realised that ‘lent’ was the ‘nelt’ of KNELT
So now,
21 down: Connoisseur’s old record I preserve (7)
Starts with the E from ‘knelt’, but no other letters.
And then there are still quite a few more clues waiting …
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Hey Susan,
I nanaged another two answers this morning. Then went to the gym to restore expended energy!!
I’m impressed!
Anyway, I would much appreciate help with the following:
16 down: Fancy a drink? ‘Pronto!’ (4,1,4)
I knew the answer would be LIKE A …. But only remembered the SHOT this morning.
This makes T the second letter of:
29 across: Small lock causes anxiety (6)
And a hint would be most helpful.
No problem. Remember that “small” can be abbreviated and that a “lock” also relates to hair, so join them together and you get…
Also,
20 across: Thousand lent for collection again – congregation did it (5)
The K was from LIKEbut it was only this morning that I realised that ‘lent’ was the ‘nelt’ of KNELT
So now,
21 down: Connoisseur’s old record I preserve (7)
Starts with the E from ‘knelt’, but no other letters.
And then there are still quite a few more clues waiting …
“Record” generally gives you EP or LP, the “I” is given to you and then all you need is a four-letter word meaning “preserve” (think dried meats) and you have a synonym for “connoisseur”.
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Hey Susan,
I’m impressed!
Fitness - gym and swimming keep me fit for the tap dancing!
No problem. Remember that “small” can be abbreviated and that a “lock” also relates to hair, so join them together and you get…
it's those tress(es)' again, isn't it! It's a word that has come up in various forms, hasn't it, and it hasn't sunk in yet!
“Record” generally gives you EP or LP, the “I” is given to you and then all you need is a four-letter word meaning “preserve” (think dried meats) and you have a synonym for “connoisseur”.
So that is EPI.... I'll have to think about that - it doesn't spring to mind straight away.
Help much appreciated as usual.
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No worries Susan.
Yes to EPI by the way - so what do people do to meats and suchlike to preserve them?
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No worries Susan.
Yes to EPI by the way - so what do people do to meats and suchlike to preserve them?
I don't know about the subconscious taking 6 seconds to bring a word into the conscious, mine has taken a lot longer than that - but has just this minute after another think, managed to come up with 'cure'. So I'll go and put that in and see if I can get a little further.
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Bingo!
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Bingo!
Struggling on!
27 across: Lodge attendance is given with mystical sign (9)
With the U from EPICURE, I now have
G – T – H – U - -
So the answer appears to be GATEHOUSE, but what that has to do with a mystical sign, I cannot see.
Is it right, though?
Is this any good?
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Hey Susan,
Struggling on!
27 across: Lodge attendance is given with mystical sign (9)
With the U from EPICURE, I now have
G – T – H – U - -
So the answer appears to be GATEHOUSE, but what that has to do with a mystical sign, I cannot see.
Is it right, though?
Is this any good?
Yes – the signs of the zodiac are called “houses” (“born in the house of Capricorn” etc).
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Hey Susan,
Yes – the signs of the zodiac are called “houses” (“born in the house of Capricorn” etc).
Thank you. Hmmmm, I suppose I'll have to give way to the setter on this one!
I have in fact managed to finish that corner now, but the following sounds more like a description than a cryptic clue:
Grand to start with, then more ruffled, one goes slowly downhill (7)
Because the answer is GLACIER.
I have six more intersecting clues in the last corner,but I'll leae those until tomorrow.
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Somewhat to my surprise, I have completed the last corner, except for one clue:
22 down:
By the sound of it, these are usually underground passages (6)
Letters: - O - T - s
I've tried putting in a selection of letters, but haven't come up with a word that works, so if there's a hint that will help, I'd appreciate it!.
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Hey Susan,
Somewhat to my surprise, I have completed the last corner, except for one clue:
22 down:
By the sound of it, these are usually underground passages (6)
Letters: - O - T - s
I've tried putting in a selection of letters, but haven't come up with a word that works, so if there's a hint that will help, I'd appreciate it!.
I’m impressed!
You'll kick yourself I think. The “by the sound of it” tells you that there’s a homonym, and it’s for something that’s “usually underground” – maybe something underground in nature? Once you have it, there’s another way of spelling the same pronunciation that gives you a synonym for “passages”…
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Hey Susan,
I’m impressed!
You'll kick yourself I think. The “by the sound of it” tells you that there’s a homonym, and it’s for something that’s “usually underground” – maybe something underground in nature? Once you have it, there’s another way of spelling the same pronunciation that gives you a synonym for “passages”…
Well, you're right about the kick-self! ROUTES but it still took me another five minutes.
Thank you .
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No problem Susan.
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By yesterday evening, I had completed at least two-thirds of the Cryptic!! I'll see how I get on with the rest today ... ...
The Quick, however, I am going to look up the answers. as I have quite a few gaps.
/eta: 09:18 and I have only one clue unanswered! Also, I haven't had to google any synonyms ... this probably means the puzzle was a bit too easy!
20 down: Pulse taken by lady shortly going round hospital department (6)
- D – T - L
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Hi Susan,
By yesterday evening, I had completed at least two-thirds of the Cryptic!! I'll see how I get on with the rest today ... ...
The Quick, however, I am going to look up the answers. as I have quite a few gaps.
/eta: 09:18 and I have only one clue unanswered! Also, I haven't had to google any synonyms ... this probably means the puzzle was a bit too easy!
20 down: Pulse taken by lady shortly going round hospital department (6)
- D – T - L
Not liking that "D" I'm afraid, and remember that a "pulse" is also a legume...
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Hi Susan,
Not liking that "D" I'm afraid, and remember that a "pulse" is also a legume...
Ah yes, it is an E. The answer is INEPTITUDE and the last four letters were an anagram of duet; I had put TUED, but forgot to change it when I filled in the rest of INEPTITUDE.
The answer to 20 down has not popped into my head yet ... ...
Thank you as always.
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Hi Susan,
Ah yes, it is an E. The answer is INEPTITUDE and the last four letters were an anagram of duet; I had put TUED, but forgot to change it when I filled in the rest of INEPTITUDE.
The answer to 20 down has not popped into my head yet ... ...
Thank you as always.
No problem, and if you'd like a further clue whenever in a clue I see "hospital department" my first thought is "Ear, Nose & Throat"...
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Hi Susan,
No problem, and if you'd like a further clue whenever in a clue I see "hospital department" my first thought is "Ear, Nose & Throat"...
I was sitting pondering on the subject of lentils, and see you posted this in the meantime! Thank you.
I'll try and remember about the ENT hint - obviously a useful group of letters for crossword setters ...
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No fast track completion by early tomorrow, I'm afraid. The setter is one of those who writes lengthy clues which take quite a time to read, although the answers are not very hard.
A helpful hint for the following would be appreciated; the clue has come up before, I'm sure, but the answer is not properly filed away in my mind yet.
12 across: Repress what head and tail of pups do? (6,2)
The last letter is P so it must be UP, andtail follows head, and S follows P (first and last letters of pups), so I guess FOLLOW UP.
Can't quite make it fit, though.
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Hi Susan,
No fast track completion by early tomorrow, I'm afraid. The setter is one of those who writes lengthy clues which take quite a time to read, although the answers are not very hard.
A helpful hint for the following would be appreciated; the clue has come up before, I'm sure, but the answer is not properly filed away in my mind yet.
12 across: Repress what head and tail of pups do? (6,2)
The last letter is P so it must be UP, andtail follows head, and S follows P (first and last letters of pups), so I guess FOLLOW UP.
Can't quite make it fit, though.
The answer jumped straight at me for the synonym, but it took me quite a while to understand the cryptic bit…
OK, so you have the UP already. Now you need the first word – maybe pour yourself a glass of wine from something while you think about it?
The cryptic part is a real is a real teaser though. First you need to get the “head and tail” from PUPS. The you need to work out what they do to the UP that’s left. They contain it, and another way of saying “contain” is…
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Hi Susan,
The answer jumped straight at me for the synonym, but it took me quite a while to understand the cryptic bit…
OK, so you have the UP already. Now you need the first word – maybe pour yourself a glass of wine from something while you think about it?
Thank you. However, even with a mug of coffee and a plain chocolate digestive, mind remains blank!
A bit later: googled 'contain(s)' synonyms: Bottle up ? Is that the right answer?
The cryptic part is a real is a real teaser though. First you need to get the “head and tail” from PUPS. The you need to work out what they do to the UP that’s left. They contain it, and another way of saying “contain” is…
No, I'm afraid I still don't get the reasoning.! I looked up synonyms of 'repress' first of course, but nothing fitted - I didn't hear the phrase 'bottle up' among them.
I think I’ll probably be back later with a few more requests.
them.
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. However, even with a mug of coffee and a plain chocolate digestive, mind remains blank!
A bit later: googled 'contain(s)' synonyms: Bottle up ? Is that the right answer?
No, I'm afraid I still don't get the reasoning.! I looked up synonyms of 'repress' first of course, but nothing fitted - I didn't hear the phrase 'bottle up' among them.
Yes. The synonym is for "repress". If you repress your feelings for example, then you bottle them up.
The "head and tail" of "pups" is "P" & "S". Those letters contain the "up" that's in the middle; that is, they bottle "up".
I think I’ll probably be back later with a few more requests.
Any time.
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Hey Susan,
Yes. The synonym is for "repress". If you repress your feelings for example, then you bottle them up.
The "head and tail" of "pups" is "P" & "S". Those letters contain the "up" that's in the middle; that is, they bottle "up".
Any time.
Many thanks. I keep going over to the CCTV and having a look at the grid ... ... and have another answer!
7 down: Having defeats and victories only, apparently, in an open-necked shirt? (7)
First letter T and last S, so that's TIELESS
The E from that adds a letter to
9 across: Tea-maker who tries really hard? (8)
S - - - I - E -
And I'll send this anyway rather than deleting because I have just thought of the answer about 10 seconds ago STRAINER
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May I have a hint, please, for:
1 down: Puzzle seeing married male, strong beast, oppressed by what he calls a cold! (7)
- - - M – O -!
All I can think of at the moment is MANMOOD! However, the ‘strong beast’ is usually an OX, isn’t it?
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Hi Susan,
May I have a hint, please, for:
1 down: Puzzle seeing married male, strong beast, oppressed by what he calls a cold! (7)
- - - M – O -!
All I can think of at the moment is MANMOOD! However, the ‘strong beast’ is usually an OX, isn’t it?
Ooh, quite a clever one this! Yes, a strong beast is usually an ox. And “married male” can be abbreviated to two letters too. All you need then for the first three letters is what men apparently often call a cold and bingo, you have a synonym for “puzzle”!
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Hi Susan,
Ooh, quite a clever one this! Yes, a strong beast is usually an ox. And “married male” can be abbreviated to two letters too. All you need then for the first three letters is what men apparently often call a cold and bingo, you have a synonym for “puzzle”!
Ah, yes, thank you. So it is FLUMMOX - not a word that comes up more than once every, well,what shal we say? ten years or so perhaps?!! I think that's about one-third completed now - I'll aim optimistically for completion by Wednesday!
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I'm afraid I have googled a couple of answers. One of which is GROTTO in answer to:
21 across: It's left on Dec 24 by Santa and his reindeer, but grand to put around rhubarb (6)
I had the R and the first T and that clue has come up before, but even with the answer, what has it got to do with rhubarb?!
A hint would be helpful for the following, please:
19 across:Doctor envied church grounds (8)
E - - - E - - -
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Hi Susan,
I'm afraid I have googled a couple of answers. One of which is GROTTO in answer to:
21 across: It's left on Dec 24 by Santa and his reindeer, but grand to put around rhubarb (6)
I had the R and the first T and that clue has come up before, but even with the answer, what has it got to do with rhubarb?!
Shame on you! “Rhubarb” is slang for nonsense, or “rot”…
A hint would be helpful for the following, please:
19 across:Doctor envied church grounds (
E - - - E - - -
“doctor” suggests an anagram, and “church” at the end is generally shortened to one of two abbreviations. The answer by the way is something AB claims to have but can never produce!
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Hi Susan,
Shame on you! “Rhubarb” is slang for nonsense, or “rot”…
“doctor” suggests an anagram, and “church” at the end is generally shortened to one of two abbreviations. The answer by the way is something AB claims to have but can never produce!
Thank you – so that makes it EVIDENCE I had of course been thinking DR for doctor.
Actually it is a bit nearer completion than I thought. I have a few questions though for which answers will as always be appreciated.
13 across: Most uneven nap, having eaten duck … that’s horrid! (8
R – U – H – S –
So it would appear to be ROUGHEST – uneven>rough; horrid>UGH … but as always the question arises: but why?!
15 down:I will join good number going to rave in the dark (8)
- G – o – a – t
- Well, the wword IGNORANT fits, and I can see I, and GO with an N, and RANT for rave but that doesn’t account for the ‘night’, does it? Or of course why ‘ignorant’?
18 Ddown: Half of school rejected studying sacred books by this writer, one inventing plots (7)
- C – E – O –
- This is another of the clues that came up a while back but for which the answer has not stuck in my head.
25 across: …more calm, sitting back in chauffeured limousine (6)
M – L – O -
MELLOW fits But why?!
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Hey Susan,
Thank you – so that makes it EVIDENCE I had of course been thinking DR for doctor.
Actually it is a bit nearer completion than I thought. I have a few questions though for which answers will as always be appreciated.
13 across: Most uneven nap, having eaten duck … that’s horrid! (8
R – U – H – S –
So it would appear to be ROUGHEST – uneven>rough; horrid>UGH … but as always the question arises: but why?!
A “nap” is REST and it contains (“eaten”) a duck (O) and, as you say, UGH.
15 down:I will join good number going to rave in the dark (
- G – o – a – t
- Well, the wword IGNORANT fits, and I can see I, and GO with an N, and RANT for rave but that doesn’t account for the ‘night’, does it? Or of course why ‘ignorant’?
Because to be “in the dark” is to be IGNORANT. The I is given to you, it “joins” G (“good”) and then NO (“number”). All you need then is the RANT (ie, “rave”).
18 Ddown: Half of school rejected studying sacred books by this writer, one inventing plots (7)
- C – E – O –
- This is another of the clues that came up a while back but for which the answer has not stuck in my head.
I’m not liking that “O” I’m afraid. “Half of school” is given to you. Then reverse (“reject”) the “study of sacred books” in education and “this writer”, ie the author of the clue. You’ll end up with a synonym for “one inventing plots”.
25 across: …more calm, sitting back in chauffeured limousine (6)
M – L – O -
MELLOW fits But why?!
Again, not liking that “O”. The answer is a portmanteau word, and it’s hidden backwards (“sitting back in”) inside “chauffeured limousine”.
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Hey Susan,
A “nap” is REST and it contains (“eaten”) a duck (O) and, as you say, UGH.
Oh, of course – I should have remembered the zero for duck; must do better!!
Because to be “in the dark” is to be IGNORANT. The I is given to you, it “joins” G (“good”) and then NO (“number”). All you need then is the RANT (ie, “rave”).
My previous answer applies here too!
I’m not liking that “O” I’m afraid.
Yes, I did wonder – it’s a shared one with the incorrect ‘mellow.
“Half of school” is given to you. Then reverse (“reject”) the “study of sacred books” in education and “this writer”, ie the author of the clue. You’ll end up with a synonym for “one inventing plots”.
That seems to make it SCHEMER- I was thinking half of,say, Eton, instead of half of ‘school’; but I’ll have to have a think about the rest of the clue in order to make sense of it.
Again, not liking that “O”. The answer is a portmanteau word, and it’s hidden backwards (“sitting back in”) inside “chauffeured limousine”.
MILDER.Thank you very much for all your help with the above. .
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It's Saturday again, so posting to say that this week's Cryptic is much easier and I've done about two-thirds already!
Still three to go on the Quick, though.
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Hi Susan,
It's Saturday again, so posting to say that this week's Cryptic is much easier and I've done about two-thirds already!
Still three to go on the Quick, though.
Stick at it girl - I'm rooting for you!
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I have just deleted a long set of comments, following a request for a hint or two! In fact, having got to mid-afternoon with no progress made, I am now down to five empty squares.
One of the request ones was:
12 across: Something very funny after spells of cricket go too far (9)
It is OVERSHOOT. I thought of it earlier, and knew the first part was OVERS but it is only just ten minutes ago that I realised that the 'hoot' is the 'very funny' bit.
With a bit of luck I'll complete it tomorrow.
ETA Monday morning: Not quite - just three empty squares.
S - R - A -
Clue is: One may be lucky to run out of gear (6)
STREAM Fits best but I don't know exactly why ...
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Morning Susan,
I have just deleted a long set of comments, following a request for a hint or two! In fact, having got to mid-afternoon with no progress made, I am now down to five empty squares.
One of the request ones was:
12 across: Something very funny after spells of cricket go too far (9)
It is OVERSHOOT. I thought of it earlier, and knew the first part was OVERS but it is only just ten minutes ago that I realised that the 'hoot' is the 'very funny' bit.
With a bit of luck I'll complete it tomorrow.
ETA Monday morning: Not quite - just three empty squares.
S - R - A -
Clue is: One may be lucky to run out of gear (6)
STREAM Fits best but I don't know exactly why ...
OK, there’s a word that describes what you’re have when you have a series of successes – it’s a lucky…
That same word means what you do when you run naked through a public space (ie, “out of gear”).
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Morning Susan,
OK, there’s a word that describes what you’re have when you have a series of successes – it’s a lucky…
That same word means what you do when you run naked through a public space (ie, “out of gear”).
:D :d :D
Thank you - so it is STREAK ...but not the sort of thing an ancient person like me would think of straight away!!!
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Hi Susan,
:D :d :D
Thank you - so it is STREAK ...but not the sort of thing an ancient person like me would think of straight away!!!
No problem, and you were only one letter out after all. Yeah, maybe save the streaking through Tesco until the better weather comes?
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This week's Cryptic has quite a few previously-seen clues, but these are not being recalled to mind yet! At least I can think up an excuse for slowermoving brain - clocks changing! I've only done six so far and would be grateful for a hint or two to prompt answers! The ones I've done are straightforward so it shouldn't be too fiendishly difficult.
1 across: Spreads river across five docks (8)
- - - - L - - -
9 across: Lists gobbling duck and other fowls (8)
- - - - T - - -
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Hi Susan,
This week's Cryptic has quite a few previously-seen clues, but these are not being recalled to mind yet! At least I can think up an excuse for slowermoving brain - clocks changing! I've only done six so far and would be grateful for a hint or two to prompt answers! The ones I've done are straightforward so it shouldn't be too fiendishly difficult.
1 across: Spreads river across five docks (
- - - - L - - -
No problem. As soon as you see “five” the Roman numeral comes to mind. You need to “spread across” (ie, surround) that with a river, then finish with a four-letter word for “docks” (as in chopping off branches).
What all that gives you is a synonym for “develops”.
9 across: Lists gobbling duck and other fowls (
- - - - T - - -
Remember that “duck” is a cricket score you can represent with a number. It needs to be surrounded by (“gobbling”) a synonym for “lists”, and the whole things is a synonym for “fowls”, perhaps male ones.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. As soon as you see “five” the Roman numeral comes to mind. You need to “spread across” (ie, surround) that with a river, then finish with a four-letter word for “docks” (as in chopping off branches).
What all that gives you is a synonym for “develops”.
I was trying to put an extra V into the word river! So 'develops' is the answer - no synonym required?!!! :)
Remember that “duck” is a cricket score you can represent with a number. It needs to be surrounded by (“gobbling”) a synonym for “lists”, and the whole things is a synonym for “fowls”, perhaps male ones.
Yes - when I see duck, I now think of 0 or eider! - but I'll have to think about the rest. I'll instruct my brain to come up with the required synonym rather than googling it
Thank you - much appreciated as always.
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Hey Susan,
I was trying to put an extra V into the word river! So 'develops' is the answer - no synonym required?!!!
The synonym part is develops = “spreads”. I misled you before I think inasmuch as the “surrounded by” clue comes just from “across”, not from “spreads across”.
Yes - when I see duck, I now think of 0 or eider! - but I'll have to think about the rest. I'll instruct my brain to come up with the required synonym rather than googling it
Thank you - much appreciated as always.
No problem Susan – think male chickens, maybe little red ones if you’re a Rolling Stones fan?
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Hey Susan,
The synonym part is develops = “spreads”. I misled you before I think inasmuch as the “surrounded by” clue comes just from “across”, not from “spreads across”.
No problem Susan – think male chickens, maybe little red ones if you’re a Rolling Stones fan?
Ah, so it's ROOSTERS Well, that makes me realise that I'd never have thought of rosters! I'll go and fill those in, but what with various follow-up hospital visits this week, I don't know how far I'll get!
I may well be back with further requests.
Thank you.
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This week's Cryptic is much more accessible and I have done quite a few. Could you please give a yes/no as to whether I have the right answer here:
15 down: One making third score removed this exit (8)
SIXTIETH anagram of 'this exit'. If right, does it mean that person was out third, so couldn't have been sixtieth?! Seems a bit far-fetched...
Thank you.
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Morning Susan,
This week's Cryptic is much more accessible and I have done quite a few. Could you please give a yes/no as to whether I have the right answer here:
15 down: One making third score removed this exit (8)
SIXTIETH anagram of 'this exit'. If right, does it mean that person was out third, so couldn't have been sixtieth?! Seems a bit far-fetched...
Thank you.
Yes, SIXTIETH is correct. "Score" also means twenty, so if you make your third score you've reached your sixtieth.
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Morning Susan,
Yes, SIXTIETH is correct. "Score" also means twenty, so if you make your third score you've reached your sixtieth.
Ah, yes, of course! Thank you.
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Well, I’ve googled a couple of synonyms and cheated on another clue - this was:
Craft seen in River Test (8)
Because I needed the letters for several down clues, but I do not know why the answer is INDUSTRY. I mean, that’s true, but why is it cryptic?!
However, one of the down clues I am stuck on and would be grateful for help.
6 down: Elizabethan welcoming second time by composer (5)
Letters: L – S – T
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Hey Susan,
Well, I’ve googled a couple of synonyms and cheated on another clue - this was:
Craft seen in River Test (8)
Because I needed the letters for several down clues, but I do not know why the answer is INDUSTRY. I mean, that’s true, but why is it cryptic?!
River = INDUS; test = TRY.
However, one of the down clues I am stuck on and would be grateful for help.
6 down: Elizabethan welcoming second time by composer (5)
Letters: L – S – T
Elizabeth(an) is LIZ, and she "welcomes" (ie, contains) an abbreviation for "second". Then finish with an abbreviation for "time" and you have a composer.
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Hey Susan,
River = INDUS; test = TRY.
Ah, so I must remember that any time I see the word River, the river could be anywhere in the world and nothing to do with the name that follows!
Elizabeth(an) is LIZ, and she "welcomes" (ie, contains) an abbreviation for "second". Then finish with an abbreviation for "time" and you have a composer.
Daft of me - I had actually thought of Liszt, but I had thought the spelling was wrong!
Help much appreciated as usual.
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Only three clues done so far .. ... could you say, please, whether STAMPEDE is the answer to:
1 across: Passing in van, sharing time with politician (10)
Third letter A, and a.m. sort of goes with MP?? 'in the van' can be in the lead, and a stretching of the imagination can think of a stampede passing!
22 down is: Drop that's put under a microscope (5) SLIDE?
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Hey Susan,
Only three clues done so far .. ... could you say, please, whether STAMPEDE is the answer to:
1 across: Passing in van, sharing time with politician (10)
Third letter A, and a.m. sort of goes with MP?? 'in the van' can be in the lead, and a stretching of the imagination can think of a stampede passing!
Erm, as STAMPEDE has eight letters and the answer has ten I think perhaps you might not be on the right track here!
Think of the most common name of a van, then the slang term for a conservative politician…the two of them "sharing" the same abbreviation for "time".
22 down is: Drop that's put under a microscope (5) SLIDE?
Yes. If you let, say, your standards slide then they drop.
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Hey Susan,
Erm, as STAMPEDE has eight letters and the answer has ten I think perhaps you might not be on the right track here!
Ah, thank you for the laugh out loud!!
I'm going to blame the sunshine!! Even with the lightweight lounge curtains closed, the light is too bright for using the CCTV easily in the morning!
Think of the most common name of a van, then the slang term for a conservative politician…the two of them "sharing" the same abbreviation for "time".
Hmm, I'll have to think... ... Ford, toryy ...
Yes. If you let, say, your standards slide then they drop.
Thank you - I think I'm going to be back during the next few days.
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Ah, thank you for the laugh out loud!!
I'm going to blame the sunshine!! Even with the lightweight lounge curtains closed, the light is too bright for using the CCTV easily in the morning!
Think of the most common name of a van, then the slang term for a conservative politician…the two of them "sharing" the same abbreviation for "time".
Hmm, I'll have to think... ... Ford, toryy ...
Which van does Ford make?
Thank you - I think I'm going to be back during the next few days.
No problem, and any time Susan.
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Which van does Ford make?
No problem, and any time Susan.
Ah, yes, thank you - TRANSITORY Transit is not a word that I'd have thought of easily though.
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Could you just tell me, please, (a) if it is an anagram of 'I spell mystical,', (b) if the ninth letter is P? No hints requested yet!!
Other letters which are correct I think are: S - - - L - - - - P - - - L Y
I am assuming LY at the end because of the word 'way' at the end of the clue. The P is from POSTPONE so if it's wrong, I'll have another go at that clue!
3 down: I spell mystical liquid in a shallow way (14)
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Hi again Susan,
Could you just tell me, please, (a) if it is an anagram of 'I spell mystical,', (b) if the ninth letter is P? No hints requested yet!!
Other letters which are correct I think are: S - - - L - - - - P - - - L Y
I am assuming LY at the end because of the word 'way' at the end of the clue. The P is from POSTPONE so if it's wrong, I'll have another go at that clue!
3 down: I spell mystical liquid in a shallow way (14)
I couldn’t make sense of this, but I can if it’s “spill” rather then “spell”? If it is, then yes but I’m not liking that “P”!
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Hi again Susan,
I couldn’t make sense of this, but I can if it’s “spill” rather then “spell”? If it is, then yes but I’m not liking that “P”!
Thank you - and of course, yes, it is 'spill. There are times when having to peer at very magnified letters on a screen is more than a bit annoying!
The clue for which I chose POSTPONEMENT as the answer is:
18 across: Copyiing letter from Greece will limit delay occurring (12)
May I have a hint for this one, please.
I suppose I was being a bit optimistic thinking it was an educated sort of guess!
ETA SIMPLISTICALLY ... Jjust popped into my head!
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Hey again Susan,
Thank you - and of course, yes, it is 'spill. There are times when having to peer at very magnified letters on a screen is more than a bit annoying!
The clue for which I chose POSTPONEMENT as the answer is:
18 across: Copyiing letter from Greece will limit delay occurring (12)
May I have a hint for this one, please.
I suppose I was being a bit optimistic thinking it was an educated sort of guess!
No problem. Re the hint: try a Greek letter that’s also a famous number, and wrap it around (“limit”) a synonym for “delay”. The rest is another synonym, this time for “occurring” and you should have a word meaning “copying” (though not in a good way!).
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Hey again Susan,
No problem. Re the hint: try a Greek letter that’s also a famous number, and wrap it around (“limit”) a synonym for “delay”. The rest is another synonym, this time for “occurring” and you should have a word meaning “copying” (though not in a good way!).
Ah, yes, thank you - PLAGIARISING
I’m sure I ought to be seeing this, but no luck so far. Clue is:
17 down: Blessed drips from the ministry ( (8)
- A – T - - - S
A very small hint would help, please.
I thought the second half of the word would be TEARS, but it doesn’t seem to work.
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Hi Susan,
Ah, yes, thank you – PLAGIARISING
Spot on.
I’m sure I ought to be seeing this, but no luck so far. Clue is:
17 down: Blessed drips from the ministry ( (
- A – T - - - S
A very small hint would help, please.
I thought the second half of the word would be TEARS, but it doesn’t seem to work.
It’s actually just a straight clue – you need a word meaning blessings that involve dripping water…
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Hi Susan,
Spot on.
It’s actually just a straight clue – you need a word meaning blessings that involve dripping water…
Oh,so it's BAPTISMS. Thank you. I think there should be a special icon for 'straightforward clue'!
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Still quite a few clues to go, but I am quite pleased that I have managed to solve some of them! Once or twice, I have written out a request for help, but by the time I've read it through, I've thought of the answer! :) Well taught, you see!
Here's one that my subconscious ought to have sorted out by now, but has not:
1 down: drawn, having temperature, looking rough with no resistance (6)
Letters: T - - - E -
The only one I can think of that sort of fits is TEASED so a hint would help, please.
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Hey Susan,
Still quite a few clues to go, but I am quite pleased that I have managed to solve some of them! Once or twice, I have written out a request for help, but by the time I've read it through, I've thought of the answer! Well taught, you see!
Here's one that my subconscious ought to have sorted out by now, but has not:
1 down: drawn, having temperature, looking rough with no resistance (6)
Letters: T - - - E -
The only one I can think of that sort of fits is TEASED so a hint would help, please.
OK – you know that “temperature” generally gives you T, and you have that already in place. So then you need a word meaning “looking rough” (though I think “tough” would be better here), but the “no resistance” tells you that the “r” must be missing.
What’s left is a synonym for “drawn”, as in “pulled” – maybe as a little ship pulls a bigger ship?
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Hey Susan,
OK – you know that “temperature” generally gives you T, and you have that already in place. So then you need a word meaning “looking rough” (though I think “tough” would be better here), but the “no resistance” tells you that the “r” must be missing.
What’s left is a synonym for “drawn”, as in “pulled” – maybe as a little ship pulls a bigger ship?
Thank you So it's TUGGDE- I don't think I'd have got that.
That means that 10 across:
Flash Seventies rock style
involving energy(5) has G - E - M
I don't know that one, but is a good guess GLEAM?!!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you So it's TUGGDE- I don't think I'd have got that.
That means that 10 across:
Flash Seventies rock style
involving energy(5) has G - E - M
I don't know that one, but is a good guess GLEAM?!!
It's a very good guess: GLAM (rock) with "energy" (E) involved, gives you a synonym for "flash".
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Hi Susan,
It's a very good guess: GLAM (rock) with "energy" (E) involved, gives you a synonym for "flash".
Oh, good, thank you! It's always the reason for the answer that needs an extra step in the thinking, isn't it.
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Susan,
Oh, good, thank you! It's always the reason for the answer that needs an extra step in the thinking, isn't it.
Yes, but it's the "why" that's the fun bit. I often feel a slight sense of deflation when I see the answer, though with the Torygraph I seem to be able to see the answer quickly, then work back to find the why. Knowing the standard tropes ("flower" to rhyme with "mower" for example, ie a river) helps a lot too.
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There are still some empty squares and I was going to leave them, but that goes against the grain! So a few hints would be much appreciated to help fill them in.
4 down: Person responsible for notes in tango decided to interrupt final section (9)
T - E - S - R - R
23 across: Groupof motorists keeping small lead in the main (2,1,4)
ATA - - - - RACE? Probaby not
19 down : Country person wasting no time in conversation? (6)
- - - S - A
I keep thinking RUSSIA - 'rusher'! but the second letter here is fifth letter of 23 across.
20 down: Amid first set, Edberg, going head over heels, can't stand (6)
- - - E - D
Second letter of this is seventh of 23 across.
I think I've copid them correctly. I've thought and thought but as it is Thursday, I doubt if I'll think of them before Saturday.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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Hi Susan,
There are still some empty squares and I was going to leave them, but that goes against the grain! So a few hints would be much appreciated to help fill them in.
4 down: Person responsible for notes in tango decided to interrupt final section (9)
T - E - S - R – R
Think of the person responsible for bank notes…you'll kick yourself!
23 across: Groupof motorists keeping small lead in the main (2,1,4)
ATA - - - - RACE? Probaby not
You need a synonym for “in the main”, as in on the whole or usually…
19 down : Country person wasting no time in conversation? (6)
- - - S - A
I keep thinking RUSSIA - 'rusher'! but the second letter here is fifth letter of 23 across.
You’ve got it. RUSSIA is the “country”, and the “in conversation” tells you that the answer sounds like a “person wasting no time”, ie a “rusher”.
20 down: Amid first set, Edberg, going head over heels, can't stand (6)
- - - E - D
Second letter of this is seventh of 23 across.
That D is wrong. The answer is a portmanteau word – it’s right there in the clue, only backwards (“going head over heels”) and it means “can’t stand” as in hates.
I think I've copid them correctly. I've thought and thought but as it is Thursday, I doubt if I'll think of them before Saturday.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Always a pleasure!
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Hi Susan,
Think bank notes…
You need a synonym for “in the main”, as in on the whole or usually…
You’ve got it. RUSSIA is the “country”, and the “in conversation” tells you that the answer sounds like a “person wasting no time”, ie a “rusher”.
That D is wrong. The answer is a portmanteau word – it’s right there in the clue, only backwards (“going head over heels”) and it means “can’t stand” as in hates.
Always a pleasure!
Many thanks. I'll report back later.
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TREASURER I can't quite work out why though.
As A RULE I might have thought of itif I had had the AS instead ot AT at the start, but don't know..
Glad I was right about RUSSIA! the (braille) book I am reading at the moment is ~'Queen Victoria's Matchmaking' and I am in the middle of a long section about the marriages of her various granddaughters and how she did her best to persuade Ella not to marry Grand Duke Sergei. It seems that in some cases she, Queen Victoria, was right but the science of first cousins marrying causing potential trouble was fast catching up with her. She kept up to date well with Russian politics.
DETEST I did actually have a T at the end of the word, but misread it when I was posting clues.
Thank you - on to Saturday...
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Hi again Susan,
TREASURER I can't quite work out why though.
OK, the synonym is “person responsible for notes” (ie, bank notes). The police etc use “tango” for T, the “decided" is SURE and it’s inside (“interrupt”) a word meaning “final section”, ie REAR.
As A RULE I might have thought of itif I had had the AS instead ot AT at the start, but don't know..
I’m sure you would!
Glad I was right about RUSSIA! the (braille) book I am reading at the moment is ~'Queen Victoria's Matchmaking' and I am in the middle of a long section about the marriages of her various granddaughters and how she did her best to persuade Ella not to marry Grand Duke Sergei. It seems that in some cases she, Queen Victoria, was right but the science of first cousins marrying causing potential trouble was fast catching up with her. She kept up to date well with Russian politics.
Blimey. Always worth looking for “in conversation”, “we hear”, “when discussed” etc because it tells you there’s a homonym in play.
DETEST I did actually have a T at the end of the word, but misread it when I was posting clues.
Ah, OK. Often that tiny word “in” is a clue to there being a portmanteau word hiding in there somewhere, so it’s worth looking out for.
Thank you - on to Saturday...
No problem – look forward to it!
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Hi again Susan,
OK, the synonym is “person responsible for notes” (ie, bank notes). The police etc use “tango” for T, the “decided" is SURE and it’s inside (“interrupt”) a word meaning “final section”, ie REAR.
Thank you - my goodness, that has enough cryptic content for several clues! I think I'll remember the tango>T though.
Blimey. Always worth looking for “in conversation”, “we hear”, “when discussed” etc because it tells you there’s a homonym in play.
Ah, OK. Often that tiny word “in” is a clue to there being a portmanteau word hiding in there somewhere, so it’s worth looking out for.
No problem – look forward to it!
Help and explanations much appreciated as always.
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Slow start this week - my printer ran out of ink half-way down the Cryptic clues, so I had to wait until Tuesday before getting a new cartridge which my neighbour very kindly put in for me ! One question so far, well two actually:
7 down:Object of ridicule in genuine resistance to attack (8)
Is the answer BUTTRESS? If so, I don't know the answer to :
6 across: One half of pair once popular in America (4)
Second letter would be B
Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
Slow start this week - my printer ran out of ink half-way down the Cryptic clues, so I had to wait until Tuesday before getting a new cartridge which my neighbour very kindly put in for me ! One question so far, well two actually:
7 down:Object of ridicule in genuine resistance to attack (
Is the answer BUTTRESS?
No, but you’ve got part of it. The “object of ridicule” part is the BUTT that you have, but you need to put it inside (“in”) a four-letter word meaning “genuine”. That then leaves an eight-letter word meaning “resistance to attack”, is in a counter-argument.
If so, I don't know the answer to :
6 across: One half of pair once popular in America (4)
Second letter would be B
Thank you.
Ah, that’s a hidden answer clue. Think of the first name of one of half of a famous comedy duo, then look for his name inside the word “America”.
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Hi Susan,
No, but you’ve got part of it. The “object of ridicule” part is the BUTT that you have, but you need to put it inside (“in”) a four-letter word meaning “genuine”. That then leaves an eight-letter word meaning “resistance to attack”, is in a counter-argument.
Ah, so that will be REBUTTAL
Ah, that’s a hidden answer clue. Think of the first name of one of half of a famous comedy duo, then look for his name inside the word “America”.
ERIC I was of course trying to think of an American duo, and failing!
Many thanks.
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Just some squares here and there empty, or whichh help wil be appreciated.
2 down: US senator keeps Republican jolly (
Letters: M – R – N –
I am assuming MWERIN- ? Soundig like ‘merry’
5 down: European levy raised trapping papa who’s living abroad (5)
Letters: E – P - -
Is it EXPAT
The last letter might be T if and I think it is unlikely - TRAITOR is the correct answer to:
13 across|: Renegade characteristic shown by lowly soldiers (7)
Letters: - - A – T – R
And every other letter of 27 across which I really ought to get, but if I haven’t by tomorrow, I’ll be back, as it’ll be Friday!
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Hi Susan,
Just some squares here and there empty, or whichh help wil be appreciated.
2 down: US senator keeps Republican jolly (
Letters: M – R – N –
I am assuming MWERIN- ? Soundig like ‘merry’
Tough one this if you don’t know that “jolly” is slang term for a type of military person (think "jolly jack tar" for example). You have the “R” though already that’s “kept” by a five-letter US state wrapped around it, which must be M – – N –…now just pop the R into it and....
5 down: European levy raised trapping papa who’s living abroad (5)
Letters: E – P - -
Is it EXPAT
Yes. “European" is “E”, “levy raised” is “TAX” upwards as it’s a down clue, and it “traps” “papa”, which is phonetic alphabet (again!) for “P”.
The last letter might be T if and I think it is unlikely - TRAITOR is the correct answer to:
13 across|: Renegade characteristic shown by lowly soldiers (7)
Letters: - - A – T – R
Yes – you have it already: “characteristic” is “TRAIT”, and “lowly soldiers” is “OR” (other ranks).
And every other letter of 27 across which I really ought to get, but if I haven’t by tomorrow, I’ll be back, as it’ll be Friday!
Any time Susan!
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Hi Susan,
Tough one this if you don’t know that “jolly” is slang term for a type of military person (think "jolly jack tar" for example). You have the “R” though already that’s “kept” by a five-letter US state wrapped around it, which must be M – – N –…now just pop the R into it and....
MARINE I had seen that MARINE could fit, but couldn't work out why.
.Yes. “European" is “E”, “levy raised” is “TAX” upwards as it’s a down clue, and it “traps” “papa”, which is phonetic alphabet (again!) for “P”.
Oh, of course, it's another occasion when the phonetic alphabet doesn't spring to my mind - as it would do to my ex-pilot son - and that P got in the way of it being TAX upwards.
Yes – you have it already: “characteristic” is “TRAIT”, and “lowly soldiers” is “OR” (other ranks).
Oh, good! Many thanks - much appreciated as always.
Any time Susan!
The 27 across is: America perhaps hosting golf team (10)
- O - T - N - E - T
but I haven't given up yet!! I'm thinking SOUTH or NORTH but an N doesn't follow easily ... I'll keep thinking.
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Hey Susan,
The 27 across is: America perhaps hosting golf team (10)
- O - T - N - E - T
but I haven't given up yet!! I'm thinking SOUTH or NORTH but an N doesn't follow easily ... I'll keep thinking.
You'll kick yourself! And speaking of the phonetic alphabet, that "golf" might be helpful... Now if only I could think what "America" (or Africa, or Europe, or...) are examples of and then put that letter in there somewhere to give me a "team"!
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Hey Susan,
You'll kick yourself! And speaking of the phonetic alphabet, that "golf" might be helpful... Now if only I could think what "America" (or Africa, or Europe, or...) are examples of and then put that letter in there somewhere to give me a "team"!
CONTINGENT ! Well, 'continent' had jumped off the page, but not enough letters so I was trying to put that aside, but I still quibble at what it has to do with team.
Thank you for the hint - I don't think I'd have got it, actually!
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Hi Susan,
CONTINGENT ! Well, 'continent' had jumped off the page, but not enough letters so I was trying to put that aside, but I still quibble at what it has to do with team.
Thank you for the hint - I don't think I'd have got it, actually!
You're welcome, and I sure you would have solved it.
A "contingent" has the meaning of a team or a group, as in "a contingent of soldiers entered the room".
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Hi Susan,
You're welcome, and I sure you would have solved it.
A "contingent" has the meaning of a team or a group, as in "a contingent of soldiers entered the room".
Thank you - yes, I thought of that an hour or so later! But it is not a word I have heard in that context for a very long time. Another point to try and remember when it crops up again.
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Quick completed quite quickly. The Cryptic appears not to be a hard one - the 9 answers I have so far are quite
'easy', , for instance,
9 across: Did butterfly bring about gaping mouth? (4)
I have assumed GRIN, but not sure why the word butterfly was chosen.
I can't do 1 across - a hint would be, as usual, much appreciated.
1 across: Party's rejected a constituent for boozy tipples (4)
ETA Just spoken to my friend next door and she came up with the answer - HOPS ...and of course I remember it has come up before!
R&E looks a bit quiet today.
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Hi Susan,
Quick completed quite quickly. The Cryptic appears not to be a hard one - the 9 answers I have so far are quite
'easy', , for instance,
9 across: Did butterfly bring about gaping mouth? (4)
I have assumed GRIN, but not sure why the word butterfly was chosen.
The butterfly is also a swimming stroke though, and the past tense of “swim” (“did butterfly”) is…and if you reverse it ("bring about") you get...
I can't do 1 across - a hint would be, as usual, much appreciated.
1 across: Party's rejected a constituent for boozy tipples (4)
ETA Just spoken to my friend next door and she came up with the answer - HOPS ...and of course I remember it has come up before!
R&E looks a bit quiet today.
Strike your friend firmly with a wet kipper for misleading you ;)
“Party” immediately tells you that there’s a ”do”, but it’s “party’s” so you need an “s” too. Then it’s “rejected” and you know what that means, after which the “a” is given to you. With a bit of luck, you’ll end up with a “constituent for a boozy tipple”, maybe the non-alcoholic part?
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Hi Susan,
The butterfly is also a swimming stroke though, and the past tense of “swim” (“did butterfly”) is…and if you reverse it ("bring about") you get...
MAWS Hmmm, I'd only have got that if the first and third letters were already there and I'd probably have had to go through the alphabet trying out letters!
Strike your friend firmly with a wet kipper for misleading you ;)
“Party” immediately tells you that there’s a ”do”, but it’s “party’s” so you need an “s” too. Then it’s “rejected” and you know what that means, after which the “a” is given to you. With a bit of luck, you’ll end up with a “constituent for a boozy tipple”, maybe the non-alcoholic part?
She'll have a good laugh at that!! She is such a very nice person and I am so lucky to have her as a next-door neighbour.
SODA I did actually remember 'do' for 'party', but what about the apostrophe s i.e. 'Party's'?
Many thanks. I think there will be a few more queries going along with this Cryptic.
-
Just fyi Susan I'll be out of the UK for a couple of days but will be back Wed if I can be of any help.
All best
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Just fyi Susan I'll be out of the UK for a couple of days but will be back Wed if I can be of any help.
All best
Thank you for saying. Well, I am quite pleased, and a little surprised"", that I have completed the Cryptic except for two letters. Two of the clues included phonetic alphabet letters!!
26 across: Something often in word that bears nosh (4)
- R - Y
I've been through the alphabet but so fa haven't come up with a suitable word. I'll have another go and edit this if successful.
18:18: I suppose it has to be TRAY but you don't often hear of people carrying/bearing trays of nosh!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for saying. Well, I am quite pleased, and a little surprised"", that I have completed the Cryptic except for two letters. Two of the clues included phonetic alphabet letters!!
26 across: Something often in word that bears nosh (4)
- R - Y
I've been through the alphabet but so fa haven't come up with a suitable word. I'll have another go and edit this if successful.
18:18: I suppose it has to be TRAY but you don't often hear of people carrying/bearing trays of nosh!
Yes, TRAY (or possibly PREY) come to mind. A tray "bears nosh" in that it carries food, so I guess that's it but I'm not getting the "something often in word" bit. Are you sure you have the clue right?
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Hi Susan,
Yes, TRAY (or possibly PREY) come to mind. A tray "bears nosh" in that it carries food, so I guess that's it but I'm not getting the "something often in word" bit. Are you sure you have the clue right?
Oh dear, that was a typo I did not realise I'd typed - the word should be 'wood'!
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Susan,
Oh dear, that was a typo I did not realise I'd typed - the word should be 'wood'!
Problem solved!
-
About two-thirds completed so far ... and I've arrived at a 'hint will be required tomorrow, please' point!
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Hi Susan,
About two-thirds completed so far ... and I've arrived at a 'hint will be required tomorrow, please' point!
No problem - pen and pencil at the ready!
-
A hint for this one would be much appreciated ... and give me letters for three other incomplete answers!
16 across: Violent doctor about to consume drink (7)
Letters: - - A - - I –
Edit No. 2: Just worked out that second letter is R
Presumably it means MB or MD reversed and a drink in the middle, if it is a synonym of violent; or violent in the middle if it is a synonym for drink.
ETA Why is the answer to:
4down: Instrument not in drink (6)
CLARET? Letters - l - r - t
That is if it actually is, of course!
Hmmm.
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Morning Susan,
A hint for this one would be much appreciated ... and give me letters for three other incomplete answers!
16 across: Violent doctor about to consume drink (7)
Letters: - - A - - I –
Edit No. 2: Just worked out that second letter is R
Presumably it means MB or MD reversed and a drink in the middle, if it is a synonym of violent; or violent in the middle if it is a synonym for drink.
MB or MO are usually good but there’s another, more common abbreviation for “doctor”. “About” has a one-letter equivalent too. So if those two bookend the answer all you need is a four letter drink in between them (“consume”) and you have a synonym for “violent”.
I have to say though that it’s not a great clue – rather than “violent” I’d have thought the answer more commonly means extreme, severe or similar.
ETA Why is the answer to:
4down: Instrument not in drink (6)
CLARET? Letters - l - r - t
That is if it actually is, of course!
Hmmm.
It’s clarinet with the “in” missing!
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Morning Susan,
MB or MO are usually good but there’s another, more common abbreviation for “doctor”. “About” has a one-letter equivalent too. So if those two bookend the answer all you need is a four letter drink in between them (“consume”) and you have a synonym for “violent”.
I have to say though that it’s not a great clue – rather than “violent” I’d have thought the answer more commonly means extreme, severe or similar.
It’s clarinet with the “in” missing!
Many tthanks – so it’s DRASTIC and I must remember that C can be ‘about’.
That helped with Stanhope = anag of posh neat
The H there helped to confirm cohere for which the clue was:
Stick cardinal in centre (6)
But the reason for that I’m not sure of, especially as in a six-letter word, which letter is the centre one!!
Re the 'clarinet' one - I thought 'not in' = 'out'!ay, I might have to tackle a mid-week cryptic!
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Hi Susan,
Many tthanks – so it’s DRASTIC and I must remember that C can be ‘about’.
That helped with Stanhope = anag of posh neat
The H there helped to confirm cohere for which the clue was:
Stick cardinal in centre (6)
But the reason for that I’m not sure of, especially as in a six-letter word, which letter is the centre one!!
Re the 'clarinet' one - I thought 'not in' = 'out'!ay, I might have to tackle a mid-week cryptic!
No problem. Re “cohere”, yes it’s correct. The “stick” is the synonym, the “cardinal” is HE (as in “His Eminence”) and it’s “in” a “centre”, which is the CORE. The HE for “cardinal” is a bit obscure though
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Hi Susan,
No problem. Re “cohere”, yes it’s correct. The “stick” is the synonym, the “cardinal” is HE (as in “His Eminence”) and it’s “in” a “centre”, which is the CORE. The HE for “cardinal” is a bit obscure though
Thank you - I had not noticed the 'core', but the word was evidently correct so in it went.
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NNo flying start this week – I’ve only done five clues so far; quite a few long clues which take much longer to read and take in!
A hint with this wil be much appreciated and will help with quite a few down clues. Do I assume that ‘Rule’ is part of an anagram?
1 across: Rule out report of how lazy compiler acquired crossword? (8)
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Hi Susan,
NNo flying start this week – I’ve only done five clues so far; quite a few long clues which take much longer to read and take in!
A hint with this wil be much appreciated and will help with quite a few down clues. Do I assume that ‘Rule’ is part of an anagram?
1 across: Rule out report of how lazy compiler acquired crossword? (
No problem. If a crossword compiler was lazy maybe he'd acquire the crossword with the clues already written for him, in which case it would have been pre-…
…which sounds like the word for “rule out”.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. If a crossword compiler was lazy maybe he'd acquire the crossword with the clues already written for him, in which case it would have been pre-…
…which sounds like the word for “rule out”.
I had to sit and think about that for a bit, especially as it is a clue I havenot come across since starting theDT Saturday Cryptics. PRE CLUDED
I suppose I might have got it if I had looked up synonyms, but otherwise I think it unlikely.
Many thanks.
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Hi Susan,
I had to sit and think about that for a bit, especially as it is a clue I havenot come across since starting theDT Saturday Cryptics. PRE CLUDED
I suppose I might have got it if I had looked up synonyms, but otherwise I think it unlikely.
Many thanks.
Just PRECLUDE I think (8 letters), and I'm sure you would have got it after a bit.
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Managed another two clues, but this cryptic is definitely on the difficult side. I've tried looking up synonyms for both 'pathetic' and 'meeting' but can't see anything that fits. The clue is:
6 down: Pathetic meeting... (8)
followed by:
7 down: ...postpone or carry on? (4,4)
The first letter of 6 down is second letter of 5 across and the 4th of 5 across is the first of 7 down.
5 across: Carve hearts and so on at the front (4)
Should these be easy? What am I missing?! Or shall I persevere with much appreciated helpful hints?
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Morning Susan,
Managed another two clues, but this cryptic is definitely on the difficult side. I've tried looking up synonyms for both 'pathetic' and 'meeting' but can't see anything that fits. The clue is:
6 down: Pathetic meeting... (
How many letters is the answer to “pathetic meeting” please? I think I know the answer (what happens when one object comes into contact with another?) but could be wrong if the answer doesn’t have 8 letters.
followed by:
7 down: ...postpone or carry on? (4,4)
Hmmm...gonna need a letter or two for this one I'm afraid, and no it isn't obvious!
The first letter of 6 down is second letter of 5 across and the 4th of 5 across is the first of 7 down.
5 across: Carve hearts and so on at the front (4)
Should these be easy? What am I missing?! Or shall I persevere with much appreciated helpful hints?
“Hearts” in a deck of cards has an abbreviated form, and “and so on” is typically expressed as a three-letter Latin term…
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Hey Susan,
...postpone or carry on? (4,4)
Just went to make a coffee and the answer to the above popped into my head!
The synonym is for "postpone" - all you need then is the first four-letter word meaning "carry" (or perhaps just to have in your hand) and the second meaning "on", as in above...
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Posted this then wondered why it didn't go straight to thread! So pressed post again and then saw your above post.
Morning Susan,
How many letters is the answer to “pathetic meeting” please? I think I know the answer (what happens when one object comes into contact with another?) but could be wrong if the answer doesn’t have 8 letters.
Yes, it has eight letters. Is it crushing? If so, I can't see wwhy 'pathetic'?
Hmmm...gonna need a letter or two for this one I'm afraid, and no it isn't obvious!
My Apologies - I'd forgotten I had managed one clue (anagram of 'lens unless' = SULLENNESS')
7th letter of 6 down = N ... and from ETCH first letter T
7th letter of 7 down= E - and from ETCH first letter = H
“Hearts” in a deck of cards has an abbreviated form, and “and so on” is typically expressed as a three-letter Latin term…
Oh, I se - etch but I'd never have got that without letters - and there's a shortage of these so far!
Help much appreciated of course. Do you think this setter rather fancies him(/her)self as being particularly clever?! :)
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So 7 down is hOLDOVER and 6 down is touCHING
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Hi Susan,
So 7 down is hOLDOVER and 6 down is touCHING
Yes to both!
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So 6 down is TOUCHING, although that's stretching the idea of synonyms a bit, isn't it?!
7 down HOLDOVER
Thank you - I will now see if I can fill in another few squares here and there ... ...
ETA didn't realise previous post had got here
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Hi Susan,
So 6 down is TOUCHING, although that's stretching the idea of synonyms a bit, isn't it?!
7 down HOLDOVER
Thank you - I will now see if I can fill in another few squares here and there ... ...
ETA didn't realise previous post had got here
It's "pathetic" as in pathos I think rather than the sense of hopeless or useless.
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Today I have turned on the CCTV several times and had a look at the far too many unanswered clues, but even trying to rememnber all the hints that help about how to and what to look for, I am just not seeing answers. I do hate to give up of course, but if my subconscious hasn't come up with anything y tomorrow, I might reluctantly have to put this one aside!
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Hi Susan,
Today I have turned on the CCTV several times and had a look at the far too many unanswered clues, but even trying to rememnber all the hints that help about how to and what to look for, I am just not seeing answers. I do hate to give up of course, but if my subconscious hasn't come up with anything y tomorrow, I might reluctantly have to put this one aside!
Well, if I can I'm happy to help with a hint or three - maybe answering a couple will open the door to a few more?
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Hi Susan,
Well, if I can I'm happy to help with a hint or three - maybe answering a couple will open the door to a few more?
Thank you – that is kind of you. The emptiest section includes:
18 across: High and low will be present after really going in opposite directions(10)
E- - - - - E – R –
I suppose it includes compass directions, and might be something to do with elevation?
And if the answer to this 17 downn is ROTATION which I have just thought of:
17 down: Lunatic orating about year for revolution (8)
Then the 5th letter of 18 across is O.
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Hey Susan,
Thank you – that is kind of you. The emptiest section includes:
18 across: High and low will be present after really going in opposite directions(10)
E- - - - - E – R –
I suppose it includes compass directions, and might be something to do with elevation?
No worries. OK, so when you look “high and low” for something, you look…
Maybe a word meaning “present” will be helpful, and it comes “after” the rest of the answer too. And you're right re directions by the way - you need to begin with two of them on opposite sides of the compass surrounding ("going in") a word meaning "really" (as in a lot).
And if the answer to this 17 downn is ROTATION which I have just thought of:
17 down: Lunatic orating about year for revolution (
Then the 5th letter of 18 across is O.
Not quite. The “lunatic” tells you that you have an anagram of “orating”, only it surrounds (“about”) a standard abbreviation for “year”. Perhaps start with the G…?
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Hey Susan,
No worries. OK, so when you look “high and low” for something, you look…
Maybe a word meaning “present” will be helpful, and it comes “after” the rest of the answer too. And you're right re directions by the way - you need to begin with two of them on opposite sides of the compass surrounding ("going in") a word meaning "really" (as in a lot).
Oh dear, I should have got that, shouldn't I?! everywhere
hHowever, that means that the 7th letter is H, which makes my answer , DISREPUTED which I had only written in in very small letters,
, to
4 down: Detectives given instruction to arrest Republican in a state ( (10)
has the 9th letter as H not ?E. Definite letters now: D - S - - - U - H -
I'll go back to it again tomorrow morning...
Not quite. The “lunatic” tells you that you have an anagram of “orating”, only it surrounds (“about”) a standard abbreviation for “year”.
Yes, I had thought that the 'lunatic' meant an anagram and that the year might be a A -anno, but had got no further.
Perhaps start with the G…?
I had the A and the N, so it is GYRATION.
The grid looks a bit more encouraging now, so thank you, help much appreciated.
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Hey Susan,
Oh dear, I should have got that, shouldn't I?! everywhere
hHowever, that means that the 7th letter is H, which makes my answer , DISREPUTED which I had only written in in very small letters,
, to
4 down: Detectives given instruction to arrest Republican in a state ( (10)
has the 9th letter as H not ?E. Definite letters now: D - S - - - U - H -
I'll go back to it again tomorrow morning...
No worries. Not too bad this one – standard abbreviation for “detectives”, then you need a word for “given instruction” (should be easy for an ex-teacher!) and in the middle somewhere you need a letter for “Republican”. The clever bit is “in a state” that, together with “Republican”, leads you down the garden path of the state being a place in America. “In a state” though also means very upset, which could just be the synonym…
Yes, I had thought that the 'lunatic' meant an anagram and that the year might be a A -anno, but had got no further.
I had the A and the N, so it is GYRATION.
The grid looks a bit more encouraging now, so thank you, help much appreciated.
Yes to GYRATION, and good luck!
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Hey Susan,
No worries. Not too bad this one – standard abbreviation for “detectives”, then you need a word for “given instruction” (should be easy for an ex-teacher!) and in the middle somewhere you need a letter for “Republican”. The clever bit is “in a state” that, together with “Republican”, leads you down the garden path of the state being a place in America. “In a state” though also means very upset, which could just be the synonym…
Yes to GYRATION, and good luck!
Persevering, I have done several more answers but there are still six to go. All have some letters, but the one with the least and for which a hint would be appreciated is:
8 down: Sanctimonious, having tendency to scoff Right (8)
7th letter is S.
Googling synonyms of sanctimonious hasn't helped!
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Hey Susan,
Persevering, I have done several more answers but there are still six to go. All have some letters, but the one with the least and for which a hint would be appreciated is:
8 down: Sanctimonious, having tendency to scoff Right (
7th letter is S.
Googling synonyms of sanctimonious hasn't helped!
It’s not a great clue. The “scoff” has a double purpose – you know that the answer must contain an abbreviation for “Right”, and “having a tendency to scoff” (“scoff” as in eat greedily) means you have the character of, say, an animal that’s said to scoff its food.
Put that together and you have an answer that means “sanctimonious” or prudish.
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Hey Susan,
It’s not a great clue. The “scoff” has a double purpose – you know that the answer must contain an abbreviation for “Right”, and “having a tendency to scoff” (“scoff” as in eat greedily) means you have the character of, say, an animal that’s said to scoff its food.
Put that together and you have an answer that means “sanctimonious” or prudish.
thank you. That's going to need a bit more thinking. The third letter is the last letter of:
10 across More than one central part in clue to be solved (6)
Letters - U - L -
-And having written that, I know the answer - NUCLEI, so I'l see if I can work out 8 down.
-
No problem Susan - I’m sure you’ll bring home the bacon!
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No problem Susan - I’m sure you’ll bring home the bacon!
:) \Yes, I've worked out the pig connection, but not the rest of the letters yet.
In the meantime I have managed to fill in some squares with what I am fairly sure are the right answers but can't work out entirely the reasoning for them! So I'm down to 8down and
12 across: Pack skimpy underwear as clothing for run (6)
Letters: - H - O- -
The last letter is 5th of 8 down. The word CHOOSE fits, and I suppose HO-SE could possibly count, but dodgy.
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Hi Susan,
:) \Yes, I've worked out the pig connection, but not the rest of the letters yet.
Often an "ish" is added to end of a word to connote that you're like something...
In the meantime I have managed to fill in some squares with what I am fairly sure are the right answers but can't work out entirely the reasoning for them!
Happy to have a look if you like?
So I'm down to 8down and
12 across: Pack skimpy underwear as clothing for run (6)
Letters: - H - O- -
The last letter is 5th of 8 down. The word CHOOSE fits, and I suppose HO-SE could possibly count, but dodgy.
Very. Clever clue this because of the ambiguous uses of "pack" and "clothes". When an item of skimpy underwear "clothes" an abbreviation for "run" you arrive at a word meaning "pack", as in crowd...
(PS An "H" is always helpful because there are very few letters that normally precede it, so running through C, S, T, W etc is a good strategy.)
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Hi Susan,
Often an "ish" is added to end of a word to connote that you're like something...
Happy to have a look if you like?
Very. Clever clue this because of the ambiguous uses of "pack" and "clothes". When an item of skimpy underwear "clothes" an abbreviation for "run" you arrive at a word meaning "pack", as in crowd...
(PS An "H" is always helpful because there are very few letters that normally precede it, so running through C, S, T, W etc is a good strategy.)
'Scuse me while I weep quietly for a second or two - just wrote a whole post, pressed ESC by mistake, lost the lot. So let me see if I can fremember what I said
Well, I have just come back to the computer having dozed off for a few minutes and finding PRIGGISH had popped into my head; so that made THRONG the only answer for 12 across - and thank you for above so I know it is right.
'Oh, good,' I thought, 'finished it.' But no, checked to see and found two more with missing letters.
16 down: Left wing's first half getting stuck into passing and tackle (4,4)
Letters: - E - L - I - H
Pausing to think for a minute and go through alphabet, I think the second word is HIGH ...
20 down: Make 'Raking Fire' part of surrealist RA festival (6)
Letters: - T - A- E
I will not look at this thread again until tomorrow morning just in case an answer manages to appear, but will of course, appreciate hints if they hav not.
And yes, I did remember the whole thing without having to get up go back to CCTV, back to computer, etc ... ... all good exercise I suppose!
-
Hi again Susan,
'Scuse me while I weep quietly for a second or two - just wrote a whole post, pressed ESC by mistake, lost the lot.
Aw noooo….
So let me see if I can fremember what I said
Well, I have just come back to the computer having dozed off for a few minutes and finding PRIGGISH had popped into my head; so that made THRONG the only answer for 12 across - and thank you for above so I know it is right.
Yep, both spot on.
'Oh, good,' I thought, 'finished it.' But no, checked to see and found two more with missing letters.
16 down: Left wing's first half getting stuck into passing and tackle (4,4)
Letters: - E - L - I - H
Pausing to think for a minute and go through alphabet, I think the second word is HIGH ...
No, sorry. “Left” is abbreviated and you’re told that the first half of “wing” follows it. Then you need to put that inside (“get stuck in”) a word meaning “passing” (as in expiring) and you get a two-word phrase meaning “tackle”, ie pay attention to.
20 down: Make 'Raking Fire' part of surrealist RA festival (6)
Letters: - T - A- E
You really will kick yourself here! It’s a portmanteau word sitting right in front of you (meaning “make raking fire”)...
I will not look at this thread again until tomorrow morning just in case an answer manages to appear, but will of course, appreciate hints if they hav not.
And yes, I did remember the whole thing without having to get up go back to CCTV, back to computer, etc ... ... all good exercise I suppose!
Sure is!
-
Hi again Susan,
Aw noooo….
I retract my rather rash statement about not looking until tomorrow!! At my age, you know, one has to consider the possibility that one might not be hear tomorrow! Especially as I worked out STRAFE at 6:0 p.m
Yep, both spot on.
No, sorry. “Left” is abbreviated and you’re told that the first half of “wing” follows it.
Yes, I managed to think L and W or possibly WI as 'first half' but trying combinations of letters hasn't yet worked.
[Then you need to put that inside (“get stuck in”) a word meaning “passing” (as in expiring) and you get a two-word phrase meaning “tackle”, ie pay attention to.
I've been pausing as I go along here, but I'm not getting it yet. I had forgotten to consider 'passing' as 'expiring', but can so far only think of breathing out, or dying! Are the letters I have right?
You really will kick yourself here! It’s a portmanteau word sitting right in front of you (meaning “make raking fire”)...
Sure is!
Fortunately, I realised that at 6:0 p.m.!
-
Is it DEAL WITH? Yes, it must be! However, I would not have got that even by tomorrow!
Help appreciated as always.
ETA That was a hard crossword I think.
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Hi Susan,
I retract my rather rash statement about not looking until tomorrow!! At my age, you know, one has to consider the possibility that one might not be hear tomorrow! Especially as I worked out STRAFE at 6:0 p.m
Oh stop it now, and well done re “STRAFE”. I said you’d kick yourself!
Yes, I managed to think L and W or possibly WI as 'first half' but trying combinations of letters hasn't yet worked.
I've been pausing as I go along here, but I'm not getting it yet. I had forgotten to consider 'passing' as 'expiring', but can so far only think of breathing out, or dying! Are the letters I have right?
Dying, and yes the letters are right. You know you have “LWI”, and it’s inside a word meaning having popped your clogs, so…
Fortunately, I realised that at 6:0 p.m.!
Ah, but you did realise it – that’s the important point. Always worth looking out for portmanteau words by the way, generally prefaced with “in”, “inside” etc.
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Is it DEAL WITH? Yes, it must be! However, I would not have got that even by tomorrow!
Help appreciated as always.
ETA That was a hard crossword I think.
Oops - crossed replies there. Yes to "DEAL WITH" - spot on again.
-
Much more accessible Cryptic today. Early question, please:
10 across: Reckon car damaged kind of rail (9)
Letters: - - R - C - - - -
CORNCRAKE fits nicely. Will that do?
-
Looks good to me Susan - CORNCRAKE is an anagram ("damaged") of "reckon car", and a rail is bird.
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Looks good to me Susan - CORNCRAKE is an anagram ("damaged") of "reckon car", and a rail is bird.
Thank you. I didn't know a rail is a bird - so I've just googled it to find out more. Never too old to learn something new!
Actually, I'm getting on quite well with this crossword which is encouraging after last week's!
-
Excellent - keep up the good work Susan!
-
Excellent - keep up the good work Susan!
Thank you! Just been back onto the Quick - still a few too many gaps, I'm afraid - and one of the clues is Naval sword (5) middle letter is T, but even doing a search on Google, I can't find it. I know the answers will be available tomorrow, but as I am sure you know what it is, it would help to have it today, please!?
'
ETA correction: 7 letters, third letter T
-
I was just about to ask whether you were sure it was 5 letters! An old navy sword is a cutlass.
-
I was just about to ask whether you were sure it was 5 letters! An old navy sword is a cutlass.
Many thanks I don't think I'd have got that...
That's the Quick with only two answers not quite complete, but I think I should come up with them tomorrow.
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I would appreciate a hint for 1 across and 1 down, please. I think that METRO is the obvious start for 1 across and NOMIC fits in nicely for the second half, but don't know why! Although I think you said that C can stand for the electricity bit.
As for 1 down, I suppose any choice of vowels in the alternate squares would probably do?!
1 across: Pounding beat from loudspeaker system giving offence electricallyl (10)
Letters: - E - O - - - - - -
1 down: Exercises to such an extent to be ready for Mexican (4)
Letters: - - S -
I did cheat on one clue yesterday:
19 across: One tries to make contract more expensive, collecting 100 pounds (8)
and I thought DEARER but couldn't fit in 'ton' for the £100. Turned out to be simply CL, so DECLARER. Are all crossword compilers bridge players, I wonder.
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Morning Susan,
I would appreciate a hint for 1 across and 1 down, please. I think that METRO is the obvious start for 1 across and NOMIC fits in nicely for the second half, but don't know why! Although I think you said that C can stand for the electricity bit.
As for 1 down, I suppose any choice of vowels in the alternate squares would probably do?!
1 across: Pounding beat from loudspeaker system giving offence electricallyl (10)
Letters: - E - O - - - - - -
No problem. Quite a clever clue this one because the “pounding beat” and the "loudspeaker system” seem to be related, but they’re not.
First thing – the “E” is wrong I’m afraid (and the "O" is one space too early). A “loudspeaker system” is commonly abbreviated to two letters, and if you follow that with a word meaning “giving offence electrically” in the sense that certain people here do it (!) you end up with a word meaning “pounding beat” in the sense of what police constables or security officers do.
1 down: Exercises to such an extent to be ready for Mexican (4)
Letters: - - S –
“Ready” can also mean “money”, so in Mexico that would be…
Once you have it, the first two letters are an abbreviation for “exercises”, and the second two are a word meaning “to such an extent”.
I did cheat on one clue yesterday:
Shame on you!
19 across: One tries to make contract more expensive, collecting 100 pounds (
and I thought DEARER but couldn't fit in 'ton' for the £100. Turned out to be simply CL, so DECLARER. Are all crossword compilers bridge players, I wonder.
Almost certainly, yes ;)
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Morning Susan,
No problem. Quite a clever clue this one because the “pounding beat” and the "loudspeaker system” seem to be related, but they’re not.
First thing – the “E” is wrong I’m afraid (and the "O" is one space too early).
The E is wrong because it is a T - I didn't see it properly. There are times when difficulties with seeing things even on a CCTV are just a tad annoying!
The O which is the 5th letter comes from:
3 down: Bird-watcher right into solo twitching? (13)
for which I have ORNITHOLOGIST
A “loudspeaker system” is commonly abbreviated to two letters, and if you follow that with a word meaning “giving offence electrically” in the sense that certain people here do it (!) you end up with a word meaning “pounding beat” in the sense of what police constables or security officers do.
Many thanks. I haven't got it yet, but now I know it begins with P for PESO!
“Ready” can also mean “money”, so in Mexico that would be…
Once you have it, the first two letters are an abbreviation for “exercises”, and the second two are a word meaning “to such an extent”.
Yes, I thought the last letter would be O.
Shame on you!
Almost certainly, yes ;)
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Hey Susan,
The E is wrong because it is a T - I didn't see it properly. There are times when difficulties with seeing things even on a CCTV are just a tad annoying!
The O which is the 5th letter comes from:
3 down: Bird-watcher right into solo twitching? (13)
for which I have ORNITHOLOGIST
No problem. Yes – ORNITHOLOGIST is an anagram (“twitching”) of “right into solo”.
Many thanks. I haven't got it yet, but now I know it begins with P for PESO!
Yup. Think Personal Assistant maybe to get you started…
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Hey Susan,
No problem. Yes – ORNITHOLOGIST is an anagram (“twitching”) of “right into solo”.
Yup. Think Personal Assistant maybe to get you started…
PATROLLING
I might well be back later with a couple of clues, e.g.
7 down: Bugs found under tea cup used in company with host (7)
Letters: C - A - I - E
I know I should know this one... ...
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Susan,
PATROLLING
I might well be back later with a couple of clues, e.g.
7 down: Bugs found under tea cup used in company with host (7)
Letters: C - A - I - E
I know I should know this one... ...
Yes to PATROLLING.
Re bugs etc, yes you should know this one! Tea is known in some countries (eg India I think) as a different three-letter word, and the “bugs” underneath that (it’s a down clue) are insects sometime found in hair. Put them together and you have a “host” used in the Christian Eucharist (or so I’m told!).
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Susan,
Yes to PATROLLING.
Re bugs etc, yes you should know this one! Tea is known in some countries (eg India I think) as a different three-letter word, and the “bugs” underneath that (it’s a down clue) are insects sometime found in hair. Put them together and you have a “host” used in the Christian Eucharist (or so I’m told!).
Ah yes, thank you - but I don't know how long it would have taken me to get to it! I had thought of chai (sp?) for tea, but ‘lice’ wasn’t in my thoughts yet!
So it is chalice
The answer to the following clue must be LACERATE Bbut where's the Doctor? I can see the ‘assess’ = rate, and the whole being a wound but ‘lace’??
3 down: Docgtor to assess wound ((
Letters: L – C – R – T -
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Hi Susan,
Ah yes, thank you - but I don't know how long it would have taken me to get to it! I had thought of chai (sp?) for tea, but ‘lice’ wasn’t in my thoughts yet!
So it is chalice
The answer to the following clue must be LACERATE Bbut where's the Doctor? I can see the ‘assess’ = rate, and the whole being a wound but ‘lace’??
3 down: Docgtor to assess wound ((
Letters: L – C – R – T –
If you doctor, say, a drink with poison you lace it with poison.
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Hi Susan,
If you doctor, say, a drink with poison you lace it with poison.
ThankT you.his crossword solving is quite tricky, isn't it?!
I have one last clue to solve. Back tomorrow if still unsolved.
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I tried to modify and add 'thank you' but the software is doing something really weird and not typing properly.
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The solution to the last remaining incomplete answer remains elusive, I'm afraid, and I should know it because it has come up before: A hint will be much appreciated, please.
27 across: Accident producing return of scarlet fever? (10)
Letters: - E - A - L - E - T
ETA Went straight back to CCTV - is it DERAILMENT?
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Hi Susan,
The solution to the last remaining incomplete answer remains elusive, I'm afraid, and I should know it because it has come up before: A hint will be much appreciated, please.
27 across: Accident producing return of scarlet fever? (10)
Letters: - E - A - L - E - T
ETA Went straight back to CCTV - is it DERAILMENT?
Yup. “Accident” is the synonym, “return of scarlet” gives you DER, and the fever is AILMENT. The cleverness is linking scarlet and fever as if they were one thing.
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Hi Susan,
Yup. “Accident” is the synonym, “return of scarlet” gives you DER, and the fever is AILMENT. The cleverness is linking scarlet and fever as if they were one thing.
Thank you - I'd got the RED but didn't see the 'ailment'.
Yesterday I found the solution to 11th May Cryptic and checked the answers I wasn't sure if I'd got right, but was pleased to find that I had.
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Deleted - posted twice in error.
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Today’s Cryptic has some two-and-a-half line clues with an answer of four letters, and others with shorter clues and fifteen letters! I’ve done a reasonable number so far, including SAINT PETERSBERG in answer to:
26 across: Posed around in Lord’s about time food gets knocked back – 25 would call this home (5,10)
And since I am reading about Tsar Nicolas II’s wedding and coronation in 1896 and TSAR is the answer to 25 down, that was not hard. However, I would be grateful for an explanation of the connection between the clue and the answer!
7 down is: They help people relax – also purr, conceivably, as a result (7,8)
No letters for first word, but I guess COMFORT
Second word: - A – O – E - S so it can’t be BLANKETS
A hint, please, would be much appreciated.
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Hi again Susan,
This week's Cryptic has some clues which ae two-and-ahalf lines long with a four-letter answer and some more or less one line with 15 letters.
I've done several answers, including SAINT PETERSBERG for the clue:
26 across: Posed around in Lord's about time food gets knocked back [25 would call this home (5,10)
and since 25 down has the answer TSAR, and in the book I'm reading I am at the part about TsarNicols II's wedding and coronation,, that one was quite easy, but I would be grateful for an explanation of the connection between the clue and the answer!
No problem. It’s SAINT PETERSBURG (with a U). “Posed” is SAT, and it’s "around” “in” so you have the SAINT. Lords are PEERS, and they’re “about time” so you have the PETERS. Finally food is GRUB, but it’s backwards (“knocked back”) so you have the BURG at the end.
7 down is: They help people relax - also purr, conceivably, as a result (7,8)
No letters for first word, but I have guessed comfort,
Afraid not, and it’s a clever clue – what could you do to “also purr” to get an eight-letter word?
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Susan,
Second word: - A – O – E - S so it can’t be BLANKETS
The O and the E are wrong I'm afraid.
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Susan,
The O and the E are wrong I'm afraid.
thank you for this post and previous one with an explanation for SAINT PETERSBURG. Apology for not seeing these posts yesterday, but a reference to them did not come up on 'Show unread posts' link, so I went to General Discussion to find it.
The wrong E will be the U from 'BURG, but I am not sure that's going to help! I think I'll probably be back again later.
ETA: Just thought - I wonder if there are " marks round also purr - yes there are, so that's an anagram. Hmmm..
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Hi Susan,
thank you for this post and previous one with an explanation for SAINT PETERSBURG. Apology for not seeing these posts yesterday, but a reference to them did not come up on 'Show unread posts' link, so I went to General Discussion to find it.
The wrong E will be the U from 'BURG, but I am not sure that's going to help! I think I'll probably be back again later.
ETA: Just thought - I wonder if there are " marks round also purr - yes there are, so that's an anagram. Hmmm.
No problem. Yes, it’s an anagram – hence the “conceivably”.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. Yes, it’s an anagram – hence the “conceivably”.
As soon as I got the PARLOURS,*( the first word was easy! MASSAGE. thank you.
*moments after I turned off the computer - I dare not leave it on when I'm out as the fans need changing, and in fact it is doing that now, so I'll have to turn off again.
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Susan,
As soon as I got the PARLOURS,*( the first word was easy! MASSAGE. thank you.
*moments after I turned off the computer - I dare not leave it on when I'm out as the fans need changing, and in fact it is doing that now, so I'll have to turn off again.
Yep - it's a very nice clue too: if you "massage" the word parlours you get the "also purr" in the clue.
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Susan,
Yep - it's a very nice clue too: if you "massage" the word parlours you get the "also purr" in the clue.
Fingers crossed, I've just turned on again - and no noise at present...
The next 15-letters answer for which a hint would be much appreciated is:
9 across: Way son shrinks gets experts recommending change? (7,8)
I have only the thirteenth letter, which is the first S from MASSAGE, and the fifth letter might be B.
Experts - PROS so I wonder whether second word is PROMISES?
Does the word 'shrinks' have something to do with reducing the letters of the word 'son', or am I clutching at straws here?!
And if I may, there's another clue for which a yes/no answer would be helpful to the question:
Is OVER the beginning of:
2 down: Sneaky, as most female athletes are essentially (15)?
The thirteenth letter is I so I think it will end with ITY or IVE...
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Hi Susan,
Fingers crossed, I've just turned on again - and no noise at present...
The next 15-letters answer for which a hint would be much appreciated is:
9 across: Way son shrinks gets experts recommending change? (7,8)
I have only the thirteenth letter, which is the first S from MASSAGE, and the fifth letter might be B.
Experts - PROS so I wonder whether second word is PROMISES?
Does the word 'shrinks' have something to do with reducing the letters of the word 'son', or am I clutching at straws here?!
I’m not certain – it’s a really hard one – but I have a potentially good answer I think. A “way” is a method or a process, and “son” is a simple abbreviation. For the second word, “shrinks” has a synonym (sometimes prefixed with “Jungian”, “Freudian” etc). Put it together and you have the job title for people who make computer systems work better. Not a nice clue at all though.
And if I may, there's another clue for which a yes/no answer would be helpful to the question:
Is OVER the beginning of:
2 down: Sneaky, as most female athletes are essentially (15)?
The thirteenth letter is I so I think it will end with ITY or IVE...
Ah, that’s better. Not liking the “OVERS” I’m afraid or the ITY/IVE options. If they’re female athletes they can’t be male (or man) athletes, so they must be UN….
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Hi Susan,
I’m not certain – it’s a really hard one – but I have a potentially good answer I think. A “way” is a method or a process, and “son” is a simple abbreviation. For the second word, “shrinks” has a synonym (sometimes prefixed with “Jungian”, “Freudian” etc). Put it together and you have the job title for people who make computer systems work better. Not a nice clue at all though.
Ah, that’s better. Not liking the “OVERS” I’m afraid or the ITY/IVE options. If they’re female athletes they can’t be male (or man) athletes, so they must be UN….
Many thanks. I'll work on those, but I think I may well be coming back to morrow with a request for the answers!
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Any time Susan, any time :)
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Is the answer to 9 across PROGRAM ANALYSTS?
If it is, then the PRO-S for experts puts the PRO at the start and S at the very end. Is that right? If it isn't, then I give up, and would you tell me the answer, please?!
If it is right, then O is the third letter of 2 down. I'll keep working on that one. The last two letters would help though. (The thirteenth letter, I, is from SAINT.)
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Hi Susan,
Is the answer to 9 across PROGRAM ANALYSTS?
If it is, then the PRO-S for experts puts the PRO at the start and S at the very end. Is that right? If it isn't, then I give up, and would you tell me the answer, please?!
If it is right, then O is the third letter of 2 down. I'll keep working on that one. The last two letters would help though. (The thirteenth letter, I, is from SAINT.)
Close: SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
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Hi Susan,
Close: SYSTEMS ANALYSTS
thank you. this morning, apart from going to town and back, I have filled in about 5 or 6 squares here and there! One clue is:
27 across: Idea to adapt track and slowly fade out (3,4)
Letters, which I think are right,: D - Y - W - Y
To begin with I thought it would be RUN DOWN, but if the second word is AWAY, and there's a choice for first word of, presumably, A or R, then I'm stuck!
sometimes it is quite annoying to be the sort of person who, if I have started something, I do like to finish!! :)
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Hey Susan,
thank you. this morning, apart from going to town and back, I have filled in about 5 or 6 squares here and there! One clue is:
27 across: Idea to adapt track and slowly fade out (3,4)
Letters, which I think are right,: D - Y - W - Y
To begin with I thought it would be RUN DOWN, but if the second word is AWAY, and there's a choice for first word of, presumably, A or R, then I'm stuck!
sometimes it is quite annoying to be the sort of person who, if I have started something, I do like to finish!!
No worries. Not liking that Y I’m afraid. The “to adapt” tells you that you have an anagram of “Idea”. You already know that the “a” is the first letter of the second word, so…
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Hey Susan,
No worries. Not liking that Y I’m afraid. The “to adapt” tells you that you have an anagram of “Idea”. You already know that the “a” is the first letter of the second word, so…
thank you. Yes, I was just coming back to say that looking again, I see that first Y is wrong- it is the square for the last letter of 2 down and I'd forgotten to erase it. In fact I had not noticed that 'adapt' was yet another sign for an anagram, but that will make it DIE AWAY.
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Hey Susan,
thank you. Yes, I was just coming back to say that looking again, I see that first Y is wrong- it is the square for the last letter of 2 down and I'd forgotten to erase it. In fact I had not noticed that 'adapt' was yet another sign for an anagram, but that will make it DIE AWAY.
Yep. Is that the puzzle completed now?
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Hey Susan,
Yep. Is that the puzzle completed now?
:) No, nowhere near, I'm afraid!! 8 across clues either no letters or incomplete; 6 downs, ditto!
1 down: After changing sides, tenor and soprano taking openings and refrains (7)
Third letter S
1 across contains the word tango, so that's a T, and its third letter is U, so if you would be kind enough to give a hint for 1 down, that will be very helpful.
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Susan,
No, nowhere near, I'm afraid!! 8 across clues either no letters or incomplete; 6 downs, ditto!
1 down: After changing sides, tenor and soprano taking openings and refrains (7)
Third letter S
1 across contains the word tango, so that's a T, and its third letter is U, so if you would be kind enough to give a hint for 1 down, that will be very helpful.
OK… the “changing” tells you that there’s an anagram of “sides”, “after” which comes the “openings” of the words “tenor” and “soprano”. Remember too that “refrains” doesn’t just mean songs.
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Susan,
OK… the “changing” tells you that there’s an anagram of “sides”, “after” which comes the “openings” of the words “tenor” and “soprano”. Remember too that “refrains” doesn’t just mean songs.
Many thanks. I thought it was an anagram of sides, but couldn't see itand with the S of soprano, I began to think- too many S's! DESISTS
1 across is: Part of old ensemble having drink before tango (7)
With a D to start and the T to finish, I presume it is DRUMKIT? If so, I can now see the drink, RUM, but can't tie in the other letters ...
I'm afraid I haven't got 2 down yet either.
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Susan,
Many thanks. I thought it was an anagram of sides, but couldn't see itand with the S of soprano, I began to think- too many S's! DESISTS
1 across is: Part of old ensemble having drink before tango (7)
With a D to start and the T to finish, I presume it is DRUMKIT? If so, I can now see the drink, RUM, but can't tie in the other letters ...
I'm afraid I haven't got 2 down yet either.
‘fraid not. “Part of an old ensemble” could be an old-fashioned piece of clothing perhaps, and a large drink is called…then just add the tango abbreviation.
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Susan,
‘fraid not. “Part of an old ensemble” could be an old-fashioned piece of clothing perhaps, and a large drink is called…then just add the tango abbreviation.
[/quote
Ah, now I get it - DOUBLET. ?Thank you.
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Is the answer to:
12 across: Opening time? (4)
SLOT
And I think I'll ask for the answer to 2 down, please, even though I'll probably kick self on reading it? I've tried thinking letters to come after the UNS and commanded my brain to come up with something, but no luck.
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Hey Susan,
Is the answer to:
12 across: Opening time? (4)
SLOT
I don’t like short clues like this one because there’s too much room for ambiguity. SLOT works as a answer though.
And I think I'll ask for the answer to 2 down, please, even though I'll probably kick self on reading it? I've tried thinking letters to come after the UNS and commanded my brain to come up with something, but no luck.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE
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Hey Susan,
I don’t like short clues like this one because there’s too much room for ambiguity. SLOT works as a answer though.
Thank you. In fact it was 10 across, not 12, and the 5th letter is the O of 2 down.
UNSPORTSMANLIKE
No, no kick self - I don't think I'd ever have managed that ... but I'll try and remember it for future reference!
I realy appreciate your help - and I think it will continue to be needed for this particular cryptic.
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I looked at it again this morning, optimistically hoping the missing answers would appear, but no! So may I ask for hints on 5 across and 5 down, please.
5 across: With bar next to major road, carbon leads to trade (7)
The fifth letter is M (from MASSAGE) so I have assumed the sixth is I. I am not sure whether to put the C for carbon at the end or the beginning; and I know there is something about the word 'bar' I should remember ...
5 down: Parking close, or near (7)
Third letter N.
As you can imagine, the top right-hand corner of the grid is still looking a bit empty!
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Hi Susan,
I looked at it again this morning, optimistically hoping the missing answers would appear, but no! So may I ask for hints on 5 across and 5 down, please.
5 across: With bar next to major road, carbon leads to trade (7)
The fifth letter is M (from MASSAGE) so I have assumed the sixth is I. I am not sure whether to put the C for carbon at the end or the beginning; and I know there is something about the word 'bar' I should remember ...
Took me ages this until I realised that “trade” is probably “tirade”. Is that right? If it is, then there is (or so I’m told) a type of bar in which winsome young women gyrate around a central object. The “major road” is probably the most famous road in the country (two letters) and the chemical symbol for “carbon” is C. Put that together and you have a fancy word for an argument (or I suppose a “tirade”).
5 down: Parking close, or near (7)
Third letter N.
As you can imagine, the top right-hand corner of the grid is still looking a bit empty!
“Parking” has a standard one-letter symbol. “Close” can be pronounced to rhyme with “rose”, meaning the finale. Put them together and you have a word meaning “near” as in “coming soon” – often following the word “patent (or “pat.”).
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Hi Susan,
Took me ages this until I realised that “trade” is probably “tirade”. Is that right? If it is, then there is (or so I’m told) a type of bar in which winsome young women gyrate around a central object. The “major road” is probably the most famous road in the country (two letters) and the chemical symbol for “carbon” is C. Put that together and you have a fancy word for an argument (or I suppose a “tirade”).
Oh dear oh dear, I am so sorry about that! I am so lucky you are a crossword whizz to be able to work out what it ought to be. it has been such an interesting thing to do and to persevere with during these past 18 months or so.
So that is POLEMIC.
“Parking” has a standard one-letter symbol. “Close” can be pronounced to rhyme with “rose”, meaning the finale. Put them together and you have a word meaning “near” as in “coming soon” – often following the word “patent (or “pat.”).
Many thanks - PENDING.
That takes it down to three 7-word clues with some letters plus a couple of 4s, which I should be able too work out methodically.
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Susan,
Oh dear oh dear, I am so sorry about that! I am so lucky you are a crossword whizz to be able to work out what it ought to be. it has been such an interesting thing to do and to persevere with during these past 18 months or so.
So that is POLEMIC.
Many thanks - PENDING.
That takes it down to three 7-word clues with some letters plus a couple of 4s, which I should be able too work out methodically.
You're welcome, and I'm definitely not a whizz either!
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Susan,
You're welcome, and I'm definitely not a whizz either!
I disagree!! However, I am pleased to say I have completed the missing letters here and there: the G of PENDING was the first letter of GROCERY and that Y was the last letter of CUSTODY. I knew the answer had to be 'custard' and that it was a sound-alike, so I really should have got it sooner.
8 down: Porridge that's like a bit of trifle orally (7)
No crosswording tomorrow - Southampton Museum and Art Gallery are running one of their TouchTours.
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i usan,
I disagree!! However, I am pleased to say I have completed the missing letters here and there: the G of PENDING was the first letter of GROCERY and that Y was the last letter of CUSTODY. I knew the answer had to be 'custard' and that it was a sound-alike, so I really should have got it sooner.
8 down: Porridge that's like a bit of trifle orally (7)
No crosswording tomorrow - Southampton Museum and Art Gallery are running one of their TouchTours.
Sounds lovely!
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About 14 answers so far, so I hope that today’s Cryptic will not take me as long as last week’s.
19 down: Scored briskly? (7)
Third letter L I am just about certain and fifth letter might be G.
I googled synonyms of briskly, but none comes close.
A hint would be much appreciated, please.
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About 14 answers so far, so I hope that today’s Cryptic will not take me as long as last week’s.
19 down: Scored briskly? (7)
Third letter L I am just about certain and fifth letter might be G.
I googled synonyms of briskly, but none comes close.
A hint would be much appreciated, please.
Think of something where there is a score that isn't sport.
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Think of something where there is a score that isn't sport.
Thank you - yes, I have been thinking of scratching or making a groove in something, and twenty being a score and the question mark indicates a bit of lateral thinking necessary, but so far no answer!
ETA Ah, yes, a musical score ... I'll go and have another think
Seconds later: ALLEGRO
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Cryptic completed! :)
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Today's Quick completed. The Cryptic has one across and three down clues which had to go on a separate sheet of paper, so you can tell they are long ones! Five done so far and they were not difficult, so I'll see how far I get tomorrow.
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In between responding on another forum to posts, e.g. promoting John Lennox as being more scientific and objective,than Peter Atkins, I have been thinking about clues. A couple more done this morning, but a hint for the following would be appreciated, please.
28 across: Writer going to church in some European capital (5)
I have U as the first letter - is this correct?
I've googled list of European capital cities - no luck there, so I wonder if it is the name of a writer?
No speedy solving this week though ...
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Afternoon Susan,
In between responding on another forum to posts, e.g. promoting John Lennox as being more scientific and objective,than Peter Atkins, I have been thinking about clues. A couple more done this morning, but a hint for the following would be appreciated, please.
28 across: Writer going to church in some European capital (5)
I have U as the first letter - is this correct?
I've googled list of European capital cities - no luck there, so I wonder if it is the name of a writer?
No speedy solving this week though ...
No problem. Fairly standard this one – a “writer” is also the name of an implement used for writing, and “church” generally has either one of two two-letter abbreviations. Put them together and you have “some European capital”, “capital” being another word for money.
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Afternoon Susan,
No problem. Fairly standard this one – a “writer” is also the name of an implement used for writing, and “church” generally has either one of two two-letter abbreviations. Put them together and you have “some European capital”, “capital” being another word for money.
Thank you. Is it simply pence then? They would need a lot of those to make any useful capital!
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Susan,
Thank you. Is it simply pence then? They would need a lot of those to make any useful capital!
Yes (on both counts).
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Susan,
Yes (on both counts).
Plodding slowly on - I have done several more answers, some of which include a large amount of guesswork but which appear to be right even though I really don't know why. I'll set out a couple below for explanations, please. But I'll start with one requiring ahint, please:
8 down: Neater flowing in the delta was imminent (10)
Letters: I think the first is P, the third is R and the seventh E.
2 down: Speed aboard steamer, cool long-distance vessel (9)
Letters were: S- A - E - H - P, so it has to be SPACESHIP, but why the 'speed aboard'? Vessel = SHIP
4 down: Set out and managed to puncture changing gear (7)
Letters were: A - R - N - E So ARRANGE, and I can see the anagrammed 'gear', but what has 'punture' got to do with it?!
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Hi Susan,
Plodding slowly on - I have done several more answers, some of which include a large amount of guesswork but which appear to be right even though I really don't know why. I'll set out a couple below for explanations, please. But I'll start with one requiring ahint, please:
8 down: Neater flowing in the delta was imminent (10)
Letters: I think the first is P, the third is R and the seventh E.
Quite tricky this one. The “flowing” tells you that you have an anagram of “neater” and it’s “in” the word “the”. “Delta” is also a Greek letter than can be shortened, so when you put that together you have a word meaning “imminent” (though more usually it has negative connotations, like when bad weather is about to come).
2 down: Speed aboard steamer, cool long-distance vessel (9)
Letters were: S- A - E - H - P, so it has to be SPACESHIP, but why the 'speed aboard'? Vessel = SHIP
Yes. The “speed” is PACE and it’s “aboard” (ie, inside) “steamer” – ie, SS. If something is “cool” it’s HIP, so…
4 down: Set out and managed to puncture changing gear (7)
Letters were: A - R - N - E So ARRANGE, and I can see the anagrammed 'gear', but what has 'punture' got to do with it?!
“Puncture” just means that something intrudes or similar. “Managed” is RAN, and it “punctures” an anagram (“changing”) of “gear”.
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Hi Susan,
Quite tricky this one. The “flowing” tells you that you have an anagram of “neater” and it’s “in” the word “the”.
thank you. I thought it must mean an anagram of 'neater', but couldn't see what other letters fitted in.
“Delta” is also a Greek letter than can be shortened, so when you put that together you have a word meaning “imminent” (though more usually it has negative connotations, like when bad weather is about to come).
The delta being a Greek letter I realised just after posting last post, but I don't think it would have helped me in this case. So it is THREATENED Thank you.
Yes. The “speed” is PACE and it’s “aboard” (ie, inside) “steamer” – ie, SS. If something is “cool” it’s HIP, so…
Thank you for explaining the SS and the ‘hip’.
[“Puncture” just means that something intrudes or similar. “Managed” is RAN, and it “punctures” an anagram (“changing”) of “gear”.
Thank you. So ‘puncture’ is yet another word I must remember to remember what it implies!
There is another puzzling clue:
25 down: Peachy fried plums regularly used in turnover (5)
Letters: S – P – R
Going through the alphabet, the only word that is a word as far as I can see is SUPER, but that doesn’t make sense. What should it be, please?
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No problem Susan,
There is another puzzling clue:
25 down: Peachy fried plums regularly used in turnover (5)
Letters: S – P – R
Going through the alphabet, the only word that is a word as far as I can see is SUPER, but that doesn’t make sense. What should it be, please?
Yes it does make sense! “Peachy” can mean, well, super. If you look at “fried plums” and pick out the alternate letters (“regularly”) backwards (“turnover”) you’ll find that SUPER is in there. The cleverness is in using food-related terms – peachy, plums and turnover – in a context in which none of them have anything to do with food.
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PS
I wouldn't even try by the way to memorise terms like "puncture" to mean "inside" etc. You'll be there forever if you do. Rather it's better to remember that almost always words used in crosswords won't have the meaning (or even the pronunciation) that first comes to mind. Thus "flower" for example will rhyme with "rower" and will mean a river rather than a daisy, "butter" will mean a goat rather than something you put on bread etc. The secret of a good clue is to compose a coherent sentence at first reading, but that has almost nothing to do with the words as they first appear. The last one with three apparent foods in is a good example.
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No problem Susan,
Yes it does make sense! “Peachy” can mean, well, super. If you look at “fried plums” and pick out the alternate letters (“regularly”) backwards (“turnover”) you’ll find that SUPER is in there. The cleverness is in using food-related terms – peachy, plums and turnover – in a context in which none of them have anything to do with food.
thank you. My goodness, talk about complicated! Not only alternate letters,but backwards too... I also tried to think of letter combinations in the gaps and then see if the word made sense read backwards! Which of course didn't work!
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Just a few clues to go, for which hints will be much appreciated.
6 across: One may deck in a ring or be decked in a ring (4)
Last letter T, and I know this has come up before. Something to do with quoits? but this can't be it here with only four letters.
(That will help with getting the 7 down answer I think.)
22 across: Get hot when biting into humbug (5)
First letter R and last T, so ROAST would appear to fit nicely although I can't really see why!
26 down: Distinguished partners crushing opponent twice (4)
Letters: - E - N
This ought to be easy I think, since it is the 'matching' four-letter down clue to 1 down, which is ABBA, but no luck so far.
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Morning Susan,
Just a few clues to go, for which hints will be much appreciated.
6 across: One may deck in a ring or be decked in a ring (4)
Last letter T, and I know this has come up before. Something to do with quoits? but this can't be it here with only four letters.
(That will help with getting the 7 down answer I think.)
I don’t like this one much. To be “decked” in a (boxing) ring is to be knocked over, and the part of the body that does the hitting can be “decked” (ie, adorned) with a jewellery ring. So that body part is the …
22 across: Get hot when biting into humbug (5)
First letter R and last T, so ROAST would appear to fit nicely although I can't really see why!
“Get hot” is the ROAST. “When” is AS, and it’s “biting into” (ie, inside) a synonym for “humbug”, ie ROT.
26 down: Distinguished partners crushing opponent twice (4)
Letters: - E - N
This ought to be easy I think, since it is the 'matching' four-letter down clue to 1 down, which is ABBA, but no luck so far.
I saw a possible answer fairly quickly, but it took a while to work out why. It’s a bridge (the card game) clue. You need the abbreviations for two bridge partners surrounding (“crushing”) another player “(opponent”) that’s repeated (“twice”). The synonym is “distinguished”, but it’s a bit obscure – “observed” would have been better.
PS I added a post a couple of replies ago re "puncture".
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Morning Susan,
I don’t like this one much. To be “decked” in a (boxing) ring is to be knocked over, and the part of the body that does the hitting can be “decked” (ie, adorned) with a jewellery ring. So that body part is the …
Many thanks for this post. I did wonder about the 'decked' meaning decorated with, but couldn't work out why it would fit.
So the answer is FIST.
7 down is: Country region of UK's taken up rising relief (5)
Letters: - - D - A
I worked out that it had to read up an that made AID--, so I thought maybe 'aid'em'!! However, as the first letter is I,, is the answr India?
“Get hot” is the ROAST. “When” is AS, and it’s “biting into” (ie, inside) a synonym for “humbug”, ie ROT.
Ah, good, thank you. I had thought that ROT would do for humbug,but not that 'as' can mean 'when'.
I saw a possible answer fairly quickly, but it took a while to work out why. It’s a bridge (the card game) clue. You need the abbreviations for two bridge partners surrounding (“crushing”) another player “(opponent”) that’s repeated (“twice”). The synonym is “distinguished”, but it’s a bit obscure – “observed” would have been better.
Well, I suppose that is SEEN, S, E, and N, plus an E for distinguished? That one would definitely have defeated me, I'm afraid!
PS I added a post a couple of replies ago re "puncture".
Thank you for mentioning it - I hadn't seen it, but now have.empty squares ... ...
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks for this post. I did wonder about the 'decked' meaning decorated with, but couldn't work out why it would fit.
So the answer is FIST.
Spot on.
7 down is: Country region of UK's taken up rising relief (5)
Letters: - - D - A
I worked out that it had to read up an that made AID--, so I thought maybe 'aid'em'!! However, as the first letter is I,, is the answr India?
Looks good to me. The region of the UK “taken up” is NI (Northern Ireland) and the “relief” that’s “rising” is AID/DIA.
Well, I suppose that is SEEN, S, E, and N, plus an E for distinguished? That one would definitely have defeated me, I'm afraid!
Yes. “Partner” often has a bridge connection (as does “contract” by the way).
Thank you for mentioning it - I hadn't seen it, but now have.
Still a few more empty squares ... ...
No problem, and good luck!
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Hi Susan,
Spot on.
Looks good to me. The region of the UK “taken up” is NI (Northern Ireland) and the “relief” that’s “rising” is AID/DIA.
Ah, yes, now it makes sense! thank you.
[Yes. “Partner” often has a bridge connection (as does “contract” by the way).
No problem, and good luck!
The previous Cryptic had contract BRIDGE as the first across answer - the clue was more straightforward than those of this week's compiler, though.
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Luck gives no sign of showing up, I'm afraid! Some help in completing the last two clues wil, as usual, be very much appreciated.
23 down is: With a different blood group, woman is surviving (5)
Letters: A - I - -
I have been mentally putting letters in the spaces, but the only word that might make some sort of sense I can think of is ABIDE Hmmm. Am I right in assuming AB for blood group? I can't see how O would fit and in any case O is ordinary'.
29 across is: Tramp's dog's may be rolling about\(4)
First letter S. Third letter will be last of 23 down.
I wonder if it could be STEP where if you reverse it and put in an apostrophe, it looks as awkward as the two already in the clue.
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Hi Susan,
Luck gives no sign of showing up, I'm afraid! Some help in completing the last two clues wil, as usual, be very much appreciated.
23 down is: With a different blood group, woman is surviving (5)
Letters: A - I - -
I have been mentally putting letters in the spaces, but the only word that might make some sort of sense I can think of is ABIDE Hmmm. Am I right in assuming AB for blood group? I can't see how O would fit and in any case O is ordinary'.
Think of a female name (goes very well with a cocktail or two!) but change the first letter (which is a blood group) for a different one (that’s also a blood group) and you’ll have a synonym for “surviving” – ie, not dead.
29 across is: Tramp's dog's may be rolling about\(4)
First letter S. Third letter will be last of 23 down.
I wonder if it could be STEP where if you reverse it and put in an apostrophe, it looks as awkward as the two already in the clue.
Spot on. To “tramp” is to walk, or to take a… A dog is a type of domestic animal that needs reversing ("rolling about"). Not keen on apostrophe clues like this though
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Hi Susan,
Think of a female name (goes very well with a cocktail or two!) but change the first letter (which is a blood group) for a different one (that’s also a blood group) and you’ll have a synonym for “surviving” – ie, not dead.
I'm afraid cocktails do not feature in my life!! But obviously the answer is ALIVE , so working backwards, it's Olive. The letters of ALIVE had fitted of course, but didn't seem to have any connection with the clue.
Spot on. To “tramp” is to walk, or to take a… A dog is a type of domestic animal that needs reversing ("rolling about"). Not keen on apostrophe clues like this though
Many thanks for your help.
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I have made a reasonable start to today's Cryptic, having done about 13 answers, plus a part of two others, but it would really help to have a hint for
1 across: Cartel work with City (4)
Thank you.
ETA last letter C.EPIC is a nice word, but I can't ssee any reason for it!
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Hi Susan,
I have made a reasonable start to today's Cryptic, having done about 13 answers, plus a part of two others, but it would really help to have a hint for
1 across: Cartel work with City (4)
Thank you.
ETA last letter C.EPIC is a nice word, but I can't ssee any reason for it!
Close. The world's oil is controlled by a cartel, the first two letters meaning a musical "work" and the last two being the postcode for the city of London.
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Hi Susan,
Close. The world's oil is controlled by a cartel, the first two letters meaning a musical "work" and the last two being the postcode for the city of London.
Thank you - much appreciated as always. So it is OPEC
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could you say, please, whether O - F - A - are the right letters for:
14 across: Scientist heading away to have good time fairly soon (6)
If so, then I am thinking 'boff(in)' > OFF, but working through the alphabet, the only thing that seems to fit is DAY, and that makes two words , not one. Hmmmm.
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Hi Susan,
could you say, please, whether O - F - A - are the right letters for:
14 across: Scientist heading away to have good time fairly soon (6)
If so, then I am thinking 'boff(in)' > OFF, but working through the alphabet, the only thing that seems to fit is DAY, and that makes two words , not one. Hmmmm.
Yes I can say - the first two are right, but not he A. You're on the right lines with BOFFIN, but you need to take the "heading away", and to add a short version of "good" at the end. You will then have a synonym for "fairly soon".
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Hi Susan,
Yes I can say - the first two are right, but not he A. You're on the right lines with BOFFIN, but you need to take the "heading away", and to add a short version of "good" at the end. You will then have a synonym for "fairly soon".
Thank you. I haven't thought of the second half of the word yet but I'll hope to be back with the answer later.
ETA Is it OFFING? In which case the N is the last letter of EON
12 down: European working a very long time (3)
That should, of course be aeon but those ligatures are not suitable for crosswords, I suppose/!
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Hi Susan,
Yes!
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Hi Susan,
Yes!
Down to the last few clues ... ... a hint for
3 across: Former president with influence means to go round America (10)
Letters: - - P - E - S - -Y
And I bet it's a kick-self answer!
would be much appreciated. I've looked up synonyms of 'influence', tried A or US inside the word and EX for the first two letters, but they don't work!
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Hi Susan,
Down to the last few clues ... ... a hint for
3 across: Former president with influence means to go round America (10)
Letters: - - P - E - S - -Y
And I bet it's a kick-self answer!
would be much appreciated. I've looked up synonyms of 'influence', tried A or US inside the word and EX for the first two letters, but they don't work!
I think you might, but the answer is an Americanism so it’s a bit obscure for us. I’m liking your EX to begin, and “president” can be shortened to a four-letter word. After that you need a four-letter synonym for “influence” and you’ll end up with an American term for a type of fast road.
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Hi Susan,
I think you might, but the answer is an Americanism so it’s a bit obscure for us. I’m liking your EX to begin, and “president” can be shortened to a four-letter word. After that you need a four-letter synonym for “influence” and you’ll end up with an American term for a type of fast road.
Many thanks. EXPRESSWAY I'm pleased to say I had thought of 'press' for influence, but it wasn't a kick-self!
Still a few to go.
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Hi Susan,
Just to say that the "influence" part is SWAY.
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Hi Susan,
Just to say that the "influence" part is SWAY.
Ah, right - and of course I hadn't thought of thate.
The E from 3 across gave me the first letter of 3 down which I should have got on Saturday ELASTIC and the C from that filled in OBSTACLE which was an anagram of 'close tab' which had, I realised, been staring me in the face but which had escaped me. So now I have one left:
25 across: Cutting down fat ((10)
Letters: S - - R - E - I - G
Surely it must be SCORING, but I can't see what the middle bit is, as the ending must be ING.
And, since this appears to be the only active conversation at the moment :), just one final question:
11 across:Clipped dunce's head with a spanner first (8)
I have ABRIDGED but not quite sure why it fits the clue.
etters: A - R - D - E D
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Morning Susan,
Ah, right - and of course I hadn't thought of thate.
The E from 3 across gave me the first letter of 3 down which I should have got on Saturday ELASTIC and the C from that filled in OBSTACLE which was an anagram of 'close tab' which had, I realised, been staring me in the face but which had escaped me. So now I have one left:
25 across: Cutting down fat ((10)
Letters: S - - R - E - I - G
Surely it must be SCORING, but I can't see what the middle bit is, as the ending must be ING.
Yes to the ING – if you make something less long you … it, and when you add the ING at the end you get a word meaning both “reducing” and a kind of fat used to make pastry and bread (“Momma’s little baby loves…” etc!).
And, since this appears to be the only active conversation at the moment , just one final question:
11 across:Clipped dunce's head with a spanner first (
I have ABRIDGED but not quite sure why it fits the clue.
etters: A - R - D - E D
A “spanner” ie, something that spans a gap, is “a bridge” – add the “head” of “dunce” at the end and you have ABRIDGED, meaning “clipped”.
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Morning Susan,
Yes to the ING – if you make something less long you … it, and when you add the ING at the end you get a word meaning both “reducing” and a kind of fat used to make pastry and bread (“Momma’s little baby loves…” etc!).
A “spanner” ie, something that spans a gap, is “a bridge” – add the “head” of “dunce” at the end and you have ABRIDGED, meaning “clipped”.
SHORTENING
Thank you very much. However, absolutely nobody uses the word spanner to mean a bridge, do they? :)
Probably reserved for crossword compilers!
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Hi Susan,
SHORTENING
YES!
Thank you very much. However, absolutely nobody uses the word spanner to mean a bridge, do they? :)
Probably reserved for crossword compilers!
But that's exactly the point - crossword compilers will routinely use words with more than one meaning to throw you off the scent ("butter" meaning "goat" rather than something you put on toast for example).
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Hi Susan,
YES!
But that's exactly the point - crossword compilers will routinely use words with more than one meaning to throw you off the scent ("butter" meaning "goat" rather than something you put on toast for example).
:) Are we talking about cheese here?
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Hi Susan,
Are we talking about cheese here?
No. Goats (or rams) "butt" things with their heads, so a goat is a "butter".
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Hi Susan,
No. Goats (or rams) "butt" things with their heads, so a goat is a "butter".
I hope a clue needing that info appears soonish while I have it in mind!
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What with one thing and another, I only have one answer to the Cryptic so far and have only read through them once. This clue:
1 down: Second jingle breaks into the old jabber? (7)
I have read several times, but it makes no sense at all. A hint would be much appreciated, please.
ETA 8:10 a.m. Managed four more.
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Morning Susan,
What with one thing and another, I only have one answer to the Cryptic so far and have only read through them once. This clue:
1 down: Second jingle breaks into the old jabber? (7)
I have read several times, but it makes no sense at all. A hint would be much appreciated, please.
ETA 8:10 a.m. Managed four more.
A proper clue this - every word is punching its weight. "Second" has a typical abbreviation, there's a synonym for "jingle" that's inside ("breaks in") an old-fashioned way of saying "the" ("the old"), and the whole thing gives you something that's used to “jab” patients...
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Morning Susan,
A proper clue this - every word is punching its weight. "Second" has a typical abbreviation, there's a synonym for "jingle" that's inside ("breaks in") an old-fashioned way of saying "the" ("the old"), and the whole thing gives you something that's used to “jab” patients...
Many thanks. I'll work on that and will, I hope, come back with the answer later!
Okay, got it: s, plus y-e, plus ring in the middle! SYRINGE
But wouldn't have done without that hint!
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks. I'll work on that and will, I hope, come back with the answer later!
Okay, got it: s, plus y-e, plus ring in the middle! SYRINGE
But wouldn't have done without that hint!
I bet you would - these things have a habit of jumping out at you when you return to them. See what I meant about every word punching its weight though?
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Hi Susan,
I bet you would - these things have a habit of jumping out at you when you return to them. See what I meant about every word punching its weight though?
Yes - I find myself remembering this most of the time nowadays! It doesn't always produce results though.
I'm working on: 11 across:Dashed dog eats nothing - result is hostility (7)
Third letter N
'Dog' with spaces, plus an extra O... ... Hmmm.
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Susan,
Yes - I find myself remembering this most of the time nowadays! It doesn't always produce results though.
I'm working on: 11 across:Dashed dog eats nothing - result is hostility (7)
Third letter N
'Dog' with spaces, plus an extra O... ... Hmmm.
Not too bad this one – the synonym is the “hostility” part if that helps? Don’t forget the “dashed” before you get to the dog by the way!
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Susan,
Not too bad this one – the synonym is the “hostility” part if that helps? Don’t forget the “dashed” before you get to the dog by the way!
Ah - so it will be RANCOUR then. Thank you.
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I looked at the clues this morning ... ... and decided to google a couple of answers. Both ones, yes, I should have known and one of which I had half of already, but they didn't help much, and what with having a dull toothache which is going to necessitate two further appointments after today's, I think I will probably not push to finish this one. I'll see whether I have managed a few mmore answers by Thursday.
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Hi Susan,
I looked at the clues this morning ... ... and decided to google a couple of answers. Both ones, yes, I should have known and one of which I had half of already, but they didn't help much, and what with having a dull toothache which is going to necessitate two further appointments after today's, I think I will probably not push to finish this one. I'll see whether I have managed a few mmore answers by Thursday.
n.
The toothache sounds miserable - I hope the dentist manages to sort it our for you asap Susan.
Best wishes
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Hi Susan,
n.
The toothache sounds miserable - I hope the dentist manages to sort it our for you asap Susan.
Best wishes
Fortunately, it has only been a slight problem this week - next apt Monday and another the Monday after!
Today's Cryptic is by one of the setters whose clues I find much more accessible, although having read through twice, and done about five answers, I have already spotted a couple for which I'll be asking for hints, I think!
Quick completed by 8:30 a.m.
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Cryptic just completed! I did look up a synonym for summarise (CONDENSE) but I'm fairly sure I'd have got that through a process of elimination.
I have had a quick look at today's Cryptic, and will probably print that in a minute.
I can't really get interested in other days though because the answers are available the following day.
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I have just found out something reasonably interesting! I tried to look up the answers to yesterday's Cryptic, but was unable to find them, so phoned the DT's Puzzles Dept instead. Turns out that the Sunday Cryptic answers appear the following Sunday, so that means I can't find them today and will continue with it during the week. I shall not mind whether I complete it or not as it is not the Saturday one, but it will, I hope, help to keep the brain cells going, and it continues to be an interesting hobby.
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I have just found out something reasonably interesting! I tried to look up the answers to yesterday's Cryptic, but was unable to find them, so phoned the DT's Puzzles Dept instead. Turns out that the Sunday Cryptic answers appear the following Sunday, so that means I can't find them today and will continue with it during the week. I shall not mind whether I complete it or not as it is not the Saturday one, but it will, I hope, help to keep the brain cells going, and it continues to be an interesting hobby.
We got stuck on a crossword question, another word for a postman's sack, asked all around and never did solve that one?
Regards ippy
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We got stuck on a crossword question, another word for a postman's sack, asked all around and never did solve that one?
Regards ippy
:)
How many letters? Do you remember the exact wording?
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ipster,
We got stuck on a crossword question, another word for a postman's sack, asked all around and never did solve that one?
MAILBAG?
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How many letters? Do you remember the exact wording?
Thousands of letters.
'SORRY Miss Doris', I know, l'll have to go and stand in the corner.
The trouble I have gotten myself into over the years with my lousy sense of humour.
Regards ippy
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Thousands of letters.
'SORRY Miss Doris', I know, l'll have to go and stand in the corner.
The trouble I have gotten myself into over the years with my lousy sense of humour.
Regards ippy
I've been waiting for this punchline since your post - hurrah!
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ister,
Thousands of letters.
Groan...
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ister,
Thousands of letters.
Groan...
Don't you groan at me Bluie, I've had to try that one on so many people over the years and most people don't even have the decency to ask the right question, so I must deserve some credit because in spite of my patience and suffering over so many years I'm still not bitter. So there.
Reggs ippy
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Don't you groan at me Bluie, I've had to try that one on so many people over the years and most people don't even have the decency to ask the right question, so I must deserve some credit because in spite of my patience and suffering over so many years I'm still not bitter. So there.
Reggs ippy
So you, presumably, must bly grateful to me for asking the question? :D :D
Interestingly, I was never very good at spotting openings like that, and also as everything is read in the same voice, any irony or joking tone /./or facial expression) escapes me!
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Ipster,
Don't you groan at me Bluie, I've had to try that one on so many people over the years and most people don't even have the decency to ask the right question, so I must deserve some credit because in spite of my patience and suffering over so many years I'm still not bitter. So there.
Reminds me a bit of the old story about a friend of mine who’d been hospitalised with food poisoning. He’d eaten at a dodgy curry house where they’d realised that daffodil bulbs were cheaper than onions so used those to make the bhajis, only it turned out that daffodil bulbs are poisonous.
I had to tell the story loads of times before someone finally asked, “how is he?” at which point, quick as a flash, I answered…
…“he’s still quite poorly but he’ll be out in the Spring”.
I’ll get me jacket.
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When I was teaching, I sometimes missed the joke in things the children said, and they used to be delighted that they had caught me out!
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Ipster,
Reminds me a bit of the old story about a friend of mine who’d been hospitalised with food poisoning. He’d eaten at a dodgy curry house where they’d realised that daffodil bulbs were cheaper than onions so used those to make the bhajis, only it turned out that daffodil bulbs are poisonous.
I had to tell the story loads of times before someone finally asked, “how is he?” at which point, quick as a flash, I answered…
…“he’s still quite poorly but he’ll be out in the Spring”.
I’ll get me jacket.
Yes Blue/Susan in all modesty I acknowledge my sense of humour fixated at about the age of twelve and there's no signs, to date, of any advance.
Reggs to the pair of you, ippy
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Returning to the crosswords, I find that I just can't get interested in the Sunday cryptic, even though the answers are not available until next Sunday! For instance, 11 across is: Steep changed by staff (8)
Letters: - - P - - - T -
It has to be an anagram of 'steep' plus rod or something, but I messed around writing a rhyme (https://forums.shipoffools.com/discussion/1272/roses-are-red-violets-are-blue#latest) for SofF.
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Hi Susan,
Returning to the crosswords, I find that I just can't get interested in the Sunday cryptic, even though the answers are not available until next Sunday! For instance, 11 across is: Steep changed by staff (
Letters: - - P - - - T -
It has to be an anagram of 'steep' plus rod or something, but I messed around writing a rhyme for SofF.
Well, a synonym for “steep” is “macerate” but that doesn’t fit with the “P”. It’d work though if the P is wrong, and the “staff” is MACE. Are you sure about the “changed”?
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Hi Susan,
Well, a synonym for “steep” is “macerate” but that doesn’t fit with the “P”. It’d work though if the P is wrong, and the “staff” is MACE. Are you sure about the “changed”?
Oh dear - I've just had another look and it is 'charge'. I'm afraid it is a mistake easily made, even with increased magnification.
And I wasn't sure about the P.
I'd never have got MACERATE though. Thank you. I'll keep the crossword out for the rest of the week!
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reasonably good start made to this week's cryptic. Many of the clues are ones that have turned up before so I'll have to see if I can remember the answers! However, a hint for the following will be, as usual, much appreciated:
9 down: Regular event, seeing a rebellious chap get fired (3,6,5)
Second letter U, eighth E and last T.
Is the last word SHOOT?
ETA:I was going to ask this question: Could you say, please, if the answer to the following clue is SKYWARD? However, I see, when checking it before posting, that of course it is - the letters are staring me in the face!! :)
12 across: Up to appear in risky war drama (7)
Letters S - - - A – D
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Hi Susan - a quick reply as I’m away. No to shoot - it’s a straight clue. Think of an event that happens every November...
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Hi Susan - a quick reply as I’m away. No to shoot - it’s a straight clue. Think of an event that happens every November...
Many thanks - GUY FAWKES NIGHT
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Cryptic completed except for two clues, both of which have appeared before but I can't remember the exact answers:
17 down: Skin lotion that needs 6 seconds to penetrate (8)
Letters: - L - A - S - -
CLEARSUN fits, but doesn't seem to fit the clue.
26 across: Bloody Mary's knocked mum out after work (4)
First letter G
Third letter is last letter of 17 down.
A hint or two will be much appreciated as always.
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Hi Susan,
OK, the first one has “6” in it that I assume relates to the clue 6 (either across or down) with an S put put in it. It’s a synonym for lotion.
The second one is harder. You need to take a word meaning “mum” out of “Mary”, and before the two letters that remain add another two that mean “work” or “turn” maybe. The result is a synonym for “bloody”.
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Hi Susan,
OK, the first one has “6” in it that I assume relates to the clue 6 (either across or down) with an S put put in it. It’s a synonym for lotion.
Thank you. I hadn't thought of it being a link to 6 across (no 6 down) which is:
Perhaps overheat article after both taps run (4) CHAR
I thought an S should come in somewhere, but I shall have to google the synonym for lotion ... ... ... hmmmm, no luck so far. If I don't come up with it by tomorrow, I might have to ask for the answer!
The second one is harder. You need to take a word meaning “mum” out of “Mary”, and before the two letters that remain add another two that mean “work” or “turn” maybe. The result is a synonym for “bloody”.
GORY - And now I remember that it was a synonym for bloody last time!
Help much appreciated, thank you.
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Hi Susan,
Ah. Well, a char is a “cleaner” so...
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Hi Susan,
Ah. Well, a char is a “cleaner” so...
CLEANSER Thank you - I should have got that before, but having not used make-up for yers, I do not have a row of skin lotions on my (mirror-less!) dressing table.
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New computer up and running, and I can type this, but quite a few teething problems, e.g. I can't print the crosswords. My neighbour will help later I hope. In the meantime, I have been llistening to them and have worked out about five so far!
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Quite a good start - 8 done. May I have a hint for the following though, please.
15 across: Pounds secured by cheat with Scandinavian money (7)
Third letter L and I think the first letter will be D and the last S
DOLLARS fits of course, but I don't think it's right!
I googled Scandinavian money and it gives sEK with kr as abbreviation
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Hi Susan - still in Greece so just a short reply if that’s ok.
DOLLARS looks good to me. “Pounds” is “L” and it’s “secured” (ie, contained) by “DO” (ie, “cheat”) and “LARS” (ie, a Scandinavian), the whole thing being a synonym for “money”.
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Hi Susan - still in Greece so just a short reply if that’s ok.
DOLLARS looks good to me. “Pounds” is “L” and it’s “secured” (ie, contained) by “DO” (ie, “cheat”) and “LARS” (ie, a Scandinavian), the whole thing being a synonym for “money”.
Many thanks. Some time after last post, I did think of LARS being a Scandinavian name and not attached to the noun, money, following it.
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Cryptic complete except for a couple of missing letters from 19 across (but that's a food ingredient T-T-E-B, so I don't mind not getting it) and a set of about seven answers which all dovetail nicely except for one letter.
I have: MADE UP TWO NUMBERS for:
23 & 25 across: Played minor part in what fraudulent statistician did? (4,2,3,7)
I want the D to be an X, because
19 down is: Lacking motor, passengers will take this(7:)
Can you see a way round this dilemma, please, or shall I tear it up and wait for nex Saturday's cryptic?!
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Hi Susan,
Are you sure about the initial T in the first clue? If not, POTHERB fits.
For the second one, someone who played a minor part invented the figures (I don’t know how else to say it without saying the answer!), which is also what a corrupt statistician would do.
As for the last clue, do the answers to either of the above help? (There’s no X by the way.)
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Oops - just re-read what you have already. Try changing the TWO to THE.
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I just typed a reply, accidentally pressed one of the fancy new Dolphin keys on the new keyboard, and lost it. <sadface:
Hi Susan,
Are you sure about the initial T in the first clue? If not, POTHERB fits.
No, I wasn’t sure about the T – thank you for the answer.
For the second one, someone who played a minor part invented the figures (I don’t know how else to say it without saying the answer!), which is also what a corrupt statistician would do.
On this occasion, I think I would like the answer, please.
As for the last clue, do the answers to either of the above help? (There’s no X by the way.)
Yes, I thought that might be the case! And yes, your hints always help and are much appreciated.
Oops - just re-read what you have already. Try changing the TWO to THE.
Yes, ;I had THE to start with, but I had anagrammed ‘wombles’ and come up with /BLOWS ME, However, typing that post I’ve just lost, I see that the answer is BLESS ME, the clue being:
Some wombles smell? That’s surprising (5,2)
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Hi Susan,
Yep, all correct - including MADE UP THE NUMBERS.
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Hi Susan,
Yep, all correct - including MADE UP THE NUMBERS.
:) Thanks again. That leaves me with two - well, three I suppose, but I have assumed sixth letter is A - empty squares for:
19 down: Lacking motor, passengers might take this (7)
Letters: P - D - C - B
which eludes me for the moment.
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Hi Susan,
It’s a word you know or you don’t I think. I’ll leave a gap and then type it so you can look or not as you wish
PEDICAB
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Hi Susan,
It’s a word you know or you don’t I think. I’ll leave a gap and then type it so you can look or not as you wish
Stopped and thought - and guessed it before scrolling down! My subconscious had probably been working on it for the last half-three-quarters of an hour too!Thank you.
PEDICAB
[/quote]
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Quite a lot of Cryptic completed; I have EXTINGUISH for the answer to:
4 down: Six huge cooks getting round tin for snuff out (10)
I had - - T - N - U - S -
It was not easy! I kept thinking of VI for six, but I still can't work out where 'six' comes in.
I'm trying to get the letters for the 14-letter word for
1 across: Young tyke with more up-to-date camera?
Letters so far: - H - P - E - S - - - - - R
I know this identical clue has come up before- I'll try and get it, but might come back for a hint later!
CHAP or CHIP to start … ...
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Morning Susan,
Quite a lot of Cryptic completed; I have EXTINGUISH for the answer to:
4 down: Six huge cooks getting round tin for snuff out (10)
I had - - T - N - U - S -
It was not easy! I kept thinking of VI for six, but I still can't work out where 'six' comes in.
Spot on. Not “VI” though – the “cooks” tell you that there’s an anagram (of “six huge”) that’s “getting round” the word “tin”.
I'm trying to get the letters for the 14-letter word for
1 across: Young tyke with more up-to-date camera?
Letters so far: - H - P - E - S - - - - - R
I know this identical clue has come up before- I'll try and get it, but might come back for a hint later!
CHAP or CHIP to start … ...
OK. It’s a straight clue though (and remember that “with” can be abbreviated!).
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Morning Susan,
Spot on. Not “VI” though – the “cooks” tell you that there’s an anagram (of “six huge”) that’s “getting round” the word “tin”.
Thank you. Small groan - I should have realised!
OK. It’s a straight clue though (and remember that “with” can be abbreviated!).
Having decided to go out for a short walk, I was thinking of the clue while getting ready and thought of it: WHIPPERSNAPPER.
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Completed except for three squares
21 down: Hot German bread one left out (6)
Letters: - T - L - N
I think I'd like the answer, please!
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STOLEN
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STOLEN
Thank you. Could you please say how the clue works?
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Hi Susan,
Of course. “Hot” is a synonym for STOLEN. The German bread is “stollen”, but one of the “lefts” (ie, L) is “out”, ie removed.
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Hi Susan,
Of course. “Hot” is a synonym for STOLEN. The German bread is “stollen”, but one of the “lefts” (ie, L) is “out”, ie removed.
Thank you - I'll try and remember for the next time a similar clue comes up. I suppose I should have looked up synonyms for 'hot', but didn't think of that!
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Hi Susan,
No problem. It's quite a nice example of the setter's art too - a sentence that apparently makes sense (bread can be hot after all) whereas the "hot" and the "bread" are in fact not connected at all.
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And on the subject of crossword completion - I see you mention this in Religion Instinct :) - I have done quite well so far on yesterday's Cryptic.
Thanks to your help and only missing out one or two for about 18 months now, I am finding that I am reading the clues in a more constructive way, and that the answers are falling into place more easily. However, a hint would be much appreciated to:
21 across: Country with a president in 1990s ((6)
First letter W, which I presume is 'with'?
I have spent some time today responding to the Gh forum's version of Sriram!!
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Hi Susan,
And on the subject of crossword completion - I see you mention this in Religion Instinct - I have done quite well so far on yesterday's Cryptic.
Thanks to your help and only missing out one or two for about 18 months now, I am finding that I am reading the clues in a more constructive way, and that the answers are falling into place more easily. However, a hint would be much appreciated to:
21 across: Country with a president in 1990s ((6)
First letter W, which I presume is 'with'?
I have spent some time today responding to the Gh forum's version of Sriram!!
Glad it’s going well. Re the clue, no to W for “with”. It’s actually more simple than that – think of a country (strictly a principality I think) beginning with W, then add the “a” that’s in the clue and you have a 1990s president (though not of the US).
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Hi Susan,
Glad it’s going well. Re the clue, no to W for “with”. It’s actually more simple than that – think of a country (strictly a principality I think) beginning with W, then add the “a” that’s in the clue and you have a 1990s president (though not of the US).
Thank you - - that will be WALESA then. I don't think I'd have got that because although I had thought of Wales, I could not think of n extra letter for a country.
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Crossword completed. There was one clue for which I googled 'tree-dweller beginning with K'. Answer: KINKAJOU - luckily I did recognise that, especially having spent a year in Australia. The clue was:
Join aukflying to secure peek at last tree-dweller (8)
I had all alternate letters and knew it was an anagram for 'join auk', but it was only this morning that I worked out where the other K came from!
Anyway, main question here is about the word 'burrowing' in the following clue
6 down: Monkey or burrowing animal going round Kent area (8)
I worked out the answer - MARMOSET, but I've looked them up and can see no reference to a species being a burrowing animal.
Any ideas?
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Hi Susan,
Crossword completed. There was one clue for which I googled 'tree-dweller beginning with K'. Answer: KINKAJOU - luckily I did recognise that, especially having spent a year in Australia. The clue was:
Join aukflying to secure peek at last tree-dweller (
I had all alternate letters and knew it was an anagram for 'join auk', but it was only this morning that I worked out where the other K came from!
Anyway, main question here is about the word 'burrowing' in the following clue
6 down: Monkey or burrowing animal going round Kent area (
I worked out the answer - MARMOSET, but I've looked them up and can see no reference to a species being a burrowing animal.
Any ideas?
Yep. The “burrowing animal” is MARMOT, and it’s “going round” the region of the UK that Kent is in, ie the SE.
Well done for finishing it by the way :)
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Hi Susan,
Yep. The “burrowing animal” is MARMOT, and it’s “going round” the region of the UK that Kent is in, ie the SE.
Well done for finishing it by the way :)
Thank you for the explanation; marmot is not an animal that is mentioned very often I think, but then I do not turn on TV, so I'll have to google it to find out more.
And thank you for the compliment!
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Unfortunately, this week's Cryptic is by the ultra-clever setter I think. I've managed a few clues so far, but for instance
1 across is: Celebrity edges king out(*4)
With a bit of guesswork at 1 down, which is correct - FACELIFT - the answer I'm just about sure is FAME, but why, for goodness' Sake?!!
I have the 7th letter of 2 down - O - and I think the answer is MEDIATOR.
I think some helpful hints are going to be much appreciated this week!
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Hi Susan,
Yes to FAME, and it’s a poor clue I think. The “edges” refers to the straight lines of a FRAME, but you remove the Latin abbreviation for “king”, ie R.
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Hi Susan,
Yes to FAME, and it’s a poor clue I think. The “edges” refers to the straight lines of a FRAME, but you remove the Latin abbreviation for “king”, ie R.
thank you very much. I'm putting in guesswork letters for guesswork answers here and there so I'll see what I can do tomorrow.
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No inspiration yet! However, I think
4 down: Together making a wish (5)
must be MAGOG, since I'm pretty sure it ends in G.
Could you say if this is right, please? If I haven't achieved any more answers by the end of the day, I'll leave it on the CCTV and give it a few more days, but if it is, as I assume, the one who likes the obscure clues, then I might have to leave it unfinished.
ETA When I refer to clues as obscure, I am of course speaking personally!!
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Hi Susan,
Not MAGOG I’m afraid, but the final G is correct.
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Hi Susan,
Not MAGOG I’m afraid, but the final G is correct.
Bother! Actually I have done nearly four more clues, so some progress.
23 across is: Bittersweet hybrid of critic mango with no name (10)
Letters: - - - - I - O - I -
And the 'no name' means remove the N from mango doesn't it.
I'm assuming it is OTIC at the end and have looked up synonyms of bittersweet, but found nothing suitable, so a hint would be very helpful, please.
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Hi Susan,
Re the first one - it’s a fairly straight clue so I’m sure the answer will come along in a bit.
For the second one, yes to no “n” but no to OTIC (close though). It’s a portmanteau word made of two other words...
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Hi Susan,
Re the first one - it’s a fairly straight clue so I’m sure the answer will come along in a bit.
For the second one, yes to no “n” but no to OTIC (close though). It’s a portmanteau word made of two other words...
thank you for your help. I'll see what I can do.
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No luck with 4 down and 23 across yet, but two other small ones done!.
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Hi Susan,
Have a look at my last reply to you - maybe I gave you the answer to one of them!
And there’s nothing tragic about the other one either...
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Hi Susan,
Have a look at my last reply to you - maybe I gave you the answer to one of them!
Do you mean the word 'along'? If so, I have to say I cannot see how it is the answer to the clue - although I do not doubt it if you say that it is of course! :)
And there’s nothing tragic about the other one either...
Hmmmmm, I'll have to work on that … …
Thank you for your help.
ETA I suppose if you add 'ing' you get 'a longing' but that seems a bit obscure...
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Hi Susan,
Yes to ALONG. “Along” with something means together with it, and if you “long” for something you wish for it. Thus “a long” is a wish.
Re the other one, you have the first half of it already...!
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Hi Susan,
Yes to ALONG. “Along” with something means together with it, and if you “long” for something you wish for it. Thus “a long” is a wish.
Re the other one, you have the first half of it already...!
Thank you - I should have got it!
TRAGICOMIC - I got it about a half-hou later, but had to go out so could not come back and say so!! I am gratified to know that my first thought on lookking at the clue on Saturday was that it was an anagram of 'critic mango' without the N, but obviously I didn't see the answer soon enough.
I'll plod on this afternoon ...there's a (7-4) answer which I might have to give up on ...
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Hi SUsan,
Thank you - I should have got it!
TRAGICOMIC - I got it about a half-hou later, but had to go out so could not come back and say so!! I am gratified to know that my first thought on lookking at the clue on Saturday was that it was an anagram of 'critic mango' without the N, but obviously I didn't see the answer soon enough.
I'll plod on this afternoon ...there's a (7-4) answer which I might have to give up on ...
No problem, and well done. Don't give up though! I imagine solving the 7-4 one will help with other clues too?
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Hi SUsan,
No problem, and well done. Don't give up though! I imagine solving the 7-4 one will help with other clues too?
I am pleased to say it is solved - well, I'm pretty sure anyway! CHANNEL-BUFF
The clue is:
18 across: Keep on depressing remote journey to Calais, unconventionally? (7-4)
Letters: C - A - - - - - U - F
The only thing that made sense was CHANNEL BUFF, but the word 'remote' obviously had something to do with remote control, and it was only just now, talking to my friend next door, that she put the two together with a hyphen!!
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Hi Susan,
I am pleased to say it is solved - well, I'm pretty sure anyway! CHANNEL-BUFF
The clue is:
18 across: Keep on depressing remote journey to Calais, unconventionally? (7-4)
Letters: C - A - - - - - U - F
The only thing that made sense was CHANNEL BUFF, but the word 'remote' obviously had something to do with remote control, and it was only just now, talking to my friend next door, that she put the two together with a hyphen!!
Try CHANNEL SURF I think - makes more sense as an unconventional way to get to Calais!
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Hi Susan,
Try CHANNEL SURF I think - makes more sense as an unconventional way to get to Calais!
Thank you - yes, I suppose it hyphenates better too! Since the crossword must have been set a while ago, I don't thinkhe the setter could have taken into account that French chap who has used some power thing to zoom across in around, I believe, 20 minutes!
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There are times when it is quite annoying to be the 'I've started so I'll finish' sort of person, isn't it? :)
I just thought I'd wander back and have another look at the top right-hand - empty - corner … .. and did about six clues, so my brain had obviously been working on them. I'll plod on again tomorrow.
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Hi usan,
There are times when it is quite annoying to be the 'I've started so I'll finish' sort of person, isn't it? :)
I just thought I'd wander back and have another look at the top right-hand - empty - corner … .. and did about six clues, so my brain had obviously working on them. I'll plod on again tomorrow.
That's pretty normal I find - I can look at a clue for ages with no luck, come back to it an hour later and the answer instantly pops into my head. That's also incidentally why people can think you're really good at crosswords - bringing a fresh eye to a clue they're stuck on and answering it looks impressive, even though their own "fresh" eye would probably have done the same thing a bit later. Keep that just between us though!
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Hi Susan,
That's pretty normal I find - I can look at a clue for ages with no luck, come back to it an hour later and the answer instantly pops into my head. That's also incidentally why people can think you're really good at crosswords - bringing a fresh eye to a clue they're stuck on and answering it looks impressive, even though their own "fresh" eye would probably have done the same thing a bit later. Keep that just between us though!
Of course!
Finished it except for a few letters in one word, but
3 across: Moderate OK about cheers meeting Left's fibs (5,5)
is still puzzling. I guessed FAIRY TALES and first letters of down clues have proved that correct, but I cannot work out why. 'Moderate OK' is 'FAIR; and 'fibs' TALES, but the only part I can really see is the 'FAIR' part.
The letters missing are from:
21 across: Bar has man - boil, stirring, to infuse (7)
Letters: A - O - I - H
I think it is probably the word you mentioned a while ago, synonym of 'steep', but can't remember it.
Explanations will be appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
Of course!
Finished it except for a few letters in one word, but
3 across: Moderate OK about cheers meeting Left's fibs (5,5)
is still puzzling. I guessed FAIRY TALES and first letters of down clues have proved that correct, but I cannot work out why. 'Moderate OK' is 'FAIR; and 'fibs' TALES, but the only part I can really see is the 'FAIR' part.
The “moderate” is FAIR, and the “OK” is YES. It surrounds (“around”) the “cheers” that gives you TA (which is a rubbish synonym by the way) and the L of “left’s”.
The letters missing are from:
21 across: Bar has man - boil, stirring, to infuse (7)
Letters: A - O - I - H
I think it is probably the word you mentioned a while ago, synonym of 'steep', but can't remember it.
Explanations will be appreciated.
That word was macerate I think, but this one is ABOLISH. “Bar” is the synonym, and the “stirring” tells you there’s an anagram of “has” that goes around (“infuse”) an anagram of “boil”. I don’t get the “man” though, and it’s a pretty weird clue.
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Hi Susan,
The “moderate” is FAIR, and the “OK” is YES. It surrounds (“around”) the “cheers” that gives you TA (which is a rubbish synonym by the way) and the L of “left’s”.
Thank you - I can see now, , but it was very complicated I think.
That word was macerate I think, but this one is ABOLISH. “Bar” is the synonym, and the “stirring” tells you there’s an anagram of “has” that goes around (“infuse”) an anagram of “boil”. I don’t get the “man” though, and it’s a pretty weird clue.
Thank you - I had not spotted the synonym for 'bar', although I had thought that the only answer had to be ABOLISH but couldn't see why. I'm glad you thought it was a weird clue!
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Very wordy clues this week but I’ve made a reasonable start.
12, 13 & 15 across;
Person above the law commercialised prison income irregularly (6,3,5,12)
Letters: P – L – C - / - N - / C - - - - / - O - - - S – I - - - -
So far I think POLICE END COURT something and that last word an anagram of prison income’?
A hint will be gratefully received if this is way off the mark!
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Hi Susan,
Very wordy clues this week but I’ve made a reasonable start.
12, 13 & 15 across;
Person above the law commercialised prison income irregularly (6,3,5,12)
Letters: P – L – C - / - N - / C - - - - / - O - - - S – I - - - -
So far I think POLICE END COURT something and that last word an anagram of prison income’?
A hint will be gratefully received if this is way off the mark!
The “irregularly” tells you that it’s an anagram, and – N – is usually AND rather then END. There’s no U in the anagram words (so it can't be COURT), but there is a five-letter word beginning with C that’s the activity the police are supposed to fight, so…
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Hi Susan,
The “irregularly” tells you that it’s an anagram, and – N – is usually AND rather then END. There’s no U in the anagram words (so it can't be COURT), but there is a five-letter word beginning with C that’s the activity the police are supposed to fight, so…
Thank you, so the five-letter word is CRIME. I'll work on the rest!
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POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER
I hadn't realised it was an anagram of all three words - commercialised prison income ! Just as well really, as it might have frightened me off!
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Susan,
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER
I hadn't realised it was an anagram of all three words - commercialised prison income ! Just as well really, as it might have frightened me off!
Spot on. I bet the setter was really pleased with that one!
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Susan,
Spot on. I bet the setter was really pleased with that one!
Agreed! ?A dozen or so answers still to find but they are in groups - I'll tackle them tomorrow.
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Three clues left for today.
22 across: Author occupying position of source (6)
Letters: - T - - - L
ATWELL I had been over-thinking it,
So two left - shared letter 4th of 19 down and 8th of 25 across.
19 down: Left-winger to outdo as MP (6)
Letters: - E - - - P
And 25 across: People may chat about these motor sport changes (10)
Letters - I - E - L - - - S
May I have a hint for 19 down first, please, as I think I really ought to work out 25 across... …what do you think?
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Hi Susan,
Three clues left for today.
22 across: Author occupying position of source (6)
Letters: - T - - - L
ATWELL I had been over-thinking it,
So two left - shared letter 4th of 19 down and 8th of 25 across.
19 down: Left-winger to outdo as MP (6)
Letters: - E - - - P
And 25 across: People may chat about these motor sport changes (10)
Letters - I - E - L - - - S
May I have a hint for 19 down first, please, as I think I really ought to work out 25 across... …what do you think?
Of course. A “left-winger” was commonly described by a colour back in the day, and when you outdo something you – – – it. Don’t forget too MP also stands for Military Policeman.
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Hi Susan,
Of course. A “left-winger” was commonly described by a colour back in the day, and when you outdo something you – – – it. Don’t forget too MP also stands for Military Policeman.
Thank you - so that's REDCAP. I've been thinking of combinations of letters all day but nothing made sense.
at least the C limits the choice of letters at the end of 25 across, but I'll give it until tomorrow morning before giving up!
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No worries Susan - yes to REDCAP. Re the other one, I don't like clues that use "1" and "I" interchangeably...
...and that's a clue!
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No worries Susan - yes to REDCAP. Re the other one, I don't like clues that use "1" and "I" interchangeably...
...and that's a clue!
Thank you - it is an encouraging thought to know that there is a part of the clue you don't like!
-
I can think of a dozen two-word phrases, but not a 10-letter word. I think I'll give up now! So may I have the answer please? and how it works?
-
Hi Susan,
Formula one is “F1”, which looks like “FI”. Add REPLACES for “changes” and you get FIREPLACES, which is what people talk around.
-
Hi Susan,
Formula one is “F1”, which looks like “FI”. Add REPLACES for “changes” and you get FIREPLACES, which is what people talk around.
Thank you - much appreciated. And I know I would never have got that whole word, however long I'd puzzled for.
-
Some rather wordy clues again today, but I've done some. I realise it's a bit early to request a hint, but this clue:
10 across: Highly regardedguide sticks with coverage of some roads (4,4)
Second letter O
I have spent quite a bit of thinking time on alreadyand a hint would be much appreciated.
-
Hi Susan,
Some rather wordy clues again today, but I've done some. I realise it's a bit early to request a hint, but this clue:
10 across: Highly regardedguide sticks with coverage of some roads (4,4)
Second letter O
I have spent quite a bit of thinking time on alreadyand a hint would be much appreciated.
The synonym part is quite clever. To “highly regard” something maybe you have to look upward to see it?
-
Hi Susan,
The synonym part is quite clever. To “highly regard” something maybe you have to look upward to see it?
Thank you - It must be POLE STAR. I might have got it eventually, but it was the word 'sticks' that was very off-putting. In fact, I still don't see why it is there. I suppose the R of STAR is short for road, or maybe it is the ST for street? And why 'coverage;?
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you - It must be POLE STAR. I might have got it eventually, but it was the word 'sticks' that was very off-putting. In fact, I still don't see why it is there. I suppose the R of STAR is short for road, or maybe it is the ST for street? And why 'coverage;?
OK, yes to POLE STAR as the synonym. "Sticks" are POLES, and some roads are covered in TAR.
PS You were over-thinking it!
-
Hi Susan,
OK, yes to POLE STAR as the synonym. "Sticks" are POLES, and some roads are covered in TAR.
PS You were over-thinking it!
Many thanks. I must remember that when I think sticks means adheres, it probably means poles, and vice versa!
-
As so annoyingly often happens, I'm down to two clues on which I'm stuck.
4 across: Clocked if this would be locked? (8)
Letters: U - - - E - E - Seventh letter could be W
And with the third letter as first of:
5 down: A man makes dinner for these ladies (8)
Letters: - - R - S - E -
I've been trying out a variety of letters but so far, no luck.
Maybe KEYED for the second half of 4 across, but a couple of hints would be much appreciated.
-
Hi Susan,
I saw the first one quite quickly but it took me ages to work out why. Look at the first and last words of the clue - they’re the same, except the first letter of the first is missing from the second. That is, the opening letter is missing so the last word is...
The second one is a lousy clue. Think of a type of monster, then feminise it. The man “makes dinner” in the sense that he becomes the dinner.
-
Hi Susan,
I saw the first one quite quickly but it took me ages to work out why. Look at the first and last words of the clue - they’re the same, except the first letter of the first is missing from the second. That is, the opening letter is missing so the last word is...
The second one is a lousy clue. Think of a type of monster, then feminise it. The man “makes dinner” in the sense that he becomes the dinner.
Thank you, as always, for your help.
Are the answers UNOPENED and OGRESSES?
They fit, but the grammar of 4 acrossdidn't quite work, I think!
-
Hi Susan,
Yes - both correct.
Re 4ac, it does work I think if you read the "this" in "clocked if this would be locked" as referring to the word "clocked". I agree that it's an unusual clue though.
-
Hi Susan,
Yes - both correct.
Re 4ac, it does work I think if you read the "this" in "clocked if this would be locked" as referring to the word "clocked". I agree that it's an unusual clue though.
Thank you.
-
This Saturday's Cryptic is going to take a few days. Anyway,
1 down is: One promotes growth in the Middle East (7)
Letters: - - - B - U - Z
The answer is, I presume, KIBBUTZ, but why?
I know they're pretty much farming and self-supporting places, but that doesn't seem to cover it.
What do you think?
-
Hi Susan,
I think it’s just a straight clue: a kibbutz promotes agricultural growth in Israel.
-
Hi Susan,
I think it’s just a straight clue: a kibbutz promotes agricultural growth in Israel.
Thank you - I must remember not to be ever so slightly miffed if the clue isn't cryptic! :)
However, I'm really pleased as I walked the 2.3 miles to the cliff top today in about an hour.
-
No problem Susan (and I’m relieved to hear you didn’t attempt 2.4!).
-
Slow progress this weekend - I've also been busy trying to counter some of the wilder assertions about belief on GH.
I don't like to give up, though, soa a hint for the following would be, as always, much appreciated.
15 down: Shade's down with prince maybe coming over (5,4)
Letters: - - - - L - L - C
but not certain about those.
-
Hi Susan,
Slow progress this weekend - I've also been busy trying to counter some of the wilder assertions about belief on GH.
I don't like to give up, though, soa a hint for the following would be, as always, much appreciated.
15 down: Shade's down with prince maybe coming over (5,4)
Letters: - - - - L - L - C
but not certain about those.
I’m not liking that last C I’m afraid. A “shade” is a colour, so there’s the synonym. And if you’re “down” you’re sad, another word for which is…
-
Hi Susan,
I’m not liking that last C I’m afraid. A “shade” is a colour, so there’s the synonym. And if you’re “down” you’re sad, another word for which is…
Thank you - so it's something BLUE
I'll plod on this afternoon!
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you - so it's something BLUE
I'll plod on this afternoon!
Yep - and princes, princesses, kings and queens are all...
-
Hi Susan,
Yep - and princes, princesses, kings and queens are all...
Yes, I really should have thought of ROYAL.
But there does seem to be a non-connectionh between the thinking of this compiler's thinking and mine ...
-
A slightly more encouraging afternoon's thinking - just 7 incomplete answers to go.
-
Hi Susan,
A slightly more encouraging afternoon's thinking - just 7 incomplete answers to go
Keep going. You can do it!
-
Hi Susan,
Keep going. You can do it!
Hmmm - I think I'm going to need a hint or two more, please!
The bottom right-hand corner has been changed a dozen times, but I am left with:
19 across: Reporter's style cut (5)
Letters: M - L - D
The selections of letters making words do not seem to fit the clue.
Then there are five or six linked answers in bottom left-hand corner.. with few letters available.
-
Looking again at bottom left-hand corner, I think I've done it. If the answer to:
24 across: Was fashionable tailor's outer coat finished? (7)
is TRENDED, then, apart from the 19 across, it's finished.
-
Hi Susan,
Hmmm - I think I'm going to need a hint or two more, please!
The bottom right-hand corner has been changed a dozen times, but I am left with:
19 across: Reporter's style cut (5)
Letters: M - L - D
The selections of letters making words do not seem to fit the clue.
Then there are five or six linked answers in bottom left-hand corner.. with few letters available.
I’m not liking that L I’m afraid. “Reporter” can mean you have a homonym so you need an answer that sounds like a word meaning “style”, and the synonym is for “cut” – perhaps a grass might have been?
Looking again at bottom left-hand corner, I think I've done it. If the answer to:
24 across: Was fashionable tailor's outer coat finished? (7)
is TRENDED, then, apart from the 19 across, it's finished.
TRENDED is spot on. “Was fashionable” is the synonym, “tailor’s outer coat” is the first and last letter of “tailor” (ie, TR), and “finished” gives you the ENDED.
-
Hi Susan,
I’m not liking that L I’m afraid. “Reporter” can mean you have a homonym so you need an answer that sounds like a word meaning “style”, and the synonym is for “cut” – perhaps a grass might have been?
TRENDED is spot on. “Was fashionable” is the synonym, “tailor’s outer coat” is the first and last letter of “tailor” (ie, TR), and “finished” gives you the ENDED.
Many thanks. Okay, so that means the bottom right-hand corner is going to look even messier!
20 down is: Wife all over infant with no top or jumper (7)
Letters now: W - L - A Y-
I couldn't work out where the W for 'wife' came in and thought the word was LULLABY.
So the answers are MOWED and WALLABY. Bit convoluted for me!
-
Hey Susan,
Many thanks. Okay, so that means the bottom right-hand corner is going to look even messier!
20 down is: Wife all over infant with no top or jumper (7)
Letters now: W - L - A Y-
I couldn't work out where the W for 'wife' came in and thought the word was LULLABY.
So the answers are MOWED and WALLABY. Bit convoluted for me!
Yep, both spot on. The latter incidentally works like this: “wife” is W; the ALL is given to you; the “infant with not top” is ABY (BABY with the first letter missing); and a WALLABY is a “jumper”.
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Hey Susan,
Yep, both spot on. The latter incidentally works like this: “wife” is W; the ALL is given to you; the “infant with not top” is ABY (BABY with the first letter missing); and a WALLABY is a “jumper”.
Thank you - actually I thought it meant that the word 'all' should be reversed, but that was last week … … and history now!
This week's came out complete on one A4 sheet, so I could tell it was one of the slightly less difficult ones! So far I've done quite a lot, but a hint would be much appreciated for:
11 across: Money, endless variety (6)
I think it has come up before, but I'm afraid I've forgotten the answer. Taking the y off the end of money doesn't help...
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you - actually I thought it meant that the word 'all' should be reversed, but that was last week … … and history now!
This week's came out complete on one A4 sheet, so I could tell it was one of the slightly less difficult ones! So far I've done quite a lot, but a hint would be much appreciated for:
11 across: Money, endless variety (6)
I think it has come up before, but I'm afraid I've forgotten the answer. Taking the y off the end of money doesn't help...
That’s a toughie – any letters so far?
-
Hi Susan,
That’s a toughie – any letters so far?
thank you. As a matter of fact, I just went back to it and filled in 1 down, COLOSSAL and 2 down: LARGESSE, although I'm not quite sure if or why they are right! But that gives O first letter and 'e third of 11 across.
-
Hmmm....struggling here. What are the clues that gave you COLOSSAL and LARGESSE please?
-
Hmmm....struggling here. What are the clues that gave you COLOSSAL and LARGESSE please?
1 down: Huge diminution of fuel (8)
Definitely begins with C I think.
2 down: Liberality of Scottish capital mentioned (8)
Begins with L
The C and the L are from 1 across: CALICO
Clue: Boxer about to get into company making cloth (6)
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Hi Susan,
1 down: Huge diminution of fuel (
Definitely begins with C I think.
Yep – LOSS inside of COAL.
2 down: Liberality of Scottish capital mentioned (
Begins with L
Yep – LARGESSE sounds like “large S”.
The C and the L are from 1 across: CALICO
Clue: Boxer about to get into company making cloth (6)
And yes again – The “boxer” is ALI, “about” is C and they “get into” CO for “company”.
What then are the letters and gaps exactly for the money clue?
-
Hi Susan,
Yep – LOSS inside of COAL.
Yep – LARGESSE sounds like “large S”.
And yes again – The “boxer” is ALI, “about” is C and they “get into” CO for “company”.
What then are the letters and gaps exactly for the money clue?
Letters are: O - E - - -
Unfortunately, I haven't managed 3 down yet:
3 down: This may be said about a strange client (8
)
Letters: C - N - - - L -
I think the N is right but if not, I'll quote the 9 across clue too.
-
Hey Susan,
Letters are: O - E - - -
Sorry – still not seeing it yet. Are you sure sure about the letters?
Unfortunately, I haven't managed 3 down yet:
3 down: This may be said about a strange client (8
)
Letters: C - N - - - L -
I think the N is right but if not, I'll quote the 9 across clue too.
Blimey, it’s a toughie today. “About” has an abbreviation, and the “a” is given to you. Then you have an anagram of “client.” The result is a synonym for a type of hymn that “may be said”.
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Hey Susan,
Sorry – still not seeing it yet. Are you sure sure about the letters?
Blimey, it’s a toughie today. “About” has an abbreviation, and the “a” is given to you. Then you have an anagram of “client.” The result is a synonym for a type of hymn that “may be said”.
Ah *places pape bag over head) my apologies, I spelt COLOSSAL wrongly - collosal, so 11 across begins with S.
and thank you for the hint for 3 down. I had realised anagram of client, and considered 're' but had not yet managed to see the word. The only one that keep putting itself up was 'cantabile'! I'll come back with the right oneasap I hope.
-
Hi again Susan,
Ah *places pape bag over head) my apologies, I spelt COLOSSAL wrongly - collosal, so 11 across begins with S.
and thank you for the hint for 3 down. I had realised anagram of client, and considered 're' but had not yet managed to see the word. The only one that keep putting itself up was 'cantabile'! I'll come back with the right oneasap I hope.
No worries, and I’m sure you will.
Re the money clue, it’s a really obscure answer. I worked it out, but confess I had to look up the word I thought it was to find that it also had a (frankly obscure) meaning – turns out it’s an archaic term for coins.
-
Hi again Susan,
No worries, and I’m sure you will.
Re the money clue, it’s a really obscure answer. I worked it out, but confess I had to look up the word I thought it was to find that it also had a (frankly obscure) meaning – turns out it’s an archaic term for coins.
Could you please post the answer? Yesterday, I had to turn off the computer by holding down the on/off button because the SuperNova seized up and did not unravel itself even after about twenty minutes. when I turned back on, all my regular S/N settings had reverted to the default ones, with the ghastlyAmerican synthetic Henry . Heart sank. I had a cup of tea, then used the correct key stroke to return to synthetic Dave and am managing with the default settings for now. Dolphin will do a remote and re-set them, but although the Tech Support there is always good and helpful, the ones who really ironed out every problem super quickly are no longer there.
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No problem Susan: it's SPECIE.
-
No problem Susan: it's SPECIE.
thank you. that makes the 'client' one: C - N - E - L -
and the only combination I can think of is CANTERLI so I shall either have to google or, as I am now doing, ask you, please!
There are another six or so intersecting answers, but I'll keep working on those for another day or so... ...
A
-
Hey Susan,
thank you. that makes the 'client' one: C - N - E - L -
and the only combination I can think of is CANTERLI so I shall either have to google or, as I am now doing, ask you, please!
There are another six or so intersecting answers, but I'll keep working on those for another day or so... ...
Of course - the E is wrong, it's CANTICLE.
-
Hey Susan,
Of course - the E is wrong, it's CANTICLE.
Thank you - much appreciated.
Just four to go - three in bottom left-hand corner linked, the other up on the top right-hand corner.
-
No problem Susan - let me know if you think I can help ;)
-
No problem Susan - let me know if you think I can help ;)
Yes, please! I'll start with the odd one in the top right-hand corner:
4 across:Doubt one working after pursuit (8) Answer: QUESTION
10 across: Joseph, good person, with Erica elbowing (8) Answer: JOSTLING (?)
12 across: Light ale three drunk (8) Answer: ETHEREAL
7 down: The compiler's about to stay in the same place (6)
Letters I - I - E - Taken from those three across answers.
Unless the answers are wrong, and I do not know what Erica has to do with anything, although this clue has come up before and I should remember!, I cannot work out the answer to 7 down.
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Yes, please! I'll start with the odd one in the top right-hand corner:
4 across:Doubt one working after pursuit (8) Answer: QUESTION
10 across: Joseph, good person, with Erica elbowing (8) Answer: JOSTLING (?)
12 across: Light ale three drunk (8) Answer: ETHEREAL
7 down: The compiler's about to stay in the same place (6)
Letters I - I - E - Taken from those three across answers.
Unless the answers are wrong, and I do not know what Erica has to do with anything, although this clue has come up before and I should remember!, I cannot work out the answer to 7 down.
If it's what I think it is, he really does like his obscure terms.
-
If it's what I think it is, he really does like his obscure terms.
Oh dear! But thank you. By the way, I listened to the end of the Joanna Konta match - talk about last-minute!
-
Oh dear! But thank you. By the way, I listened to the end of the Joanna Konta match - talk about last-minute!
If it is what I think it is - it's generally abbreviated when you see it in citations and means 'in the same place'
-
Morning Susan,
Yes, please! I'll start with the odd one in the top right-hand corner:
4 across:Doubt one working after pursuit ( Answer: QUESTION
Yes: “one” = I; “working” = ON; and they come after “pursuit”: QUEST
10 across: Joseph, good person, with Erica elbowing ( Answer: JOSTLING (?)
I think so (“Joseph” = JO; “good person” = ST). “Erica” is a type of heather, and apparently there’s a LING heather.
12 across: Light ale three drunk ( Answer: ETHEREAL
Yes – anagram of “ale three”.
7 down: The compiler's about to stay in the same place (6)
Letters I - I - E - Taken from those three across answers.
It’s a Latin term meaning “in the same place” – pretty obscure though. “This compiler” gives you IM, and it’s “about” a four letter word meaning “to stay”.
Unless the answers are wrong, and I do not know what Erica has to do with anything, although this clue has come up before and I should remember!, I cannot work out the answer to 7 down.
See above re heather. Usually “ling” is clued as a fish, so the setter’s made it extra tricky this time.
-
If it is what I think it is - it's generally abbreviated when you see it in citations and means 'in the same place'
Morning Susan,
Yes: “one” = I; “working” = ON; and they come after “pursuit”: QUEST
I think so (“Joseph” = JO; “good person” = ST). “Erica” is a type of heather, and apparently there’s a LING heather.
Yes – anagram of “ale three”.
It’s a Latin term meaning “in the same place” – pretty obscure though. “This compiler” gives you IM, and it’s “about” a four letter word meaning “to stay”.
Thank you for replies and answer explanations.
Yes, I thought of 'idem' and 'ibid' but they are only four-letter words. What is the six-letter one?
See above re heather. Usually “ling” is clued as a fish, so the setter’s made it extra tricky this time.
I've been looking at the remaining incomplete answers, but no luck yet!
-
Hey Susan,
Thank you for replies and answer explanations.
Yes, I thought of 'idem' and 'ibid' but they are only four-letter words. What is the six-letter one?
No problem. It’s IBIDEM – IM “around” BIDE.
I've been looking at the remaining incomplete answers, but no luck yet!
I’ve got every faith in you Susan – you can do this!
-
Hey Susan,
No problem. It’s IBIDEM – IM “around” BIDE.
Thank you. Actually, I had thought of IBIDEM but not for the right reason - I'd just put them together!
I’ve got every faith in you Susan – you can do this!
Hmmm, not so sure ….
-
21 down: One adding fuel to the flames in city right at the end (6)
Letters: - - - K - R
So that isbAKER, but an I doesn't fit in anywhere and a C to make it BACKER is far more likely. I do not know a fuel shortened to C, however.
Is BACKER right, please? I have already pencilled in the A, and it doesn't help towards solving that clue though.
-
Hi Susan,
21 down: One adding fuel to the flames in city right at the end (6)
Letters: - - - K - R
So that isbAKER, but an I doesn't fit in anywhere and a C to make it BACKER is far more likely. I do not know a fuel shortened to C, however.
Is BACKER right, please? I have already pencilled in the A, and it doesn't help towards solving that clue though.
No! What do you call the chap on a steam engine who shovels the coal in?
-
Hi Susan,
No! What do you call the chap on a steam engine who shovels the coal in?
Yes, of course, STOKER; the word 'city' misled me as no doubt it was intended to do.
I have just cheered myself slightly, by finding that I had in fact written in STANDSTILL as the answer to:
13 down: Pay for whiskey producer's stoppage? (10)
This gives: A - O - T - S-
for the last remaining incomplete answer
22 across: A job, say, involved abandonment of principles (8)
Running through letters, APOSTASY fits.
I think that's right - and thank you for your help.
-
Hi Susan,
Yes, of course, STOKER; the word 'city' misled me as no doubt it was intended to do.
Yes, the city is STOKE.
I have just cheered myself slightly, by finding that I had in fact written in STANDSTILL as the answer to:
13 down: Pay for whiskey producer's stoppage? (10)
Perfect: “pay” = STAND; “whiskey producer” = STILL.
This gives: A - O - T - S-
for the last remaining incomplete answer
22 across: A job, say, involved abandonment of principles (
Running through letters, APOSTASY fits.
I think that's right - and thank you for your help.
Yes it is: A is given to you; “job” = POST; “say, involved” is an anagram of “say”, ie ASY.
Well done!
-
Quick completed - no problem, but for the Cryptic I've only done three answers so far. They were fairly straightforward, but unless I can do a few more during the next couple of days, I'll give this one a miss.
-
You can do this Susan - go for it!
-
Had another look yesterday - two more answers, plus a guessed letter here and there, but otherwise this one definitely abandoned!
I would, however, like to know the answer to:
17 across: Overcome being pretentious (8)
Letters: - - - - A - E -
I think the third letter might be T as I wonder if the first three letters are OUT, and, as I think the compiler is one whose answers are somewhat remote from the clue, I wonder if it is outraged … ...
-
Hi Susan,
Had another look yesterday - two more answers, plus a guessed letter here and there, but otherwise this one definitely abandoned!
I would, however, like to know the answer to:
17 across: Overcome being pretentious (
Letters: - - - - A - E -
I think the third letter might be T as I wonder if the first three letters are OUT, and, as I think the compiler is one whose answers are somewhat remote from the clue, I wonder if it is outraged … ...
It’s just two definitions I think rather than a synonym plus a cryptic, and I don’t think that A should be there. Try AFFECTED.
Don’t give up though!
-
Hi Susan,
It’s just two definitions I think rather than a synonym plus a cryptic, and I don’t think that A should be there. Try AFFECTED.
Don’t give up though!
Thank you - yes, I should have looked up synonyms of overcome and pretentions, but the SuperNova settings had disappeared - again - so I had to wait for a remote control from Dolphin to get them right. As it's Friday, I'm afraid the ppuzzle will have to be consigned to the recycle bin as it's a new one tomorrow!
-
I haven't actually put it in the bin yet - I'll look at the answers on Monday. I could have done more, but last week was busy with other things, and I am finding it just a fraction more difficult to see the words on the CCTV screen. I walked into the dance studio on Thursday, and it's just a bit less clear. Being empty though meant I cannot bump into anything! When all 8 or 10 are dancing, everyone keeps to their space.
I have made a slow start on today's Cryptic, but making sure I have read the clues correctly is a bit slower.
A hint for 5 down would be much appreciated.
Clue is: Drunk is paid to go round Arab country drinking too much (10)
Letters: Second is S I think; sixth is M.
Anagram of 'is paid'? Arab country OMAN?
-
Hi Susan,
Having a lovely weekend in Exeter delivering my youngest to uni so a bit preoccupied I’m afraid.
Re the clue - yes to an anagram of IS PAID that you put around the name of an Arab country, the whole thing being a synonym for hitting the booze too hard.
Cheers!
-
Hi Susan,
Having a lovely weekend in Exeter delivering my youngest to uni so a bit preoccupied I’m afraid.
Re the clue - yes to an anagram of IS PAID that you put around the name of an Arab country, the whole thing being a synonym for hitting the booze too hard.
Cheers!
Thank you ,much appreciated as always. As a matter of fact, I have this minute come back to the computer to say that it had just arranged itself in my head into DIPSOMANIA
I have done quite a few more clues too, so I'll see how I get on with it tomorrow.
And giving up on crosswords is out of the question - I bought two new pencils the other day!
-
Hi Susan,
Having a lovely weekend in Exeter delivering my youngest to uni so a bit preoccupied I’m afraid.
P.S. to previous post: Very best wishes for the next three years to the new Exeter student.
-
Today I am googling answers - I realise this is a rather sad and slightly shocking thing to do :) but, although I have managed about half of Saturday's cryptic, I know I would not have arrived at most of the googled answers requested.
I do hope the compiler whose style and clues I can tune into much better, has not disappeared from the scene.
-
Hi Susan,
Today I am googling answers - I realise this is a rather sad and slightly shocking thing to do :) but, although I have managed about half of Saturday's cryptic, I know I would not have arrived at most of the googled answers requested.
I do hope the compiler whose style and clues I can tune into much better, has not disappeared from the scene.
Shame on you! I thought you couldn't google answers until a week later for the Sat prize crossword? Anyway, it's up to you of course but maybe you could cheat a tiny bit and use the letters that gives you to attempt the others?
Thank you for your kind comments re my youngest by the way - she seems to be settling in and coping well, which is a lot more than I can say for myself now the house is so empty!
-
Hi Susan,
Shame on you! I thought you couldn't google answers until a week later for the Sat prize crossword? Anyway, it's up to you of course but maybe you could cheat a tiny bit and use the letters that gives you to attempt the others?
I don't know what the Daily Telegraph puzzles department think about the several internet sites that give direct answers to their Saturday Cryptic , but of course those who actually enter for the prize probably send their answers in late Saturday mornings!
And yes, I have done a few more answers on my own.
Thank you for your kind comments re my youngest by the way - she seems to be settling in and coping well, which is a lot more than I can say for myself now the house is so empty!
Yes, it's a funny old feeling that, isnt' it. But with all this texting and skyping and such that you younger people have these days, communication is so much easier.
-
All is not lost!! :) I've done another couple of clues, so I suppose I'll have to finish it. May I have a hint, please, for:
4 down: Official person showin' courage (8)
4th letter D or E; sixth R, eighth N
Obviously an apostrophe instead of a missing G at the end, but I cannot work out the answer. The answer will, I hope, help towards completing 8 across and then there will just be a group of several clues in another corner.
ETA I think second letter might be R
ETA: Yes it was - TROILUS was across clue
And I have also completed that other corner!! Not good marks this week though. I will do better next weekend - however, it is flu jab on Saturday morning, so I shall have a good excuse handy!
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All is not lost!! :) I've done another couple of clues, so I suppose I'll have to finish it. May I have a hint, please, for:
4 down: Official person showin' courage (8)
4th letter D or E; sixth R, eighth N
Obviously an apostrophe instead of a missing G at the end, but I cannot work out the answer. The answer will, I hope, help towards completing 8 across and then there will just be a group of several clues in another corner.
ETA I think second letter might be R
ETA: Yes it was - TROILUS was across clue
And I have also completed that other corner!! Not good marks this week though. I will do better next weekend - however, it is flu jab on Saturday morning, so I shall have a good excuse handy!
For the Official person showin' courage - I think D is right for the 4th letter. You need a synonym for an official that has an Oriental connection and the last five letters are a synonym for courage with the G removed as you thought.
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For the Official person showin' courage - I think D is right for the 4th letter. You need a synonym for an official that has an Oriental connection and the last five letters are a synonym for courage with the G removed as you thought.
thank you - much appreciated. My brain is working slowly this week!
Hmmm, so DARIN for the last five letters,
… and oh dear, I should have worked it out - that makes the word MANDARIN.
but I don't like the clue!!
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I've just realised, that won't fit with 8 across, which is:
Shakespearean prince, I save swimmer (7)
Letters - - - I - U -
I thought it was TROILUS - although not quite sure why - but if MANDARIN is right, then TROILUS is wrong- and the second letter of 8 across is A.
I'll have another look at it tomorrow.
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Hi Susan,
I've just realised, that won't fit with 8 across, which is:
Shakespearean prince, I save swimmer (7)
Letters - - - I - U -
I thought it was TROILUS - although not quite sure why - but if MANDARIN is right, then TROILUS is wrong- and the second letter of 8 across is A.
I'll have another look at it tomorrow.
Tricky one this. The way in is that "swimmer" often means a type of fish, and once you have that the component parts fall into place.
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Hi Susan,
Tricky one this. The way in is that "swimmer" often means a type of fish, and once you have that the component parts fall into place.
I have now returned from the hairdresser's where, sitting under the drier, I started to work through the alphabet, but when I got to H , the answer arrived - HALIBUT.
Took me another few minutes or so to connect the BUT with SAVE. I should think that looking for synonyms for 'save', the last one you'd think of would be 'but'. Not for crossword experts though!
Thank you - help much appreciated.
Thank you - help much appreciated.
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Somewhat better start made today. In the following clue there are so many words to find synonyms for, that how I can arrive at a 5-letter word, I don't know, so a hint would be much appreciated.
22 down: Super criminal that all too often takes in coppers(5)
coppers: PCs? DIs? coins?
Re googling clues, there is one site that answers one at a time - not the whole set.
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Look for an anagram in the clue related to coinsf
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Look for an anagram in the clue related to coinsf
Thank you - much appreciated. So that's PURSE. I don't think I like the use of the word criminal as an anagram marker though!
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When I started this week's Cryptic and was able to do about nine answers, I thought, ah, good, it's the more accessible compiler. I was wrong!
I'll keep looking at it, but there are far too many gaps for which I'd need to ask for a helpful hint, I'm afraid. There is one, though, that I'd quite like the answer to please, and that is:
13 across: Two legs used in cricket constantly (2,3,2)
Last letter is N, so I presume IN, and I wondered whether 'two leggs' indicates ll, but that would mean 'ill' or 'all'?
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When I started this week's Cryptic and was able to do about nine answers, I thought, ah, good, it's the more accessible compiler. I was wrong!
I'll keep looking at it, but there are far too many gaps for which I'd need to ask for a helpful hint, I'm afraid. There is one, though, that I'd quite like the answer to please, and that is:
13 across: Two legs used in cricket constantly (2,3,2)
Last letter is N, so I presume IN, and I wondered whether 'two leggs' indicates ll, but that would mean 'ill' or 'all'?
Think it's ON rather than IN. With the same for the last 2
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Think it's ON rather than IN. With the same for the last 2
Thank you - so it's ON AND ON I suppose. Now I'll try and work out how that follows from the clue!
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Thank you - so it's ON AND ON I suppose. Now I'll try and work out how that follows from the clue!
The leg side in cricket is also the on side, and on and on is a synonym for constantly. Not a great clue in my opinion.
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The leg side in cricket is also the on side, and on and on is a synonym for constantly. Not a great clue in my opinion.
*groan* Thank you - well, I certainly agree with that last sentence. :)
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Somewhat to my surprise, I am down to the last clue for the Cryptic! for this last one, may I have a hint, please:
21 across: Letter delivered after shift (7)
Letters: R - P - T - L
I've tried various combinations of letters, but no luck. I hope there isn't a wrong letter there!
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Somewhat to my surprise, I am down to the last clue for the Cryptic! for this last one, may I have a hint, please:
21 across: Letter delivered after shift (7)
Letters: R - P - T - L
I've tried various combinations of letters, but no luck. I hope there isn't a wrong letter there!
I think the R is wrong. And as for clue think keyboard.
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I think the R is wrong. And as for clue think keyboard.
.
Thank you. I'm going to have to think about that … ...
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Ah, I think I've got it. CAPITAL, but it took me until I started typing this, and used the shift key!
The R came from what I thought was FROWNS but it is SCOWLS.
Thank you for your help.
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My neighbour having very kindly sorted out the computer and enabled me to print off the Cryptic, I have done about two-thirds of it. I think the answer to the following is PITS, but would appreciate a Yes or No please.
If the answer is no, is S the second letter?
6 across: Nadir perhaps - making regular appearances in Mansfield (4)
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My neighbour having very kindly sorted out the computer and enabled me to print off the Cryptic, I have done about two-thirds of it. I think the answer to the following is PITS, but would appreciate a Yes or No please.
If the answer is no, is S the second letter?
6 across: Nadir perhaps - making regular appearances in Mansfield (4)
I think S is the second letter.
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I think S is the second letter.
Thank you.
10:30 ETC it's ASIL - I realised it is alternate letters in Mansfield.
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I have googled Pequod and the relevant word appears to be swamp. Also, the reference came up once before, but I'm afraid I've forgotten the answer.
If a hint is available, that would be most helpful.
27 across: Trader cheers in the Pequod per haps (10)
Letters: - - - L - S - L - R
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I have googled Pequod and the relevant word appears to be swamp. Also, the reference came up once before, but I'm afraid I've forgotten the answer.
If a hint is available, that would be most helpful.
27 across: Trader cheers in the Pequod per haps (10)
Letters: - - - L - S - L - R
It's a Moby Dick reference
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It's a Moby Dick reference
Thank you - in that case I do not know the answer, as I am not familiar with the book, so may I please ask for the answer?
By the way, I can't tell you and bluehillside how very much I have valued and appreciated the hints and help provided during the past 18 months since I started. Not only have I learnt a lot, but the hobby has provided an interesting, thinking activity available here at home.
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Thank you - in that case I do not know the answer, as I am not familiar with the book, so may I please ask for the answer?
By the way, I can't tell you and bluehillside how very much I have valued and appreciated the hints and help provided during the past 18 months since I started. Not only have I learnt a lot, but the hobby has provided an interesting, thinking activity available here at home.
Moby Dick is a giant whale which is pursued by Captain Ahab in the whaler ship, the Pequod. The answer is Wholesaler which is a trader made up of whaler with olès (cheers) in it
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - in that case I do not know the answer, as I am not familiar with the book, so may I please ask for the answer?
Well, you know what kind of creature Moby dick was, so a boat that catches such creatures is called a ..... Put that word around a (possibly Spanish) term for "cheers" and you have a type of trader.
By the way, I can't tell you and bluehillside how very much I have valued and appreciated the hints and help provided during the past 18 months since I started. Not only have I learnt a lot, but the hobby has provided an interesting, thinking activity available here at home.
For my part, you're most welcome.
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Hi Susan,
For my part, you're most welcome.
Just to echo bhs's comment. Absolutely happy to help out where possible.
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bluehillside and NS
Thank you for your posts. I'd never have worked out the 'ol es' but I'll try and remember the answer for the next time the clue appears.
I filled that in then looked again at the last four remaining unanswered clues, realised for instance that I'd been trying to anagram the wrong words … … and completed them.
I've been googlingsynonyms more often and that certainly helps.
emoticon, or whatever they're called these days!
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Very slow start this week, but I have done about six answers. A hint for the following would, as always, be much appreciated.
1 across: They boost growth of young theatre audiences (11)
9th letter S
I wonder if it is a word for cushions to raise a young person higher?!
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Very slow start this week, but I have done about six answers. A hint for the following would, as always, be much appreciated.
1 across: They boost growth of young theatre audiences (11)
9th letter S
I wonder if it is a word for cushions to raise a young person higher?!
Think of a synonym for young or inexperienced, and one for a theatre audience, and together they will boost growth.
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Think of a synonym for young or inexperienced, and one for a theatre audience, and together they will boost growth.
Thank you - I'll work on that tomorrow.
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I've given this a lot of thought today. I have the 9th letter as S and have since worked out that the last letter is also S, so I hink the last three letters must be SES or STS
I've googled synonyms of young and theatre audiences but drawn blanks there.
I have thought of a selection of words that fit (for example ICONOCLASTS !!) but not one of them connects with the clue or any part of it.
.
If an extra hint is not possible, then I would be grateful for the answer, please.
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Hi Susan,
I've given this a lot of thought today. I have the 9th letter as S and have since worked out that the last letter is also S, so I hink the last three letters must be SES or STS
I've googled synonyms of young and theatre audiences but drawn blanks there.
I have thought of a selection of words that fit (for example ICONOCLASTS !!) but not one of them connects with the clue or any part of it.
.
If an extra hint is not possible, then I would be grateful for the answer, please.
People who throw stones shouldn't live in these (though your tomatoes can)!
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Hi Susan,
People who throw stones shouldn't live in these (though your tomatoes can)!
Ah, right! Thank you.
I'm getting so used to thinking of words separately that I'm forgetting, for instance, that 'growth of young' can be related!
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A few more squares filled and plodding on. I think the answer to 3 down is SCARCITIES but cannot break it down. If it is, could you please say why. If it is not, a hint would really help
3 down: Pronounced absence of frozen stuff used in eating places (10)
First letter S (from glasshouses) and I am fairly certain fifth is C
I'm assuming the 'frozen stuff' is ice, but if so, it is split up.
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Hi Susan,
A few more squares filled and plodding on. I think the answer to 3 down is SCARCITIES but cannot break it down. If it is, could you please say why. If it is not, a hint would really help
3 down: Pronounced absence of frozen stuff used in eating places (10)
First letter S (from glasshouses) and I am fairly certain fifth is C
I'm assuming the 'frozen stuff' is ice, but if so, it is split up.
Ah, rather than GLASSHOUSES try GREENHOUSES (GREEN is the synonym for “young”).
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Hi Susan,
Ah, rather than GLASSHOUSES try GREENHOUSES (GREEN is the synonym for “young”).
Oh dear! Just as well I hadn't written in 'scarcities'! Thank you for help - back to the grid... ...
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Oh dear! Just as well I hadn't written in 'scarcities'! Thank you for help - back to the grid... ...
I think the C is right . And I think your idea of ICE is right but I think it's the absence of it and ICE that is split up.
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I think the C is right . And I think your idea of ICE is right but I think it's the absence of it and ICE that is split up.
Thank you.
with the N as the first letter - no problem! NOTICEABLE And that makes the A correct which I was a bit dubious about.
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By googling synonyms for familiar and finding the answer, ACQUAINTED, in the antonyms actually from 'unacquainted', I have the answer, but it seems rather remote from the clue:
12 down: Familiar sweet filling maestro put on starter for dinner (10)
Letters: - C - U - - - T - D
I can see 'quaint' for 'sweet' and D for start of 'dinner', but would be interested to hear how the above clue works out.
The grid is slowly filling up.
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Hi Susan,
You’ve got most of it - the “maestro” is ACE though.
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Hi Susan,
You’ve got most of it - the “maestro” is ACE though.
Ah - I see. Thank you.
There are some really obscure - well, to me they are! - clues. e.g.
24 across: Record's verse part (7)
Begins and ends with E.
A hint would be really helpful.
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Hi Susan,
Ah - I see. Thank you.
There are some really obscure - well, to me they are! - clues. e.g.
24 across: Record's verse part (7)
Begins and ends with E.
A hint would be really helpful.
"Record" is often either EP or LP, and the E is given to you so...
Also, the "'s" at the end of "record's" is an abbreviation of a two letter word. All you need then is a three-letter synonym for "verse".
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Hi Susan,
"Record" is often either EP or LP, and the E is given to you so...
Also, the "'s" at the end of "record's" is an abbreviation of a two letter word. All you need then is a three-letter synonym for "verse".
Thank you very much - so that will be EPISODE. I don't think I'd ever have worked that one out. It will also help with associated answers.
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Well, I must say, I am quite chuffed! I have, thanks to the help above, a few minutes ago completed the last six or so clues and all the squares are filled.
*takes modest bow* :)
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Well, I must say, I am quite chuffed! I have, thanks to the help above, a few minutes ago completed the last six or so clues and all the squares are filled.
*takes modest bow* :)
Hurrah!
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I have three-quarters completed the Cryptic, with only one very minor cheat, and looking up synonyms. I have just worked out two more answers, one of which I think is DUNGEON, but the clue is:
Waste time in prison (7)
Letters: D - N - E - N
but I can't see why. I tried looking up synonyms for time in prison, but no luck there.
What am I missing, do you think?
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I have three-quarters completed the Cryptic, with only one very minor cheat, and looking up synonyms. I have just worked out two more answers, one of which I think is DUNGEON, but the clue is:
Waste time in prison (7)
Letters: D - N - E - N
but I can't see why. I tried looking up synonyms for time in prison, but no luck there.
What am I missing, do you think?
Dung is waste
Eon is time
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Dung is waste
Eon is time
Thank you! I must try to remember that for when it crops up again. :)
Six more incomplete answers to go.
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Yesterday evening, with just two unfinished, crossing answers, I was beginning to think I could count myself a Graduate of the School of Crossworders, but I'm afraid I haven't quite made it yet. :) Going for the 15 down answer by putting in letters, I thought it was probably VIBRATED, but, sad to say, it was only when I googled 22 across just now that the T of DOTARD confirmed this. But it is finished!
22 across: Cheat thanks Romeo with daughter who's a feeble-minded person (6)
Letters: D - - - R -
15 down: Thrilled lout was in contention outside (8)
Letters: - I - R - - - D
I'm not sure why 'dotard' is right though.
ETA: I realised D for 'daughter', and I suppose TA for 'thanks' ...
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Hi Susan,
“Cheat” = DO
“Thanks” = TA
“Romeo” = R
“Daughter” = D
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Hi Susan,
“Cheat” = DO
“Thanks” = TA
“Romeo” = R
“Daughter” = D
Thank you. Oh dear, there's such a lot to remember!
Another down clue was: Blue is smoother, without question (8)
Answer SQUANDER, and I can see that 'sander' is a 'smoother', and remove the QU for 'without question', but I can't see where 'blue' comes in. The taxi driver (who brought me home from the hairdresser just now) says he wonder whether it might be something to do with porcelain. Is this correct?
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Hi again Susan,
Not liking that “blue” as a synonym for SQUANDER (surely “blow” would have been better) but for the rest “smoother” is SANDER that’s “without” (ie, outside of) QU for “question”.
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Hi again Susan,
Not liking that “blue” as a synonym for SQUANDER (surely “blow” would have been better) but for the rest “smoother” is SANDER that’s “without” (ie, outside of) QU for “question”.
Thank you for reply. Yes, I could have understood 'blow' or 'blew', but I checked the spelling several times and it was 'blue'.
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There is no way I'm going to be able to even half-complete this week's Cryptic - so I decided to do a bit of guesswork!! Surprisingly, most of my choices so far have worked out to sort of fit the clues which I think is quite funny. :)
I've been looking up synonyms and picking out the ones with the right number of letters!
13 & 17 across: Enjoy an innings of torment after being dismissed very quickly (4,1,3,3,2,4)
One letter available: B - from the only clue I got on first read through, so
BAT OUT OF HELL, plus then LIKE A.
The clues are so long that four or five of both across and down clues had to be printed on second page. Many have four-letter answers.
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Hi Susan,
There is no way I'm going to be able to even half-complete this week's Cryptic - so I decided to do a bit of guesswork!! Surprisingly, most of my choices so far have worked out to sort of fit the clues which I think is quite funny. :)
I've been looking up synonyms and picking out the ones with the right number of letters!
13 & 17 across: Enjoy an innings of torment after being dismissed very quickly (4,1,3,3,2,4)
One letter available: B - from the only clue I got on first read through, so
BAT OUT OF HELL, plus then LIKE A.
The clues are so long that four or five of both across and down clues had to be printed on second page. Many have four-letter answers.
You've got it: LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL fits all parts of the clue.
Not sure just guessing at the answers is such a good strategy though!
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Hi Susan,
You've got it: LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL fits all parts of the clue.
Not sure just guessing at the answers is such a good strategy though!
well, no, that is true of course! But I'll leave it lying around on theCCTV and see how many other answers I manage before next Saturday.
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Long, wordy clues again this week. May I please have a yes/no answer to the following:
3 down: Smashing things made from flour mix using metric weights (9-4)
First letter B
Is the first part BATTERING? If so, is the second part RAMS?
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Hi Susan,
Long, wordy clues again this week. May I please have a yes/no answer to the following:
3 down: Smashing things made from flour mix using metric weights (9-4)
First letter B
Is the first part BATTERING? If so, is the second part RAMS?
Looks good to me: it’s BATTER IN GRAMS
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Hi Susan,
Looks good to me: it’s BATTER IN GRAMS
Ah, thank you. It's always the detailed reasoning that takes me the longest to work out.
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Perseveringly plodding on, I have a question please:
8 down: Voracious, taking a bite of real bait as niibbling’s on the rise (10)
Answer has to be INSATIABLE, doesn’t it, and it fits the first and third letters but I can’t see exactly where all the letters come from … that is because of having to read one word at a time.
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Hi Susan,
Perseveringly plodding on, I have a question please:
8 down: Voracious, taking a bite of real bait as niibbling’s on the rise (10)
Answer has to be INSATIABLE, doesn’t it, and it fits the first and third letters but I can’t see exactly where all the letters come from … that is because of having to read one word at a time.
OK, I’m guessing this is a down clue. INSATIABLE is the synonym for “voracious”. Then it’s a portmanteau word: look at the “real bait as nibbling’s” part and then “take a bite” out of it (ie, remove the outside parts). That gives you: “…el bait as ni…” It’s “on the rise” though, and as it’s a down clue “el bait as ni” read upwards gives you “insatiable”.
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Hi Susan,
OK, I’m guessing this is a down clue. INSATIABLE is the synonym for “voracious”. Then it’s a portmanteau word: look at the “real bait as nibbling’s” part and then “take a bite” out of it (ie, remove the outside parts). That gives you: “…el bait as ni…” It’s “on the rise” though, and as it’s a down clue “el bait as ni” read upwards gives you “insatiable”.
My goodness, there's certainly some convolouted thinking required sometimes! |Many thanks - I'd never have worked that out!
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Several more answers slowly achieved! I am fairly sure the answer to the following clue is BLUSHES, but could you tell me, please, why?!
Okay BLU – ES for one colour, but where does the SH come from? I’m fairly certain the H is correct.
10 across: Boozer in almost entirely prime colours (7)
Letters: B – U - H - S
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Several more answers slowly achieved! I am fairly sure the answer to the following clue is BLUSHES, but could you tell me, please, why?!
Okay BLU – ES for one colour, but where does the SH come from? I’m fairly certain the H is correct.
10 across: Boozer in almost entirely prime colours (7)
Letters: B – U - H - S
Lush is synonym for boozer
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Hey Susan,
Several more answers slowly achieved! I am fairly sure the answer to the following clue is BLUSHES, but could you tell me, please, why?!
Okay BLU – ES for one colour, but where does the SH come from? I’m fairly certain the H is correct.
10 across: Boozer in almost entirely prime colours (7)
Letters: B – U - H - S
A “boozer” is a LUSH, and it’s “in” most of (“almost entirely”) a word meaning “prime”, which is BEST with the T missing (B – LUSH - ES). Blushes is a synonym for “colours”.
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Lush is synonym for boozer
Ah, yes, of course. Thank you.
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Still two areas of empty squares affecting many answers. Hellp with the following would be much appreciated:
16 down: Northern resident declared showers over priced (8)
Letters: - E (?) - N - - -
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Still two areas of empty squares affecting many answers. Hellp with the following would be much appreciated:
16 down: Northern resident declared showers over priced (8)
Letters: - E (?) - N - - -
The E is right. Think of an animal which in two syllables is synonym for 'showers over priced'
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Hi Susan,
Still two areas of empty squares affecting many answers. Hellp with the following would be much appreciated:
16 down: Northern resident declared showers over priced (8)
Letters: - E (?) - N - - -
Not sure if it's in the clue, but the gap between "over" and "priced" shouldn't be there which might be throwing you off. It's just "overpriced" as in "expensive".
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The E is right. Think of an animal which in two syllables is synonym for 'showers over priced'
thank you - I'll have a think!
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Working through the alphabet, I arrive at REINDEER and immediately thought, 'But that's cheating,' because it doesn't have 'say' or 'sounds' in the clue.
But of course,I suppose it's the word 'declared' that has that function. I don't think I've come across that before.
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Hi usan,
Working through the alphabet, I arrive at REINDEER and immediately thought, 'But that's cheating,' because it doesn't have 'say' or 'sounds' in the clue.
But of course,I suppose it's the word 'declared' that has that function. I don't think I've come across that before.
Yep, there are lots of indicators for homonyms too. Look out for "said", "spoken", announced", broadcast", "vocalised" etc.
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Hi usan,
Yep, there are lots of indicators for homonyms too. Look out for "said", "spoken", announced", broadcast", "vocalised" etc.
Though here it's surely a homophone rather than a homonym?
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NS,
Though here it's surely a homophone rather than a homonym?
Smartass. Yes of course - well spotted!
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Thank you both for a bove posts - I'm too old to worry about the distinction! :)
One more clue to go. It's one of those I ought to know,so will not give up just yet. I completed the remaining empty section yesterday evening, but would appreciate explanation of why answers are right, if they are that is.
24 across: Quintet sit rabbiting about incorporating singer? (7)
Letters: A - T - S - E
ARTISTE fits.
26 across: Get away with late arrival for hospital somewhere in London (4)
Letters: S - H -
So it has to be SOHO
ETA: Still getting nowhere with 27 across. Clue is:
British disarmed revolts, including one person holding up train (10)
Could you tell me please if the following letters are correct:
- R - D - S - A - D
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2:15 -got it! BRIDESMAID
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Hi Susan,
Thank you both for a bove posts - I'm too old to worry about the distinction!
One more clue to go. It's one of those I ought to know,so will not give up just yet. I completed the remaining empty section yesterday evening, but would appreciate explanation of why answers are right, if they are that is.
24 across: Quintet sit rabbiting about incorporating singer? (7)
Letters: A - T - S - E
ARTISTE fits.
Have a look at the “quintet sit rabbiting” part – the middle is “…et sit ra…”. Now reverse it (“about”).
26 across: Get away with late arrival for hospital somewhere in London (4)
Letters: S - H -
So it has to be SOHO
Yes. “Get away” is “SHOO”, but the H (ie, “hospital”) is a “late arrival” in the word, giving you SOHO.
ETA: Still getting nowhere with 27 across. Clue is:
British disarmed revolts, including one person holding up train (10)
Could you tell me please if the following letters are correct:
- R - D - S - A – D
Yes to BRIDESMAID. “British” is BR. “Disarmed” is an anagram (“revolts”) and there’s an I added (“including one”). A BRIDESMAID holds up the train of a wedding dress.
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Hi Susan,
Have a look at the “quintet sit rabbiting” part – the middle is “…et sit ra…”. Now reverse it (“about”).
Yes. “Get away” is “SHOO”, but the H (ie, “hospital”) is a “late arrival” in the word, giving you SOHO.
thank you very much. My goodness! Talk about convoluted thinking! easy when you know how though I suppose!!
Yes to BRIDESMAID. “British” is BR. “Disarmed” is an anagram (“revolts”) and there’s an I added (“including one”). A BRIDESMAID holds up the train of a wedding dress.
Thank you. I've given myself a very small imaginary gold star for managing to think of it and how it was composed!
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Yesterday's Cryptic is, I think I am right in saying, by the compiler whose clues I can better understand so I have done well over half already.
10 across is: Unwise dropping rugby's foremost forward (8)
Letters: - M - - - e - t
The answer that springs to mind is smartest, but that doesn't make sense of course and I am hoping the fourth letter is F.
May I have a hint , please?
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Yesterday's Cryptic is, I think I am right in saying, by the compiler whose clues I can better understand so I have done well over half already.
10 across is: Unwise dropping rugby's foremost forward (8)
Letters: - M - - - e - t
The answer that springs to mind is smartest, but that doesn't make sense of course and I am hoping the fourth letter is F.
May I have a hint , please?
A synonym for unwise becomes a synonym for forward in the sense of overfamiliar by get rid of the first letter of rugby. 4th letter isn't F
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A synonym for unwise becomes a synonym for forward in the sense of overfamiliar by get rid of the first letter of rugby. 4th letter isn't F
Thank you - much appreciated. I don't get the rugby connection, but looking up antonyms for over-familiar, there is modest, and IMMODEST fits. I can't see why though... ...
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Thank you - much appreciated. I don't get the rugby connection, but looking up antonyms for over-familiar, there is modest, and IMMODEST fits. I can't see why though... ...
The rugby connection is simply removing an r from a word that is a synonym for unwise, so that you get a word that is a synonym for being overly familiar. Immodest isn't right.
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The rugby connection is simply removing an r from a word that is a synonym for unwise, so that you get a word that is a synonym for being overly familiar. Immodest isn't right.
Looking at the grid again, I realised I had a mistake in an across clue, and when corrected, that gave a U as the fourth letter, so then it fell into place IMPUDENT. However, the 'imprudent' synonym was not included when I looked them up!
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Monday and Tuesday away visiting granddaughters. Back yesterday evening … … looked at a corner with empty squares and sorted out three clues. However, there is one which I simply couldn't do:
25 across: Reportedly dressing well (6)
Letters: - O - R - E
I tried every combination of letters I could think of, but no good, so I have just googled the answer: SOURCE
Well, that doesn't help much! Could you please tell me why that is correct?
ETA I suppose the reportedly is to indicate SAUCE, and I had thought of 'sauce', but why the 'well'?
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Hi Susan,
“Reportedly” means “sounds like”, SOURCE sounds like “sauce” which is a dressing, and a “well” is a source.
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Hi Susan,
“Reportedly” means “sounds like”, SOURCE sounds like “sauce” which is a dressing, and a “well” is a source.
[/quote
Thank you for the explanation - and apologies for delay in replying, I only saw this just now … because of this Saturday's Cryptic!
I did about half of it yesterday quite easily and then came to a grinding halt. Looked at it again just now and I would appreciate help with the following:
13 across: Bats in the Belfry? (4-6)
Letters: G - L -/ - - - - - S
The only word that makes any sense for the first part is GOLF and the S is from S in 8 down
8 down: Newspaper always accommodates right person with flexible options (4-6)
Letters: T - M - / S - - - - -
I am assuming the S is right. SERVER fits, but I cannot think of any reason why!
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Thank you for the explanation - and apologies for delay in replying, I only saw this just now … because of this Saturday's Cryptic!
I did about half of it yesterday quite easily and then came to a grinding halt. Looked at it again just now and I would appreciate help with the following:
13 across: Bats in the Belfry? (4-6)
Letters: G - L -/ - - - - - S
The only word that makes any sense for the first part is GOLF and the S is from S in 8 down
8 down: Newspaper always accommodates right person with flexible options (4-6)
Letters: T - M - / S - - - - -
I am assuming the S is right. SERVER fits, but I cannot think of any reason why!
is there any chance that the Bats in the Belfry clue is (4-5) rather than (4-6)?
As for the second think of a phrase that includes server that might include the name of a newspaper but singularly.
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is there any chance that the Bats in the Belfry clue is (4-5) rather than (4-6)?
Oh dear! Yes, it is (4,5).
As for the second think of a phrase that includes server that might include the name of a newspaper but singularly.
Ah, I see. So it is time-server?
Many thanks - I think I'll be back later too ….
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Oh dear! Yes, it is (4,5).Ah, I see. So it is time-server?
Many thanks - I think I'll be back later too ….
Yes to time server. And Golf is right. Think.of where you play golf and what you play with. The Belfry is an example of one of the first.
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Yes to time server. And Golf is right. Think.of where you play golf and what you play with. The Belfry is an example of one of the first.
Thank you, so it must be CLUBS, but I'm afraid I still can't see the connection and would be interested in an explanation, please.
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Thank you, so it must be CLUBS, but I'm afraid I still can't see the connection and would be interested in an explanation, please.
In the sense of somewhere to play golf you play it at a golf club. The Belfry is a famous golf club. You play golf with golf clubs as well and in a sporting sense clubs are like a synonym for bats or racquets that you might play other sports with.
ETA - reading that it sounds like the explanation of a 3-2-1 clue
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In the sense of somewhere to play golf you play it at a golf club. The Belfry is a famous golf club. You play golf with golf clubs as well and in a sporting sense clubs are like a synonym for bats or racquets that you might play other sports with.
ETA - reading that it sounds like the explanation of a 3-2-1 clue
Many thanks. Right, I shall now plod on with the other,approx, third of unanswered clues.
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Feeling a little more energetic this week, I'm going to put more effort into working on the Crykptic. I would, however, appreciate a hint for the following:
9 across: Old boy, boring perhaps, certainly not square (6)
Begins with E I think.
Has ELDER got anything to do with it?
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Hi Susan,
Feeling a little more energetic this week, I'm going to put more effort into working on the Crykptic. I would, however, appreciate a hint for the following:
9 across: Old boy, boring perhaps, certainly not square (6)
Begins with E I think.
Has ELDER got anything to do with it?
Your over-thinking it I think. “Old boy” is commonly abbreviated, and something that drags on could be said to be “boring”. Combine them and you have a shape that isn’t a square.
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Hi Susan,
Your over-thinking it I think. “Old boy” is commonly abbreviated, and something that drags on could be said to be “boring”. Combine them and you have a shape that isn’t a square.
Is the abbreviation for 'old boy' just 'O,B'? It doesn't feature in my life!!
Hmmm, can't think of the word yet, but I'll work on it.
thank you for your help.
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Hi Susan,
Is the abbreviation for 'old boy' just 'O,B'? It doesn't feature in my life!!
Hmmm, can't think of the word yet, but I'll work on it.
thank you for your help.
Yes - which six-letter shape begins "OB...."?
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Hi Susan,
Yes - which six-letter shape begins "OB...."?
OBLONG!! Brain still functioning reasonably it seems - I thought of it a moment ago, sitting having a cup of tea!
Thanks again.
I think I'll probably be back … ...
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21 across is: Just over 23 degrees below here? Often more! (9,6)
The second word has: C - - - L -
And ANTARCTIC CIRCLE fits very nicely! However, as this is probably wrong, a hint would be much appreciated.
moce;u. bit as ot os [rpbab;u wrpmg. a jomt wo;; be ,icj a[[recoated/
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Susan,
21 across is: Just over 23 degrees below here? Often more! (9,6)
The second word has: C - - - L -
And ANTARCTIC CIRCLE fits very nicely! However, as this is probably wrong, a hint would be much appreciated.
Sounds good to me I think - it's a play on location (23 degrees latitude) and degrees temperature.
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Susan,
Sounds good to me I think - it's a play on location (23 degrees latitude) and degrees temperature.
Oh, good - thank you very much! that is encouraging!
I shall continue tomorrow.
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Almost completed, just three incomplete answers. I've been thinking letters into spaces, but so far have not come up with answers which fit the clues.
Hints would be, as always, much appreciated.
27 across: Diana shortly needing European aerial (6)
Letters: DI - O -E
The word DIPOLE fits, but no idea why!
18 across: Room occupied by old bag (7)
Letters: - O - D A - -
27 down: Communist addenda for travellers (6)
Letters: R - D - R -
If the first part is RED, then I'm stuck! If it's I then riDERS fits, but cannot see why.
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Hi Susan,
Almost completed, just three incomplete answers. I've been thinking letters into spaces, but so far have not come up with answers which fit the clues.
Hints would be, as always, much appreciated.
27 across: Diana shortly needing European aerial (6)
Letters: DI - O -E
The word DIPOLE fits, but no idea why!
DI = “Diana shortly” and the “European" is a POLE. A DIPOLE is a type of aerial.
18 across: Room occupied by old bag (7)
Letters: - O - D A - -
Think of a room (often used to connect other rooms). Then put OLD in it (“occupied by old”) and you have a type of bag.
27 down: Communist addenda for travellers (6)
Letters: R - D - R -
If the first part is RED, then I'm stuck! If it's I then riDERS fits, but cannot see why.
Sorry, but I’m not seeing this one. “Communist” is usually RED all right, but the “addenda for travellers” gives you RIDERS (addenda to contacts and people on horseback are both riders). Are you sure about the clue?
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Hi Susan,
DI = “Diana shortly” and the “European" is a POLE. A DIPOLE is a type of aerial.
Think of a room (often used to connect other rooms). Then put OLD in it (“occupied by old”) and you have a type of bag.
Ah, so that's a HOLDALL - I think it is very unlikely I'd have thought of that one.
Sorry, but I’m not seeing this one. “Communist” is usually RED all right, but the “addenda for travellers” gives you RIDERS (addenda to contacts and people on horseback are both riders). Are you sure about the clue?
Oh dear - no: Across clue to the left has 'Communist' as the first word, but the first word here should have been 'Contractual'. I think I must have accidentally moved the paper on the CCTV table, but really thought I had checked, double-checked and remembered correctly walking from front room to back room. Very sorry about that.
However, does that make RIDERS correct?
Many thanks for your help.
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No problem Susan, and yes that does make RIDERS correct - they're addenda to contracts, and they're travellers too.
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Dropping in to say that I hav completed a large amount of today's Cryptic. Mind you, I had an early start - I was awake just after midnight, so I came downstairs and printed off the Quick and the Cryptic and spent an hour or so reading the clues and filling in some of the answers!
Still quite a number of more tricky ones though... …
ETA: 22 down: Band opposing Ronald ins support of revolutionary (7
Answer CHEVRON
I can't quite see why the first part is CHEV though.
Ony two or three to go now.
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Dropping in to say that I hav completed a large amount of today's Cryptic. Mind you, I had an early start - I was awake just after midnight, so I came downstairs and printed off the Quick and the Cryptic and spent an hour or so reading the clues and filling in some of the answers!
Still quite a number of more tricky ones though... …
ETA: 22 down: Band opposing Ronald ins support of revolutionary (7
Answer CHEVRON
I can't quite see why the first part is CHEV though.
Ony two or three to go now.
Che as in Guevara V as in versus/opposing Ron. I suppose a chevron is a band of paint or material. I think it's an awful clue.
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Che as in Guevara V as in versus/opposing Ron. I suppose a chevron is a band of paint or material. I think it's an awful clue.
Thank you for the explanation.
I now have ony three empty squares.
No hint requested yet, but could I have, please, a YES/NO answer to the question: Are these letters, E - I - O - E, correct for the following clue:
9 across: Go off and walk in river (7)
I've checked the down clues from which they come and think they are right, but it would be helpful to know … as it would be really nice to complete a cryptic completely unaided!
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Thank you for the explanation.
I now have ony three empty squares.
No hint requested yet, but could I have, please, a YES/NO answer to the question: Are these letters, E - I - O - E, correct for the following clue:
9 across: Go off and walk in river (7)
I've checked the down clues from which they come and think they are right, but it would be helpful to know … as it would be really nice to complete a cryptic completely unaided!
I think the I as the 3rd letter is wrong.
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I think the I as the 3rd letter is wrong.
Thank you . In fact I should have realised that it could not be I, because the 6 down answer which I had as limelight has a definite T (from associated across clue answer ANTHILL) where the E is, so I think that answer is FOOTLIGHT.
From a very grey and gloomy start here, it is quite bright and I have been out for a reasonable walk, so hope that has provided enough oxygen for the brain too.
ETA and then of course there's SPOTLIGHT and STARLIGHT and I think SPOTLIGHT is more likely … hmmmmm. I'll come back when I've got it or if necessary if I have to give up!
ETA a couple of seconds later: Itt's EXPLODE isn't it?! Well, that's quite satisfying!!
River EXE, walk PLOD, go off: EXPLODE.
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Yes, that was a reasonable clue. It looks like the compiler likes use of specific names such as EXE and Che.
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It's a hard-work Cryptic this week … and I've had to google several answers for the Quick.
I've managed seven answers, but would much appreciate a hint for the following:
7 across: On level terms, move slowly to secure victory (7)
Last letter G, and I think the first is S, but not sure.
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Hi Susan, hope all’s well.
If, say, two football teams have the same scores then they are....
For the ”move slowly” part think of a synonym, then insert another synonym for “victory”. (The “S” is wrong by the way)
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Hi Susan, hope all’s well.[]/quote]
Yes, thank you; don't really feel mye 83 years at the moment! :)
If, say, two football teams have the same scores then they are....
For the ”move slowly” part think of a synonym, then insert another synonym for “victory”. (The “S” is wrong by the way)
So that is DRAW or DRAWN … Hmmm, needs a bit of thinking … … I'll see what I can do.
Many thanks for help.
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So it is DRAWING, DRAW plus DRAG, plus WIN. I think that is slightly unfair - too many multiple uses for letters!
That has helped with two more answers. However,
1 down is: Coin made with craft having queen on both sides (7)
Letters: Q - A - T - R
QUARTER but I can't see exactly why. ART is the craft, but why the rest of it? *rather puzzled*
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So it is DRAWING, DRAW plus DRAG, plus WIN. I think that is slightly unfair - too many multiple uses for letters!
That has helped with two more answers. However,
1 down is: Coin made with craft having queen on both sides (7)
Letters: Q - A - T - R
QUARTER but I can't see exactly why. ART is the craft, but why the rest of it? *rather puzzled*
Quarter is the American 25 cent coin. Qu is short for queen and ER irepresents Elizabeth Regina, and is therefore a queen on both sides.
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Quarter is the American 25 cent coin. Qu is short for queen and ER irepresents Elizabeth Regina, and is therefore a queen on both sides.
Many thanks. I think I'll go more for guesswork this afternoon and then try to fit the clues to the answers afterwards!
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Hi Susan,
So it is DRAWING, DRAW plus DRAG, plus WIN. I think that is slightly unfair - too many multiple uses for letters!
You're overthinking that a bit I think. Theres no DRAW component - just DRAWING for the overall definition, plus DRAG with WIN inside it.
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Hi Susan,
You're overthinking that a bit I think. Theres no DRAW component - just DRAWING for the overall definition, plus DRAG with WIN inside it.
Ah yes - must remember to think more simply!!
In fact I have completed quite a few more answers this afternoon so I think I might finish by Wednesday!
No walk today - too much of a cold wind and low sun means a need for much more concentration, but at least my brain has had a bit of exercise.
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Only three left
I have a couple of questions for which answers will, as always, be much appreciated.
8 across is: False rumours an eccentric's spreading about (7)
Letters: R - N - R - -
I did think RENARDS but as it was not spelt 'reynard'or there was no indication of it being French, I tried every other combination I could think of. I can't quite see how a fox fits in to the clue but I suppose it must be right.
This means that
9 down which is: Lincoln beat these Eastern European cars (56)
has S - A - E/STATES
I suppose it could be read as STAR ESTATES but a hint would be helpful, please.
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Only three left
I have a couple of questions for which answers will, as always, be much appreciated.
8 across is: False rumours an eccentric's spreading about (7)
Letters: R - N - R - -
I did think RENARDS but as it was not spelt 'reynard'or there was no indication of it being French, I tried every other combination I could think of. I can't quite see how a fox fits in to the clue but I suppose it must be right.
This means that
9 down which is: Lincoln beat these Eastern European cars (56)
has S - A - E/STATES
I suppose it could be read as STAR ESTATES but a hint would be helpful, please.
On the False rumours I think the first R is wrong
On The Lincoln clue the first four letters refer to a group of people or countries in Eastern Europe. The entirety is what Lincoln fought against in the Civil War
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On the False rumours I think the first R is wrong
Oh dear! The 4 down clue is:
Composer's Welsh address (4)
and it begins with B. I dithered between BACH and BARD, but decided on the latter because I could not see a reason for BACH. If it is BACH, then is 8 across CANARDS?
On The Lincoln clue the first four letters refer to a group of people or countries in Eastern Europe. The entirety is what Lincoln fought against in the Civil War
Does that make the first four letters STAR? I did not of course connect the USA with this clue!! Did Lincoln call them the LONE STAR STATES?
Many thanks for help.
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Oh dear! The 4 down clue is:
Composer's Welsh address (4)
and it begins with B. I dithered between BACH and BARD, but decided on the latter because I could not see a reason for BACH. If it is BACH, then is 8 across CANARDS?Does that make the first four letters STAR? I did not of course connect the USA with this clue!! Did Lincoln call them the LONE STAR STATES?
Many thanks for help.
Yep, Bach will be right - Bach the composer, and Bach the Welsh way of addressing someone.
Star isn't right - again the first four letters are a word for a race of people. The 5 letters at the start refers to the main reason for the Civil War.
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Yep, Bach will be right - Bach the composer, and Bach the Welsh way of addressing someone.
Star isn't right - again the first four letters are a word for a race of people. The 5 letters at the start refers to the main reason for the Civil War.
SLAVE - Thank you - I really should have thought of that, but as I was saying, I had not associated the clue with America! :)
I haven't done 3 down yet, but I'll probably have to give up by tomorrow!
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SLAVE - Thank you - I really should have thought of that, but as I was saying, I had not associated the clue with America! :)
I haven't done 3 down yet, but I'll probably have to give up by tomorrow!
The clue works as saying that a Lincoln which is a type of estate car is better/beats Eastern European (Slav) Estates. And that Lincoln the president beat the Slave States is the Civil War.
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The clue works as saying that a Lincoln which is a type of estate car is better/beats Eastern European (Slav) Estates. And that Lincoln the president beat the Slave States is the Civil War.
Thank you. Yes, I've just realised- SLAV for people too.
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Last clue done - ENIGMA
A sports car in Spain raised problem (6)
Letters E - I - M -
I should have seen it earlier. MG for sports car and E for Spain, A and IN given.
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As it's Election week, the answer to 1 across today is BY-ELECTION!
Top quarter more or less done so far, but it's quite a hard Cryptic this week.
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May I ask: Is the following an anagram of 'phoney's love' plus ER for the Queen? If so, it must begin with HYPER I think.
12 across:Pedantic phoney's love dismissed by the Queen (13)
Letters: H - P - - - S - - - - - L
The S could be wrong, but I don't think so. If the answer to the question is no, than a hint would be much appreciated.
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May I ask: Is the following an anagram of 'phoney's love' plus ER for the Queen? If so, it must begin with HYPER I think.
12 across:Pedantic phoney's love dismissed by the Queen (13)
Letters: H - P - - - S - - - - - L
The S could be wrong, but I don't think so. If the answer to the question is no, than a hint would be much appreciated.
It isn't an anagram of that, the S is wrong but Hyper is correct.
If one is being overly pedantic then one's thoughts might be seen as not just doing something that people get paid to do about TV, film or books but being Hyper________
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It isn't an anagram of that, the S is wrong but Hyper is correct.
If one is being overly pedantic then one's thoughts might be seen as not just doing something that people get paid to do about TV, film or books but being Hyper________
thank you - much appreciated. So that's HYPERCRITICAL. I had thought of 'overcritical' yesterday, but I knew that couldn't be it, because the P is definitely right.
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It is turning out to be, for me anyway, a difficult one this week. May I have a hint, please, for:
21 across: Like one who scoffs when folk get heated? (13)
Letters: - - - - I - - - - - T - -
Does it begin with oVER? I've thought of OVERINSULATES, scoffs - insults? scoffs - ate? That's probably over-thinking.
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It is turning out to be, for me anyway, a difficult one this week. May I have a hint, please, for:
21 across: Like one who scoffs when folk get heated? (13)
Letters: - - - - I - - - - - T - -
Does it begin with oVER? I've thought of OVERINSULATES, scoffs - insults? scoffs - ate? That's probably over-thinking.
I think scoffs is in the sense of eating here
And I don't think it starts with Over
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I think scoffs is in the sense of eating here
I've been googling synonyms of various words - no luck, so I have been mentally inserting letters. Quite a few words which are 12 annd a few 14, but none with 13 or the T in the right place. I've just thought of OVERIRRITATED.
I'm doubtful, but I suppose there is 'overate' there and 'irritated' for 'heated'. If it is not right, may I have the answer, please?
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I've been googling synonyms of various words - no luck, so I have been mentally inserting letters. Quite a few words which are 12 annd a few 14, but none with 13 or the T in the right place. I've just thought of OVERIRRITATED.
I'm doubtful, but I suppose there is 'overate' there and 'irritated' for 'heated'. If it is not right, may I have the answer, please?
Apologies I added to my last comment that I think Over is wrong. If I were to say that I think it begins with C, would that help?
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Apologies I added to my last comment that I think Over is wrong. If I were to say that I think it begins with C, would that help?
I'm not sure! But thank you - I'll have another think.
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I'm afraid I'm not getting anywhere. I think I'll have to give up on that one andask for the answer. I hope that will help with the several down clues that are affected by it.
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I'm afraid I'm not getting anywhere. I think I'll have to give up on that one andask for the answer. I hope that will help with the several down clues that are affected by it.
I think it is cannibalistic
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I think it is cannibalistic
Thank you - I'd never have got that. However, now that I know the answer, I recall that it has come up once before, and I can see the reasoning, but I'm not at all sure I'll be able to remember for the next time!
ETA I think 'rather dodgy' reasoning better applies!
I'm afraid it hasn't immediately helped with the down clues, but I'll keep it on the CCTV and persevere a bit longer.
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Thank you - I'd never have got that. However, now that I know the answer, I recall that it has come up once before, and I can see the reasoning, but I'm not at all sure I'll be able to remember for the next time!
I'm afraid it hasn't immediately helped with the down clues, but I'll keep it on the CCTV and persevere a bit longer.
The 'Like one who' is often going to finish 'istic'
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The 'Like one who' is often going to finish 'istic'
Thank you - I don't think I knew that. However, when I see T plus two spaces at the end of a word, I try the different endings: tic, tal, tle, ted, tes , tly
… doesn't always help though!
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In this week's Cryptic
1 down is: Bar opponent reportedly supplying dope (4)
so I googled the answer since my knowledge of vocabulary associated with dope is extremely limited!
The answer appears to be info, but I cannot see why and would, as always, appreciate an explanation. Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
In this week's Cryptic
1 down is: Bar opponent reportedly supplying dope (4)
so I googled the answer since my knowledge of vocabulary associated with dope is extremely limited!
The answer appears to be info, but I cannot see why and would, as always, appreciate an explanation. Thank you.
"In" sounds like a "inn" (a bar) and "fo" sounds like "foe" ("opponent"). The "reportedly" tells you you're dealing with homophones. "Dope" is an old-fashioned slang term for "information".
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Hi Susan,
"In" sounds like a "inn" (a bar) and "fo" sounds like "foe" ("opponent"). The "reportedly" tells you you're dealing with homophones. "Dope" is an old-fashioned slang term for "information".
Ah, I see. thank you very much. It's going to be another slow one this week, I think. Last week's clues were too obscure for me, so I only completed about half.
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May I have a yes or no answer to the question, are the letters right so far?, please:
I have: D - A - F - R - S - I - E
3 down: Doctor heads first for part of the Midlands (13
ETA Looking at it again, I suppose it is STAFFORDSHIRE … …
ETA No. 2: To my quite considerable surprise, I find I have only two, linked, incomplete answers. Okay, I did google one yesterday, but I might well have got that if I'd been a little more patient!
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Hi Susan,
May I have a yes or no answer to the question, are the letters right so far?, please:
I have: D - A - F - R - S - I - E
3 down: Doctor heads first for part of the Midlands (13
ETA Looking at it again, I suppose it is STAFFORDSHIRE … …
ETA No. 2: To my quite considerable surprise, I find I have only two, linked, incomplete answers. Okay, I did google one yesterday, but I might well have got that if I'd been a little more patient!
« Last Edit: Today at 09:14:27 AM by SusanDoris »
Yes. Quite a clever clue too. It's an anagram ("doctor") of "heads first for".
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Hi Susan,
Yes. Quite a clever clue too. It's an anagram ("doctor") of "heads first for".
Thank you - and yes, I only realised the anagram after I'd seen the answer. I'd got the D from 1 across which I thought was IMPEDIMENT'but turned out to be 'IMPAASSABLE'. The last two answers were 'abStruse' and ;Stagehand'.
Hmmmmm, I think I'll have a look at today's Cryptic … …
3:0 p.m. and only just this minute have I relised that 'doctor' was an anagram indicator!
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An abysmal start this week - I can't even do half the Quick crossword! So a hint to help with Cryptic 8 down will be much appreciated:
8 down: Decorous meeting in Kent? (6)
I think it begins with D and the nearest synonyms appear to be 'decent' or 'seemly' but I can't see why.
ETA Hmmm I think it might be M in SEEly?
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An abysmal start this week - I can't even do half the Quick crossword! So a hint to help with Cryptic 8 down will be much appreciated:
8 down: Decorous meeting in Kent? (6)
I think it begins with D and the nearest synonyms appear to be 'decent' or 'seemly' but I can't see why.
ETA Hmmm I think it might be M in SEEly?
Think it starts SE for the region Kent is in but the letters after that describe a type of meeting and the whole is a synonym for decorous.
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Think it starts SE for the region Kent is in but the letters after that describe a type of meeting and the whole is a synonym for decorous.
thank you for your help. I can't think of it straight away, but I'll try again tomorrow.
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SEDATE for the 8 down - took a while to think of it!
going back to the cryptic today, I have done a few more clues. I would be grateful for a hint for:
14 across: They study some fish, little ones (14)
Letters: S - - - O - - - I - D - - -
I assume it must end with S …
I don't think I'll finish this one, but I'd like to fill in a few more answers before next Saturday if possible.
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SEDATE for the 8 down - took a while to think of it!
going back to the cryptic today, I have done a few more clues. I would be grateful for a hint for:
14 across: They study some fish, little ones (14)
Letters: S - - - O - - - I - D - - -
I assume it must end with S …
I don't think I'll finish this one, but I'd like to fill in a few more answers before next Saturday if possible.
Doesn't end in s. The last three letters are a different form of plural.
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Doesn't end in s. The last three letters are a different form of plural.
Thank you - I'll see what I can do ...
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schoolchildren
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schoolchildren
Yes!! I went back and had another look. It was the word 'fish' that put me off, but when I thought, 'small fish swim in schools' my brain realised the answer.
Mind you, it hasn't helped much with the surrounding clues. but I'll keep having another go and see how far I get by Saturday … when it will get discarded!
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Although this morning it is not going to rain as far as I know (Alexa told me!), the grey light needs more concentration when walking, so I am glad I have made a better start on the crosswords! Finished the Quick very quickly and have done 8 Cryptic clues. I'm fairly sure a hint or two will be requested later.
By the way, NS, if you are reading this, I used that other proxy link this morning.
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19 across is: 20 apes tried clothes (4)
I tried all sorts of ideas, but gave up and googled the answer, which is RANK.
But I have no idea why this is right and would be grateful for an explanation.
I
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I don't think Rank is right.
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I don't think Rank is right.
Thank you - I hadn't thought of that!I rather assume that the sites which give answers must be right!
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I thought 'apes' = APSE, part of church architecture and apes being 'primates' who wear fancy clothes - but I don't get the 20. Think it might be to do with 2020 or apse has another meaning.
Could be totally wrong altogether of course.
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I thought 'apes' = APSE, part of church architecture
Yes, that is a good idea - I sometimes do not see the letters properly but I've just had a look - increased the magnification a bit! - and it is definitely 'apes'.and apes being 'primates' who wear fancy clothes - but I don't get the 20. Think it might be to do with 2020 or apse has another meaning.
Having now completed a few more answers, I know that the last letter is T … doesn't help much at the moment!
Could be totally wrong altogether of course.
Thank you for your help and interest. Are you a regular crossword-doer?
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Having, during the last half-hour, cheered myself up quite a lot by filling in quite a few clues, I know that the first letter is P. Therefore it must be PEST, taking the letters from 'aPE Tried', but it still doesn't make any sense.
Only a few empty squares left now.:)
/ETA bit later: those empty squares are in
7 down: Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis (9)
Letters: - N - E - E - - E
15 across: Friend friendly starting late (4
Letters A - D Y
I've been going through the alphabet but canot spot a suitable selection that makes sense. Any hint will be much appreciated.
And it'll probably be something of a kick-self, since the 7 down clue has appeared before!
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/ETA bit later: those empty squares are in
7 down: Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis (9)
Letters: - N - E - E - - E
15 across: Friend friendly starting late (4
Letters A - D Y
I've been going through the alphabet but canot spot a suitable selection that makes sense. Any hint will be much appreciated.
And it'll probably be something of a kick-self, since the 7 down clue has appeared before!
I think the second E in 7 down is wrong. Also I think the D in 15 across is wrong.
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I think the second E in 7 down is wrong. Also I think the D in 15 across is wrong.
Oh, bother!! But thank you for your help of course. ! Right, back to work
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NS
Checking the words, I see that the second E of 7 down comes from PEST the 19 across clue: 20 apes tried clothes.
The D from 15 across comes from 16 down which is
Metal Dan and I arranged to have separated layers (9)
and my answer was DELINEATE, which, using the I, E and E, fits the across clues.
Advice and help will, as always be much appreciated. Thank you.
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NS
Checking the words, I see that the second E of 7 down comes from PEST the 19 across clue: 20 apes tried clothes.
The D from 15 across comes from 16 down which is
Metal Dan and I arranged to have separated layers (9)
and my answer was DELINEATE, which, using the I, E and E, fits the across clues.
Advice and help will, as always be much appreciated. Thank you.
16 down is anagram of 'metal dan i' and ends ed.
And given the number of Es can I just check that we are talking about the E in the 6th character of the answer?
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16 down is anagram of 'metal dan i' and ends ed.
And given the number of Es can I just check that we are talking about the E in the 6th character of the answer?
Thank you very much. Okay, so that is LAMINATED and the second A - which is, yes, the E as sixth character - is from 'whAt', which I corrected from'whEn'. I thought the answer was 'What for?' but chose'when' because of the down clue.
And that makes 15 across ALLY, and, with a bit of tortured reasoning, I think it is
friend AL
friendly AL-Y
starting late the L from late ALLY
When I've done the washing-up, I'll have another try at 7 down.
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Is the answer to
19 across: 2 apes tried clothes (4)
POST
If it is, then the last letter of 7 down is O.
I don't think it will help much, but I'm ever hopeful that my brain will suddenly come up with the answer!
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Is the answer to
19 across: 2 apes tried clothes (4)
POST
If it is, then the last letter of 7 down is O.
I don't think it will help much, but I'm ever hopeful that my brain will suddenly come up with the answer!
Confused a bit here. 7 down as you have already stated is Laminated.
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Confused a bit here. 7 down as you have already stated is Laminated.
Oh dear, my apologies. LAMINATED is the answer to 16 down, starting with the third letter of 15 across, which has turned out to be ALLY.
7 down is: Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis (9)
Letters: - N - E - I - - -
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Oh dear, my apologies. LAMINATED is the answer to 16 down, starting with the third letter of 15 across, which has turned out to be ALLY.
7 down is: Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis (9)
Letters: - N - E - I - - -
My mistake, I think. The fast food shop is the 3rd to 6th letters and is a four letter term short for a longer more foreign food shop
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My mistake, I think. The fast food shop is the 3rd to 6th letters and is a four letter term short for a longer more foreign food shop
Thank you. Yes, the word DELI keeps putting itself in that spot and then the word UNDELIVERED won't go away!
Taking the other letters I get UN-ERED whichi doesn't seem to have anything to do with the clue.
And then I'd have PDST for the apes. I googled that to see if there was a meaning, but it simply corrected it to pSTD!
Sorry for taking up so much of your time today but I do thank you for it.
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Thank you. Yes, the word DELI keeps putting itself in that spot and then the word UNDELIVERED won't go away!
Taking the other letters I get UN-ERED whichi doesn't seem to have anything to do with the clue.
And then I'd have PDST for the apes. I googled that to see if there was a meaning, but it simply corrected it to pSTD!
Sorry for taking up so much of your time today but I do thank you for it.
The E in Pest is correct. And it doesn't start with a U
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The E in Pest is correct. And it doesn't start with a U
I had turned the computer off, but have just turned it on again because it is indelible, isn't it?
The 'belle' is anagrammed there with an I stuck in. but where the 'trendy' and 'feeding' or 'on a regular basis' come in defeats me for the moment! I'll try and keep the old brain cells ticking over and maybe they'll work it out … …! :)
And thanks again.
/ETA I think the 'trendy' is IN, possibly 'dine' is anagrammed for the first four letters meaning 'feeding', and maybe INEDIBLE refers to the quality of the food! But 'on a regular basis' must have been thrown in to confuse.
Do you know why the '20' starts 19 across? That's the clue which is: 20 apes tried clothes (4). The answer, PEST, doesn't seem to make any sense.
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Hi Susan – just looking in briefly, so…
I had turned the computer off, but have just turned it on again because it is indelible, isn't it?
The 'belle' is anagrammed there with an I stuck in. but where the 'trendy' and 'feeding' or 'on a regular basis' come in defeats me for the moment! I'll try and keep the old brain cells ticking over and maybe they'll work it out … …!
And thanks again.
/ETA I think the 'trendy' is IN, possibly 'dine' is anagrammed for the first four letters meaning 'feeding', and maybe INEDIBLE refers to the quality of the food! But 'on a regular basis' must have been thrown in to confuse.
OK, so the clue is: “Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis”.
“Fast” is the synonym – a colour that’s “fast” in a fabric for example is indelible.
The “food shop” is a DELI and it’s “feeding” (ie, inside) IN (ie, “trendy”) and the alternate letters from “belle” (ie, belle “on a regular basis”) which gives you the BLE at the end.
Do you know why the '20' starts 19 across? That's the clue which is: 20 apes tried clothes (4). The answer, PEST, doesn't seem to make any sense.
The answer is a portmanteau word – “apes tried” “clothes” (ie contains) PEST – as in “aPES Tried”. The “20” presumably refers to the answer to 20ac or 20d, which perhaps is a type of pest?
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Hi Susan – just looking in briefly, so…
OK, so the clue is: “Fast food shop feeding trendy belle on a regular basis”.
“Fast” is the synonym – a colour that’s “fast” in a fabric for example is indelible.
The “food shop” is a DELI and it’s “feeding” (ie, inside) IN (ie, “trendy”) and the alternate letters from “belle” (ie, belle “on a regular basis”) which gives you the BLE at the end.
The answer is a portmanteau word – “apes tried” “clothes” (ie contains) PEST – as in “aPES Tried”. The “20” presumably refers to the answer to 20ac or 20d, which perhaps is a type of pest?
Thank you for the explanation - much appreciated as always. I'd never have got that all sorted!! I didn't think of separating the 'Fast' from the 'Food', although I should have learnt that sort of thing by now, I suppose! I had thought of 'regular basis' as being alternative letters, but when I finally got the answer, I just thought all the letters of belle had been used, but dotted around!
20 down is: : Listen playing it adds the sparkle to Christmas (6) and since the answer is tinsel, I suppose that could be considered a 'pest' but it's a bit far-fetched, isn't it?!
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Cryptic about two-thirds completed or maybe a bit more. I googled for one answer and a few synonyms, but that's fairly allowable I think!
However, a hint for a couple of the clues would be very helpful and much appreciated as always..
19 across: Loud noise having caught monkey eating duck (8)
Letters: - L - - - - s -
It's a clue that has come up before, and I know monkey means £500 and duck can have a variety of meanings which is probably 0 in this case, but the answer eludes me at the moment.
There is also
21 across: Government's leader in wrong job, one indicates (8)
Letters: First either S or R, more likely S I think, and 7th S
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Hi Susan, and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Cryptic about two-thirds completed or maybe a bit more. I googled for one answer and a few synonyms, but that's fairly allowable I think!
However, a hint for a couple of the clues would be very helpful and much appreciated as always..
19 across: Loud noise having caught monkey eating duck (
Letters: - L - - - - s -
It's a clue that has come up before, and I know monkey means £500 and duck can have a variety of meanings which is probably 0 in this case, but the answer eludes me at the moment.
It’s pretty obscure this one, both the answer and the main part of the clue. “loud noise” is the synonym. “caught” in cricket is abbreviated to a single letter, then you need a type of monkey that contains (“eating”) a one-letter placemarker for “duck” (also as in a cricket score).
There is also
21 across: Government's leader in wrong job, one indicates
(Letters: First either S or R, more likely S I think, and 7th S
More straightforward this one. I like your S at places one and seven, and the “leader” of “Government” is a single letter. Put that letter inside (“in”) a three-letter term that religious people tell us is a “wrong” then follow it with a four-letter word meaning “job” and you have a word for something that “indicates”, ie tells you which way to go.
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Hi Susan, and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Thank you and to you too. I hope your daughter enjoyed her first term at University.
What with great-grandson due in weeks and a wedding in September, 2020 should be interesting!
It’s pretty obscure this one, both the answer and the main part of the clue. “loud noise” is the synonym. “caught” in cricket is abbreviated to a single letter, then you need a type of monkey that contains (“eating”) a one-letter placemarker for “duck” (also as in a cricket score).
Thank you - that will need a bit of thinking. CLAP + E + O … hmmm
More straightforward this one. I like your S at places one and seven, and the “leader” of “Government” is a single letter. Put that letter inside (“in”) a three-letter term that religious people tell us is a “wrong” then follow it with a four-letter word meaning “job” and you have a word for something that “indicates”, ie tells you which way to go.
Thank you, so that is SIGNPOST. I had thought of 'sign' but was thinking in terms of signifies but too many letters of course.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - that will need a bit of thinking. CLAP + E + O … hmmm
No problem, but not CLAP (lose the P) and there's no E either. (And the O is the third from last letter by the way). The answer is not in common usage so isn't obvious, but the whole word means a loud noise.
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Hi Susan,
No problem, but not CLAP (lose the P) and there's no E either. (And the O is the third from last letter by the way). The answer is not in common usage so isn't obvious, but the whole word means a loud noise.
I think it is CLANGOUR but don't quite see how the letters AN and UR come in! However, it has helped complete another two adjacent answers.
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I think it is CLANGOUR but don't quite see how the letters AN and UR come in! However, it has helped complete another two adjacent answers.
Langur is a type of monkey
https://www.britannica.com/animal/langur
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Langur is a type of monkey
https://www.britannica.com/animal/langur
Ah, yes, of course, thank you, and for the link too. There are still five or so incomplete answers to do.
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Actually, it turned out to be three. I've done two, but the last one is defeating me:
23 across: Provoked priest given as example (8)
Letters: E - I - I - E -
I've been thinking letters in the spaces, but May I have the answer, please?
L
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Actually, it turned out to be three. I've done two, but the last one is defeating me:
23 across: Provoked priest given as example (8)
Letters: E - I - I - E -
I've been thinking letters in the spaces, but May I have the answer, please?
L
The last five letters are a past tense verb for giving an example. I am left to think that the first three are an obscure biblical reference. If that doesn't help, happy to provide what I think is the answer. Don't like the clue.
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The last five letters are a past tense verb for giving an example. I am left to think that the first three are an obscure biblical reference. If that doesn't help, happy to provide what I think is the answer. Don't like the clue.
I'm glad both you and bluehillside are saying you don't like the cluesI don't like either! If the laste five letters are cited, then perhaps the first three are eli, but what ELICITED has to do with the clue, I don't know!
If elicited Is wrong, yes, I would likeg the answer please.
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Hi Susan,
I'm glad both you and bluehillside are saying you don't like the cluesI don't like either! If the laste five letters are cited, then perhaps the first three are eli, but what ELICITED has to do with the clue, I don't know!
If elicited Is wrong, yes, I would likeg the answer please.
No, ELICITED is correct. If you provoke, say, an opinion from someone you elicit it, hence the synonym.
As NS says though, not a great clue at all.
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Hi Susan,
No, ELICITED is correct. If you provoke, say, an opinion from someone you elicit it, hence the synonym.
As NS says though, not a great clue at all.
thank you.
I printed off yesterday's Cryptic and Quick, so as to have something to do to fill in an odd minute here and there. quick completed. I did a few of the Cryptic answers, but it is very unlikely I shall do much and because it isn't the Saturday one, I'm not going to try. Anyway,I looked up the answer to 1 down:
Prudence not impaired? Not at home (4)
and the answer is TACT.
And now, of course, I would be interested to know where on earth that comes from!
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Hi Susan,
thank you.
I printed off yesterday's Cryptic and Quick, so as to have something to do to fill in an odd minute here and there. quick completed. I did a few of the Cryptic answers, but it is very unlikely I shall do much and because it isn't the Saturday one, I'm not going to try. Anyway,I looked up the answer to 1 down:
Prudence not impaired? Not at home (4)
and the answer is TACT.
And now, of course, I would be interested to know where on earth that comes from!
No problem. "Prudence" is the synonym for TACT. If something is "not impaired" then it's INTACT, but as it's "not at home" it's "not in" - ie, you remove the IN at the beginning.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. "Prudence" is the synonym for TACT. If something is "not impaired" then it's INTACT, but as it's "not at home" it's "not in" - ie, you remove the IN at the beginning.
thank you for explaining. I had just now got as far as thinking, something to do with intact, but had got no further!
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Still looking in now and then on Monday's Cryptic and have done a few more clues. However, I've typed the following into google several times and it won't even pick up correctly what I have typed, so I hope an answer will be given here.
8 down: Current large division over division of pupils (4,6)
No letters available I'm afraid.
'Class sizes' would be a good answer but that won't work of course!
I realise there are many meanings of current, also large, but cannot think of one that works.
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Still looking in now and then on Monday's Cryptic and have done a few more clues. However, I've typed the following into google several times and it won't even pick up correctly what I have typed, so I hope an answer will be given here.
8 down: Current large division over division of pupils (4,6)
No letters available I'm afraid.
'Class sizes' would be a good answer but that won't work of course!
I realise there are many meanings of current, also large, but cannot think of one that works.
The whole thing is a 'current' in the sense of the oceans. The 4 letter word is a word for a division between people which has another related meaning as a geographical feature. The 6 letter is another word for class in schools, and another watery feature.
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The whole thing is a 'current' in the sense of the oceans. The 4 letter word is a word for a division between people which has another related meaning as a geographical feature. The 6 letter is another word for class in schools, and another watery feature.
Thank you! It's taken me half-an-hour but I've got it - Gulf Stream Drift!!
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Saturday again, so I can discard the interim cryptic from Monday - which turned out to be a prize one apparently, so unable to access answers, but before I throw it away, could you please tell me the answer to:
1 across: Sort of reception second repeat broadcast gets (6-4)
Letters: T - C - - - LIKE
I thought it was TRANCELIKE, but the third letter has to be C. The LIKE might be wrong too!
The answers will be available on Monday, but it is really difficult to find them on the DT puzzles website.
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Answer is I think Ticker Tape.
BTW I've stickied this topic.
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Answer is I think Ticker Tape.
Many thanks. Bit too American for my liking!! :)
BTW I've stickied this topic.
Thank you - that will certainly make it easier to find.
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This Saturday's Cryptic has a set of clues nearly all of which I have seen before. Unfortunately, I can ony remember a few of the answers! I can recall hearing Synthetic Dave reading the hint given for the following clue, but not clearly enough, I'm afraid, so a repeat hint will be much appreciated.
12 across: Outwit in fron tof girlfriend? Things go off after that (4-6,4)
Letters: - - - t - I - e - - - - - -
Last letter E I think.
Maybe first section is FAST?
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This Saturday's Cryptic has a set of clues nearly all of which I have seen before. Unfortunately, I can ony remember a few of the answers! I can recall hearing Synthetic Dave reading the hint given for the following clue, but not clearly enough, I'm afraid, so a repeat hint will be much appreciated.
12 across: Outwit in fron tof girlfriend? Things go off after that (4-6,4)
Letters: - - - t - I - e - - - - - -
Last letter E I think.
Maybe first section is FAST?
The l and the E are wrong. FAST isn't right, though it does fimish ST.
The whole thing appears on food packaging
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The l and the E are wrong. FAST isn't right, though it does fimish ST.
The whole thing appears on food packaging
Thank you - I'll try and work it out tomorrow.
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Thank you - I'll try and work it out tomorrow.
As soon as I had typed that, I turned off the computer … … then knew the answer immediately - BEST-BEFORE DATE!!
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This morning I printed out a new copy of the Cryptic as the other one was a mess! Filled in letters neatly, plus a few more answers, but still have quite a few more to do. 4 down is a bit of a puzzle. Clue is:
Boss, hard-working, havin debts cancelled (4)
Letters: - T - D
The only two letters to add which make a word appear to be STUD, but I can't see a connection.
I think the T and D are correct. The T is the last letter of 7 across:
Mostly grumpy character in bar (8)
CROTCHET
and the D is the first letter from 11 across:
Explosive made tiny fragments (8)
DYNAMITE
What do you think?
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Hi Susan,
This morning I printed out a new copy of the Cryptic as the other one was a mess! Filled in letters neatly, plus a few more answers, but still have quite a few more to do. 4 down is a bit of a puzzle. Clue is:
Boss, hard-working, havin debts cancelled (4)
Letters: - T - D
The only two letters to add which make a word appear to be STUD, but I can't see a connection.
I think the T and D are correct. The T is the last letter of 7 across:
Mostly grumpy character in bar (
CROTCHET
and the D is the first letter from 11 across:
Explosive made tiny fragments (
DYNAMITE
What do you think?
STUD is correct. One meaning of “boss” is a stud, so that’s the synonym. “hard-working” gives you “studious”, but you take off the “ious” – ie, “having debts cancelled” to get back to STUD.
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Hi Susan,
STUD is correct. One meaning of “boss” is a stud, so that’s the synonym. “hard-working” gives you “studious”, but you take off the “ious” – ie, “having debts cancelled” to get back to STUD.
Ah, yes, thank you. I recognised this as one of the clues that had appeared before, and now,having read it, I also recall the explanation, and of course should have remembered it! Just four more to do now
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5 down is: Worker needing fine body parts (4,4)
I've been thinking FARMHAND, but hadn't put it in because I couldn't see why. However, I think it is F > fine; ARM and HAND for body parts.
And yes, I am feeing ever so slightly pleased with myself!! :D I should admit though that I did google a couple of answers on Sunday. Down to two more now.
ETA Just back from the hairdresser where, sitting under the drier, I have worked out last two! 4 down: 'plLunge' and 9 across: 'Loader'.
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Every now and again there is a Cryptic set by a compiler whose style is just right for me! So far I have done about three-quarters of today's! It is quite gratifying.
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May I have, please, a yes or no for the following:
Answer: DETENTE
8 down: River claims dwelling: is it international climate warning? (7)
If it is right, could you please say why? If wrong, I am not requesting a hint!.
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May I have, please, a yes or no for the following:
Answer: DETENTE
8 down: River claims dwelling: is it international climate warning? (7)
If it is right, could you please say why? If wrong, I am not requesting a hint!.
It's right.
The river is the Dee, which surrounds the dwelling Tent. Detente itself is about international relations, and if a river rises so that dwellings are surrounded it might be down to climate change.
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It's right.
The river is the Dee, which surrounds the dwelling Tent. Detente itself is about international relations, and if a river rises so that dwellings are surrounded it might be down to climate change.
Thank you for reply and the reason for it; I thought that was probably it, but didn't think it was quite connected enough to the word 'warning'. Only a few clues to go now... ...
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Thank you for reply and the reason for it; I thought that was probably it, but didn't think it was quite connected enough to the word 'warning'. Only a few clues to go now... ...
Detente is perfect for improving international relations, and google confirms the clue was "warming" rather than "warning".
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Detente is perfect for improving international relations, and google confirms the clue was "warming" rather than "warning".
Funny you should say that … … :)
Oh dear! I have now had another look on CCTV with magnification increased, nose to screen, and see that yes it is warming!!
Fortunately, that hasn't changed the answer.
There are three more interconnected clues but I think they will have to wait until tomorrow. With a bit of luck, my subconscious will work them out while I'm asleep.
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May I have another yes or no, please.
If the answer is right, could you please say why. If wrong, I am not asking for hint!!
I can see that cut > reduced; grass > reed; but can't see where the bird without tail comes in.
Answer: reduced
19 down: Cut grass hides bird without tail (7)
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May I have another yes or no, please.
If the answer is right, could you please say why. If wrong, I am not asking for hint!!
I can see that cut > reduced; grass > reed; but can't see where the bird without tail comes in.
Answer: reduced
19 down: Cut grass hides bird without tail (7)
DUC - the bit hidden by reed is DUCK without the last letter/tail
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DUC - the bit hidden by reed is DUCK without the last letter/tail
Thank you - I thought the tail would be the last letter of one of the words in the clue.
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Cryptic now down to last clue. I intend to do this myself :) but need, please, to know the word meaning score or twenty used in Bridge which bluehillside mentioned a while back. No hint requiredthough!I've tried googling questions but there are reams of other stuff to listen to and
I've had to give up on trying to find the answer. It may be that it will not help, but it's worth a try! It would be so nice to complete one entirely unaided!!
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I know it's only Monday, but it looks as if I might have to give up on completing the whole thing unaided and ask for a hint in the end! However, for the moment, may I ask for yes or no to the questions:
Are the letters I have correct?
Is SCORETIME correct?
Letters available: S - O - E - I - E
Clue: Result: twenty given job (9)
Thank you.
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1. Yes
2. No
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Not sure of my reasoning but my mind is saying you stand in line to get a job.
SCORE is correct of course.
*Modified when I saw you wanted hints only!
Eeeeek!! No, no, I didn't want a hint!!!! However, that makes the answer SCORELINE, but I'm still going to take credit for completion unaided because I had thought of that answer before! :D
Thank you of course though for your reply.
-
Eeeeek!! No, no, I didn't want a hint!!!! However, that makes the answer SCORELINE, but I'm still going to take credit for completion unaided because I had thought of that answer before! :D
Thank you of course though for your reply.
Sorry Susan - I did modify my reply when I realised my error - but alas too late. :-[
-
Sorry Susan - I did modify my reply when I realised my error - but alas too late. :-[
No problem! Thank you. I will, however, only rest on my laurels when I manage to complete unaided a crossword by one of the more fiendish compilers! :)
-
Final edit: Oh dear, I've finished it!! What shall I do now?!!! :)
Earlier today, I came here and there was a post by Trent Voyager - but that now seems to have disappeared?
Anyway, thank you TV for it.
this week it must be the same compiler as last week, because I have only got six incomplete answers left!!
Adding an edit here to say that I now have an S, and I think the answer is insipid because the associated down clue is SEE REASON
May I please have a yes or no to :
Are these letters: I - - - P - D correct for:
5 across: Cool drink setter had in flat(7)
Thank you.
-
Hi Susan,
Final edit: Oh dear, I've finished it!! What shall I do now?!!!
Earlier today, I came here and there was a post by Trent Voyager - but that now seems to have disappeared?
Anyway, thank you TV for it.
this week it must be the same compiler as last week, because I have only got six incomplete answers left!!
Adding an edit here to say that I now have an S, and I think the answer is insipid because the associated down clue is SEE REASON
May I please have a yes or no to :
Are these letters: I - - - P - D correct for:
5 across: Cool drink setter had in flat(7)
Thank you.
Yes!
-
Hi Susan,
Yes!
:D thank you!!
-
Having completed last Saturday's Cryptic on the day, on Tuesday I printed off Monday's prize crossword and did that one to, but back to trickier one today! I've done about a quarter. A hint would be much appreciated for:
3 down: Tailor designs wrong item of clothing (8-4)
Letters: - - E - - - N -/- - - -
Am I right in thinking first part ends with ING and second is COAT?
I realise that bluehillside has given me a hint for this not long ago, but I'll never find it, and I just can't remember it.
ETA Is it dressing GOWN?
-
Hi Susan,
Having completed last Saturday's Cryptic on the day, on Tuesday I printed off Monday's prize crossword and did that one to, but back to trickier one today! I've done about a quarter. A hint would be much appreciated for:
3 down: Tailor designs wrong item of clothing (8-4)
Letters: - - E - - - N -/- - - -
Am I right in thinking first part ends with ING and second is COAT?
I realise that bluehillside has given me a hint for this not long ago, but I'll never find it, and I just can't remember it.
ETA Is it dressing GOWN?
Yes. What else can the term “tailor” imply?
-
Hi Susan,
I realise that bluehillside has given me a hint for this not long ago, but I'll never find it, and I just can't remember it.
ETA Is it dressing GOWN?
Yes. What else can the term “tailor” imply?
It's an anagram of 'dressing wrong'
-
NS,
Actually of "designs wrong". Quite a clever clue too.
-
NS,
Actually of "designs wrong". Quite a clever clue too.
Yes, don't try and do 1 thing at once. It's a nice anagram well laid out in the clue.
-
Hi Susan,
Yes. What else can the term “tailor” imply?
Um, er, …. a trick question?! :)
Well, I suppose, set things to rights? organise things? Not quite sure how that applies to dressing gown though
-
Susan,
Um, er, …. a trick question?! :)
Well, I suppose, set things to rights? organise things? Not quite sure how that applies to dressing gown though
The "tailor" tells you that you need to tailor the subsequent words - ie, make an anagram of them.
-
Susan,
The "tailor" tells you that you need to tailor the subsequent words - ie, make an anagram of them.
Thank you. Oh dear! Yes, of course, I should certainly know that by now!!
Obviously, becoming a great-grandparent and coming up to 84 in a few days time has temporarily affected my thinking … … but that will not be allowed to continue!
-
I've had to google several clues this morning, including:
17 down:Support pay for others (8)
Letters - - - T - E - T
The answer is FOOTREST
I cannot see where that comes from; for a start, there is only one T in the clue.
There are also about 6 four-letter answers with long, wordy clues, so I think I'll be googling those too. It is the compiler who uses IMPERATIVE for "Critical sort of mood".
-
I've had to google several clues this morning, including:
17 down:Support pay for others (8)
Letters - - - T - E - T
The answer is FOOTREST
I cannot see where that comes from; for a start, there is only one T in the clue.
There are also about 6 four-letter answers with long, wordy clues, so I think I'll be googling those too. It is the compiler who uses IMPERATIVE for "Critical sort of mood".
I think it is a good clue (not that I would have got it):
FOOT - supporting someone else or others to pay a bill
REST - synonym for others. as in "the rest" ?
-
I think it is a good clue (not that I would have got it):
FOOT - supporting someone else or others to pay a bill
REST - synonym for others. as in "the rest" ?
even better, the 'support' is the whole thing.
-
Udayana and NS
Thank you for replies and details of how the two parts and the whole are arrived at.
I managed 1 across eventually.
Still the same as one entertaining 1960s teenagers (10)
Letters: - - M - D - F - E -
UNMODIFIED fitted but didn't seem to be difficult enough for the clue!
-
Hi Susan,
Udayana and NS
Thank you for replies and details of how the two parts and the whole are arrived at.
I managed 1 across eventually.
Still the same as one entertaining 1960s teenagers (10)
Letters: - - M - D - F - E -
UNMODIFIED fitted but didn't seem to be difficult enough for the clue!
The synonym is UNMODIFIED, the "one" gives you "UNIFIED" and it "entertains" (ie, contains) MOD, which was a 60's teenager. Seems ok to me as a clue.
-
Hi Susan,
The synonym is UNMODIFIED, the "one" gives you "UNIFIED" and it "entertains" (ie, contains) MOD, which was a 60's teenager. Seems ok to me as a clue.
Well, yes, and to me too now that I see why! Thank you.
-
Much slower start to this Saturday's Cryptic, but I've done most of it and am stuck on 6 clues, two bottom right-hand corner, rest at top left. There were quite a few repeat clues, for one of which help will be much appreciated. The answer will help with three others. I really ought to know it, but …
1 across: Hungry strict religious group given food outside (8)
Seventh letter E
-
Hi Susan,
Try an American religious sect that still uses horses and buggies, then put a three-letter word around it that’s a synonym for being given food. The result is a synonym for “hungry”.
-
Much slower start to this Saturday's Cryptic, but I've done most of it and am stuck on 6 clues, two bottom right-hand corner, rest at top left. There were quite a few repeat clues, for one of which help will be much appreciated. The answer will help with three others. I really ought to know it, but …
1 across: Hungry strict religious group given food outside (8)
Seventh letter E
The given food part is Fed which surrounds the religious group (outside)
-
Hi Susan,
Try an American religious sect that still uses horses and buggies, then put a three-letter word around it that’s a synonym for being given food. The result is a synonym for “hungry”.
Thank you - so that is FAMISHED. That means that 1 down is finish and will give me a start for (9,7) for 2 and 3 down.
The given food part is Fed which surrounds the religious group (outside)
thank you. No doubt the same clue will be trotted out again so I'll try and remember the answer!
-
2 and 3 down were an anagram of 'essential ceramic', so that's MATERIAL SCIENCE
22 down is: Fashion shops stocking unknown fragrant plant (6)
Letters: - Y - S - -
28 across: Block group from circa 1970 reaching number one (8)
Letters: - O - E - T - -
Shared last letter. And I'm fairly sure they have appeared before.
Hints will, as usual, be much appreciated.
-
Hi Susan,
1. The “fashion” tells you that the next word is an anagram, and it contains (“stocking”) an “unknown” which in maths is an X or a Y. The whole thing is a plant.
2. Not a great clue - the “block” is the synonym, then you need a 70s band (think “Riders on the Storm” maybe) and if they reached no. 1 where would they be in the pop charts?
-
Hi Susan,
1. The “fashion” tells you that the next word is an anagram, and it contains (“stocking”) an “unknown” which in maths is an X or a Y. The whole thing is a plant.
I have been sitting thinking and came back here to say my brain cells had clicked into place and remembered that 'fashion' indicates anagram ahead! So I have HYPSOS although I do not know the word deffionition - I'll google it!
2. Not a great clue - the “block” is the synonym, then you need a 70s band (think “Riders on the Storm” maybe) and if they reached no. 1 where would they be in the pop charts?
Many thanks. I'll go and have another look at that one.
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I have been sitting thinking and came back here to say my brain cells had clicked into place and remembered that 'fashion' indicates anagram ahead! So I have HYPSOS although I do not know the word deffionition - I'll google it!Many thanks. I'll go and have another look at that one.
Hypsos is wrong. Right letters obviously
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Hypsos is wrong. Right letters obviously
Thank you - I've managed to think of it without googling! HYSSOP
That makes the last letter of 28 across P, so that is probablyTOP for the last three letters, but I'll need a bit longer to get the rest .. ...
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I regret to say I shall have to give up on that last clue and ask, please, for the answer! I suppose it is STOP for the last four letters but I do not remember much about music groups from the 1970s - More my sons' time.
I've tried thinking letters into the spaces - O - ESTOP, but nothing seems to make sense.
-
Hi Susan,
If you’re sure...
... DOORSTOP
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Hi Susan,
If you’re sure...
... DOORSTOP
Ah, right, thank you. Actually, I had been thinking DOORSTOP but that meant the E from 21 down is wrong.
21down: Fail to pay attention that's small inconvenience (7)
Letters: S - U - B - -
So I thought it was STUMBLE which gave E as fourth letter of DOORSTOP! Hmm, not sure now what the answer to that should be ...
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Hi Susan,
Ah, right, thank you. Actually, I had been thinking DOORSTOP but that meant the E from 21 down is wrong.
21down: Fail to pay attention that's small inconvenience (7)
Letters: S - U - B - -
So I thought it was STUMBLE which gave E as fourth letter of DOORSTOP! Hmm, not sure now what the answer to that should be ...
Think of a synonym for sleep...
-
Hi Susan,
Think of a synonym for sleep...
SLUMBER S plus lumber. thank you - help much appreciated.
-
/Cryptic down to last 7 or 8 clues! May I have yes or no answers to the following, please?
12 down: I will leave Russian front (3) Letters: V - -
Answer VAN
16 down: Baker upset after cancelled delivery (3,5)
Letters: - - G - R - A - -Answer LEG BREAK
17 down: Jo prayed about hazard (8) Answer: JEOPARDY
All this means that the L (from LEG) the N (from VAN) and the J (from Jeopardy) appear as follows:
- L N J - C - U - E -
The clue for which is: :
15 across: /supposed to have done some magic round European court (11)
No hint requested but if one or some of letters wrong, it would certainly help to know which ones.
Thank you.
-
/
16 down: Baker upset after cancelled delivery (3,5)
Letters: - - G - R - A - -Answer LEG BREAK
All this means that the L (from LEG) the N (from VAN) and the J (from Jeopardy) appear as follows:
- L N J - C - U - E -
The clue for which is: :
15 across: /supposed to have done some magic round European court (11)
No hint requested but if one or some of letters wrong, it would certainly help to know which ones.
Thank you.
The Leg in Leg Break is wrong, the G you have as part of it is also wrong. The others are right.
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The Leg in Leg Break is wrong, the G you have as part of it is also wrong. The others are right.
Many thanks - I think I have worked out the second half of the answer, but I'll check later. Only the second letter of the word affects anything else. I think the compiler is the one whose clues are more my style!
-
It has to be CONJECTURED ?
/that makes the Baker one OUTBREAK or oFFBREAKand I think it must be OUT because the 4-letter across clue would otherwise be - L - F! And I'm pretty sure it is PLOT
That leaves only two to go I think.No, it's four.
ir muar vw oUT which makes associated across clude PLOT
-
One left. Are the letters I have right , please? No rush for answer - I'm going to turn off computer now.
9 across: Cunning but not to start with having information about gas (6)
Letters: - T - G - N
-
Hi Susan,
It has to be CONJECTURED ?
/that makes the Baker one OUTBREAK or oFFBREAKand I think it must be OUT because the 4-letter across clue would otherwise be - L - F! And I'm pretty sure it is PLOT
That leaves only two to go I think.No, it's four.
OFF BREAK works better (“off” and “cancelled” being synonyms). What’s the clue for “PLOT” one?
-
Susan,
One left. Are the letters I have right , please? No rush for answer - I'm going to turn off computer now.
9 across: Cunning but not to start with having information about gas (6)
Letters: - T - G - N
T is wrong, G & N are good.
-
Hi Susan,
OFF BREAK works better (“off” and “cancelled” being synonyms). What’s the clue for “PLOT” one?
Ah, just seen this post of yours after posting a bove. Thank you for help. 7 down was about 'Bloomer having neat edge' and I managed to remember it's STRIM, so that is why 9 across has T as second letter.
The clue for
21 across is: Symbol of Conservative and most opposition?(4
-
Susan,
T is wrong, G & N are good.
Oh dear I'm one [post behind …
So STRIM is wrong!
I think as i'm so close to finishing, I can permit myself a hint or two ?
-
Hi Susan,
Ah, just seen this post of yours after posting a bove. Thank you for help. 7 down was about 'Bloomer having neat edge' and I managed to remember it's STRIM, so that is why 9 across has T as second letter.
Why STRIM? As it’s “bloomer” try some flowers maybe?
The clue for
21 across is: Symbol of Conservative and most opposition?(4
Assuming OFF BREAK is correct, the answer is – L – F. Think musical symbols…
Oh dear I'm one [post behind …
So STRIM is wrong!
I think as i'm so close to finishing, I can permit myself a hint or two ?
You sure can!
-
Hi Susan,
Why STRIM? As it’s “bloomer” try some flowers maybe?
I thought I remembered it was something about the edges of grass being cut neatly!
Assuming OFF BREAK is correct, the answer is – L – F. Think musical symbols…
CLEF - C for cons and LEF for most of left, I suppose.
You sure can!
Thank you!
-
I'm afraid I cannot think of a flower of five letters with the fourth letter being I, so may I have the answer, please.
The 9 across clue about gas is - - - G - N
and I assume it is one of those names ending GON, so I'd have to google it anyway! Itssecond letter is the second letter of the flower, but I think I'l
still have to look it up. An answer, therefore, will be appreciated. thank you.
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Hi Susan,
The flower is OXLIP. It’s a bit obscure but “neat” is an old term for an ox. I only know this from doing crosswords decades ago - it’s not something I would have known otherwise.
Now you have that “X” the other clue should be easy.
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Hi Susan,
The flower is OXLIP. It’s a bit obscure but “neat” is an old term for an ox. I only know this from doing crosswords decades ago - it’s not something I would have known otherwise.
Now you have that “X” the other clue should be easy.
formation.
Many thanks - I'd never hav got the OXLIP, but I should have remembered the 'cunning' > fox and removed the F; and that 'gen' is information.
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Bit of a problem this week - not the crosswords themselves, I've done the Quick and a few answers on the Cryptic, but the light bulb in the CCTV is less bright than it should be so it is making it a bit difficult to see the grid and clues. looks as if I'll have to get a new bulb and that means phoning Optelec to get one sent.
-
25 across is: Head off arm-in-arm showing tattoos (5)
Letters: - - K - -
I knew I should know it, but as it's a bit early I googled and the answer is of course INKED, but I can't work out how the clue works and a quick explanation will, as always, be much appreciated.
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Quite a few of the clues are repeats , including 1 across, but my brain is not bringing forward the answer, and a hint would much help please.
1 across: Union supporter surprisingly is left outside backing a communist (10)
Letters: - - D - - - L - - -
Obviously RED or DER comes in.
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday and this morning trying to work out an answer, then realised I was looking at the wrong place for it! (The answer was COCKER) )SPANIEL.
-
Hi Susan,
25 across is: Head off arm-in-arm showing tattoos (5)
Letters: - - K - -
I knew I should know it, but as it's a bit early I googled and the answer is of course INKED, but I can't work out how the clue works and a quick explanation will, as always, be much appreciated.
“arm-in-arm" is LINKED, and if you take the “head off” you get INKED.
Quite a few of the clues are repeats , including 1 across, but my brain is not bringing forward the answer, and a hint would much help please.
1 across: Union supporter surprisingly is left outside backing a communist (10)
Letters: - - D - - - L - - -
Obviously RED or DER comes in.
I spent quite a bit of time yesterday and this morning trying to work out an answer, then realised I was looking at the wrong place for it! (The answer was COCKER) )SPANIEL.
The “union supporter” is the synonym. The “surprisingly” could tell you there’s an anagram – possibly of “is left”, which surrounds (“outside”) a communist, but in reverse (“backing”). You’re on the right lines with RED.
-
Hi Susan,
“arm-in-arm" is LINKED, and if you take the “head off” you get INKED.
Thank you - and that's something else I should have remembered! I knew I had to take the first letter(s) off something, but didn't think of 'linked'.
The “union supporter” is the synonym. The “surprisingly” could tell you there’s an anagram – possibly of “is left”, which surrounds (“outside”) a communist, but in reverse (“backing”). You’re on the right lines with RED.
I finally finished the remaining clues by the time I turned off the computer having managed to keep working at it and not cheating! I did look up synonyms. Anyway the answer is FEDERALIST, isn't it, but I didn't workout that 'is left' was the anagram, that was luck. That made 1 dow FAME and 3 down R---CARNATION' and I tried to make it ROSECARNATION at first, but finally remembered that it must be REINCARNATION (making a comeback). The only one I'm not sure of is 26 across which is: Dash around during vernal equinox (4) with letters: E - D -
I've put in EDDY but it's a guess- is it correct?
Thank you.
-
Hi Susan,
No - the D is wrong (and the answer is in the clue!).
-
Hi Susan,
No - the D is wrong (and the answer is in the clue!).
Thank you. I suppose that means ELAN? That seems to be the only way four letters beginning with E make any sense! However, that leaves the answer to 18 down ending with an A. I think the answer must be BANDANA. Anna with D of daughter … not sure about the B and the A after the D.
Clue is: Headgear of daughter taken by one in hand (7)
Letters: B - N - A - -
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you. I suppose that means ELAN? That seems to be the only way four letters beginning with E make any sense!
Yes – ELAN is backwards inside the words “vernal equinox”, and it’s a synonym for “dash” (as in verve or style).
However, that leaves the answer to 18 down ending with an A. I think the answer must be BANDANA. Anna with D of daughter … not sure about the B and the A after the D.
Clue is: Headgear of daughter taken by one in hand (7)
Letters: B - N - A - -
Yes, you’ve got the daughter part and a bunch of bananas is called a “hand”.
-
Hi Susan,
Yes – ELAN is backwards inside the words “vernal equinox”, and it’s a synonym for “dash” (as in verve or style).
Yes, you’ve got the daughter part and a bunch of bananas is called a “hand”.
Thank you.
-
I am slightly sad this weekend to find that just about all the Cryptic clues are ones that have shown up during these past two years, and some of course more than once, so instead of reading them with a lively anticipation, I find it is a case of trying to remember what the answer was last time and/or the associated very helpful hints. I'm not just going to stop doing them - and I'd like to keep this topic open as a 'sticky', please, because, always the optimist, I hope there might be a new and particularly interesting one turn up which will need a hint request!
The trouble is that I do not know with what I could replace doing crosswords, which would be something of a challenge and which can be done at home. All suggestions gratefully rceived. In the meantime, I'll plod on of course!
-
Hi Usan,
I am slightly sad this weekend to find that just about all the Cryptic clues are ones that have shown up during these past two years, and some of course more than once, so instead of reading them with a lively anticipation, I find it is a case of trying to remember what the answer was last time and/or the associated very helpful hints. I'm not just going to stop doing them - and I'd like to keep this topic open as a 'sticky', please, because, always the optimist, I hope there might be a new and particularly interesting one turn up which will need a hint request!
The trouble is that I do not know with what I could replace doing crosswords, which would be something of a challenge and which can be done at home. All suggestions gratefully rceived. In the meantime, I'll plod on of course!
Oh that's a shame - why not give it a go anyway though as I can't imagine there aren't some new clues at least. Here's a idea though - why not try to write clue or two of your own? It's harder to do than you might think you know!
-
Hi Usan,
Oh that's a shame - why not give it a go anyway though as I can't imagine there aren't some new clues at least.
thank you for reply - yes, I shall keep looking at it and persevering, as I'man 'I've started so I'll finish' person!Here's a idea though - why not try to write clue or two of your own? It's harder to do than you might think you know!
Yes, I do appreciate that and give the credit where it is due to the crossword compilers - I wouldn't know where to start!
Actually4 down: Furies in Ireland?Certainly! (7)
Letters: E - I - Y - -
is something I would appreciate a hint for, please. I don't think I'll get it - or remember it - even if I find the last letter.
-
Hi Susan,
Yes, I do appreciate that and give the credit where it is due to the crossword compilers - I wouldn't know where to start!
Actually4 down: Furies in Ireland?Certainly! (7)
Letters: E - I - Y - -
is something I would appreciate a hint for, please. I don't think I'll get it - or remember it - even if I find the last letter.
I worked this out, but confess I didn’t know the word it gave me so had to look it up! Anyway, you need a four letter synonym for “Ireland”, then a three-letter synonym for “certainly”.
-
Hi Susan,
I worked this out, but confess I didn’t know the word it gave me so had to look it up! Anyway, you need a four letter synonym for “Ireland”, then a three-letter synonym for “certainly”.
need to be a Greek mythology geek to know the word
-
Hi Susan,
I worked this out, but confess I didn’t know the word it gave me so had to look it up! Anyway, you need a four letter synonym for “Ireland”, then a three-letter synonym for “certainly”.
The idea that I might be able to work out an answer that you had to look up, just does not compute!!! :D
EIRE and YES presumably, but may I have the answer,please?!
And of course, every now and again the compiler whose clues are just up my street comes along so I'll certainly be doing those.
-
Hi Susan,
The idea that I might be able to work out an answer that you had to look up, just does not compute!!! :D
EIRE and YES presumably, but may I have the answer,please?!
And of course, every now and again the compiler whose clues are just up my street comes along so I'll certainly be doing those.
Aw, stop it now!
It's ERINYES - not a word I knew before as as said, so thank you for enabling me to learn something new today ; - )
-
Hi Susan,
Aw, stop it now!
It's ERINYES - not a word I knew before as as said, so thank you for enabling me to learn something new today ; - )
Thank you. I've googled one answer this morning* and have completed all but three all of which my subconscious is probably looking through previous hints and answers to find the right ones! One of them is: Set out at night? (7) with letters: S - N - U - E but not sure about the S.
*The one about 'Sub-machine gun loaded with little honey, SWEETEN. I knew STEN but forgot the WEE for little.
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you. I've googled one answer this morning* and have completed all but three all of which my subconscious is probably looking through previous hints and answers to find the right ones! One of them is: Set out at night? (7) with letters: S - N - U - E but not sure about the S.
*The one about 'Sub-machine gun loaded with little honey, SWEETEN. I knew STEN but forgot the WEE for little.
Re “set out at night” you’re right to be not sure – it isn’t S!
-
Thank you. I've googled one answer this morning* and have completed all but three all of which my subconscious is probably looking through previous hints and answers to find the right ones! One of them is: Set out at night? (7) with letters: S - N - U - E but not sure about the S.
*The one about 'Sub-machine gun loaded with little honey, SWEETEN. I knew STEN but forgot the WEE for little.
I don't think the S is right
-
bluehillside and NS
Thank you for replies. I'll see what I can do ...
-
Hi Susan,
bluehillside and NS
Thank you for replies. I'll see what I can do ...
I'm sure it'll come to you once you get your teeth into it...
-
Hi Susan,
I'm sure it'll come to you once you get your teeth into it...
:) :) Thank you - but oh dear! That makes the answer DENTURE and, no, my brain would never have come up with that, especially as I do not possess such a thing!!
That makes the answer to the across clue beginning with D DELFTWARE I think. Clue: Escaped over water breaking pottery(9) I had the L, T and WARE, but hadn't remembered the FLED part from the previous occasion.
-
Two clues remain stubbornly unanswered.
7 down: Arab stopping Mona's obsessive single-mindedness (9)
Letters: M - N - S - - - A
16 across: Wise for instance feeding one to sea eagle (5)
Letters: E - - - E
3rd letter of 16 across = 7th of 7 down
Both clues have appeared before, but I'm afraid I have not come up with the answers, so a strong hint for both will be much appreciated. Thank you.
-
Hi Susan,
Two clues remain stubbornly unanswered.
7 down: Arab stopping Mona's obsessive single-mindedness (9)
Letters: M - N - S - - - A
16 across: Wise for instance feeding one to sea eagle (5)
Letters: E - - - E
3rd letter of 16 across = 7th of 7 down
Both clues have appeared before, but I'm afraid I have not come up with the answers, so a strong hint for both will be much appreciated. Thank you.
No problem.
For the first one, the S is wrong I’m afraid. The MONA is given to you, so you need to insert (“stopping”) a four-letter synonym for “Arab” to give you the synonym for “obsessive single-mindedness”.
For the second, the answer is a famous Wise! You need an obscure term for “Sea eagle” (often used by crossword compilers), and then put an i insde it (“feeding one”).
-
Hi Susan,
No problem.
For the first one, the S is wrong I’m afraid. The MONA is given to you, so you need to insert (“stopping”) a four-letter synonym for “Arab” to give you the synonym for “obsessive single-mindedness”.
For the second, the answer is a famous Wise! You need an obscure term for “Sea eagle” (often used by crossword compilers), and then put an i insde it (“feeding one”).
Thank you . 7 down must be MONAMANIA.I had thought of that, but had spelt it in my head as MONO.... but thought it was wrong anyway because of the S.
that S comes from:
12across: General's son the one she loves? (7)
Letters: S - E - - - N
and I thought the answer from the previous occasion it occurred was STEPSON but it must be SHERMAN
The 16 across is ERNIE then. Yes, now I remember!
Thank you. This week's crosswords will have to wait to be printed until Monday when tech chap comes because the printer needs a new ink cartridge.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you . 7 down must be MONAMANIA.I had thought of that, but had spelt it in my head as MONO.... but thought it was wrong anyway because of the S.
that S comes from:
12across: General's son the one she loves? (7)
Letters: S - E - - - N
and I thought the answer from the previous occasion it occurred was STEPSON but it must be SHERMAN
The 16 across is ERNIE then. Yes, now I remember!
Thank you. This week's crosswords will have to wait to be printed until Monday when tech chap comes because the printer needs a new ink cartridge.
No problem. Can I suggest something though? I wouldn't try to remember individual clues if I were you - there are too many possibles (and variations on possibles too) ever to have a mental library. Rather you might be better remembering the various tropes the setters use: "jumbled", "confused"etc for an anagram; "about", "rewind" etc for turning something backward; the first word of the clue being used to hide the capital of a proper noun or name (like Wise); homonyms ("flower" rhyming both with "flour" as in daisy, and with "grower" as in Thames); double meanings ("butter" as in a dairy product and as in a goat) etc.
Good luck!
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Thank you . 7 down must be MONAMANIA.I had thought of that, but had spelt it in my head as MONO.... but thought it was wrong anyway because of the S.
that S comes from:
12across: General's son the one she loves? (7)
Letters: S - E - - - N
and I thought the answer from the previous occasion it occurred was STEPSON but it must be SHERMAN
The 16 across is ERNIE then. Yes, now I remember!
Thank you. This week's crosswords will have to wait to be printed until Monday when tech chap comes because the printer needs a new ink cartridge.
It is MONO. The Mona in the first three letters and last letter, with Omani , the Arab, inserted
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It is MONO. The Mona in the first three letters and last letter, with Omani , the Arab, inserted
Thank you for the proper explanation of the composition of the word.
Yesterda I did manage to print the crossword. The previous week, there must have been a glitch in the printer because it gets used so very seldom, but I knew the cartridge wasn't that old, so crossed my fingers and, yes, it worked!
bluehillside
Your reminder about the just about unlimited words for anagrams has helped. Clue:
4 across: Mr Toad an eccentric lacking definite plan (2,6)
It took me until this morning to think, oh yes, 'eccentric' = anagram.
Answer: AT RANDOM
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Still something not quite right with the printer - although it could be the light or my eyes! Anyway,
3 across is: Edinburgh's river (5)
Well, that's CLYDE, isn't it? but the letters I have are - O - T - and Google said Water of life' is the river!
May I have a hint or answer, please?
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Hi Susan,
Still something not quite right with the printer - although it could be the light or my eyes! Anyway,
3 across is: Edinburgh's river (5)
Well, that's CLYDE, isn't it? but the letters I have are - O - T - and Google said Water of life' is the river!
May I have a hint or answer, please?
You're gong to upset a few Scotsmen I know around here. The Clyde is Glasgow I think...
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Hi Susan,
You're gong to upset a few Scotsmen I know around here. The Clyde is Glasgow I think...
:D Thank you but they will have to blame Google for confirming 'Clyde! I hope I can assume the O and T are right, as you did not mention them..
I think the compiler is probably the one I like, as all the clues fit on one page!
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Hi Susan,
:D Thank you but they will have to blame Google for confirming 'Clyde! I hope I can assume the O and T are right, as you did not mention them..
I think the compiler is probably the one I like, as all the clues fit on one page!
No problem Susan, and yes they're right. I'm sure you'll get it, if not after the third or the fifth attempt then maybe, say, somewhere in between?
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Hi Susan,
No problem Susan, and yes they're right. I'm sure you'll get it, if not after the third or the fifth attempt then maybe, say, somewhere in between?
:D Yes, I think I've got it!!
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At the moment, my CCTV is not working properly. I thought a couple of weeks ago that the bulb needed replacing, but the Tech chap from Optelec, from what he was hearing about what was on the screen, did not think so. However, the light keeps fading and making it difficult to see the grid and clues easily, so I shall appreciate help with some of them, please.
9 across: Unusual question - not to one that sparkles? (6)
Letters: - E - - - N
3 down: Come up against an objection (4)
Begins with A and third letter is fourth of 9 across.
19 across: Connoisseurs one hundred with terrible congestion (11)
Letters: - O - N - S - E - - -
Thank you.
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At the moment, my CCTV is not working properly. I thought a couple of weeks ago that the bulb needed replacing, but the Tech chap from Optelec, from what he was hearing about what was on the screen, did not think so. However, the light keeps fading and making it difficult to see the grid and clues easily, so I shall appreciate help with some of them, please.
9 across: Unusual question - not to one that sparkles? (6)
Letters: - E - - - N
3 down: Come up against an objection (4)
Begins with A and third letter is fourth of 9 across.
19 across: Connoisseurs one hundred with terrible congestion (11)
Letters: - O - N - S - E - - -
Thank you.
9 across is something that sparkles, used a lot on Strictly, made up on 6 letters from the word question.
If you get that I'll leave3 down as the third letter should help.
19 across is a synonym for connoisseurs. It's another forein word and is an anagram of congestion with an added letter signifying one hundred.
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Out of interest, what ever happened to 'Crossword Clues Part 1'?
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Out of interest, what ever happened to 'Crossword Clues Part 1'?
At some stage it dropped off the first page so SusanDoris started this one. In part that is why this one is 'stickied'.
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9 across is something that sparkles, used a lot on Strictly, made up on 6 letters from the word question.
If you get that I'll leave3 down as the third letter should help.
19 across is a synonym for connoisseurs. It's another forein word and is an anagram of congestion with an added letter signifying one hundred.
Many thanks for your reply. I am pleased to say that I had thought the answers were probably anagrams of 'question' and 'congestion' + C, so I will work on those now.
Actually, my reader has been here (reading some more of 'Gentry' by Adam Nicolson - a fantastic book) and I asked her what colour the crosswerds (Quick and Cryptic) were. She said that the grids were orange and the clues pink - so no wonder the CCTV is finding it difficult to show them! I shall e-mail the happy-lapppy Tech chap again and see if he can send me instructions as to how I can tell the printer to sort itself out.
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SEQUIN, ABUT and COGNOSCENTI
Thank you NS - I would not have got the 'sequin' without the hint of using only six letters of 'question'.
Four more to go...
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Last post this week: Last clues completed! I'll try and get the printer working properly before the next one!
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Finished the Tuesday Cryptic except for 5 across: Cancel a British language, but not initially (7)
Letters: A - I - I - H
May I have the answer, please.
I'll have to print off today's too, otherwise tine is going to really drag!
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Hi Susan,
Try replacing that first I with an O. You’ll get it straight away then.
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Hi Susan,
Try replacing that first I with an O. You’ll get it straight away then.
Ah, yes, thank you - ABOLISH, which makes 6 down OUCH not ITCH!
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I'm not at all sure I shall persevere with this Saturday's Cryptic; many of the clues are long, with three or four-letter answers.
3 down is: Mike's misery over Persian's remark? (4)
Letters: - E - -
I have just googled the answer and it is MEOW. Okay, I thought there might be a cat involved but I'd never have got the rest.
22 down: Turkish commander edges away from heathen (3)
Taking the edges away fromn heathen gives ATH, but that doesn't make sense, does it?
I have done about a quarter of it and most of those were reasonably easy. At least I have far too many hours to fill this week!
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I'm not at all sure I shall persevere with this Saturday's Cryptic; many of the clues are long, with three or four-letter answers.
3 down is: Mike's misery over Persian's remark? (4)
Letters: - E - -
I have just googled the answer and it is MEOW. Okay, I thought there might be a cat involved but I'd never have got the rest.
22 down: Turkish commander edges away from heathen (3)
Taking the edges away fromn heathen gives ATH, but that doesn't make sense, does it?
I have done about a quarter of it and most of those were reasonably easy. At least I have far too many hours to fill this week!
Ath is wrong. Think cooker.
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And I don't like the Meow clue but Abyssinian is a type of cat
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Ath is wrong. Think cooker.
Thank you for your replies. The only three-letter word I can think of in connection with 'cooker' is 'hob', but no idea how that fits in. If that is wrong, could you tell me the answer, please?
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your replies. The only three-letter word I can think of in connection with 'cooker' is 'hob', but no idea how that fits in. If that is wrong, could you tell me the answer, please?
AGA
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Hi Susan,
AGA
thank you. I think it would have been very unlikely I'd have thought of that even if I'd had two out of three letters! :) well,maybe I might have managed it!
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with hours and hours to fill ( :) plus *sigh*), I'm just thinking about the quarter of clues not yet done.
13 across is: tragic royal's damaged pectoral area (9)
Letters: - - E - P - E - A
It's one of those clues that has come up before and I think it is an anagram of pectoral plus possibly R? But a hint would be much appreciated, please.
ETA Went straight back to CCTV and thought CLEOPATRA - should have thought of this already....
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Hi Susan,
…with hours and hours to fill ( plus *sigh*), I'm just thinking about the quarter of clues not yet done.
13 across is: tragic royal's damaged pectoral area (9)
Letters: - - E - P - E - A
It's one of those clues that has come up before and I think it is an anagram of pectoral plus possibly R? But a hint would be much appreciated, please.
The second E shouldn’t be there I’m afraid, and the “damaged” tells you there’s an anagram. Think asp!
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Hi Susan,
The second E shouldn’t be there I’m afraid, and the “damaged” tells you there’s an anagram. Think asp!
thank you for the help - I must have added ETA before seeing this. Yes, I was slightly put out when the E was wrong, so I'll have to think about the down clue again.
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Slowly getting there... …
13 down is: Youngsters spotted with it cross Yello River first (10,0)
But there are only ten squares for CHICKENPOX, so can you say why the extra 0 here?
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Hi Susan,
Slowly getting there... …
13 down is: Youngsters spotted with it cross Yello River first (10,0)
But there are only ten squares for CHICKENPOX, so can you say why the extra 0 here?
Um, I don’t think there is one! Is there a glitch with your software perhaps?
“Youngsters spotted with it” gives you the synonym, “yellow” is CHICKEN, “river” is PO and they come before (“first”) the “cross” of X. Nothing else is needed.
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Hi Susan,
Um, I don’t think there is one! Is there a glitch with your software perhaps?
“Youngsters spotted with it” gives you the synonym, “yellow” is CHICKEN, “river” is PO and they come before (“first”) the “cross” of X. Nothing else is needed.
Thank you. In that case it is a misprint because it is definitely printed as (10,0)!!
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Only three (linked) clues to finish now and, as it would be quite nice to finish them today, may I please have a hint for
25 across: Organism spreads to consume upper-class twit (9)
Letters: I - - - - A N - S
It is of course one that has occurred before. Is it an anagram of 'organism' plus a letter?
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Hey Susan,
Only three (linked) clues to finish now and, as it would be quite nice to finish them today, may I please have a hint for
25 across: Organism spreads to consume upper-class twit (9)
Letters: I - - - - A N - S
It is of course one that has occurred before. Is it an anagram of 'organism' plus a letter?
Yes! “Upper-class” is U if that helps.
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Hey Susan,
Yes! “Upper-class” is U if that helps.
thank you - muchappreciated. I did wonder whether it was U. I hope to be back with the answer tomorrow!
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Last one is 19 down: Art expressing the ultimate in shabbiness? (7)
Letters: - E - N - S -
Presumably it ends in NEST or NESS, but I can't think of the letters to fill in that make a word which complies with the clue.
May I please have a hint?
And I'll bet the answer is one I ought to know!
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Hi Susan,
I think I have it but I’m not sure I understand the whole clue. Yes to NEST at the end, and “shabby” has the sense “ungenerous” so you should get it from that. The ART bit though I don’t get I’m afraid.
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Hi Susan,
I think I have it but I’m not sure I understand the whole clue. Yes to NEST at the end, and “shabby” has the sense “ungenerous” so you should get it from that. The ART bit though I don’t get I’m afraid.
Thank you, as always. I'm glad about the last point. I have been thinking MEANEST but couldn't see why.
I hope this Saturday's is a bit more encouragingly interesting - I wonder if it will have some virus-related clues!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you, as always. I'm glad about the last point. I have been thinking MEANEST but couldn't see why.
I hope this Saturday's is a bit more encouragingly interesting - I wonder if it will have some virus-related clues!
“Corona virus mutates to consume other animals (11)” maybe?
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Hi Susan,
“Corona virus mutates to consume other animals (11)” maybe?
UNVORACIOUS ?! but that's only got one R! - I'l work on that ...
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Hi Susan,
UNVORACIOUS ?! but that's only got one R! - I'l work on that ...
Nope - better than that (if I say so myself!).
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Hi Susan,
Nope - better than that (if I say so myself!).
How about CORN SAVIOUR?!
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How about CORN SAVIOUR?!
C’mon Susan, it’s one word and you can do it…
…what's the name for animals that eat other animals?
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Perhaps "Corona virus mutation consumes other animals (11)" works slightly better?
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C’mon Susan, it’s one word and you can do it…
[
CARNIVOROUS - and I got it before cursoring onto and hearing the two following lines:
…what's the name for animals that eat other animals?
I'll have to try and think of a clue for CORN SAVIOUR though! Unfortunately, it won't be any good!
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Hey Susan,
CARNIVOROUS - and I got it before cursoring onto and hearing the two following lines:
Bingo! Not a bad clue I thought because the "mutates" works well both for the subject matter and as an indicator of an anagram (he said immodestly...)
I'll have to try and think of a clue for CORN SAVIOUR though! Unfortunately, it won't be any good!
Sorry but you're on your own with that one!
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Hey Susan,
Bingo! Not a bad clue I thought because the "mutates" works well both for the subject matter and as an indicator of an anagram (he said immodestly...)
I think you are quite entitled to be pleased with it! :)
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No clues relating to the virus as far as I can see! I've made a start, but would much appreciate a hint for
18 down: One who wrote less about truth might we infer? (7
No letters so far.
It has appeared before of course and I ought to remember …
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Hi Susan,
No clues relating to the virus as far as I can see! I've made a start, but would much appreciate a hint for
18 down: One who wrote less about truth might we infer? (7
No letters so far.
It has appeared before of course and I ought to remember …
That's a real toughie. I looked at it this morning and had nothing, then have been running through possible writers that fit and then trying to workout why. I think I have it now though - the answer is a famous writer/playwright (not necessarily British). Then we have the "less about truth" part. Another way of saying that is to use the opposites of both terms - ie, the opposite of "less" surrounding ("around") the opposite of a truth. Hope it helps.
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Hi Susan,
That's a real toughie. I looked at it this morning and had nothing, then have been running through possible writers that fit and then trying to workout why. I think I have it now though - the answer is a famous writer/playwright (not necessarily British). Then we have the "less about truth" part. Another way of saying that is to use the opposites of both terms - ie, the opposite of "less" surrounding ("around") the opposite of a truth. Hope it helps.
Many thanks - that will be MOLIERE then, but I would not have got that one even with letters I think.
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Top half of crossword complete but still too many spaces below.
23 down is: Father to turn up for psychiatrist (5)
I think the first letter might be C and then CAPER springs to mind but appears to have no connection with the clue!
May I have a hint, please?
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Top half of crossword complete but still too many spaces below.
23 down is: Father to turn up for psychiatrist (5)
I think the first letter might be C and then CAPER springs to mind but appears to have no connection with the clue!
May I have a hint, please?
Think the first letter might be F
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Think the first letter might be F
Thank you - I'll see what I can do. that F actually helps with 23 across too!
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Last quarter to fill. There have been some puzzling answers. For example
17 across is: Two scholars placed in reform school (4,5)
Letters: - - M -/m - t - r
So the answer has to be ALMA MATER but I cannot see why.
22 across is: Asian city or Greek one without parking (5)
Letters: - - L - I
I presume DELHI, but it ought to have AL* HA involved, shouldn't it?
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Hi Susan,
Last quarter to fill. There have been some puzzling answers. For example
17 across is: Two scholars placed in reform school (4,5)
Letters: - - M -/m - t - r
So the answer has to be ALMA MATER but I cannot see why.
It’s MA twice ("two scholars") inside ("placed in") ALTER (“reform”).
22 across is: Asian city or Greek one without parking (5)
Letters: - - L - I
I presume DELHI, but it ought to have AL* HA involved, shouldn't it?
No, it’s DELPHI with the P (ie, parking) missing.
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Hi Susan,
It’s MA twice ("two scholars") inside ("placed in") ALTER (“reform”).
No, it’s DELPHI with the P (ie, parking) missing.
Many thanks - and I am now more confident that some of the other answers are correct, even though they didn't seem to fit the clues. Just a few more to go.
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Completed Saturday's Cryptic yesterday evening. This morning printed Tuesday's Prize Cryptic, plus the ordinary one, so that will provide something to do during the next few days.
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Because things feel different, I have not spent the time I would normally spend on the cryptic this weekend. I've had the time of course, but didn't feel the same about it! I shall have to work harder tomorrow!
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I didn't get much of last week's Cryptic done - each day just felt so odd. However, I have made a reasonable start on this Saturday's and would appreciate a hint for the following, please. I realise that 'blubber' can refer to weeping or whales!
First Across clue, 9 across: Ancient blubber and unusual bone enthralling one (5)
No letters, I'm afraid.
I thought for a moment there the third letter was L, but realised I was looking at the wrong place on the grid.
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I didn't get much of last week's Cryptic done - each day just felt so odd. However, I have made a reasonable start on this Saturday's and would appreciate a hint for the following, please. I realise that 'blubber' can refer to weeping or whales!
First Across clue, 9 across: Ancient blubber and unusual bone enthralling one (5)
No letters, I'm afraid.
I thought for a moment there the third letter was L, but realised I was looking at the wrong place on the grid.
OK... I looked this up as it seemed too hard, and it still seems hard even knowing the answer!
I hope that doesn't invalidate a hint?
Ancient implies Greek - but not a whale, and unusual/enthralling imply an anagram.
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OK... I looked this up as it seemed too hard, and it still seems hard even knowing the answer!
I hope that doesn't invalidate a hint?
Ancient implies Greek - but not a whale, and unusual/enthralling imply an anagram.
Enthralling in this case is surrounding 'one'. I think I know the answer but I can't remember enough of ancient Greek mythology to get the 'blubber'.
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Udayana and NS
Thank you for your help. I'l see what I can do before giving up!
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I did think of it being an anagram of bone, but that is only four letters. If I add an I for the 'enthralling of one', that makes EBONI of which I had never heard! I googled 'definition of eboni' and it came up with something about a Greek name.
Is it the right answer? If not, may I have the answer, please.
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I did think of it being an anagram of bone, but that is only four letters. If I add an I for the 'enthralling of one', that makes EBONI of which I had never heard! I googled 'definition of eboni' and it came up with something about a Greek name.
Is it the right answer? If not, may I have the answer, please.
The answer is Niobe, details in the wiki. She is apparently the emblem of the weeping mother, hence the blubber.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobe
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The answer is Niobe, details in the wiki. She is apparently the emblem of the weeping mother, hence the blubber.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niobe
Many thanks - I'd definitely never have got that on my own.
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Having rejected the idea of cheating as not worthy :) I have been having another look, completed a few more answers and started on last empty corner.
26 down is:First Lady having concern ultimately quits(4)
First letter is E and I assume last letter is S from quits, so the answer should be EVES but I don't see why.
The only other possiblility is ERRS, I suppose. ER, plus an R for hesitation or concern, plus the S.
May I have a Yes or No, please?
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The S is wrong. The ultimately applies retrospectively. Not my favourite clue.
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The S is wrong. The ultimately applies retrospectively. Not my favourite clue.
Thank you. Yes, I've just been looking again. It has to be EVE because the second E is, from answer I have just worked out, the end of LIEGE, but I presume N is the last letter because of the meaning- EVENS. Agreed about not liking the clue!
There are just three unfinished answers. A hint will be much appreciated, please, for:
13 across: Dance in study with Georgia (5)
Letters: C - N - -
However, I don't think that the last letter will help much with
3 down: One from Dakar perhaps seen buffeted by winds close to village (10)
Letters: - E - E - - - E - E
8 down has everyi alternate letter, but it refers to TV personality, so I don't care what the answer is since I do not watch TV! I will, however, continue to try to get it right.
ETA Just googled info reDakar, so the answer is probably SENEGALESE ?
2nd ETA SE, Ne, GALES, but not sure about village ……
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Just two empty squares left in 13 across - C - N - A. I suppose it must be CENDA but do not know why.
8 down: TV personality about to appear in remade westerns [10)
I thought it was an anagram of westerns, and the answer is NEWSCASTER but I don't get where the A and the C come from.
No rush for answer of course, but if you know the why of both above, I shall be most interested. Thank you.
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It is't CENDA - think of what short form of Georgia, the state is, and a dance that would finish with those letters.
Agree about 8 Down but not seeing the C A either
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It is't CENDA - think of what short form of Georgia, the state is, and a dance that would finish with those letters.
Agree about 8 Down but not seeing the C A either
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circa
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It is't CENDA - think of what short form of Georgia, the state is, and a dance that would finish with those letters.
Agree about 8 Down but not seeing the C A either
Thank you - much appreciated. Oh, yes, I hadn't thought of CONGA! Not sure how 'con' indicates 'study' …
/Doesn't matter, though, so long as the squares are filled! Dittto with the elusive C and A, ;I suppose.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circa
Well, I think the compiler is trying to be just a bit too, too clever!! Thank you, of course though, as, with a a bit of a stretch of the imagination, one can see the why! :) :)
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Well, I think the compiler is trying to be just a bit too, too clever!! Thank you, of course though, as, with a a bit of a stretch of the imagination, one can see the why! :) :)
They seem to have warped minds!
The con, for study, is an archaic meaning btw.
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Help last week much appreciated. Reasonable start made this week, but may I please have a hint for:
7 down: Hard work gets paintings into books (8)
Letters: - - - - S - - -
REGISTER > book fits, but makes no sense otherwise!
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It's not Register.
You need to think of a name for a type of painting, and another name for a book, and then put the type of painting inside the letters of the alternative name for book
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It's not Register.
You need to think of a name for a type of painting, and another name for a book, and then put the type of painting inside the letters of the alternative name for book
Thank you - I thought that might be it, but both words elude me at the moment!
ETA: It helps to know that I don't have to think of all the other meanings of book!
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Thank you - I thought that might be it, but both words elude me at the moment!
ETA: It helps to know that I don't have to think of all the other meanings of book!
It's a relatively archaic term for a book, and the overall word is a synonym of hard work.
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It's a relatively archaic term for a book, and the overall word is a synonym of hard work.
Thank you. As it's only Sunday, I won't give up today, but I think I might be asking for the answer to morrow! I'm thinking 'tome' or 'opus', but a word for paintings with an S in ...Hmmm ...
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Thank you. As it's only Sunday, I won't give up today, but I think I might be asking for the answer to morrow! I'm thinking 'tome' or 'opus', but a word for paintings with an S in ...Hmmm ...
You have the book and the painting idea is right.
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You have the book and the painting idea is right.
Thank you - I think I've got it! TOILSOME. I cannot claim to have done it entirely unaided though! Having read your post, I was, as I was yesterday evening, trying to put 'opus' into tome. Just now I googled: definition topusome! It asked if I meant a choice of several words, and 'toilsome' was among them.
Not a word that springs readily to mind, though.
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Thank you - I think I've got it! TOILSOME. I cannot claim to have done it entirely unaided though! Having read your post, I was, as I was yesterday evening, trying to put 'opus' into tome. Just now I googled: definition topusome! It asked if I meant a choice of several words, and 'toilsome' was among them.
Not a word that springs readily to mind, though.
Yep. I think that is the weakness in the clue.
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Yep. I think that is the weakness in the clue.
It has helped with two other answers. However,
5 down is: Love helping after trouble (9)
Letters: A - - - A - - - -
ADORATION fits, but if it Is right, can you say why, please? If it is wrong, I'll think again!
ETA just realise - ADO = trouble and RATION for helping!
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Only four more incomplete answers left. I am quite pleased actually, because although I have looked up some synonyms, the only answer I've googled is BEAUJOLAIS. The names and tastes and presence of wine, apart from its second-hand effect for one,ten-year part of my life, have never been more than a peripheral and very occasional part. Having a short rest at the moment!
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A hint for the following clue would be much appreciated. I have
Letters: M - D - I(?) - T - D
MEDiTATED fits but I can't see why it works. I assume China being at the beginning to give it a capital C is meant to confuse!
Are the letters correct? If not, could you please say which are wrong.
25 across: China must enable change daughter thought (9)
Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
A hint for the following clue would be much appreciated. I have
Letters: M - D - I(?) - T - D
MEDiTATED fits but I can't see why it works. I assume China being at the beginning to give it a capital C is meant to confuse!
Are the letters correct? If not, could you please say which are wrong.
25 across: China must enable change daughter thought (9)
Nope, you’ve got it. “China” is rhyming slang (“china plate” = MATE), put in a word meaning “change” (EDIT) and add the final D for “daughter”. The synonym for MEDITATED is “thought”.
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Hi Susan,
Nope, you’ve got it. “China” is rhyming slang (“china plate” = MATE), put in a word meaning “change” (EDIT) and add the final D for “daughter”. The synonym for MEDITATED is “thought”.
Thank you , much appreciated. I did wonder whether 'china' was going to be rhyming slang, but I couldn't remember what for.
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It's only 10:45 on Sunday morning, and I have completed the Cryptic - no cheating either, just looked up Greek alphabet.
However, I would appreciate it if you could please confirm that ASPIRE is the correct answer for
5 down: Like gluey material in trial (6)
Letters: -S - I - E
I assume AS > 'like' but can't see how the rest fits unless it is rather an odd link between trialling something and aspiring … ….
I'll probably try the Tuesday one, but thank goodness I've still got plenty of 'Good Omens' to read.
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Aspire isn't right. The overall answer is a relatively archaic word that is a synonym for trial, more usually thought of in the plural
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Aspire isn't right. The overall answer is a relatively archaic word that is a synonym for trial, more usually thought of in the plural
Ah, yes, many thanks. That must be ASSIZE although 'size' for 'gluey' is a word from too far back in my life to have been remembered here!
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Saturday's Quick crossword was too hard - I only got about 6 answers so I gave up and looked at the answers this morning! The Cryptic is going to take several days I think, but a hint for the following would be much appreciated:
8 & 10 across:Poet leaving document, one that's equivalent to a picture, it's said (7,10)
Fourth letter first word: L
Fourth letter second word: D
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Saturday's Quick crossword was too hard - I only got about 6 answers so I gave up and looked at the answers this morning! The Cryptic is going to take several days I think, but a hint for the following would be much appreciated:
8 & 10 across:Poet leaving document, one that's equivalent to a picture, it's said (7,10)
Fourth letter first word: L
Fourth letter second word: D
The first 4 letters are the document that many people leave. If you get that I suspect you will get the rest.
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The first 4 letters are the document that many people leave. If you get that I suspect you will get the rest.
Many thanks - not quite sure straight away but I'll work on that.
5 minutes later: WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
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Many thanks - not quite sure straight away but I'll work on that.
5 minutes later: WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
Yeah!
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The answer to 3 down is VIEWER- I googled, I'm afraid! But I do not see exactly why. I suppose I should have looked for synonyms of observer ...
The Contrary directions WE okay, but does the compiler expect puzzlers to know individual Mozart quartets?!
3 down: One observes contrary directions in Mozart's quartet (6)
Letters: - I - W - -
What do you thin?
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Morning Susan,
Mozart specifically is a red herring. What would any German speaker have said when he meant “four”?
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Morning Susan,
Mozart specifically is a red herring. What would any German speaker have said when he meant “four”?
Thank you. The compiler seems to be far too fond of red herrings- too many clues have them I think and it is quite difficult to work out what they are and get past them, which rather saps my interest in persevering. . I bet he compiled the Quick one too!
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May I have a yes/no for this, please. I think the answer is CONFAB. CAB with an F in. but does the 'about' stand for 'on?
19 across: Chat about following in taxi (6)
Letters: - - - F - -
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Hi Susan,
May I have a yes/no for this, please. I think the answer is CONFAB. CAB with an F in. but does the 'about' stand for 'on?
19 across: Chat about following in taxi (6)
Letters: - - - F - -
Yes! It's ON (about) plus F (following) inside of CAB.
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Hi Susan,
Yes! It's ON (about) plus F (following) inside of CAB.
thank you. Well, it's Wednesday and I still haven't got 6 down (as well as half the others!), and I'm afraid I've googled it. The answer is PAYROLL.
Clue: Employees seek opinions about Scottish town (7)
Letters: secnd is A
I knew it had to be PAY to start with but still can't see why the rest of it works, so a brief explanation would be much appreciated.
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thank you. Well, it's Wednesday and I still haven't got 6 down (as well as half the others!), and I'm afraid I've googled it. The answer is PAYROLL.
Clue: Employees seek opinions about Scottish town (7)
Letters: secnd is A
I knew it had to be PAY to start with but still can't see why the rest of it works, so a brief explanation would be much appreciated.
The Scottish town is AYR.
The seeking opinions is POLL
And employees are on the PAYROLL
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The Scottish town is AYR.
The seeking opinions is POLL
And employees are on the PAYROLL
Thank you for your reply. This is the third time I have written and tried to post this, but it is disappearing each time. Okay, I'll try again.
I'm creeping slowly towards the completion - one corner still a bit empty.
The answer to 23 across is ROCKABILLY, I think, but I can't find a reference to a boxing film. Maybe it is one of the compiler's red herrings. A yes/no answer wil be much appreciated.
23 across: Boxing film featuring a programme of music popular in rural USA (10)
Letters: First R, third C
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Thank you for your reply. This is the third time I have written and tried to post this, but it is disappearing each time. Okay, I'll try again.
I'm creeping slowly towards the completion - one corner still a bit empty.
The answer to 23 across is ROCKABILLY, I think, but I can't find a reference to a boxing film. Maybe it is one of the compiler's red herrings. A yes/no answer wil be much appreciated.
23 across: Boxing film featuring a programme of music popular in rural USA (10)
Letters: First R, third C
The film is Rocky
With the programme of music being A BILL
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The film is Rocky
With the programme of music being A BILL
Many thanks. Crossword clues certainly require too mnany different ways of thinking sometimes!
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About 6 more, linked, clues to answer. I suppose I'll have to finish it! May I have a strong hint, please, for:
24 down: Long sales talk with no pressure (4)
First letter: I
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About 6 more, linked, clues to answer. I suppose I'll have to finish it! May I have a strong hint, please, for:
24 down: Long sales talk with no pressure (4)
First letter: I
It's a synonym for a sales talk with the first letter removed indicated by the no in the clue.
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It's a synonym for a sales talk with the first letter removed indicated by the no in the clue.
Thank you - much appreciated. So it is (P)ITCH, but to use 'itch' as a synonym for 'long' is a stretch too far on the compiler's part in my opinion! Is the word 'pressure' supposed to indicate that the 'pitch' does not put pressure on those listening to the sales talk, or a hint about the letter P?
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - much appreciated. So it is (P)ITCH, but to use 'itch' as a synonym for 'long' is a stretch too far on the compiler's part in my opinion! Is the word 'pressure' supposed to indicate that the 'pitch' does not put pressure on those listening to the sales talk, or a hint about the letter P?
No. P is a standard abbreviation for “pressure”. If you’re “itching” for a cup of tea for example, then you’re longing for it. Hope that helps!
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Hi Susan,
No. P is a standard abbreviation for “pressure”. If you’re “itching” for a cup of tea for example, then you’re longing for it. Hope that helps!
Yes, thank you - yours and NS's help has really helped keeping me going on the crossword solving over the last two years.
I googled another answer, which enabled me to finish it, but I hope that particular compiler is not too often doing the Saturday ones!! That one was no fun!
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Much more accessible Cryptic this weekend and I've completed all but about 8 or 9 answers. May I have a yes/no for the following clue, please:
9 across: Harvester in back-breaking exercise (6)
Letters: R - A(or O) - E -
I think the answer is REAPER
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Hi Susan,
Much more accessible Cryptic this weekend and I've completed all but about 8 or 9 answers. May I have a yes/no for the following clue, please:
9 across: Harvester in back-breaking exercise (6)
Letters: R - A(or O) - E -
I think the answer is REAPER
Yes. The “back” is REAR and it’s “broken” by PE, ie “exercise".
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Hi Susan,
Yes. The “back” is REAR and it’s “broken” by PE, ie “exercise".
Ah yes, thank you - much appreciated as always. I'd forgotten how the two parts worked.
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May I please have a hint for the folloing:
24across: Old sailors with an invitation to visit duchy (8)
Letters: Second O and I think last is A.
This clue has come up before I know, but I cannot remember how to get to the answer. All I can think of is CORNWALL !
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Hi Susan,
May I please have a hint for the folloing:
24across: Old sailors with an invitation to visit duchy (
Letters: Second O and I think last is A.
This clue has come up before I know, but I cannot remember how to get to the answer. All I can think of is CORNWALL !
Yep. As you have it anyway, “old” is O and “sailors” is RN (Royal Navy) and they’re “invited” to an “invitation”, ie CALL. (The last letter isn't A by the way.)
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Hi Susan,
Yep. As you have it anyway, “old” is O and “sailors” is RN (Royal Navy) and they’re “invited” to an “invitation”, ie CALL. (The last letter isn't A by the way.)
Many thanks. I just thought of Cornwall as the duchy that springs to mind ! Also I did think there must be a W for with.
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Hey Susan,
Many thanks. I just thought of Cornwall as the duchy that springs to mind ! Also I did think there must be a W for with.
No problem, and yes to W for "with" - sorry I forgot that bit!
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Hey Susan,
No problem, and yes to W for "with" - sorry I forgot that bit!
Thank you - it is one of the things I have learnt from you.
About 45 minutes ago, I wrote out the last two clues in order to ask for hints. Gave myself a telling-off, looked up a synonym - and filled in the answers. (19 down: RAILLERY and 26 across BADINAGE - the E being a letter for both.). So Saturday's Cryptic finished! :)
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The DT puzzlers weekly newsletter e-mail has just arrived. Apparently there aren't many crossword jokes, but people have written in with some - somewhat groan-making, but here are two samples which at least raise a smile!
I asked a friend if crossword compilers made up clues. No, he said, just down and across!
and
I didn't realise I was a crossword addict but when I looked back, all the clues were there.
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I'm currently re-reading 'Much Obliged, Jeeves', by PG Wodehouse (Obviously), and at one point Bertie's Aunt Dahlia is doing the Observer crossword puzzle, and gets stuck on the clue "measured tread of saint round St Pauls". The answer is given a couple of chapters later. I won't give it yet, but will say, what PGW didn't, that it has eight letters. I'm not s connoisseur of crossword clues, but I must say that I think it's a rather poor clue, but there, for what it's worth, it is.
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Jedediah the answer I got to that has nine letters so I must be wrong.
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Jedediah the answer I got to that has nine letters so I must be wrong.
think can get a 9 letter answer too
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Oops! Sorry, my mistake. It is nine letters.
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It is quite relaxing to read a clue I do not have to solve!
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Pedometer.
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Quick completed yesterday morning. Reasonable start made on Cryptic. However,
1 across is: Notice one in tirade incandescent (7)
I thought it was an A in an anagram of 'tirade' and produced RADIATE, but when I checked with wordplay, I see it is RADIANT. so I would appreciate the reason for that. Okay, AN instead of A, or is it N for notice?
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Quick completed yesterday morning. Reasonable start made on Cryptic. However,
1 across is: Notice one in tirade incandescent (7)
I thought it was an A in an anagram of 'tirade' and produced RADIATE, but when I checked with wordplay, I see it is RADIANT. so I would appreciate the reason for that. Okay, AN instead of A, or is it N for notice?
Seems to be an AD and an I inside a RANT ?
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Seems to be an AD and an I inside a RANT ?
Oh, I see - thank you, much appreciated. /so, I am dealing with a compiler who's too clever by half! :)
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I'm afraid I'm not doing very well this week, and I'm not sure whether I shall manage it by Friday, but I look at it throughout the day an did manage four more clues yesterday - which still leaves acres of empty squares!
May I have a hint, please, for
12 across: One has agents sorting out party mess (9)
Letters: - - - - A - T - T(?)
I know this clue has come up before and I have an idea it was an anagram of 'party mess' but I just can't se that.
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I'm afraid I'm not doing very well this week, and I'm not sure whether I shall manage it by Friday, but I look at it throughout the day an did manage four more clues yesterday - which still leaves acres of empty squares!
May I have a hint, please, for
12 across: One has agents sorting out party mess (9)
Letters: - - - - A - T - T(?)
I know this clue has come up before and I have an idea it was an anagram of 'party mess' but I just can't se that.
The last t is wrong, I think. It is an anagram of party mess. For the agents we are in the world of 007
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The last t is wrong, I think. It is an anagram of party mess. For the agents we are in the world of 007
Thank you - yes, I thought that last T was dodgy. I'll work on that anagram...
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It has taken me over an hour (including a few minutes here and there just closing my eyes!) !) to work it out but I have it: SPYMASTER
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It has taken me over an hour (including a few minutes here and there just closing my eyes!) !) to work it out but I have it: SPYMASTER
Yep, it's a nice anagram but the clue itself seems a bit light.
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Yep, it's a nice anagram but the clue itself seems a bit light.
Thank you. May I ask for your opinion of the two clues and answers - which I have just googled after spending all week trying to sort them out?
16 down: Keeping quiet, initiated in slaughter (9)
Letters: - - O - - - h - d AnswerBLOODSHED
16 across: From here one may observe second-rate flat (5)
Letters: - - I - P Answer: BLIMP
For quiet, I had thought of SH but not of its position, and there was obviously an E between H and D, but I really can't work out the answer. Yes, 'bloodshed' is slaughter, and I suppose I should have looked up synonyms of 'slaughter', but even if I'd seen 'bloodshed', I wouldn't have seen why.
And as for BLIMP, wellllll why?!!
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Thank you. May I ask for your opinion of the two clues and answers - which I have just googled after spending all week trying to sort them out?
16 down: Keeping quiet, initiated in slaughter (9)
Letters: - - O - - - h - d AnswerBLOODSHED
16 across: From here one may observe second-rate flat (5)
Letters: - - I - P Answer: BLIMP
For quiet, I had thought of SH but not of its position, and there was obviously an E between H and D, but I really can't work out the answer. Yes, 'bloodshed' is slaughter, and I suppose I should have looked up synonyms of 'slaughter', but even if I'd seen 'bloodshed', I wouldn't have seen why.
And as for BLIMP, wellllll why?!!
Very hard.
BLOODED = Initiated
and
B = second-rate, LIMP = flat (as in balloon?)
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Very hard.
BLOODED = Initiated
and
B = second-rate, LIMP = flat (as in balloon?)
Thank you - much appreciated. If this compiler set all the Saturday cryptics, I think I'd let my subscription lapse!
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As I do not like to leave a grid incomplete if possible, I’ve googled wordplay for two more answers which enabled me to fill in another two, which leaves this clue
27 across: Man on the lookout when old boy leaves (7)
Letters: - - - - a – t Answer from wordplay: SERVANT
As you might notice, I do not have the first or third letters, which means that the clues containing them also remain incomplete, but I suppose I’ll have to do them before Saturday. I would be grateful for reasons for ‘servant’.
It doesn’t help, of course, not being able to see even short words all at once!
ETA May I ask one last question on this one?
Clue: Wicked Zulu warriors going over house contents.
Answer: IMPIOUS which is the only one that fits the letters I - P - O - S
But I can only half make sense of it.
ETA At 2:30 a.m. I happened to wake up and the answer to the IMPIOUS question fell into place! the OUS is the contents of the word' house'. I had assumed that IMP was the wicked and PI the warriors.
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From the Telegraph's crossword compiler, apparently:
STAY ALERT; CONTROL THE VIRUS; SAVE LIVES ...
is an anagram of
EASILY SURVIVES TRAVEL NORTH TO CASTLE
:)
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From the Telegraph's crossword compiler, apparently:
STAY ALERT; CONTROL THE VIRUS; SAVE LIVES ...
is an anagram of
EASILY SURVIVES TRAVEL NORTH TO CASTLE
:)
I love it! :D
Actually, ;I was just going to post and say: In case anyone is reading this, I completed Saturday's Cryptic on Sunday without any help, and only had to seek one synonym!
With too much time to spare, I printed Tuesday's cryptic and today have nearly completed it - I think it is the same compiler.
Thank you for reading!! ;:)
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I do not much like this Saturday's Cryptic! It is one of the compilers who likes long clues with four-letter answers. The answers I have done were not particularly hard, but I have googled a few, including:
13 down: Musical work, having name for ship at sea (3,8)
I thought of SEA SYMPHONY, but there's no link to 'having name'. The answer is HMS PINAFORE.
I think that is unfair! Why is HMS considered to be a three-letter word? Shouldn't it have been (1,1,1,8)?
At least I can keep up my daily up and down the Close laps in this lovely weather.
Ah, wwell, I'll keep it on the CCTV and plod on.
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Hi Susan,
I do not much like this Saturday's Cryptic! It is one of the compilers who likes long clues with four-letter answers. The answers I have done were not particularly hard, but I have googled a few, including:
13 down: Musical work, having name for ship at sea (3,8)
I thought of SEA SYMPHONY, but there's no link to 'having name'. The answer is HMS PINAFORE.
I think that is unfair! Why is HMS considered to be a three-letter word? Shouldn't it have been (1,1,1,8)?
At least I can keep up my daily up and down the Close laps in this lovely weather.
Ah, wwell, I'll keep it on the CCTV and plod on.
Showing the abbreviations ("MP" for example) as one word is the convention I'm afraid. Incidentally, you probably spotted it anyway but "name for ship" is an anagram ("at sea") of HMS Pinafore by the way.
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Hi Susan,
Showing the abbreviations ("MP" for example) as one word is the convention I'm afraid. Incidentally, you probably spotted it anyway but "name for ship" is an anagram ("at sea") of HMS Pinafore by the way.
Thank you for explaining. Actually, no I hadn't noticed that anagram. From the way the clue was written I thought there ought to be one but couldn't see11 letters to form it - not surprising though, obviously!
I must say that I don't know how I'd have filled some of the time during these isolation weeks if it hadn't been for the crosswords and knowing that I have become reasonably able to do them.
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19 across: Giant blunder on pitch disheartened Royle (4)
Last letter E
This is one of the wordy clues with a four-letter answer. I don't see how the answer can be ROLE, i.e. Royle without the centre, but may I have a hint, please. this might help me to see a bit more how the compiler is working, although I have to say, I am somewhat doubtful!
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Having abandoned all hope of getting anywhere near completing this one without more than a little assistance, I started this morning by googling 1 across, 'Bad mistake, error ousting old Labour leader (4,7). Answer: KEIR STARMER) I can see approximately how this is achieved, but carrying on, I googled some of the four-letter down answers. One of them is: Religious words just audible. Letters R - T -, so the answer had to be RITE and I googled it to check, but I cannot work out why.
I wonder whether they have put an 'extra difficult' cryptic in place of the usual Saturday Prize 'cryptic!
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Having abandoned all hope of getting anywhere near completing this one without more than a little assistance, I started this morning by googling 1 across, 'Bad mistake, error ousting old Labour leader (4,7). Answer: KEIR STARMER) I can see approximately how this is achieved, but carrying on, I googled some of the four-letter down answers. One of them is: Religious words just audible. Letters R - T -, so the answer had to be RITE and I googled it to check, but I cannot work out why.
I wonder whether they have put an 'extra difficult' cryptic in place of the usual Saturday Prize 'cryptic!
Religious words are a 'rite'. Just is 'right', which is a homonyn of rite, so it's just, audibl(y).
O.
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Religious words are a 'rite'. Just is 'right', which is a homonyn of rite, so it's just, audibl(y).
O.
Oh, I se; thank you - much appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
19 across: Giant blunder on pitch disheartened Royle (4)
Last letter E
This is one of the wordy clues with a four-letter answer. I don't see how the answer can be ROLE, i.e. Royle without the centre, but may I have a hint, please. this might help me to see a bit more how the compiler is working, although I have to say, I am somewhat doubtful!
The synonym is “Giant”, and a “blunder on pitch” is when you accidentally score in your own net – commonly abbreviated to two letters.
Having abandoned all hope of getting anywhere near completing this one without more than a little assistance, I started this morning by googling 1 across, 'Bad mistake, error ousting old Labour leader (4,7). Answer: KEIR STARMER) I can see approximately how this is achieved, but carrying on…
Just to say that KEIR STARMER is an anagram (“bad”) of “mistake, error” with the letter O removed (“ousting old”).
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Hi Susan,
The synonym is “Giant”, and a “blunder on pitch” is when you accidentaly score in your own net – commonly abbreviated to two letters.
I had thought of OGRE and now see where the OG comes from and the RE from first and last letters of Royle.
Just to say that KEIR STARMER is an anagram (“bad”) of “mistake, error” with the letter O removed (“ousting old”).
Many thanks for help - much appreciated. I had realised that an O should be removed, but I couldn't see where from. I've been looking at the large number of remaining clues in an attempt to find a few which will help, but although I have managed two answers, and I'll keep looking at it, I think that's about it for this one. There seems to be an extra gap left between most clues and their answers which you can bridge, but I can't!
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Sorry to interrupt. I do my local crossword puzzle everyday. I'm so jealous. ;D (Interruption over)
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Sorry to interrupt. I do my local crossword puzzle everyday. I'm so jealous. ;D (Interruption over)
o
No problem - glad you joined in! Just over two years ago I really needed an extra hobby I could actually do at home and the Tech chap organised my subscription to the DT crossword puzzles. This enabled me to print them - the Cryptic can be printed on to an A4 sheet and there are usually a few clues which go on to a second sheet. I also print the Quick. I decided on the Saturday one because the answers are not available for 9 days - and it takes me the best part of the Saturday to read (on my CCTV) the clues. I then raised the subject here and fortunately there are several crossword experts who have really helped me improve my ability to tackle them with a greater degree of success.
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As I did not do well last week, I have done a training exercise this week by doing the Tuesday Cryptic! I googled some answers and also checked a few others, but did nearly all of it so hope my brain is geared up for tomorrow!
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Slowish start so far this week, but I would be grateful for an explanation of why the answer is AINTREE to:
Where 11 lives beside American racetrack? (7)
Letters A - N - - - E
I can see A for American, IN for'where' and AINTREE fits, but cannot work out where the 11 comes in.
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Slowish start so far this week, but I would be grateful for an explanation of why the answer is AINTREE to:
Where 11 lives beside American racetrack? (7)
Letters A - N - - - E
I can see A for American, IN for'where' and AINTREE fits, but cannot work out where the 11 comes in.
It must be a reference to clue 11 - across or down?
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It must be a reference to clue 11 - across or down?
Ah, yes, thank you very much. The answer to 11 across isO RANG-UTAN!! :)
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Having now finished the Cryptic by googling for the last few answers - one of which was NASDAQ - I am left with the uncomfortable feeling that this compiler does not like the puzzlers very much. I sense - probably entirely mistakenly!! - a tone of annoyance or something at having to supply the Saturday Pprize crossword. It is just a bit too much on the side of the extra difficult category, which I would not attempt. I knew that most of the clues - a dozen or so altogether - I googled I would not have been able to do, especially when I saw the answers, and I personally am left with no feeling of pleasure at its completion.
From what I saw on the internet a short while ago (on one of the many crossword help sites) there was a new compiler whose style had raised a few questions, and I could I suppose write to the DT and ask for more info, but it's hardly worth it! :)
Sorry to be less than cheerfl about it, but thank you for reading!!
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I've never been one for crosswords, especially cryptic ones, but have been interested by the various clues you've posted.
Anyway, I've decided to have a go at one daily in the summer break. It will probably be the one from the Guardian as it is easy to access and check online, though the compilers don't seem to be as consistent as the Telegraph.
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I've never been one for crosswords, especially cryptic ones, but have been interested by the various clues you've posted.
Anyway, I've decided to have a go at one daily in the summer break. It will probably be the one from the Guardian as it is easy to access and check online, though the compilers don't seem to be as consistent as the Telegraph.
I shall be reading with interest to hear any comments you make. When I started, over two years ago now, bluhillside recommended the book 'Pretty girl in crimson rose' by Sandy something - who probably is still a top journalist somewhere as well as becoming an expert on compiling as well as solving.
I chose the Saturday cryptic because the answers are not available for about 10 days afterwards, and I am of course much slower at plodding my way through the clues.
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In complete contrast to Saturday's unlikeable Cryptic, today's Prize Cryptic is just what I like; I printed it to have it to work on during the next few days. However, I now have only six clues all in one corner left to do. Very satisfying.
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Coming back to the Tuesday Cryptic, I had to google
21 down: Fevercoming down round notice tenants (7)
Letters: fifth E seventh S
Answer came up as LESSEES but also posted the clue with the first word = fewer, not fever! So I forgive myself for not getting it.
that gives me FLORID for 20 across and only four to go.
ETA All done!
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It's getting a bit demoralising - Clever Clogs would appear to be in favour at the moment as compiler! I managed about six answers at the weekend, and have done about four more since, but have resorted to googling quite a few. However, even when I have the answer, I can't sometimes see how it has been arrived at.
Never mind - at least my son can now visit, which he did on Monday.
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With very little to do today, I took another look at the Cryptic; googled several clues and completed more answers as a result of having extra letters, making guesses which were right, but not the sort which make me think, 'Ah, yes, I should have got that.' Continuing in this way, I completed it but mot with any satisfaction. Never mind - always the optimist, I shall hope that Saturday's will be more my style!.
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o
No problem - glad you joined in! Just over two years ago I really needed an extra hobby I could actually do at home and the Tech chap organised my subscription to the DT crossword puzzles. This enabled me to print them - the Cryptic can be printed on to an A4 sheet and there are usually a few clues which go on to a second sheet. I also print the Quick. I decided on the Saturday one because the answers are not available for 9 days - and it takes me the best part of the Saturday to read (on my CCTV) the clues. I then raised the subject here and fortunately there are several crossword experts who have really helped me improve my ability to tackle them with a greater degree of success.
I just found The Cryptic in the Guardian. I do the daily one from my local paper (The Orlando Sentinel.) And the NYTimes on Sundays. I'll try today's Cryptic and see how it goes.
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I just found The Cryptic in the Guardian. I do the daily one from my local paper (The Orlando Sentinel.) And the NYTimes on Sundays. I'll try today's Cryptic and see how it goes.
And I shall, of course be interested to hear!
This weekend's Cryptic is more accessible, but I'm not trying to get it finished all at once.
At least it is not by the one I'm calling Clever Clogs - that is because the solver has to be a walking encyclopaedia!
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And I shall, of course be interested to hear!
This weekend's Cryptic is more accessible, but I'm not trying to get it finished all at once.
At least it is not by the one I'm calling Clever Clogs - that is because the solver has to be a walking encyclopaedia!
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And I shall, of course be interested to hear!
This weekend's Cryptic is more accessible, but I'm not trying to get it finished all at once.
At least it is not by the one I'm calling Clever Clogs - that is because the solver has to be a walking encyclopaedia!
Well? My goodness! They are cryptic!! I might be at a great disadvantage having lived all these years on the other side of the pond. For now, I'm going to go back to some old ones, and look at the answers to get a feel for what the clues are pointing to. (I did that with one already, and .... Oh, my.)
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Well? My goodness! They are cryptic!! I might be at a great disadvantage having lived all these years on the other side of the pond. For now, I'm going to go back to some old ones, and look at the answers to get a feel for what the clues are pointing to. (I did that with one already, and .... Oh, my.)
Some compilers like Clever clogs leave an empty space between the clue and the answer which has to be mentally leapt across!! My mental gymnastics are not fit enough to do that!!
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The Cryptic is nearly three-quarters complete, but I have just had to google:
Not fair when superior virtually eclipses career(8)
Letters: - R - - - T - -
I had to google the answer which is BRUNETTE
Well I can see 'brute' but I would be grateful if someone can please explain why the answer is BRUNETTE - I really can't see the connection.
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Hi Susan – nice to hear from you.
The Cryptic is nearly three-quarters complete, but I have just had to google:
Not fair when superior virtually eclipses career(
Letters: - R - - - T - -
I had to google the answer which is BRUNETTE
Well I can see 'brute' but I would be grateful if someone can please explain why the answer is BRUNETTE - I really can't see the connection.
BRUNETTE is the synonym for “not fair”. “Superior” is BETTER, but the end is missing (“virtually”) and it goes around (“eclipses”) RUN, meaning “career” (as in run amok).
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Well? My goodness! They are cryptic!! I might be at a great disadvantage having lived all these years on the other side of the pond. For now, I'm going to go back to some old ones, and look at the answers to get a feel for what the clues are pointing to. (I did that with one already, and .... Oh, my.)
You could try the "Quiptic", in the Guardian each Monday. It is supposed to be a bit easier - but I found last weeks still very hard.
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Just calling back in to say that the DT Puzzlers' e-mail newsletter has arrived and I quote the following from it:
Sometimes, however, topicality in a crossword is purely coincidental, no matter what solvers might think. For instance, one of our crosswords last week contained the following:
Singer's very nearly changed name (4,4)
Solving this reveals the answer VERA LYNN: V (=abbreviation for 'very') + anagram of NEARLY + N (=abbreviation for 'name).
Given that the puzzle had been compiled a couple of months before publication, it was only by chance that it appeared two days after Vera Lynn passed away.
As if that wasn't sufficient coincidence for one day, the same puzzle also contained the following clue:
Four, five, all regularly seen in college (5)
Taking 'regular' (i.e. alternate) letters of 'four five all' gives ORIEL, the Oxford college in the news last week regarding its statue of Cecil Rhodes.
Among the quizzing community, such references
I did the vera lynn clue unaded, but if I hadn't been googling a few answers it would still be a veryi empty grid!
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Hi Susan,
Do you know the WWII story of the Daily Telegraph crossword answers being secret code names for the D-day landings?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-Day_Daily_Telegraph_crossword_security_alarm
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You could try the "Quiptic", in the Guardian each Monday. It is supposed to be a bit easier - but I found last weeks still very hard.
I actually did do that. And, I cheated after feeling there was no way (I do love that the puzzles allow a click to see the answer.) Talking to my son who is a crossword person, he encouraged me that I am clearly at a disadvantage being American. And one who is nearing 65 at that.
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Today I shall try and refrain from googling to complete the last quarter of Saturday's Cryptic.
17 down is: Mean 50s lout shut away (8)
Last letter D
If one of our forum crossword experts would be kind enough to give me a hint, it will be much appreciated.
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A quick go before work - CLOSETED? Not sure where lout fits in though.
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A quick go before work - CLOSETED? Not sure where lout fits in though.
Ted - Short (Mean) for Teddy Boy
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A quick go before work - CLOSETED? Not sure where lout fits in though.
I think that is right - CLOD for the lout ans CLOSED for shut away … hmmm
May I mention, very politely and not in any way casting aspersions!! :) - but what NS and bluehillside. plus several others, have very kindly done since I started is to provide a hint to help me think of the answer myself, not the actual answer. Hope you don't mind my saying!
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I think that is right - CLOD for the lout ans CLOSED for shut away … hmmm
May I mention, very politely and not in any way casting aspersions!! :) - but what NS and bluehillside have very kindly done since I started is to provide a hint to help me think of the answer myself, not the actual answer. Hope you don't mind my saying!
It's much simpler, the whole thing Closeted is shut away as in emotions.
The mean 50s lout is Ted - short (mean) for Teddy Boy
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NS,
It's much simpler, the whole thing Closeted is shut away as in emotions.
The mean 50s lout is Ted - short (mean) for Teddy Boy
Actually I don’t think that’s quite right. CLOSETED is the synonym for “shut away”. The CLOSE though is a synonym for “mean” (as in stingy, parsimonious) and the TED is a straight synonym for “50s lout”.
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Thank you and NS for your posts.
NS,
Actually I don’t think that’s quite right. CLOSETED is the synonym for “shut away”. The CLOSE though is a synonym for “mean” (as in stingy, parsimonious) and the TED is a straight synonym for “50s lout”.
Ah, I was just coming back to say that, the cog wheels of my brain having taken another couple of turns, I have remembered that bluehillside would say that TED is the lout.
The across clues beginning with the L, S and T of 'CLOSETED still look tricky … ...
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Hi Susan,
Do you know the WWII story of the Daily Telegraph crossword answers being secret code names for the D-day landings?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-Day_Daily_Telegraph_crossword_security_alarm
No, I don't think I'd heard of that. I'llclick on the link in a minute and read about it. Thank you.
ETA That was news to me - what an interesting story - it could have caused a disaster.
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I've worked out three more answers so only two to go.
The l started launder
The T started THEORY
And 18 down is BUDAPEST
The remaining two have both occurred before and there were bluehillside hints for both which elude me for the moment!
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You can do this Susan - I've had "Team Susan" T-shirts printed and everything... ;)
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NS,
Actually I don’t think that’s quite right. CLOSETED is the synonym for “shut away”. The CLOSE though is a synonym for “mean” (as in stingy, parsimonious) and the TED is a straight synonym for “50s lout”.
Ah yes, thanks
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SusanDoris
"I think that is right - CLOD for the lout ans CLOSED for shut away … hmmm
May I mention, very politely and not in any way casting aspersions!! :) - but what NS and bluehillside have very kindly done since I started is to provide a hint to help me think of the answer myself, not the actual answer. Hope you don't mind my saying!"
i don't mind you saying it one bit but am so sorry! Long time since I've been on the Crossword thread and must ahve forgotten that. Also didn't think I'd got it right.
I'll try better next time.
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You can do this Susan - I've had "Team Susan" T-shirts printed and everything... ;)
:) Hmmm, not so sure about that! I can think of various words which fit 15 down, such as BEARDS, but am not asking for a hint just yet!
However, the two clues are:
15 down: Looking embarrassed protects Maoists? (3,6)
Letters: RED- - - R - S
and
24 across: United supported returned in chaos (5)'
Letters: S - A - -
Last letter of 24 across is fifth of 15 down.
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Actually, thinking a bit further, I think BEARDS might be right. If it is, I would be grateful for a Yes or No answer.
If it is no, I'll carry on thinking.
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Actually, thinking a bit further, I think BEARDS might be right. If it is, I would be grateful for a Yes or No answer.
If it is no, I'll carry on thinking.
Not right - the D is right
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Not right - the D is right
Thank you, yes, I thought the D must be right, so I'll carry on thinking of letters ...
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I am on guard now, won't try and solve. My brain is chaos trying to imagine a crossword grid & the last thing I want to do is foul up the SQ.
Good luck!
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My first thought on 15 down was RED GUARDS, but I had been rejecting that because I didn't think there was a comma after embarrassed and the 'protects' being third person singular, it just didn't make sense. However, having spent yesterday putting different combinations of letters in the spaces, GUARDS is the only one, so I have just checked again and there is a comma!
However, that makes the last letter of 24 across a U, and I'm giving up on that one!
United supporters returned in chaos (5)
Letters: S - A - U
I wonder if it is an archaic word - I think I can just about remember that it is from the last time the clue occurred, but I could well be wrong.
So if I may have an answer, please, I can write it in … … and consign that piece of paper* to the recycle bag.
* Actually the Cryptic usually takes up two pieces with the last few clues going on to second page.
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Hi Susan,
It’s SNAFU - “u fans” reversed.
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Hi Susan,
It’s SNAFU - “u fans” reversed.
Many thanks. I certainly would never have got that!
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I thought you didn't want to know the answer Susan! My previous post of 24th was full of cryptic clues & you didn't even notice :(.
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I thought you didn't want to know the answer Susan! My previous post of 24th was full of cryptic clues & you didn't even notice :(.
Yes, I did notice, but did not comment! When I do request a hint or an answer, I think, well I hope, I make it quite clear
This weekend's Cryptic much more to my liking and I have completed half already.
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An enjoyable Cryptic this weekend. I have completed it except for two clues for which I have a question or two, answers to which will be much appreciated.
12 down: See sprain affected winger (9)
Letters: P - - S - R - N -
I know this clue has appeared before and it is an anagram of See sprain, but various combinations of spare letters in spaces seem to produce words which don't make sense, so I wonder whether it is a person's name?
25 across: Protection in flying saucer orb iting moon eventually (9)
Letters: I - - U - I - C -
A bluehillside or NS type hint for this one will be much appreciated. Again it is a clue which has appeared before!
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An enjoyable Cryptic this weekend. I have completed it except for two clues for which I have a question or two, answers to which will be much appreciated.
12 down: See sprain affected winger (9)
Letters: P - - S - R - N -
I know this clue has appeared before and it is an anagram of See sprain, but various combinations of spare letters in spaces seem to produce words which don't make sense, so I wonder whether it is a person's name?
25 across: Protection in flying saucer orb iting moon eventually (9)
Letters: I - - U - I - C -
A bluehillside or NS type hint for this one will be much appreciated. Again it is a clue which has appeared before!
For 12 down the 'winger' is a way of something travelling
25 across the second I is wrong. The overall clue is a synonym for a type of protection - eventually means the end of something.
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For 12 down the 'winger' is a way of something travelling
25 across the second I is wrong. The overall clue is a synonym for a type of protection - eventually means the end of something.
Many thanks - I'll keep working on that … ...
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25 across: INSURANCE
The second I was from IMPRINT which should have been IMPLANT.
Actually I had thought of anagram of saucer and N for the last letter of 'moon', but was stumped at that point
Still working on 12 down.
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I'm getting nowhere, I''m afraid. I've tried putting those vowels and the extra S in every way I can, but cannot make a recognisable word. Is there any possible extra hint which could enable me to reach the answer, do you think? I do hope it doesn't turn out to be a kick-self word!
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I'm getting nowhere, I''m afraid. I've tried putting those vowels and the extra S in every way I can, but cannot make a recognisable word. Is there any possible extra hint which could enable me to reach the answer, do you think? I do hope it doesn't turn out to be a kick-self word!
No, it's relatively obscure - it's a classification of flying creatures
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No, it's relatively obscure - it's a classification of flying creatures
In that case, may |I have the answer, please? I'm quite sad! That was the only really difficult clue in the whole set.
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In that case, may |I have the answer, please? I'm quite sad! That was the only really difficult clue in the whole set.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passerine
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passerine
Thank you- and for the link. that is very interesting and I shall now remember the word because my current reading is 'Bird Sense by ProfTim Birkhead so I am learning much that I did not know before. The extraordinary bird I have been reading about today is the Ivorybill-woodpecker. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory-billed_woodpecker[/url)
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Yesterday evening, reading more of the 'Bird Sense' book, the word PASSERINE occurred twice in one paragraph on the second page I came to!! By then, of course, I knew what it meant!
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Cryptic nearly completed, just about 7 clues to go. I would much appreciate a hint, please, for the following:
27 across: Charlie's one part of frontier? (10)
Letters: - T - C - A - I - T
I think the letters are right, although I'm not sure about the first T. I can think of a word that fits: SSTOCKADIST but that doesn't seem to fit the clue.
GThank you.
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Not sure if some of your other letters are correct, as the thing that strikes me is the old West/East Germany border.
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Not sure if some of your other letters are correct, as the thing that strikes me is the old West/East Germany border.
Trentvoyager is correct. The first T and the A are wrong
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Trentvoyager and NS
Thank you both for your replies. I'll work on that.
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got it! CHECKPOINT The second letter, H, comes from DECIPHER, where I had wrongly put REGISTER first.
Still a few more empty squares, so I'll see if I can fill them in tomorrow.
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Once I had changed a down clue from REGISTER to DECIPHER that gave me the H of CHECKPOINT, and therefore an associated down clue completed tooo.
I have now onlythree squares empty and they are from: Mp. O No I mean5 - I have been assuming SALT for the second wword!
11 across: Greek sailor's dry wit (5,4)
Letters: - F - I - / S - L -
A hint would be much appreciated or info if any of the letters are wrong.
There are two more answers I have put in which appear to be the only possible choices, but rather than google for the answer, may I ask if you can tell me if they're right or wrong, please - again to avoid finding I'm wrong by googling because it will give the right answers.
9 across: Northerner, no adult on course (4)
Letters: - T - T Answer: STOT. I looked up definition and it is a word, and Scottish, so I thought that accounts for the 'no northerner'?
The other is Choice of beverages when papa's promoted (6)
Letters: - P - I - N Answer OPTION but I can't see how that answer, if correct, fits the clue.
Thank you - no rush.
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Once I had changed a down clue from REGISTER to DECIPHER that gave me the H of CHECKPOINT, and therefore an associated down clue completed tooo.
I have now onlythree squares empty and they are from: Mp. O No I mean5 - I have been assuming SALT for the second wword!
11 across: Greek sailor's dry wit (5,4)
Letters: - F - I - / S - L -
A hint would be much appreciated or info if any of the letters are wrong.
The F is incorrect. I have to say I really like the clue. Salt is correct.
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The F is incorrect. I have to say I really like the clue. Salt is correct.
Many thanks. I googled, 'What is the Greek for sailor' and the answer is Lexis Rexand since 'lexis' is to do with language, I suppose the answer is LEXIS SALT. If that is right, could you pleasse say what is clever about the clue?!
The clue for the word 'notify' is:
2 down: Tiny changes to adopt church's point (6)
Letters: N - T - - -
I thought it was to use the letters from 'tiny' and guessed the rest, thinking the 'if' might be to do with changes, but obviously wrong!
If you could please let me know if LEXIS is right, I will see if I can find the answer.
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Hi Susan,
Once I had changed a down clue from REGISTER to DECIPHER that gave me the H of CHECKPOINT, and therefore an associated down clue completed tooo.
I have now onlythree squares empty and they are from: Mp. O No I mean5 - I have been assuming SALT for the second wword!
11 across: Greek sailor's dry wit (5,4)
Letters: - F - I - / S - L -
A hint would be much appreciated or info if any of the letters are wrong.
NS has beaten me to it. It’s a pretty obscure phrase though.
There are two more answers I have put in which appear to be the only possible choices, but rather than google for the answer, may I ask if you can tell me if they're right or wrong, please - again to avoid finding I'm wrong by googling because it will give the right answers.
9 across: Northerner, no adult on course (4)
Letters: - T - T Answer: STOT. I looked up definition and it is a word, and Scottish, so I thought that accounts for the 'no northerner'?
The first T is wrong I’m afraid. You’re on the right tracks with “Scottish” – think of a racecourse with the initial A missing (ie, “no adult”).
The other is Choice of beverages when papa's promoted (6)
Letters: - P - I - N Answer OPTION but I can't see how that answer, if correct, fits the clue.
Thank you - no rush.
OPTION I correct – it’s POTION with the P (“papa”) moved ahead (“promoted”).
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Susan,
Many thanks. I googled, 'What is the Greek for sailor' and the answer is Lexis Rexand since 'lexis' is to do with language, I suppose the answer is LEXIS SALT. If that is right, could you pleasse say what is clever about the clue?!
Not LEXIS I'm afraid. It's a synonym for "Greek".
The clue for the word 'notify' is:
2 down: Tiny changes to adopt church's point (6)
Letters: N - T - - -
I thought it was to use the letters from 'tiny' and guessed the rest, thinking the 'if' might be to do with changes, but obviously wrong!
If you could please let me know if LEXIS is right, I will see if I can find the answer.
You need a word meaning a point of detail that's an anagram of TINY and CE ("church"). The T is wrong though.
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Hi Susan,
NS has beaten me to it. It’s a pretty obscure phrase though.
Many thanks. However, if it is obscure, I doubt if I'll get it, so may I have the answer please.
The first T is wrong I’m afraid. You’re on the right tracks with “Scottish” – think of a racecourse with the initial A missing (ie, “no adult”).
Ah, in that case it is SCOT.
OPTION I correct – it’s POTION with the P (“papa”) moved ahead (“promoted”).
Listening to that answer, I see the papa is the phonetic alphabet - I didn't spot it on paper.
Thank you for your help - I do like to know the why of things!
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I have just worked out 2 down: NICETY anagram of 'tiny' plus CE.
I'm afraid that now having - T - I - for the first part of 11 across doesn't help … ...
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Hi Susan,
I have just worked out 2 down: NICETY anagram of 'tiny' plus CE.
I'm afraid that now having - T - I - for the first part of 11 across doesn't help … ..
No problem, and it's ATTIC (ie, someone from Athens).
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Hi Susan,
No problem, and it's ATTIC (ie, someone from Athens).
I would certainly never have got that, so thank you very much.
'Salt' is dry I suppose, but I would be interested to know where the 'wit' comes in … ?
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Hi Susan,
I would certainly never have got that, so thank you very much.
'Salt' is dry I suppose, but I would be interested to know where the 'wit' comes in … ?
"Attic salt" means a delicate wit (apparently). I must admit that I got both parts from the clue, then had to look up the phrase to find that out!
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Hi Susan,
"Attic salt" means a delicate wit (apparently). I must admit that I got both parts from the clue, then had to look up the phrase to find that out!
thanks again for your help. I'll probably print off tomorrow's prize cryptic, but it's the Saturday ones I really like to see complete.
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This Saturday's Cryptic has long clues. I thought I might have to give up straight away, since I was only able to do one half of one hyphenated clue! However, I managed to complete about a third of it yesterday.
16 down is: Political pundit confused by Lib Dem (8)
Could someone give me, please, a yes/no answer as to whether it isan anagram of 'by Lib Dem'?
If it is not, then a hint would be much appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
This Saturday's Cryptic has long clues. I thought I might have to give up straight away, since I was only able to do one half of one hyphenated clue! However, I managed to complete about a third of it yesterday.
16 down is: Political pundit confused by Lib Dem (
Could someone give me, please, a yes/no answer as to whether it isan anagram of 'by Lib Dem'?
If it is not, then a hint would be much appreciated.
Yes it is!
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Hi Susan,
Yes it is!
Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
Yes it is!
I think I'm going to have to give up on this one - I've tried a selection of non-words, ;including BYLIMBED, but none of them fits the clue. May I have the answer,. please, unless you think a hint would help me to get it!
DIMBLEBY - got it as soon as I'd clicked on post!!
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I'm down to the last 7 incomplete clues. But …
I know the following clue came up a while ago, and I know I asked for ahint, but I just can't bring it to mind, and I know it'll be a kick-self, but just a little hint would be much appreciated.
19 across: Dubious bishop in sporty car, well-padded means of transport (5,3)
Letters: - I - F - JAG
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I'm down to the last 7 incomplete clues. But …
I know the following clue came up a while ago, and I know I asked for ahint, but I just can't bring it to mind, and I know it'll be a kick-self, but just a little hint would be much appreciated.
19 across: Dubious bishop in sporty car, well-padded means of transport (5,3)
Letters: - I - F - JAG
The J is the wrong place.
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The J is the wrong place.
[/quote
! thank you for your help. Humm, I'll work on that.... …
Ah, got it before clicking on post! That means it must be JIFFY BAG … and of course, now I remember what the answer was the last time!!
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12 across is: Trace viceworker on land from report (9)
Letters: S - I - T - - - A
And I have just worked out, having woken up and started trying, as I was doing yesterday evening, to put letters in spaces, and having also worked out the rest of 6 across and 7 down, that gave me L for the eighth letter. So then, having also remembered, from the last time this clue came up, that it was not an anagram of 'trace vice' but a synonym of trace, I could see that it must be SCINTILLA.
However, I cannot work out how the answer complies with the clue an would much appreciate an explanation, please.
ETA 05:55) Answering my own question!
S-IN >> vice
TILLA >> worker on land; report - sounds like
but still no reason for the C!
10:15:Cryptic completed, but just one more question, if I may.
Clue: Raise army to besiege island (5)
Letters: H - I - T
Answer is HOIST, but I can't see why.
Otherwise, I had to google two answers which required info about a Beettles' cover group, and the other about a film.
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Hi Susan,
12 across is: Trace viceworker on land from report (9)
Letters: S - I - T - - - A
And I have just worked out, having woken up and started trying, as I was doing yesterday evening, to put letters in spaces, and having also worked out the rest of 6 across and 7 down, that gave me L for the eighth letter. So then, having also remembered, from the last time this clue came up, that it was not an anagram of 'trace vice' but a synonym of trace, I could see that it must be SCINTILLA.
However, I cannot work out how the answer complies with the clue an would much appreciate an explanation, please.
ETA 05:55) Answering my own question!
S-IN >> vice
TILLA >> worker on land; report - sounds like
but still no reason for the C!
“Trace” is the synonym, and “vice worker on land” sounds like (“from report”) “sin tiller”.
10:15:Cryptic completed, but just one more question, if I may.
Clue: Raise army to besiege island (5)
Letters: H - I - T
Answer is HOIST, but I can't see why.
Otherwise, I had to google two answers which required info about a Beettles' cover group, and the other about a film.
“Raise” is the synonym. The “army” is HOST and it’s around (“besiege”) I for “island”.
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Hi Susan,
“Trace” is the synonym, and “vice worker on land” sounds like (“from report”) “sin tiller”.
“Raise” is the synonym. The “army” is HOST and it’s around (“besiege”) I for “island”.
Ah, I see. Many thanks for your help.
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Several answers to Cryptic completed so far, all of which were fairly straightforward, so I should expect the rest to be similar, but no, not so far! I would much appreciate a hint for the following, please. I think it might begin with C.
1 down: One man, not the Messiah, embracing East European (7)
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Hi Susan,
Not a C at the beginning I’m afraid. Possibly someone from Madrid or Lisbon?
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Hi Susan,
Not a C at the beginning I’m afraid. Possibly someone from Madrid or Lisbon?
Thank you for help. Nothing springing to mind straight away, I'm afraid. I'll work on that this afternoon, but the grid is looking very empty so far!
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Ah, I think I've got it: Iberian i.e. I, Brian with an e! Actually I had thought of Brian but had no idea how it could fit in.
thank you.
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No problem Susan - I had to run through "Irish", "Icelandic" etc before I got there though!
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No problem Susan - I had to run through "Irish", "Icelandic" etc before I got there though!
:) I think I have 1 across now too.
The setter is no longer cool, having come to standstill (7)
Letters: I - - - S - -
IMPASSE which presumably is I'm passé and no longer trendy, but can't see why there is no 'a' before 'standstill'...
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I'm afraid I really don't like the Saturday Cryptic. I did manage to complete the small top left-hand corner, but am now stuck. I'd rather not give up straight away though!
5 across is: Advertising a trade which is somewhat nutty? (7)
Third letter A
Welll, PEANUTS fits but that's just a guess. I think the clue has come up before, but can't remember.
May I have a hint, please?
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I'm afraid I really don't like the Saturday Cryptic. I did manage to complete the small top left-hand corner, but am now stuck. I'd rather not give up straight away though!
5 across is: Advertising a trade which is somewhat nutty? (7)
Third letter A
Welll, PEANUTS fits but that's just a guess. I think the clue has come up before, but can't remember.
May I have a hint, please?
"What's your ... trade" ?
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"What's your ... trade" ?
Well, er, PEANUT VENDOR!!! :) Thank you for your help, but I've beem thinking for the last hour or so and all I can come up with are PLANTER or ROASTER, which don't make any sense at all. Could I have the answer, please, and then if I still can't do the down clues , I might have to give up on this Cryptic.
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Well, er, PEANUT VENDOR!!! :) Thank you for your help, but I've beem thinking for the last hour or so and all I can come up with are PLANTER or ROASTER, which don't make any sense at all. Could I have the answer, please, and then if I still can't do the down clues , I might have to give up on this Cryptic.
The answer is Praline - Udayana was hinting at 'What's my line?' with line being a synonym for trade in that context.
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The answer is Praline - Udayana was hinting at 'What's my line?' with line being a synonym for trade in that context.
Thank you, NS. I wouldn't have got that. I'll see if I can fill in a few more down squares.
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I almost threw the Cryptic away, but not having done so, I had a look on Wednesday, did several answers and then quite a few more yesterday, so now, of course, I'll have to finish it! I've guessed quite a few answers, then checked via google that they are right even though they appear not to be really connected with their clues.
4 down is: Time after time love is an inspiration (5)
Letters: E - A - E
Realised this morning that LATE is the time after time, so the word has to be ELATE, but why oh why is 'elate' a synonym of 'inspiration'?
24 down is: Use excellent line with King James Bible (5)
Letters: - - A - -
I think the answer must be EXACT - if that is right, could you say why, please?
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Morning Susan,
I almost threw the Cryptic away, but not having done so, I had a look on Wednesday, did several answers and then quite a few more yesterday, so now, of course, I'll have to finish it! I've guessed quite a few answers, then checked via google that they are right even though they appear not to be really connected with their clues.
4 down is: Time after time love is an inspiration (5)
Letters: E - A - E
Realised this morning that LATE is the time after time, so the word has to be ELATE, but why oh why is 'elate' a synonym of 'inspiration'?
It isn’t I’m afraid. The “inspiration” bit it the muse ERATO – it’s “time” (T) after “time” (ERA) with “love” (0).
24 down is: Use excellent line with King James Bible (5)
Letters: - - A - -
I think the answer must be EXACT - if that is right, could you say why, please?
Not EXACT. “excellent” is AI, and “line” is abbreviated as L. They come after an abbreviation for the KJ (ie, the Authorised Version) of the Bible.
To be fair, they’re both hard clues though.
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Morning Susan,
It isn’t I’m afraid. The “inspiration” bit it the muse ERATO – it’s “time” (T) after “time” (ERA) with “love” (0).
Not EXACT. “excellent” is AI, and “line” is abbreviated as L. They come after an abbreviation for the KJ (ie, the Authorised Version) of the Bible.
To be fair, they’re both hard clues though.
Many thanks. I'll see if I can work those out this afternoon.
Correction - I see that the answer is in fact ERATO - I didn't hear properly first time...
It is encouraging to hear you say they are hard clues!
I suppose 24 down must be AVAIL then.
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One only incomplete now, for which an answer will be much appreciated. AVAIL helped with AWARD and gives L for the fifth letter of
28 across: Curl right round fireplace (7)
Letters R - N - L - T
I have been looking and looking at
15 down: Ones' left us for dead? (9)
Letters: E - P - E - I - M
and realised at last that it must be EUPHEMISM
Also, looking again at 4 down, I did in fact have O for last letter but it was messily written! I wouldn't have got the answer though.
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One only incomplete now, for which an answer will be much appreciated. AVAIL helped with AWARD and gives L for the fifth letter of
28 across: Curl right round fireplace (7)
Letters R - N - L - T
I have been looking and looking at
15 down: Ones' left us for dead? (9)
Letters: E - P - E - I - M
and realised at last that it must be EUPHEMISM
Also, looking again at 4 down, I did in fact have O for last letter but it was messily written! I wouldn't have got the answer though.
2g across is RINGLET - R T from right curled round Ingle - as in Ingle - Archaic for fire place - to give a synonym for Curl
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2g across is RINGLET - R T from right curled round Ingle - as in Ingle - Archaic for fire place - to give a synonym for Curl
Many thanks. Actually, I have been leaning out of the window, trying to decide whether to do a few extra laps walking up and down here and thinking about the clue at the same time and realised it was RINGLET and why. So that's another piece of paper for the recycle bin!
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A few answers so far, but I'm not sure how difficult this Cryptic is going to be.
9 across: Sierra exactly right for carnivore (5)
I assume first letter is S,and have tried to find a carnivore beginning with S. First, google kept telling me there were no carnivores beginning with Q, but since I had specified S, that wasn't any help! An alphabetical list of carnivores came up with STOAT, but I thought the clue must be made up of three sections: sierra S, exactly A(??), and R for right. I googled answer and it is STOAT, but may I ask, please, for a reason why? I can't see the connection.
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Hi again Susan,
A few answers so far, but I'm not sure how difficult this Cryptic is going to be.
9 across: Sierra exactly right for carnivore (5)
I assume first letter is S,and have tried to find a carnivore beginning with S. First, google kept telling me there were no carnivores beginning with Q, but since I had specified S, that wasn't any help! An alphabetical list of carnivores came up with STOAT, but I thought the clue must be made up of three sections: sierra S, exactly A(??), and R for right. I googled answer and it is STOAT, but may I ask, please, for a reason why? I can't see the connection.
Yep, “Sierra” gives you the S, then it’s “to a t” for “exactly right” – as in “that tie suits you to a t Sir…”.
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Hi again Susan,
Yep, “Sierra” gives you the S, then it’s “to a t” for “exactly right” – as in “that tie suits you to a t Sir…”.
Thank you. I'm afraid I'm too old for all these prsumably supposed to be time-saving acronyms!!
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This Saturday's Cryptic is, I think, about the same level of difficulty as last week's. *sigh* Never mind, I've started, so I'll try and finish. One small corner done and random answers here and there.
2 down is: Do call (8)
Letters: - C - A - - - N(?)
Is it to do with Bridge, I wonder? SCRABBLE fits, but that's no good! Is there a hint which would help, please?
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Hi Susan,
Think of a synonym for a “do” as in event or happening. Might even be a special...!
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And the N is correct
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bluehillside and NS
thank you for your help. I'll have to hav a think …
ETA almost immediately! The word must be OCCASION, but how does it follow from the clue? Do = occasion, but I'm afraid I can't see where the 'call' comes in?
Actually, looking over the grid, I find I've done more than I thought I had!
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Hi Susan,
bluehillside and NS
thank you for your help. I'll have to hav a think …
ETA almost immediately! The word must be OCCASION, but how does it follow from the clue? Do = occasion, but I'm afraid I can't see where the 'call' comes in?
Actually, looking over the grid, I find I've done more than I thought I had!
Yes to occasion, and it also means a reason or a cause (or call), as in "I've not had the occasion to write to you before" and similar.
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Hi Susan,
Yes to occasion, and it also means a reason or a cause (or call), as in "I've not had the occasion to write to you before" and similar.
Thank you - much appreciated.
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With many searches for synonyms, I have finished the Cryptic and have almost worked out why the answers work. However, the answer to this clue:
18 down: RADA graduate loathes piano frames (8)
is THESPIAN and I can't quite see why. The two halves are: thes(e) and pian(o) but I would be grateful for an explanation. No rush though!
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Hey Susan,
wWith many searches for synonyms, I have finished the Cryptic and have almost worked out why the answers work. However, the answer to this clue:
18 down: RADA graduate loathes piano frames (
is THESPIAN and I can't quite see why. The two halves are: thes(e) and pian(o) but I would be grateful for an explanation. No rush though!
It’s a portmanteau clue. The answer is “framed” by “loathes piano”: loaTHES PIANo.
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wWith many searches for synonyms, I have finished the Cryptic and have almost worked out why the answers work. However, the answer to this clue:
18 down: RADA graduate loathes piano frames (8)
is THESPIAN and I can't quite see why. The two halves are: thes(e) and pian(o) but I would be grateful for an explanation. No rush though!
loaTHES PIANo - capitals are answer. Thespian is a RADA graduate.
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bluehillside and NS
Ah, I see; many thanks for explanations. That is one thing I can of course blame squarely on my inability to see a clue as a whole, and in fact I had wondered why there had not been a clue of that type, as there is usually at least one in each cryptic.
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It's a middling sort of Cryptic this weekend.
15 down is: A feeling of anger going round confused shy figure (8)
Letters: P - - - I - U -
May I have a yes/no answer, please, for: are the last four letters IOUS?
ETA Funny how, quite often when I've clicked on 'post' I think of the answer to my own question!! It should be IQUE, shouldn't it, from P...IQUE.hmmmm.
PHYSIQUE
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Hi Susan,
It's a middling sort of Cryptic this weekend.
15 down is: A feeling of anger going round confused shy figure (
Letters: P - - - I - U -
May I have a yes/no answer, please, for: are the last four letters IOUS?
EA Funny how, quite often when I've clicked on 'post' I think of the answer to my own question!! It should be IQUE, shouldn't it, from P...IQUE.hmmmm.
Yep – you just need an anagram of SHY inside of PIQUE for the answer.
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Hi Susan,
Yep – you just need an anagram of SHY inside of PIQUE for the answer.
Thank you; - and yes, as soon as I wrote in the lastletters I could see what the other three were, so I have just dropped back to put the answer in previous post.
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May I have, please, a hint for:
6 down: Congregation race to find grazing land (5,3)
Letters: - - - E - / - - N
I am hoping the second letter is V, but that's probably a vain hope!
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Morning Susan,
May I have, please, a hint for:
6 down: Congregation race to find grazing land (5,3)
Letters: - - - E - / - - N
I am hoping the second letter is V, but that's probably a vain hope!
I wasn’t familiar with this phrase, but I had an answer that fitted the cryptic part so looked that up and it’s a thing apparently. A congregation is sometimes known as a flock (as Christopher Hitchens once noted, that’s ironic given the way clerics can fleece them - or worse), and a flock consists of…
(No V by the way).
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Morning Susan,
I wasn’t familiar with this phrase, but I had an answer that fitted the cryptic part so looked that up and it’s a thing apparently. A congregation is sometimes known as a flock (as Christopher Hitchens once noted, that’s ironic given the way clerics can fleece them - or worse), and a flock consists of…
(No V by the way).
Many thanks; so that makes it SHEEP RUN? I certainly wouldn't have got that. I had worked out that RUN was probaby the second word, but it made no sense on its own.
that gives me T - E - H - for 9 across, which is:
Cut support after finishing early
but I'll try and think of the answer for that … ...
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I'm afraid I'm going to have to give up on 9 across. I've been trying every combination of letters but nothing makes sense. I'm sure the E is right, though, because it is the second letter in the down answer which is TEAR-JERKER. I hope it's not a kick-self!
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To be fair Susan it’s quite a tricky one.
TEETHE is the synonym for “cut”. The cryptic is TEE for “support”, the “after” is THEN, but it “finishes early” so it’s just THE.
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To be fair Susan it’s quite a tricky one.
TEETHE is the synonym for “cut”. The cryptic is TEE for “support”, the “after” is THEN, but it “finishes early” so it’s just THE.
Many thanks. The only way the first part made sense was in fact TEETH, but I thought the end had to be a Y, as in the Y finishing 'early', but that didn't make sense. I had, though, forgotten that TEE would be the support. I'd tried different .
letters at the end, and found TEETHE but then I couldn't see how it connected to the clue.
Right, that leaves four incomplete answers!
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3 down is: Frenzied comedian (8)
Letters: - C - - - T - C
ECLECTIC fits, but could you please say if it is right, and if so, how it fits the clue!
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Hi Susan,
3 soqn ia: Frenzied comedian (
Letters: - C - - - T - C
ECLECTIC fits, but could you please say if I is right, and if so, how it fits the clue!
Not ECLECTIC I’m afraid. It’s a two-in-one clue: a synonym for frenzied, but also the “frenzied” tells you it’s an anagram of “comedian”.
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Hi Susan,
Not ECLECTIC I’m afraid. It’s a two-in-one clue: a synonym for frenzied, but also the “frenzied” tells you it’s an anagram of “comedian”.
Thank you. Oh dear! That means there is only one C and it must be the first one that is wrong. More thinking required! I was a bit unsure about the first across clue anyway.
(Apologies for typo in previous post- corrected!)
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. Oh dear! That means there is only one C and it must be the first one that is wrong. More thinking required! I was a bit unsure about the first across clue anyway.
(Apologies for typo in previous post- corrected!)
No problem. It must be the anagram of "comedian" I think but I don't like the answer much as a synonym for "frenzied" too. Ah well.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. It must be the anagram of "comedian" I think but I don't like the answer much as a synonym for "frenzied" too. Ah well.
All I could get was DEMONIAC and that's not a word I thought, but on the offchance I googled definition DEMONIAC and find that it is, so I see what you mean about not liking the word.
Down to two incomplete answers now …
7 across: Lighting-up time? ((8)
Letters now: - A - B - E - E
I thought it was BARBECUE
ETA the ? mark, and to say that I think the A might be wrong
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Susan,
All I could get was DEMONIAC and that's not a word I thought, but on the offchance I googled definition DEMONIAC and find that it is, so I see what you mean about not liking the word.
Down to two incomplete answers now …
7 across: Lighting-up time ((8)
Letters now: - A - B - E - E
I thought it was BARBECUE
That last E is wrong think - think sunshine.
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Susan,
That last E is wrong think - think sunshine.
ah, looks as if posts crossed. Thank you for your help. I'm glad the A is right and the ;
last E is from a four-word answer so it is only the first part wrong!
I'll see what my subconscious comes up with overnight.
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Subconscious not required! Answers completed when the odd letters here and there were corrected, so;
7 across DAYBREAK thank you for help - I should have got that!
2 down: CANCEL
3 down: ABBA
4 down: DEMONIAC
8 down: KEEP IN THE DARK (bit klunky that one - saving electricity)
Oh, and 12 across: CLASSIFIED which I thought had a T (from 4 down, but no problem with the I
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It's really too hot to think this weekend! However, plodding on... …
6 down is: Defraud kind husband? (7)
Letters: first C and last T
Thinking 'CON' for the first part, CONTENT fits but that's a guess and it's probably wrong. If so, may I have a hint, please?
There hasn't been one of those I can just do by Sunday morning for ages.
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Hi Susan,
It's really too hot to think this weekend! However, plodding on... …
6 down is: Defraud kind husband? (7)
Letters: first C and last T
Thinking 'CON' for the first part, CONTENT fits but that's a guess and it's probably wrong. If so, may I have a hint, please?
There hasn't been one of those I can just do by Sunday morning for ages.
Liking it so far. Think of Queen Victoria's husband's job title for the synonym.
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Hi Susan,
Liking it so far. Think of Queen Victoria's husband's job title for the synonym.
Thank you. Note to self: must remember kind = sort, at least when four letters are needed!
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Aha, I have come across a misprint of some sort:
9 down is: Book two football teams following dismissal (5,10)
Problem is there are oly 14 squares!
I have T in the 6th and again in the 12th sand I'm not at all sure I'll get the answer, but could you pleae say what the word lengths are? I think a hint would be very helpful too!
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Hi Susan,
I think you'll find there is a hyphen in the second word which is missed out in the actual crossword.
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Hi Susan,
Aha, I have come across a misprint of some sort:
9 down is: Book two football teams following dismissal (5,10)
Problem is there are oly 14 squares!
I have T in the 6th and again in the 12th sand I'm not at all sure I'll get the answer, but could you pleae say what the word lengths are? I think a hint would be very helpful too!
I had to look at this for a while before realising it was one on my favourite books. 5,9 and think about how many players there are on two football teams...
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Hi Susan,
I had to look at this for a while before realising it was one on my favourite books. 5,9 and think about how many players there are on two football teams...
Many thanks. So that means it's something TWENTY-TWO - does the author have a hyphen in the title?
ETA 12:07 - it has taken me that long to think 'CATCH'!
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One or two more clues done and one or two more getting closer.
20 down is: Track rhino finally entering wood [6]
Letters: - R - O - E
Could you please say whether those letters are right so far?
The clue has come up before and I'm hoping I can rely on the subconscious to help too … ...
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Hey Susan,
One or two more clues done and one or two more getting closer.
20 down is: Track rhino finally entering wood [6]
Letters: - R - O - E
Could you please say whether those letters are right so far?
The clue has come up before and I'm hoping I can rely on the subconscious to help too … ...
Yes they are right. You can do this!
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Hey Susan,
Yes they are right. You can do this!
Fingers crossed - yes, I think I might manage it by Saturday next!
Thank you for your reply, I'll spend the evening putting letters in until I hit on the right ones!
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7:01 p.m. GROOVE !!
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Susan,
7:01 p.m. GROOVE !!
Hooray!
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May I have a yes/no for this, please:
17 across: Cat fish biting a cheeky young chap (14
I have SNAPPERSNAPPER - is this right - or maybe half right?!
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Hi Susan,
May I have a yes/no for this, please:
17 across: Cat fish biting a cheeky young chap (14
I have SNAPPERSNAPPER - is this right - or maybe half right?!
I'm liking the second SNAPPER, but not the first one...
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Hi Susan,
I'm liking the second SNAPPER, but not the first one...
Many thanks. Yes, sitting in the front room, now slightly cooler, with the fan on, my brain has just remembered one of your previous hints on the subject and it's WHIPPERSNAPPER, isn't it?!
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks. Yes, sitting in the front room, now slightly cooler, with the fan on, my brain has just remembered one of your previous hints on the subject and it's WHIPPERSNAPPER, isn't it?!
Yes it is - it's "cat" as in cat o' nine tails - ie, a whip.
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Hi Susan,
Yes it is - it's "cat" as in cat o' nine tails - ie, a whip.
thank you. Not that many more to do, and quite a few have appeared before, so I'll go back to it tomorrow.
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/Several more answers completed and four to go in a small section.
7 down: Failing in record time (5)
Letters: I - E - T
I think it is INERT but might be INEPT. May I please ask if you could say which, and why?,
No rush for reply - I'm turning off computer soon.
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The only thing I can think of is "INEPT" - and my reasoning is tenuous to say the least, but "EP" used to be a vinyl record format before we all went digital in a variety of ways.
If that is the answer it's not the best clue I've ever seen!
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The only thing I can think of is "INEPT" - and my reasoning is tenuous to say the least, but "EP" used to be a vinyl record format before we all went digital in a variety of ways.
If that is the answer it's not the best clue I've ever seen!
Agree, on the answer and the clue quality
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TV and NS
Thank you - much appreciated. Opinions of the clues are also really helpful and also always much appreciated.
I can see that INEPT would be IN, for the 'in' in the clue, EP for, as TV says, a record company, and T for the 'time'. I do always like to know the 'why' of answers! :)
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Hi Susan,
TV and NS
Thank you - much appreciated. Opinions of the clues are also really helpful and also always much appreciated.
I can see that INEPT would be IN, for the 'in' in the clue, EP for, as TV says, a record company, and T for the 'time'. I do always like to know the 'why' of answers! :)
Yes, but just to say that "EP" is a type of record ("Extra Play" - EPs had more tracks than singles, but fewer than LPs) rather than a record company.
EP/LP are favourite of crossword setters too - whenever you see "disc", "record" etc in a clue try these first. "Find the LP has ended" is quite common too (it's DISCOVER - ie, DISC OVER) :)
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Hi Susan,
Yes, but just to say that "EP" is a type of record ("Extra Play" - EPs had more tracks than singles, but fewer than LPs) rather than a record company.
EP/LP are favourite of crossword setters too - whenever you see "disc", "record" etc in a clue try these first. "Find the LP has ended" is quite common too (it's DISCOVER - ie, DISC OVER) :)
Thank you - I'll try and remember all that!
Actually, I was just going to ask for another hint. There seem to be too many cryptic parts to:
23 across: A new cricket ball's right to the front for sport (7)
Letters:A - - - E - -
If I remember correctly, there is some acronym or something for cricket ball, but help will as always be much appreciated. It will help with the final three down clues.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - I'll try and remember all that!
Actually, I was just going to ask for another hint. There seem to be too many cryptic parts to:
23 across: A new cricket ball's right to the front for sport (7)
Letters:A - - - E - -
If I remember correctly, there is some acronym or something for cricket ball, but help will as always be much appreciated. It will help with the final three down clues.
Yes, a shiny new cricket ball is sometimes referred to a a type of stone fruit. The opening A is given to you, and you need a letter for "right" after that et voila! A different sport appears!
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Thank you - I'll try and remember all that!
Actually, I was just going to ask for another hint. There seem to be too many cryptic parts to:
23 across: A new cricket ball's right to the front for sport (7)
Letters:A - - - E - -
If I remember correctly, there is some acronym or something for cricket ball, but help will as always be much appreciated. It will help with the final three down clues.
The 'nickname' for the cricket ball is a type of fruit - the A in the answer is the only part of the answer that isn't made up of the letters in the fruit. The whole is another sport
ETA - ninja'd by bhs.
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NS,
The 'nickname' for the cricket ball is a type of fruit - the A in the answer is the only part of the answer that isn't made up of the letters in the fruit. The whole is another sport
ETA - ninja'd by bhs.
Sorry! (Also though there's another letter between the A and the fruit.)
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NS,
Sorry! (Also though there's another letter between the A and the fruit.)
Agreed but the last six letters are all from the letters in the name of the fruit.
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Hi Susan,
Yes, a shiny new cricket ball is sometimes referred to a a type of stone fruit. The opening A is given to you, and you need a letter for "right" after that et voila! A different sport appears!
ARCHERY Many thanks - I had realised that there had to be an R at the start but could not get beyond that or that it had to come from 'cherrry'..
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I thought there were three incomplete down clues, but luckily only two!
19 down: Record verse penned by young prince (7)
Letters (A - C* - I - E
So ARCHIE
16 down: Reportedly favour one marine creature - or another?(4,4)
Letters: - R - Y* - E - L
CRAY, but will have to go through alphabet to complete the second part
.. and possibly hchange the first ...
* Y from archery'
*C from 'archery'
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I thought there were three incomplete down clues, but luckily only two!
19 down: Record verse penned by young prince (7)
Letters (A - C* - I - E
So ARCHIE
16 down: Reportedly favour one marine creature - or another?(4,4)
Letters: - R - Y* - E - L
CRAY, but will have to go through alphabet to complete the second part
.. and possibly hchange the first ...
* Y from archery'
*C from 'archery'
For 19 down, you only put up a 6 letter answer.
16 down Cray is wrong.
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Hi Susan,
I thought there were three incomplete down clues, but luckily only two!
19 down: Record verse penned by young prince (7)
Letters (A - C* - I - E
So ARCHIE
ARCHIE doesn't have enough letters. Try putting another letter in it ("penned") that's an abbreviation for "verse".
16 down: Reportedly favour one marine creature - or another?(4,4)
Letters: - R - Y* - E - L
CRAY, but will have to go through alphabet to complete the second part
.. and possibly hchange the first ...
* Y from archery'
*C from 'archery'
Not liking the CRAY, but there is a two-word marine creature that when said out loud could sound like a two-word phrase meaning "favour" and then another sea creature.
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For 19 down, you only put up a 6 letter answer.
Ah yes, thank you. I meant ARCHIVE of course, and in fact have written that in the grid!
16 down Cray is wrong.
Oh dear, I thought it might be. I've been going through the alphabet and the best I've come up with is GREY SEAL. Have I struck lucky?!
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Susan,
Oh dear, I thought it might be. I've been going through the alphabet and the best I've come up with is GREY SEAL. Have I struck lucky?!
Yes - it sounds like "GRACE EEL" - ie, "favour one marine animal".
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Susan,
Yes - it sounds like "GRACE EEL" - ie, "favour one marine animal".
Thank you. I must say I'd never have worked out the GRACE EEL, but that's another one for the brain to store away!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. I must say I'd never have worked out the GRACE EEL, but that's another one for the brain to store away!
No problem but I wouldn't bother trying to memorise soundalike words and phrases because there are so many of them. Rather the trick is to look for words like "reportedly" which tell you straight aways that the answer also sounds like something else.
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Hi Susan,
No problem but I wouldn't bother trying to memorise soundalike words and phrases because there are so many of them. Rather the trick is to look for words like "reportedly" which tell you straight aways that the answer also sounds like something else.
Thank you.
This week is another slow one to do - no quick finish.
13 across is: Doctor coped with some rot (9)
First letter D
I have assumed it is an anagram of 'coped with' and have produced DOPEWITCH, googled definition and it appears to be a tattoo design. Could I have a yes/no for this, please?
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Thank you.
This week is another slow one to do - no quick finish.
13 across is: Doctor coped with some rot (9)
First letter D
I have assumed it is an anagram of 'coped with' and have produced DOPEWITCH, googled definition and it appears to be a tattoo design. Could I have a yes/no for this, please?
It's a no. Right idea but it's an anagram of coped and some.
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It's a no. Right idea but it's an anagram of coped and some.
Thank you - that looks like a better combination of letters!
ET DECOMPOSEA
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May I ask a why question, please.
5 down is: Pain accordingly doubled? (2-3-2)
The answer - done and checked - is SO-AND-SO but I can't see why.
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Hi Susan,
May I ask a why question, please.
5 down is: Pain accordingly doubled? (2-3-2)
The answer - done and checked - is SO-AND-SO but I can't see why.
Someone who's a "so and so" is a pain in the neck. "So" is "accordingly" and there are two of them.
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Hi Susan,
Someone who's a "so and so" is a pain in the neck. "So" is "accordingly" and there are two of them.
Oh, I see! :) thank you.
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I'm a bit stuck and would be grateful for a hint to the following:
12 across: Soldiers disembark round Florida city (7)
Letters:O - F - O - D
I am only sure of the first O. OFFFLOAD fits, but can't spot the soldiers.
ETA or the city!
L
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I'm a bit stuck and would be grateful for a hint to the following:
12 across: Soldiers disembark round Florida city (7)
Letters:O - F - O - D
I am only sure of the first O. OFFFLOAD fits, but can't spot the soldiers.
ETA or the city!
Think the whole is an actual city in Florida, and only the first O is correct.
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Think the whole is an actual city in Florida, and only the first O is correct.
Many thanks - so that must be ORLANDO? I can see that 'disembark' can be 'land' but where are the soldiers I wonder?
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Many thanks - so that must be ORLANDO? I can see that 'disembark' can be 'land' but where are the soldiers I wonder?
OR stands for Other Ranks- as opposed to Officer Corp. The last O comes from the 'round' in the clue.
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks - so that must be ORLANDO? I can see that 'disembark' can be 'land' but where are the soldiers I wonder?
OR = "Other Ranks".
Coda - NS beat me to it darn it ;)
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OR stands for Other Ranks- as opposed to Officer Corp. The last O comes from the 'round' in the clue.
Thank you. It is so much more interesting to know the why of things! That small section now complete, but still quite a bit more to go.
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Following the ORLANDO answer, I have done about 7 more answers, and am left with one only.
22across: Child tucking into pork pies not the smallest, for example (7)
Letters: L - G - T - S
Could I have please a yes'no answer for: are the letters right?
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Hi Susan,
Following the ORLANDO answer, I have done about 7 more answers, and am left with one only.
22across: Child tucking into pork pies not the smallest, for example (7)
Letters: L - G - T - S
Could I have please a yes'no answer for: are the letters right?
No - have another look at that G.
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Hi Susan,
No - have another look at that G.
And I was just about to write that!
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Hi Susan,
No - have another look at that G.
thank you. Oh dear, in that case I think I'll have to ask another question.
That G was the start of
23 down: Grand invested in bank for dynamic sort (5)
Letters: - - G - R so I thought it was GAGER - looked up definition to ensure it Is a word. Could it be WAGER? I do not know why though. I do hope the G and the R are correct … ...
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thank you. Oh dear, in that case I think I'll have to ask another question.
That G was the start of
23 down: Grand invested in bank for dynamic sort (5)
Letters: - - G - R so I thought it was GAGER - looked up definition to ensure it Is a word. Could it be WAGER? I do not know why though. I do hope the G and the R are correct … ...
The G and R are right. Wager is not.
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The G and R are right. Wager is not.
Thank you. I think I'll just sob quietly for a moment or two!! :D
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Thank you. I think I'll just sob quietly for a moment or two!! :D
Think of another word for a dynamic economy
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. I think I'll just sob quietly for a moment or two!! :D
Don't do that! The G is given to you (grand), and you know it's inside (invested) in a synonym for "bank". So, that then give you a word meaning "dynamic type" - maybe a stripey one? ;)
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NS and bluehillside
Thank you for your help - much appreciated as always. Yes, I have thought of CIGAR, LIGER, TIGER … … and thatlast is the answer I now realise. So I shall now try and think of the answer to 22 across before I turn off the computer.
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Okay, got it. LITOTES*
pork pies - LIES and I knew that from the start, but forgot that
child - TOT
but I had to look up a definition of LITOTES. I then remembered it has come up before, but of course I'd completely forgotten it.
*Synthetic Dave pronounces it lit -oats but presumably it should be lie-tote-ease.
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Okay, got it. LITOTES*
pork pies - LIES and I knew that from the start, but forgot that
child - TOT
but I had to look up a definition of LITOTES. I then remembered it has come up before, but of course I'd completely forgotten it.
*Synthetic Dave pronounces it lit -oats but presumably it should be lie-tote-ease.
Yep, your pronounciation is right
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Yep, your pronounciation is right
I can now relax and turn off the computer!! Tomorrow is a different day - Tech chap coming to sort out a few glitches in links etc.
And I hope you won't mind my very politely, and with a smile :), mentioning that synthetic Dave also pronounced every word in your answer as spelt!
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Slow Cryptic again this week. May I ask:
1 across: Steal in the ears as Dalek's voice? (7)
Letters: R - B - - - -
The obvious answer is ROBOTIC, steal > ROB, and perhaps TIC for noise in the ears, but if ROBOTIC is right, could you say why, please?
If wrong, a hint would be much appreciated.
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Hi Susan. “Otic” means “related to the ears”.
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Hi Susan. “Otic” means “related to the ears”.
Ah, thank you.
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I think this one is a Wednesday or Thursday finish.
28 across is: Something very irritating in opening chatter (4,3)
Could you please say if I am right that it is an anagram of 'chatter'?
]If it is, I have: ETCH, TECH; plus RAT, TAR or ART or is that grasping at straws?
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It is part anagram, although you haven't listed the 4 letter word I am thinking of.
But that word combined with something you exhale from your mouth as you chatter, gives you the 3 letter word and should get you something irritating!
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Trent,
It is part anagram, although you haven't listed the 4 letter word I am thinking of.
But that word combined with something you exhale from your mouth as you chatter, gives you the 3 letter word and should get you something irritating!
No anagram there I think, but you wouldn't want this in your eyes!
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TV and bluehillside
Thank you for your help; much appreciated as always.
So that will be AIR for the second word … ...
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Susan,
TV and bluehillside
Thank you for your help; much appreciated as always.
So that will be AIR for the second word … ...
Sorry, no. Someone who chatters can be calla a – – – bag...
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Susan,
Sorry, no. Someone who chatters can be calla a – – – bag...
Thank you. WIND BAG - I don't think I'd have got that. The lower half of the grid is very empty which is why I thought I'd find the answer to the last clue.
I'll see what I can do tomorrow.
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Susan,
Thank you. WIND BAG - I don't think I'd have got that. The lower half of the grid is very empty which is why I thought I'd find the answer to the last clue.
I'll see what I can do tomorrow.
No! What do the police sometimes spray in the faces of rioters?
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Susan,
No! What do the police sometimes spray in the faces of rioters?
TEAR GAS! Thank you - I wouldn't have got that either, I think.
Actually, I went to the CCTV, filled in WIND BAG, then had another look at the down clue which would end in B,, saw that it was one of those coming from ...IC IN G(dansk)' so ICING and put off thinking about the rest until today!
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Four answers done yesterday, but having googled two more today, I have confirmed my opinion that the answers are too far removed from the clues to spend much thinking time on them. I'll leave it on the CCTV to see if I can fill in a few more, but my heart's not in this one!
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Hi Susan,
Four answers done yesterday, but having googled two more today, I have confirmed my opinion that the answers are too far removed from the clues to spend much thinking time on them. I'll leave it on the CCTV to see if I can fill in a few more, but my heart's not in this one!
Aw c’mon Susan – you can do this. We’ve got your back!
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Hi Susan,
Aw c’mon Susan – you can do this. We’ve got your back!
:) Thank you for the encouragement, I'll plod on a bit more... I have in fact done one more answer, but it doesn't help with any other.
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13 across: Waiting after interval, news can be so old (5-4)
Letters: T - - - D / - A - D
I've thought of TIMED for the first word, but not only cannot think why, but the second word beats me.
Is there a hint which would help, please?
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Susan is the clue that or is it "writing after interval" ?
If it is this, then when you buy something from a charity shop it can be this if it has passed through 2 previous owners.
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Susan is the clue that or is it "writing after interval" ?
If it is this, then when you buy something from a charity shop it can be this if it has passed through 2 previous owners.
Oh, dear! Thank you - yes, I increased the magnification, and it is 'writing'. Mind you, I'm not sure whether reading it correctly would have helped or not, :) but I'll see what I can do with the help of the hint. Thank uou.
Okay, got it - THIRD HAND... and that'll be a musical interval before the hand writing - I suppose not so much of that gets done these days!
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Having the I from THIRD HAND I managed the down clue and another across and then did two more, guessing wildly, but the answers are clearly right and fit - goodness knows why!
I now have
19 down: Soubriquet's essence in letter written up (7)
Letters: E - - - H - T
so I jump to the conclusion that it must be EPITHET, but if so, why, oh why!
And then that leaves only a few more to do ...
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Hi Susan,
Having the I from THIRD HAND I managed the down clue and another across and then did two more, guessing wildly, but the answers are clearly right and fit - goodness knows why!
I now have
19 down: Soubriquet's essence in letter written up (7)
Letters: E - - - H - T
so I jump to the conclusion that it must be EPITHET, but if so, why, oh why!
And then that leaves only a few more to do ...
It's PITH (“essence”) in the letter TEE “written up” – ie, reversed for a down clue.
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Hi Susan,
It's PITH (“essence”) in the letter TEE “written up” – ie, reversed for a down clue.
Thank you. I can get the PITH part, but how do you know it is the letter T being referred to, and that it must be spelt?
The last two clues are:
22 across: Think pigmies occasionally must conceal a trap (7)
Letters: I - - - i - e Anagram of 'pigmies'?
23 down: Subtle charm of an Italian city (5)
Letters: - - O - A
Third letter of 22 across is first of 23 down.
I think I can allow myself to ask for answers at this point, please? I've spent quite a bit of today trying to get used to using chrome and MS edge.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. I can get the PITH part, but how do you know it is the letter T being referred to, and that it must be spelt?
It’s the standard phonetic spelling of the letter I think.
The last two clues are:
22 across: Think pigmies occasionally must conceal a trap (7)
Letters: I - - - i - e Anagram of 'pigmies'?
No. It’s IMAGINE. “Think” is the synonym, the “trap” is GIN and it’s inside (“conceal”) the alternate letters ("occasionally") of the word “pigmies”.
23 down: Subtle charm of an Italian city (5)
Letters: - - O - A
Third letter of 22 across is first of 23 down.
I think I can allow myself to ask for answers at this point, please? I've spent quite a bit of today trying to get used to using chrome and MS edge.
AROMA.
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Hi Susan,
It’s the standard phonetic spelling of the letter I think.
thank you and yes, I do see that, but what told you it was the letter T to choose and not, say, bee or cee?
No. It’s IMAGINE. “Think” is the synonym, the “trap” is GIN and it’s inside (“conceal”) the alternate letters ("occasionally") of the word “pigmies”.
Thank you - and I did wonder about the alternate letters but there didn't seem to be enough of them.
AROMA.
Thank you for your help, much appreciated as always.
[/quote]
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Hi Susan,
thank you and yes, I do see that, but what told you it was the letter T to choose and not, say, bee or cee?
It was the other way around. EPITHET fitted and gave me the synonym, and PITH was the essence part. All I had to do then was to reason that EET "upwards" was TEE, which must have been the intended letter. I have to say that I don't like it much - maybe something like: "Soubriquet's essence in shirt upside down" would have been better?
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Hi Susan,
It was the other way around. EPITHET fitted and gave me the synonym, and PITH was the essence part. All I had to do then was to reason that EET "upwards" was TEE, which must have been the intended letter. I have to say that I don't like it much - maybe something like: "Soubriquet's essence in shirt upside down" would have been better?
:) Yes! My opinion is that Clever Clogs perhaps has a slightly inflated opinion of himself!
Thank you as always for the answer to the why question.
And since yesterday, I have even managed to work out the reason for one of the other answers!
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15 answers done so far, so a reasonable start with clues more to my liking. However, a hint for the folowing would help and be much appreciated:
9 down: African transmitter runs right round hollow tree (6)
Fourth letter T
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Hi Susan,
15 answers done so far, so a reasonable start with clues more to my liking. However, a hint for the folowing would help and be much appreciated:
9 down: African transmitter runs right round hollow tree (6)
Fourth letter T
Maybe the “transmitter” transmits disease rather than broadcasts?
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Hi Susan,
Maybe the “transmitter” transmits disease rather than broadcasts?
Thank you. I'll work on that ... ...
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I'm afraid I haven't got it yet. It is becoming impossible to find synonyms on the internet, because there is so much stuff on the page and I simply cannot find the links to click on to get somewhere. The Meriam(phonetic sp)) Webster used to go straight to synonyms, but it doesn't seem to be doing that any more. Even if I got the Tech chap to register me on one of these sites, it's just about impossible to make it simple. *sigh*
So, unless another hint would get me closer to the answer, may I have the answer please?
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Hi Susan,
I'm afraid I haven't got it yet. It is becoming impossible to find synonyms on the internet, because there is so much stuff on the page and I simply cannot find the links to click on to get somewhere. The Meriam(phonetic sp)) Webster used to go straight to synonyms, but it doesn't seem to be doing that any more. Even if I got the Tech chap to register me on one of these sites, it's just about impossible to make it simple. *sigh*
So, unless another hint would get me closer to the answer, may I have the answer please?
Of course: TSETSE (as in the fly).
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Hi Susan,
Of course: TSETSE (as in the fly).
Many thanks - I certainly wouldn't have got that. What is the relevance of the rest of the clue? 'runs right round' and 'hollow tree' I suppose the 'runs right round' has something to do with the repeat three letters, but ' hollow tree'? I had actually thought of 'tree' without the middle letters, but it didn't seem to have anything to do with anything!
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What with my low sodium count, I'm obviously not myself this weekend! I have just looked again at the clue and see that I copied it wrongly in the first place. Oh dear ...
9 down: African transmitter sets in hollow tree (6)
So now I can see plainly the answer to the 'why' question. My apologies!!
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18 down is: Carnage said to be well-proportioned (8)
Letters: H - - - S - M -
I assume the answer is HANDSOME, but may I ask, please: is that supposed to sound like 'hang some'?
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18 down is: Carnage said to be well-proportioned (8)
Letters: H - - - S - M -
I assume the answer is HANDSOME, but may I ask, please: is that supposed to sound like 'hang some'?
Not carnage but carriage
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Not carnage but carriage
Many thanks. Oh dear, my peripheral vision is letting me down a bit this weekend - perhaps the low sodium count has got into that part of my brain!
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Hi Susan
What with my low sodium count, I'm obviously not myself this weekend! I have just looked again at the clue and see that I copied it wrongly in the first place. Oh dear ...
9 down: African transmitter sets in hollow tree (6)
So now I can see plainly the answer to the 'why' question. My apologies!!
Ah, I'm glad you said that. It had be TSETSE ("mosquito" didn't fit) but I couldn't work out the cryptic part. Makes perfect sense now!
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Hi Susan
Ah, I'm glad you said that. It had be TSETSE ("mosquito" didn't fit) but I couldn't work out the cryptic part. Makes perfect sense now!
This cryptic could have been compiled by two setters! The clues I did yesterday were the sort that suited me but the rest have been needing a guess to cover the part that, to me, is missing. However, today I googled two answers and have more or less finished it. Still empty squares here and there but they only affect the word they're in, So I am free to guess! I'll have to know the 'why' though, so I might well be back requesting them ...
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Regarding those few empty squares …
8 across is: Mean to get wasted (5)
Letters: - I - H -
21 across is: Have riches perhaps in American vault(6)
Letters: A - O - N -
For both I have been putting in an assortment of letters but although I can make any number of words, none seems to fit exactly. I certainly can't fit Fort Knox into the latter!
If there are hints which would help, they will of course be much appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
Regarding those few empty squares …
8 across is: Mean to get wasted (5)
Letters: - I - H –
You need a synonym that means both ungenerous and tiddly!
21 across is: Have riches perhaps in American vault(6)
Letters: A - O - N -
For both I have been putting in an assortment of letters but although I can make any number of words, none seems to fit exactly. I certainly can't fit Fort Knox into the latter!
If there are hints which would help, they will of course be much appreciated.
“American” can be abbreviated to a single letter, and “vault” is also a verb for something gymnasts and kangaroos do… ;)
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Hi Susan,
You need a synonym that means both ungenerous and tiddly!
Thank you. Yes, I thought it probably would be, but not being in the habit of being 'tiddly', the word doesn't spring readily to mind! I'll give it a day or so.
American” can be abbreviated to a single letter, and “vault” is also a verb for something gymnasts and kangaroos do… ;)
Thank you. ABOUND was one of my choicces, but I didn't think of the gymnastic vault. I suppose the word 'riches' was to mislead crossworders like me into thinking it must be Fort Knox!
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TIGHT And I really should have got that sooner!
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Hi Susan,
TIGHT And I really should have got that sooner!
I couldn't possibly comment but I did think, "Susan will kick herself when she gets it" ;)
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Hi Susan,
I couldn't possibly comment but I did think, "Susan will kick herself when she gets it" ;)
Yes!
Anyway, here we are at Saturday again. May I have a yes/no please for:
27 across: A time to give such as Rudolph 'orse food (3,4,3)
Is the answer RED NOSE DAY ?
ETA: I thinnk it is yes because Rudolph is red-nosed and then that explains 'ay for 'orse. Hmmm.
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Hi again Susan,
Yes!
Anyway, here we are at Saturday again. May I have a yes/no please for:
27 across: A time to give such as Rudolph 'orse food (3,4,3)
Is the answer RED NOSE DAY ?
ETA: I thinnk it is yes because Rudolph is red-nosed and then that explains 'ay for 'orse. Hmmm.
Looks good to me!
-
Hi again Susan,
Looks good to me!
That was the last across clue. the first was:
Rehearse murder with sword (3,7)
Got that first thing this morning: RUN THROUGH.
3 down is: Control such as Nelson far too much (4,4,4)
Letters: H - - - / - - a -/ - - - -
Doing a bit of guessing, I'm wondering if it is HALF HEAD LOCK. Am I close?
ETA: 12 across is: Circling a lake with my waterproof footwear (6)
I have been thinking 'galoshes' of course, and find there is a singular - galosh.
However, that makes the first letter of the second word of the (4,4,4) answer begin with S, so obviously I'll have to think again..
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Hi Susan,
That was the last across clue. the first was:
Rehearse murder with sword (3,7)
Got that first thing this morning: RUN THROUGH.
Yep.
3 down is: Control such as Nelson far too much (4,4,4)
Letters: H - - - / - - a -/ - - - -
Doing a bit of guessing, I'm wondering if it is HALF HEAD LOCK. Am I close?
Sorry, no. A Nelson is indeed a term in wrestling, but you need a plural of them. Then you need a 3,4 for the “far too much” part, the whole thing being what you do when you control someone.
ETA: 12 across is: Circling a lake with my waterproof footwear (6)
I have been thinking 'galoshes' of course, and find there is a singular - galosh.
However, that makes the first letter of the second word of the (4,4,4) answer begin with S, so obviously I'll have to think again..
Yep, you’ve got it: GALOSH. “a lake” is AL, and you “circle” it with a synonym for MY, ie GOSH (it’s MY as in when people say, “oh my”).
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Hi Susan,
Yep.
Sorry, no. A Nelson is indeed a term in wrestling, but you need a plural of them. Then you need a 3,4 for the “far too much” part, the whole thing being what you do when you control someone.
I now have the third letter of 3 down, L, so I suppose the first five letters are HOLDS so that now falls into place as HOLD SWAY OVER? Yep, you’ve got it: GALOSH. “a lake” is AL, and you “circle” it with a synonym for MY, ie GOSH (it’s MY as in when people say, “oh my”).
Many thanks for your help. I was really tired yesterday and beginning to think that perhaps I'll have to give up on this completing crosswods at my age notion! And for ages now there hasn't been one compiled by the one whose crosswords I can really do; but back on track this morning, I think!
ETA: 11 down is: Stipulate car's given out form of pollution (12)
Letters: - A - T - C - - - - - S
I've been struggling with an anagram of 'car's given out' but found PARTICULATES instead. So it must be an anagram of 'stipulate car' but I don't think that's fair!!
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Hi Susan,
I now have the third letter of 3 down, L, so I suppose the first five letters are HOLDS so that now falls into place as HOLD SWAY OVER?
Spot on.
Many thanks for your help. I was really tired yesterday and beginning to think that perhaps I'll have to give up on this completing crosswods at my age notion! And for ages now there hasn't been one compiled by the one whose crosswords I can really do; but back on track this morning, I think!
No problem, and don’t give up. Crosswords are a good way of keeping mentally alert – there was something on Radio 4 just the other day about people who stay mentally alert and engaged having lower incidences of dementia for example, so it can only be a good thing to keep doing them I reckon.
ETA: 11 down is: Stipulate car's given out form of pollution (12)
Letters: - A - T - C - - - - - S
I've been struggling with an anagram of 'car's given out' but found PARTICULATES instead. So it must be an anagram of 'stipulate car' but I don't think that's fair!!
No it’s fine I think. The “stipulates car” gives you the letters, and the “given out” indicates that it’s an anagram.
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Spot on.
No problem, and don’t give up. Crosswords are a good way of keeping mentally alert – there was something on Radio 4 just the other day about people who stay mentally alert and engaged having lower incidences of dementia for example, so it can only be a good thing to keep doing them I reckon.
Definitely! I don't know how long I've got, but I don't think - and certainly hope! - it will be long enough to lose my mental alertness! :)
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I'm afraid I'm making somewhat heavy weather of it this week! However, resisting the temptation to google
7 down: BBC chief detaimed by adult working for club (8)
Letters: - - - - G - O -
/BBC chief > DG so there had to be an E
club - bludgeon
but cannot see the 'detained'
And that gave me ABUT for 6 across.
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Hey Susan,
I'm afraid I'm making somewhat heavy weather of it this week! However, resisting the temptation to google
7 down: BBC chief detaimed by adult working for club (
Letters: - - - - G - O -
/BBC chief > DG so there had to be an E
club - bludgeon
but cannot see the 'detained'
And that gave me ABUT for 6 across.
BLUDGEON is as you say DG which is “detained” (ie, surrounded) by BLUE for “adult”. That just leaves the final “working”, which is ON.
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Hey Susan,
BLUDGEON is as you say DG which is “detained” (ie, surrounded) by BLUE for “adult”. That just leaves the final “working”, which is ON.
Oh, yes, of course. Thank you - I should have thought of that … there are so many words meaning one contained within another!
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21 across: Garden featuretakes time, it's supposed to be difficult (8)
Letters: R(?) - C - E - - -
It ought to be something to do with ROCKERY but that is not long enough...
A hint would be much appreciated.
On a more serious note: I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to do. My peripheral vision has worsened and in the last few months has been more noticeable. I went to Eye Casualty on 25th August and have an appointment with the consultant on 16th September but I know from past experience that there is very little that can be done to halt the deterioration of the retina. There are CCTVs which read text, but I need to be able to write the letters in the squares.
However, ever the optimist, I shall rely on the fact that my heart will probably give out first!! :)
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21 across: Garden featuretakes time, it's supposed to be difficult (8)
Letters: R(?) - C - E - - -
It ought to be something to do with ROCKERY but that is not long enough...
A hint would be much appreciated.
On a more serious note: I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to do. My peripheral vision has worsened and in the last few months has been more noticeable. I went to Eye Casualty on 25th August and have an appointment with the consultant on 16th September but I know from past experience that there is very little that can be done to halt the deterioration of the retina. There are CCTVs which read text, but I need to be able to write the letters in the squares.
However, ever the optimist, I shall rely on the fact that my heart will probably give out first!! :)
You just need to get one letter into Rockery. One that might initially stand for a word in the clue.
Can imagine you are worried about your appointment. Take care. We are all with you.
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You just need to get one letter into Rockery. One that might initially stand for a word in the clue.
Thank you for your help. I'll have another go at that this evening.
Can imagine you are worried about your appointment. Take care. We are all with you.
Thank you for saying.
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Hi Susan,
21 across: Garden featuretakes time, it's supposed to be difficult (
Letters: R(?) - C - E - - -
It ought to be something to do with ROCKERY but that is not long enough...
A hint would be much appreciated.
On a more serious note: I'm not sure how much I'm going to be able to do. My peripheral vision has worsened and in the last few months has been more noticeable. I went to Eye Casualty on 25th August and have an appointment with the consultant on 16th September but I know from past experience that there is very little that can be done to halt the deterioration of the retina. There are CCTVs which read text, but I need to be able to write the letters in the squares.
However, ever the optimist, I shall rely on the fact that my heart will probably give out first!!
You call that optimism? ;)
I’m very sorry to hear that about your eyesight Susan – I know nothing about ophthalmology, but I’m sure you’ll be in the best of hands when you see the consultant so I’ll keep everything crossed for you.
All best wishes.
-
NS
thank you - I put in the T from time and got ROCKETRY. So, no, ;it isn't rocket science!! About five answers still incomplete now ...
bluehillside
Thank you for your concern and good wishes.
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8 down is: Oblique note about illegal party goers? (8)
Letters: T - A - E - S -
I've been thinking all sorts of letter combinations, but no luck so far.
If it is one that I should get, a hint would be much appreciated. If not, then may I have an answer, please?
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8 down is: Oblique note about illegal party goers? (8)
Letters: T - A - E - S -
I've been thinking all sorts of letter combinations, but no luck so far.
If it is one that I should get, a hint would be much appreciated. If not, then may I have an answer, please?
letters 2 -7 are the illegal party goers. The about is referring to being contained in letters 1, and 8.
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letters 2 -7 are the illegal party goers. The about is referring to being contained in letters 1, and 8.
Many thanks - I'l see what I can do.
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TRAVERSE
Actually, I've had that word since Sunday afternoon, but didn't like it because I couldn't connect it with the clue and had not seen the RAVERS', nor had I thought that 'traverse' could be a synonym of 'oblique'.
Thank you.
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With three to go, the two remaining down sharing letters with 25 across, I would much appreciate, please, a hint for the following:
25 across: Starter motor finally found in quarry, apparently (10)
Letters: I(?) - E - T - E(?) - S
I've been putting in all sorts of letters but haven't even achieved a word, let alone the right one!
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Hi Susan,
With three to go, the two remaining down sharing letters with 25 across, I would much appreciate, please, a hint for the following:
25 across: Starter motor finally found in quarry, apparently (10)
Letters: I(?) - E - T - E(?) - S
I've been putting in all sorts of letters but haven't even achieved a word, let alone the right one!
Sorry it’s taken a while - just back from a bike ride. I can see how the clue works, but not with the two letters you have with question marks I’m afraid. Consider the “starter” being the first course of a meal, perhaps a soup?
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Hi Susan,
Sorry it’s taken a while - just back from a bike ride. I can see how the clue works, but not with the two letters you have with question marks I’m afraid. Consider the “starter” being the first course of a meal, perhaps a soup?
How lovely to be able to go out for a bike ride, and just the right sort of day for it too.
Thank you; yes, I have thought it could be the first course of a meal so will think a bit more...
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I'm afraid I'm going to give up on this one. May I have an answer, please, and how it is arrived at?
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Hi Susan,
I'm afraid I'm going to give up on this one. May I have an answer, please, and how it is arrived at?
Of course. It’s MINESTRONE.
The clue is: “Starter motor finally found in quarry, apparently”.
“Starter” gives you the synonym. “motor finally” gives you the R (that’s the clever bit – “starter” and “motor” are normally connected, but in this case they’re not). The R is surrounded by (“found in”) MINE STONE, which is the “quarry, apparently” part.
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Hi Susan,
Of course. It’s MINESTRONE.
The clue is: “Starter motor finally found in quarry, apparently”.
“Starter” gives you the synonym. “motor finally” gives you the R (that’s the clever bit – “starter” and “motor” are normally connected, but in this case they’re not). The R is surrounded by (“found in”) MINE STONE, which is the “quarry, apparently” part.
Many thanks - that's way beyond my cryptic crossword
competence level! I would never have got it.
I will now try to complete the down clues but I'm not sure about those either!
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Thought I'd put this here: Saw Ophthalmologist, and had Cardiologist phone call yesterday! Back of eye appears to be unchanged, so lights and lessening of peripheral area still somewhat unexplained; increase mg of one of the pills which should when necessary keep occasional angina down and my heart going a while longer.
So - a bit of readjustment, and a continuation of endeavours to keep the bits that work well continuing to do so! :)
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Hi Susan,
Thought I'd put this here: Saw Ophthalmologist, and had Cardiologist phone call yesterday! Back of eye appears to be unchanged, so lights and lessening of peripheral area still somewhat unexplained; increase mg of one of the pills which should when necessary keep occasional angina down and my heart going a while longer.
So - a bit of readjustment, and a continuation of endeavours to keep the bits that work well continuing to do so! :)
Thanks for the update. No bad news is good news I suppose, so it could have been a lot worse! What's more, now you have no excuse not to keep doing the crossword too... ;)
All best wishes to you and yours.
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Hi Susan,
Thanks for the update. No bad news is good news I suppose, so it could have been a lot worse! What's more, now you have no excuse not to keep doing the crossword too... ;)
All best wishes to you and yours.
Thank you. Yes, I'll plod on, as I do not like to give up something I've started!
Turned on IE - have to log in - no idea why. Went to Chrome, okay, logged in already. Followed the usual procedure … and found they had "improved!?? the site, so when I clicked on 'print', it came up with a preview and it took me several tries, each time starting again from scratch, to work out where 'print' was. *sighs*!
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I'm afraid it is going to be quite a bit harder from now on; with an anagram, for instance, I put the letters on the back of the sheet of paper, vowels and consonants, one above the other. I find I can see only a few of them at a time and certainly less than I did before. More work for the memory!
This is a good excuse for asking, please, for an answer to
1 across: Rabbit by pan said to be a fabulous monster (10)
This will give me a start for a lot of down clues.
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Hi Susan,
I’ll you’re sure...
I got as far as JABBERWOCKY, looked that up and sure enough there’s a JABBERWOCK too. Looks right to me!
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Hi Susan,
I’ll you’re sure...
I got as far as JABBERWOCKY, looked that up and sure enough there’s a JABBERWOCK too. Looks right to me!
Jabberwocky is the name of the poem, the monster itself is the Jabberwock.
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Hi Susan,
I’ll you’re sure...
I got as far as JABBERWOCKY, looked that up and sure enough there’s a JABBERWOCK too. Looks right to me!
Yes, quite sure! And many thanks because I'd never have got that anyway!
******
NS
Thank you for the extra info. I was just going to ask where does the 'pan' come from, but I suppose it is the wock … not something I use!
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NS,
Jabberwocky is the name of the poem, the monster itself is the Jabberwock.
So I discovered - thank you.
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Thanks to the JABBERWOCK answer, and a few others I did yesterday, I have now completed just about three-quarters of the Cryptic, so I am quite pleased. :)
It is definitely more difficult - nose a bit closer to the screen, seeing clues more slowly, but it's nice to know I can!
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Hi Susan,
Thanks to the JABBERWOCK answer, and a few others I did yesterday, I have now completed just about three-quarters of the Cryptic, so I am quite pleased. :)
It is definitely more difficult - nose a bit closer to the screen, seeing clues more slowly, but it's nice to know I can!
That's really nice to hear - lots more crossword chat to come then. Excellent!
Re Jabberwock by the way, for some reason I got stuck on "Natterjack" to begin with so it took me a while to back out of that cul-de-sac.
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Hi Susan,
That's really nice to hear - lots more crossword chat to come then. Excellent!
Re Jabberwock by the way, for some reason I got stuck on "Natterjack" to begin with so it took me a while to back out of that cul-de-sac.
I'm glad you did - thank you. I thought I was going to be stuck on 15 down but have just tried Chrome for 'synonyms sacrifice' and with some difficulty found HETACOMB so that completed two answers.
13 down is: Turned out too late? (9)
Letters: O V E - S - - - T
OVERSHOOT fits - could I have a yesno please?
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I'm glad you did - thank you. I thought I was going to be stuck on 15 down but have just tried Chrome for 'synonyms sacrifice' and with some difficulty found HETACOMB so that completed two answers.
13 down is: Turned out too late? (9)
Letters: O V E - S - - - T
OVERSHOOT fits - could I have a yesno please?
No
-
No
Thank you. It's now just after 8:30and having been running through letter combinations, I've arrived at OVERSLEPT, which helped to get ZEPPELIN and WEAPON. Cryptic complete!
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Thank you. It's now just after 8:30and having been running through letter combinations, I've arrived at OVERSLEPT, which helped to get ZEPPELIN and WEAPON. Cryptic complete!
Hurrah
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Quick complete and I have read all the Cryptic cllues, and answered two. One of these is 18 down which begins with an O, which is the sixth letter of:
17 across: Force joins battle group (7)
PLATOON fits nicely, but may I have a Yes/No, please?!
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Quick complete and I have read all the Cryptic cllues, and answered two. One of these is 18 down which begins with an O, which is the sixth letter of:
17 across: Force joins battle group (7)
PLATOON fits nicely, but may I have a Yes/No, please?!
No
-
No
Thank you. Letters now: - A - T - O -
Is it FACTION? If so, could you please say where the battle is?
It seems my brain needs a night's sleep to start thinking of answers!
ETA I suppose it's 'action', but I think 'battle' is a bit too strong as a synonym for 'action' maybe ...
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May I have a hint for this one please:
12 down: Gains control over temper - it's very important (11)
Letters: C - R - - - - T - O(?) -
I keep thinking CORRELATION, but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with the clue.
If it's an anagram, I can't work out what of, and I think the synonym must be for 'gains'?
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May I have a hint for this one please:
12 down: Gains control over temper - it's very important (11)
Letters: C - R - - - - T - O(?) -
I keep thinking CORRELATION, but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with the clue.
If it's an anagram, I can't work out what of, and I think the synonym must be for 'gains'?
It's not Correlation. The O as the second last letter is wrong. It's a known which is synonymous with very important usually to a plan or argument but is a building term originally
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It's not Correlation. The O as the second last letter is wrong. It's a known which is synonymous with very important usually to a plan or argument but is a building term originally
Thank you - much appreciated. I have managed to do 26 across which has given N for the tenth letter, so is it CORRELATING?
If not, am I getting close?!
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Thank you - much appreciated. I have managed to do 26 across which has given N for the tenth letter, so is it CORRELATING?
If not, am I getting close?!
Not much - predictive text screwed up my last post where I meant to write it's a noun, and it came out as 'known'! But N is correct as the 10th letter.
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Not much - predictive text screwed up my last post where I meant to write it's a noun, and it came out as 'known'! But N is correct as the 10th letter.
Thank you. Actually, I did realise it was 'noun', but then forgot! I suppose that makes the ending TENT, TINE or TINY. I'll see if I can do 20 across which would give me another letter.EN
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Thank you. Actually, I did realise it was 'noun', but then forgot! I suppose that makes the ending TENT, TINE or TINY. I'll see if I can do 20 across which would give me another letter.EN
It's none of those endings. Again think what might be an ending from the building trade.
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It's none of those endings. Again think what might be an ending from the building trade.
Thank you. I might need another night's sleep first! :)
I have just been outside, up and down the close and down the road into town some way practising with a sweep stick with the help of a Sensory Support team member who is the one I've known since I first lost sight. I had been thinking about it and indeed found it much easier than I thought I would and she said I'd taken to it like a duck to water. My personal one will arrive soon.
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8:10 p.m. Answer just arrived whilst thinking about nothing in particular: CORNERSTONE
That gives R for REHEARSE at 20 across, but still quite a few to go.
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8:10 p.m. Answer just arrived whilst thinking about nothing in particular: CORNERSTONE
That gives R for REHEARSE at 20 across, but still quite a few to go.
Yep.
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Yep.
Still quite a few empty squares, although mostly in one area.
May I have a hint, please, for:
8 down: Depend on love helping recovery (11)
Letters: - - - T - S(?) - - I - N
ETA Is it RESTORATION? If so, I can see partly why but not wholly!
Few minutes later - got it!
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All done, but I do have one final question please.
The answer to 14 across seems to be perisher, but I can't work out why.
14 across:One dies in little pain ((9)
The letters are: P - - I - H - R
An explanation would be much appreciated.
25 across is: One million in criminal deposit made most favourable
Letters: O - - I - I - E(?) -
I keep thinking of something like OPTIMUM, or OPTIMISED
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14 across:One dies in little pain ((9)
The letters are: P - - I - H - R
The only connection I can see is the old saying referring to an annoying child "Stop doing that, you little perisher". Seems a weak connection to me, though.
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The only connection I can see is the old saying referring to an annoying child "Stop doing that, you little perisher". Seems a weak connection to me, though.
Thank you. Yes, I thought it was a rather dodgy clue, but it's nice to have someone agree! I don't think of myself as such a complete novice as I was two-and-a-half-years ago, but I don't like to think of myself as an expert yet! :D
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May I have a hint, please, for:
25 across: Amusing person to laugh uproariously (6)
First letter S
Didquite well yesterday, but subconcious failed to come up with a couple of answers I'd been hoping for this morning, so googled three, but have completed a few more anyway.
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Morning Susan,
May I have a hint, please, for:
25 across: Amusing person to laugh uproariously (6)
First letter S
Didquite well yesterday, but subconcious failed to come up with a couple of answers I'd been hoping for this morning, so googled three, but have completed a few more anyway.
Think of an old-fashioned term for an amusing person - a shriek too...
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Morning Susan,
Think of an old-fashioned term for an amusing person - a shriek too...
Thank you for your help - that will be SCREAM then I think. I knew it was a clue that came up before, but it didn't ring a bell.
That makes
22 down: Fuss aboutt American soldier moving very slowly (6)
Letters: A - A - - -
But I won't ask for a hint yet!!
ETA I'm not quite sure about the first A ...
ETA Oh, yes, it's ADAGIO - having quickly looked up synonyms for fuss. ADO round A GI.
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Hey Susan,
Thank you for your help - that will be SCREAM then I think. I knew it was a clue that came up before, but it didn't ring a bell.
That makes
22 down: Fuss aboutt American soldier moving very slowly (6)
Letters: A - A - - -
But I won't ask for a hint yet!!
ETA I'm not quite sure about the first A ...
The first A is fine...
Coda: you beat me to it!
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Hey Susan,
The first A is fine...
Coda: you beat me to it!
thanks to the help and teaching I have had here over the past two-and-a-half years. :)
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I'm a bit stuck, and a hint for the following would be much appreciated.
12 across: Written work about border plant (8)
Letters: P - I - - - - -
That would give me letters for several down clues.
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I'm a bit stuck, and a hint for the following would be much appreciated.
12 across: Written work about border plant (8)
Letters: P - I - - - - -
That would give me letters for several down clues.
Not poetry but....
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Not poetry but....
Ah yes - thank you for your help. That'll be PRIMROSE. I'd been thinking of 'poetry', and 'edge' but was getting nowhere.
I thought this would help with the last down clue, but it hasn't so may I have an answer, please? I've been working through the alphabet but haven't come across anything right yet. Maybe BRAT but doesn't seem to help.
6 down: Naughty child brings sin into prominence (6)
Letters: - E - R - O or T
-
Hey Susan,
Ah yes - thank you for your help. That'll be PRIMROSE. I'd been thinking of 'poetry', and 'edge' but was getting nowhere.
I thought this would help with the last down clue, but it hasn't so may I have an answer, please? I've been working through the alphabet but haven't come across anything right yet. Maybe BRAT but doesn't seem to help.
6 down: Naughty child brings sin into prominence (6)
Letters: - E - R - O or T
Neither O nor T at the end I think. If you put ERR (sin) into TOR (prominence) you get TERROR (naughty child). Not an easy one though.
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Hey Susan,
Neither O nor T at the end I think. If you put ERR (sin) into TOR (prominence) you get TERROR (naughty child). Not an easy one though.
Thank you - much appreciated. No, I'd never have got that one, I'm afraid!
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A three or four-day Cryptic this week, I think! A hint would be much appreciated for the following:
8 across: Shop uncovered concise memo transforming food technology (4,9)
I'm assuming something to do with an anagram of concise memo, but not enough letters there.
No letters, I'm afraid, so the answer will help with many down clues!
-
Hi Susan,
You’re on the right lines re an anagram. The “shop uncovered” gives you the extra two letters - just remove the S and P.
-
Hi Susan,
You’re on the right lines re an anagram. The “shop uncovered” gives you the extra two letters - just remove the S and P.
Thank you. However, I'm not getting anywhere yet -
Is the first word HOME? If not may I perhaps have the first letter of each word?
-
Hi Susan,
Thank you. However, I'm not getting anywhere yet -
Is the first word HOME? If not may I perhaps have the first letter of each word?
Yes, the first word is HOME. What did they use to call cookery lessons in school?
-
Hi Susan,
Yes, the first word is HOME. What did they use to call cookery lessons in school?
Many thanks - so that's HOME ECONOMICS- which I wouldn't have thought of for a long time. However, in between times, I have just thought of OHIO COMMENCES - a completely useless anagram!
-
Still quite a few clues to go. :
10 down is: Counting as an appraisal that could be dead first (9)
Sixth letter N
It must be RECKONING I think, but why? Where is the 'dead first'?
-
Hi Susan,
Still quite a few clues to go. :
10 down is: Counting as an appraisal that could be dead first (9)
Sixth letter N
It must be RECKONING I think, but why? Where is the 'dead first'?
Yes to RECKONING. Dead reckoning is an approximate means of navigation.
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Hi Susan,
Yes to RECKONING. Dead reckoning is an approximate means of navigation.
Oh,yes, of course … thank you. I was thinking it must be part of the word.
Another clue needing a hint, please?:
28 across is: Rock having even weight (9)
Letters: - R - N(?) - T - O (?) -
-
Hey Susan,
Oh,yes, of course … thank you. I was thinking it must be part of the word.
Another clue needing a hint, please?:
28 across is: Rock having even weight (9)
Letters: - R - N(?) - T - O (?) -
Think of a rock, the parts of its name being synonyms for “even” (4) (as in flatten) and “weight” (5).
-
Hey Susan,
Think of a rock, the parts of its name being synonyms for “even” (4) (as in flatten) and “weight” (5).
Many thanks. I'll work on that this evening.
-
IRONSTONE - thank you and that helped to solve two more clues.
14 down: Jealously losing cockney female striving for superiority (5)
Letters: V - I - -
May I have the answer, please, which will complete the last two incomplete answers.
ETA Okay, got it! It's VYING and the associated across clue is ROGER
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Hmmm, well, five random clues answered so far, but I have no idea about the first across clue:
5 across: Bind helium in nucleus (6)
If it is actually easyish, may I have a hint, please, but if it is hard, an answer would be appreciated.
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Hmmm, well, five random clues answered so far, but I have no idea about the first across clue:
5 across: Bind helium in nucleus (6)
If it is actually easyish, may I have a hint, please, but if it is hard, an answer would be appreciated.
Think periodically, and put it in the middle
-
Think periodically, and put it in the middle
Thank you for your help. I googled the periodic table but I'm afraid I couldn't work out how to do as you suggest. I also looked up synonyms of bind, but no luck there, so may I have an answer, please?
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Thank you for your help. I googled the periodic table but I'm afraid I couldn't work out how to do as you suggest. I also looked up synonyms of bind, but no luck there, so may I have an answer, please?
On the periodic table helium is HE.
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On the periodic table helium is HE.
Ah, thank you. In that case I think I had the right idea already, i.e. atom, plus he, but it is only now by googling definition atheom that I realise that atheom is a member of the periodic table. Next thing I'll have to do is find out what it is.
-
Hi Susan,
Ah, thank you. In that case I think I had the right idea already, i.e. atom, plus he, but it is only now by googling definition atheom that I realise that atheom is a member of the periodic table. Next thing I'll have to do is find out what it is.
It's not atheom I'm afraid. You need another synonym for "nucleus" (think apples!) to put around the HE.
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Ah, thank you. In that case I think I had the right idea already, i.e. atom, plus he, but it is only now by googling definition atheom that I realise that atheom is a member of the periodic table. Next thing I'll have to do is find out what it is.
Atheom is not right. The centre is much more apple and earth reference and it gives you a word which is related to bind.
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Atheom is not right. The centre is much more apple and earth reference and it gives you a word which is related to bind.
I think I have just this minute discovered that! I think the first letter has to be C because 5 down Is COLESLAW. So I'll have another think about that. Ah, yes, it must be COHERE?
I am here because
15 down is Second number scheme on European aircraft (8)
The answer has to be MONOPLANE I think, but don't know, and if it is, can you say why, please? And where is the 'second'?
-
Hi Susan,
I think I have just this minute discovered that! I think the first letter has to be C because 5 down Is COLESLAW. So I'll have another think about that. Ah, yes, it must be COHERE?
I am here because
15 down is Second number scheme on European aircraft (
The answer has to be MONOPLANE I think, but don't know, and if it is, can you say why, please? And where is the 'second'?
Second is MO (as in “just a mo”), number is NO, scheme is PLAN and European is E. Et voilà!
-
Hi Susan,
Second is MO (as in “just a mo”), number is NO, scheme is PLAN and European is E. Et voila!
Thank you. I'm quite pleased actually, because I've done more today than I thought I would.
-
For the readers of this topic, particularly bluehillside and NS, I quote below part of the weekly DT Puzzles e-mail:
We have a number of readers who are regular correspondents with the Puzzles team, whether providing feedback on puzzles or just wanting to discuss general puzzles matters. One of these is Edward Fulton of Reading, who, aged 85, has been solving the Telegraph Crossword for over 60 years. Mr Fulton prides himself on having entered every Saturday prize puzzle in that time (winning several prizes along the way), and having got each entry correct.
Sadly, Mr Fulton wrote to us a couple of weeks ago to let us know that his 60-year run of correct Saturday solutions had come to an end, as he fell foul of the following clue in a recent prize puzzle:
Control such as Nelson far too much (4,4,4)
Judging by feedback received, it seems that Mr Fulton was not alone in missing out on the answer to this clue, which was HOLD SWAY OVER, where 'such as Nelson' defines (wrestling) HOLDS, and 'far too much' gives WAY OVER.
After such a long unbeaten run, Mr Fulton could be forgiven for being downcast and calling it a day. Quite the opposite, in fact, as he told us that he intends to beat medical science and go another 60 years undefeated. We wish him well.
No wonder I had a problem with that one!! I did get it, though, after hint from bluehillside so feel entitled to feel just a teensy bit smug!!
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May I have a hint for this one, please?
14 across: Non-Equity presentations shot in the afternoon? (2-4)
Letters: A M - - - -
The onlything I can think of is AM-DRAM but don't know where the shot or afternoon are.
-
May I have a hint for this one, please?
14 across: Non-Equity presentations shot in the afternoon? (2-4)
Letters: A M - - - -
The onlything I can think of is AM-DRAM but don't know where the shot or afternoon are.
A shot of whisky is also a dram. And the dram comes after AM i.e. after the morning.
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A shot of whisky is also a dram. And the dram comes after AM i.e. after the morning.
Many thanks. I've also just found out the answer to 7 down which was RHEOSTAT. This I found by googling words beginning with RHe
And that brings me to just one unfinished answer:
20 across: Rodent traps doctor in shoping centre (6)
Letters: - A - - O T
Even assuming that the first letter might not be R, I just can't find the right combination, so a hint would be much appreciated as usual.
-
Many thanks. I've also just found out the answer to 7 down which was RHEOSTAT. This I found by googling words beginning with RHe
And that brings me to just one unfinished answer:
20 across: Rodent traps doctor in shoping centre (6)
Letters: - A - - O T
Even assuming that the first letter might not be R, I just can't find the right combination, so a hint would be much appreciated as usual.
The overall answer is a rodent, an unusual one. It's made up of a name for a shop or shopping centre surrounding an acronym for a doctor. And it doesn't start with R
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The overall answer is a rodent, an unusual one. It's made up of a name for a shop or shopping centre surrounding an acronym for a doctor. And it doesn't start with R
Thank you for your help -so it must be MARMOT. I'm glad I recognise the answer when I get to it!
I thought the synonym would be for shopping centre.
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I'm more than a bit fed up this morning. Yesterday I finally worked out why I had received several e-mails from worldpay.com to say that my monthly payment of £4.99 had been declined. It seems that the DT have changed the rules. To be able to print more than one crossword a day costs more and I cannot get through to the print crossword page. My son will visit tomorrow to try to sort it out, so I should then be able to print the Cryptic and then in future I will simply print off a Quick on a Friday and the Cryptic on a Saturday!
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This morning I tried following the prompts on the DT 'subscribe' page on Google Chrome - failed. My son came this afternoon and found the same. He then tried MSEdge and … … no problem. So now I have yesterday's Cryptic and today's Quick to work on, than k goodness.
This morning I followed the prompts on 'subscribe' on the DT Google Chrome page
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Unfortunately, the font size was small and although the CCTV magnifies, if the fontt is not 14 the magnification blurs the print. It doesn't feel rightand I just can't get into the right frame of mind to try and continue, so this is a blank week I'm afraid!
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Long clues this week – takes me ages just to read them! I've done a few though.
14 across: Who’ll save a great pile taint loan administered with corruption (8,5)
Seventh letter A
Anagram of ‘pile taint loan’ I presume and so far I have NATIONAL - - - - -
Howeverthat leaves EILPT to make a word from. May I please have a yes/no to: Am I right so far?
ETA: going back to 1 across and down, I looked at Big Dave's hints and this is what he says:
"Today’s teaser I suspect is probably by our new kid on the block and is quite a stern challenge, possibly straying towards Tuesday Toughie territory."
So I shall not feel disappointed if it defeats me!!
I’ve
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Hi Susan,
Just an anagram of “taint loan”, which does indeed give you NATIONAL plus the T left over to begin the second word. Then you need a four-letter synonym for “corruption”.
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Hi Susan,
Just an anagram of “taint loan”, which does indeed give you NATIONAL plus the T left over to begin the second word. Then you need a four-letter synonym for “corruption”.
Thank you for your help. I'll work on that …
ETA: Found last letter of 8 down to be T, so TRUST … … then did 19 laps of the close before the rain started again!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you for your help. I'll work on that …
ETA: Found last letter of 8 down to be T, so TRUST … … then did 19 laps of the close before the rain started again!
Yep - the NT look after "piles" (ie, big houses), and RUST is the synonym for corruption.
I'm very impressed by the 19 laps by the way - you put me to shame!
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Hi Susan,
Yep - the NT look after "piles" (ie, big houses), and RUST is the synonym for corruption.
I'm very impressed by the 19 laps by the way - you put me to shame!
I hasten to point out that a lap is about 180 steps and the time taken this morning was 52 minutes.
I
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Three-quarters done, but a hint for the following will be much appreciated.
12 down: E.g. Hamlet on TV provides diversion (11)
Letters: S - O - E - - - - - T(?)
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Hi Susan,
Three-quarters done, but a hint for the following will be much appreciated.
12 down: E.g. Hamlet on TV provides diversion (11)
Letters: S - O - E - - - - - T(?)
“Hamlet” is (or was) a brand of cigar. And lit cigars produce…
(I don’t like the T at the end by the way.)
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Hi Susan,
“Hamlet” is (or was) a brand of cigar. And lit cigars produce…
(I don’t like the T at the end by the way.)
Ah, right, thank you for the hint, I had forgotten the Hamlet cigar ads, so that makes it SMOKESCREEN
I think ING will be replacing the ATE for the across clue.
*****
A why question:
2 down is: COMPOUNDS
The clue is: More than onecamp friend of Clegg coming to North Dakota in North ~America.
Letters: c - m - o n -
DK in Us so with the M there, COMPOUNDS is the only choice, but I can't see the whole connection with the clue and will be interested to know more please.
s
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Ah, right, thank you for the hint, I had forgotten the Hamlet cigar ads, so that makes it SMOKESCREEN
I think ING will be replacing the ATE for the across clue.
*****
A why question:
2 down is: COMPOUNDS
The clue is: More than onecamp friend of Clegg coming to North Dakota in North ~America.
Letters: c - m - o n -
DK in Us so with the M there, COMPOUNDS is the only choice, but I can't see the whole connection with the clue and will be interested to know more please.
Compo and Clegg were characters (and friends)in Last of The Summer Wine. A compound is in one meaning a synonym for Camp
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Compo and Clegg were characters (and friends)in Last of The Summer Wine. A compound is in one meaning a synonym for Camp
Thank you - something else I'd forgotten about TV , but I'll try and remember both parts of the why for future clue answers.
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Just three incomplete answers to go.
24 across is: Boasting about American support (8)
Letters: B - - - S - E -
The word BRAGSTER sounds sort of right, but a yes/no would be appreciated, please, and if it is right, a why answer!!
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Just three incomplete answers to go.
24 across is: Boasting about American support (8)
Letters: B - - - S - E -
The word BRAGSTER sounds sort of right, but a yes/no would be appreciated, please, and if it is right, a why answer!!
Not right
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Not right
Thank you, much appreciated. Actually, I went back to the crossword, found that 22 down must be ATLAS, but before I had time to do a quick modify, I had to restart the computer, as Synthetic Dave does what it does occasionally i.e. started growling, and this time much worse than it has done before. A restart puts it back to normal! Anyway, that makes the third letter L, so I'll have another think.
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BALUSTER A word I do not like - I think someone misheard the word 'banister'
Last one: 21 across: Talk about end of Gunpoweder Plot (5)
Letters: C - A - R
The only words I can think of are CLAIR or CHAIR, but does either make sense?
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BALUSTER A word I do not like - I think someone misheard the word 'banister'
Last one: 21 across: Talk about end of Gunpoweder Plot (5)
Letters: C - A - R
The only words I can think of are CLAIR or CHAIR, but does either make sense?
Yep, Baluster is right.
ETA - the mishearing was the other way round. Baluster is the older term, and banister has come to mean a set of balusters and handrail on stairs. Not on stairs, then a set of balusters and a top is a balustrade.
Not keen on the R for 21 across
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Yep, Baluster is right.
ETA - the mishearing was the other way round. Baluster is the older term, and banister has come to mean a set of balusters and handrail on stairs. Not on stairs, then a set of balusters and a top is a balustrade.
Thank you - I should have looked up the definition!
Not keen on the R for 21 across
thank you - I had another look and actually that square had been corrected several times and in fact I see that the letter is T (from ARTISAN, where I'd written PARTISA before running out of squares and trying again!)
Can't think of it straight away, but I'm turning off computer now, so will have a think.
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Just dropping in to say I got it as soon as I turned off the computer!
CHART - CHAT round the last letter of Gunpowder and synonym of plot.
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Today's Cryptic is about the same level of difficulty as last week's I think. 5 down has a (4-11) answer and answers to a couple of questions would be much appreciated.
5down: Film director ad-libs the moves around set (4-11)
Third letter L
Q 1: Is it, as I think it must be, an anagram? yes/no
Q 2: 'director ad-libs' has 15 letters, but I just don't think that's right! Are they the right words? yes/no
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Hi Susan,
Today's Cryptic is about the same level of difficulty as last week's I think. 5 down has a (4-11) answer and answers to a couple of questions would be much appreciated.
5down: Film director ad-libs the moves around set (4-11)
Third letter L
Q 1: Is it, as I think it must be, an anagram? yes/no
Q 2: 'director ad-libs' has 15 letters, but I just don't think that's right! Are they the right words? yes/no
1. Partly.
2. No.
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Hi Susan,
1. Partly.
2. No.
thank you. I'll have to try and get a few more letters from across clues.
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Hey Susan,
thank you. I'll have to try and get a few more letters from across clues.
No problem. Maybe start with a famous film director, then the anagram for the rest...
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Oh dear, because I can see so little of the grid at any one time, I forgot that in fact I do hav quite a few letters, so I hav
- - L - / - - T - - - I - H - -
May I have another yes/no for whether these letters are right, please?
And at a guess, I'd say the last few letters are IGHTS ...
So I wonder if it ends with IGHT?
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Susan,
Oh dear, because I can see so little of the grid at any one time, I forgot that in fact I do hav quite a few letters, so I hav
- - L - / - - T - - - I - H - -
May I have another yes/no for whether these letters are right, please?
And at a guess, I'd say the last few letters are IGHTS ...
So I wonder if it ends with IGHT?
1. Yes.
2. No.
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Thank you. I thinnk the 11-letter part must be ESTABLISHES but I'll have to leave my subconscious to work on the first part.
Last letter is wrong
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Last letter is wrong
Thank you - and as soon as I'd posted that I realised it must be WELL-ESTABLISHED, although I don't quite see entirely how it fits the clue. Fortunately it will assist with a lot of across clues.
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Thank you - and as soon as I'd posted that I realised it must be WELL-ESTABLISHED, although I don't quite see entirely how it fits the clue. Fortunately it will assist with a lot of across clues.
Welles, as in Orson, is the film director. The rest is anagram of 'ad-libs the'.
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Susan,
Thank you - and as soon as I'd posted that I realised it must be WELL-ESTABLISHED, although I don't quite see entirely how it fits the clue. Fortunately it will assist with a lot of across clues.
WELLES = film director
TABLISHED = anagram of “ad-libs the”
WELL-ESTABLISHED is a synonym for “set”.
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Welles, as in Orson, is the film director. The rest is anagram of 'ad-libs the'.
Many thanks. I have never really followed films or directors etc so I'd certainy be useless in any quiz involving them!
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Top left-hand corner is tricky. May I have some hint help with the following, please:
1 across: Weak sense about black and white's last piece (
Letters: None, I'm afraid.
3 down: Look kills (8)
Third letter: T
I've been thinking WATCHER but that only fits the first half of the clue. If correct, then the fourth letter of 1 across is W.
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Morning Susan,
Top left-hand corner is tricky. May I have some hint help with the following, please:
1 across: Weak sense about black and white's last piece (
Letters: None, I'm afraid.
You need word meaning “sense”, that contains (“about”) an abbreviation for “black”, and then the “last piece” of the word “white”. The whole thing is a synonym or “weak”.
3 down: Look kills (
Third letter: T
I've been thinking WATCHER but that only fits the first half of the clue. If correct, then the fourth letter of 1 across is W.
Is it seven letters? If it is, there’s a rhyming slang term for “look” that may help you.
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Morning Susan,
You need word meaning “sense”, that contains (“about”) an abbreviation for “black”, and then the “last piece” of the word “white”. The whole thing is a synonym or “weak”.
Thank you, I'll work on that. Is it seven letters? If it is, there’s a rhyming slang term for “look” that may help you.
Thank you, but no, unfortunately it is 8, but I'll check the slang and maybe it will need an S ...
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While looking up slang, I remembered the slang word - BUTCHERS, i.e. take a butchers
So thatmakes the fourth letter of 1 across B and the last letter is E - I've also worked out 4 down - and since the letter between must be L, 1 across is FEEBLE..
Definitely won't finish by tomorrow - it is a harder one, I think.
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This Cryptic is already raising a few 'but why' questions, so an answer to this one will, as always, be much appreciated.
The H in BUTCHERS gives me BATHROBE for
11 across: Bishop buzzing with energy in gown (8)
if that is right, where is the buzzing? I suppose it could be A THROB but I think that's a cheat and a guess!
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Hi Susan,
This Cryptic is already raising a few 'but why' questions, so an answer to this one will, as always, be much appreciated.
The H in BUTCHERS gives me BATHROBE for
11 across: Bishop buzzing with energy in gown (
if that is right, where is the buzzing? I suppose it could be A THROB but I think that's a cheat and a guess!
“Bishop” = B
“Buzzing” = ATHROB
“Energy” = E
BATHROBE = “gown”
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Hi Susan,
“Bishop” = B
“Buzzing” = ATHROB
“Energy” = E
BATHROBE = “gown”
Thank you. There aren't too many to do now; I'll have another try tomorrow, but I think I'll probably be having to ask for a few more hints.
Just managed two more but bottom left-hand corner stil looking empty ...
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Yesterday evening I completed three of the answers in the lower lefthand corner, but like quite a few of the others, they jar somewhat and leave a slight sense of dissatisfaction rather than a smile , even if there was an attempt at levity with the Bishop athrob answer. I would be really grateful for hints for the remaining four unfinished clues, please, rather than simply look up the answers. This grid has had quite a lot of two consecutive blank squares which adds to the difficulty I think.
16 down: Notice cut in smart cloth (8)
Letters: S - - - - I - G
220 across: British comedian Henry provides fish (6)
Letters B - - - N -
18 down: Operate reciprocally having Virgin Queen inside (3,5)
Letters: I - - / E - A - -
25 across: Cover point with erstwhile Prime Minister (6)
LettersS - E - - -- - -
I'm going to the hairdresser's in a minute, so I'll try thinking about them while under the dryer, but I don't think I'll get anywhere.
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Hi Susan - hope the barnet looks lovey!
Yesterday evening I completed three of the answers in the lower lefthand corner, but like quite a few of the others, they jar somewhat and leave a slight sense of dissatisfaction rather than a smile , even if there was an attempt at levity with the Bishop athrob answer. I would be really grateful for hints for the remaining four unfinished clues, please, rather than simply look up the answers. This grid has had quite a lot of two consecutive blank squares which adds to the difficulty I think.
16 down: Notice cut in smart cloth (8)
Letters: S - - - - I - G
There are two sorts of cloth that fit here. I think you need the one that's a synonym for "sting" wrapped around a word meaning "notice" that's had its last letter removed ("cut").
220 across: British comedian Henry provides fish (6)
Letters B - - - N -
Blimey! Sorry, but this one has got me foxed. Maybe let me know if you get some more letters though?
18 down: Operate reciprocally having Virgin Queen inside (3,5)
Letters: I - - / E - A - -
As has this one. There aren't many three-letter word beginning with "I" and I've run through as many as I can think of. "Queen" is usually ER if that helps?
25 across: Cover point with erstwhile Prime Minister (6)
LettersS - E - - -- - -
OK, the "point" you have already with S (as in a point of the compass). You need next a former Prime Minister - think yachts and organ playing!
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Hi Susan - hope the barnet looks lovey!
There are two sorts of cloth that fit here. I think you need the one that's a synonym for "sting" wrapped around a word meaning "notice" that's had its last letter removed ("cut").
Blimey! Sorry, but this one has got me foxed. Maybe let me know if you get some more letters though?
As has this one. There aren't many three-letter word beginning with "I" and I've run through as many as I can think of. "Queen" is usually ER if that helps?
OK, the "point" you have already with S (as in a point of the compass). You need next a former Prime Minister - think yachts and organ playing!
I think the fish one is difficult to get without knowing the name of the fish. It's a very straight forward, though not very good, clue imo. Just insert the most obvious Henry in this instance.
Not getting the Virgin queen one either
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I see NS has beaten me to it. I got the fish one straight away thanks to my late father's obsession with all things fish.
NS's clue is spot on.
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bluehillside
Many thanks for the reply. I am just back and taken a quick look but will reply properly later.
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My thanks too to Nearly Sane and Trent Voyager - I didn’t see those when I glanced quickly. Hairdo brought forward from Thursday! Walked home using sweep stick – it becomes easier each time of course.
Hi Susan - hope the barnet looks lovey!
There are two sorts of cloth that fit here. I think you need the one that's a synonym for "sting" wrapped around a word meaning "notice" that's had its last letter removed ("cut")’.
I hope you meant STING and not a synonym! Because I was talking to my next-door neighbour about an hour ago and telling her about the posts here and she said she knew the fish!! So having put BLENNI into the grid I think the cloth is SHEETING. I hope that’s right. Blimey! Sorry, but this one has got me foxed. Maybe let me know if you get some more letters though?
Thanks to TV we have blenni! It is now clear where the comedian comes in, but if that’s not a toughie clue, then I’ll be surprised. The blog page this week says this Cryptic is more like a Wednesday toughie. As has this one. There aren't many three-letter word beginning with "I" and I've run through as many as I can think of. "Queen" is usually ER if that helps?
The letter I comes from:
17 across: Good free network (4) Letters: GR-D,
The E and the A are right.: With HEATH being the ex PM, the last letter is T
The answer remains a blank for me!
Edited to add that it did remain so until I googled the answer - see last paragraph.
OK, the "point" you have already with S (as in a point of the compass). You need next a former Prime Minister - think yachts and organ playing!
I kept thinking of Teresa May of course, but that makes it SHEATH.
At this point I have to humbly apologise because in fact, having found the answer in ‘wordplay.com which is INTERACT, I checked the printed crossword and it is (8), not (3,5). Half the clue is at the bottom of the first page and the second half at the top of the second page, so I have some slight excuse for getting that wrong as quite a few clues have been either (5,3) or (3,5) .
Not quite sure I understand the ‘why though …
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Note it is Blenny rather than Blenni
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Hi Susan,
I hope you meant STING and not a synonym! Because I was talking to my next-door neighbour about an hour ago and telling her about the posts here and she said she knew the fish!! So having put BLENNI into the grid I think the cloth is SHEETING. I hope that’s right.
Yes it is. I was thinking of SMOCKING too, but SHEETING fits the clue.
Thanks to TV we have blenni! It is now clear where the comedian comes in, but if that’s not a toughie clue, then I’ll be surprised. The blog page this week says this Cryptic is more like a Wednesday toughie.
NS & Trent had it – not a word I knew.
The letter I comes from:
17 across: Good free network (4) Letters: GR-D,
The E and the A are right.: With HEATH being the ex PM, the last letter is T
The answer remains a blank for me!
Edited to add that it did remain so until I googled the answer - see last paragraph.
At this point I have to humbly apologise because in fact, having found the answer in ‘wordplay.com which is INTERACT, I checked the printed crossword and it is ( , not (3,5). Half the clue is at the bottom of the first page and the second half at the top of the second page, so I have some slight excuse for getting that wrong as quite a few clues have been either (5,3) or (3,5) .
Not quite sure I understand the ‘why though …
Ah, that explains it. OK:
Operate reciprocally having Virgin Queen inside
“Operate reciprocally” = INTERACT
“Virgin” = INTACT
Inside of it is ER (“queen”).
It’s a good clue I think because the “virgin queen” is a known phrase, but that’s just a red herring. The “virgin” and “queen” are unrelated for the purpose of the solution.
I kept thinking of Teresa May of course, but that makes it SHEATH.
Yep.
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NS and bluehillside
Thank you both for further posts.
NS: I think I assumed the last letter was I because it was a name for a fish!
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NS and bluehillside
Thank you both for further posts.
NS: I think I assumed the last letter was I because it was a name for a fish!
Other than their existence, and seeing a couple of them some years ago, I didn',t know anything of them. As ever with such things a quick glance on wiki is fascinating.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenniiformes
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Other than their existence, and seeing a couple of them some years ago, I didn',t know anything of them. As ever with such things a quick glance on wiki is fascinating.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blenniiformes
It is mind-blowingly astonishing how much information is available about something one has never heard of before! And to think that so many people have taken the time and energy to study a particular creature and then write it all down … well, massive praise and respect to them
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There hasn't been a Saturday Cryptic by the compiler I used to like best for nearly two years now I think, and this one certainly isn't. I've done a few in top left-hand corner, but a hint would be much appreciated, please, for:
12 across: Best players unable to finish meal (5,3)
Letters: - R - A - / - - -
(5,4) would be easy BREAK FAST
FAS has various definitions and acronyms but is it right here?
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There hasn't been a Saturday Cryptic by the compiler I used to like best for nearly two years now I think, and this one certainly isn't. I've done a few in top left-hand corner, but a hint would be much appreciated, please, for:
12 across: Best players unable to finish meal (5,3)
Letters: - R - A - / - - -
(5,4) would be easy BREAK FAST
FAS has various definitions and acronyms but is it right here?
Neither part of that is correct. The first part is a synonym for best.
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Neither part of that is correct. The first part is a synonym for best.
Thank you for your help. .
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Checked synonyms ...
Oh dear, I should have realised: CREAM TEA
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too many empty spaces still ... ...
May I have a hint, please, for:
12 down: Something wicked and frivolous that helps dispel gloom (11)
First letter C
I'm fairly sure I ought to know this one, but it's eluding me so far.
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Hi Susan,
too many empty spaces still ... ...
May I have a hint, please, for:
12 down: Something wicked and frivolous that helps dispel gloom (11)
First letter C
I'm fairly sure I ought to know this one, but it's eluding me so far.
Try pronouncing the word “wicked” as just one syllable…
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Hi Susan,
Try pronouncing the word “wicked” as just one syllable…
thank you - much appreciated. Hmmmm, I'll have to work on that ...
I've just had a phone call from a friend to say she's heard that a vaccine is likely to be available very soon and one of the first to get it will the over-85s, so only a few months to wait!!
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I'm afraid no light is dawning yet, so I think I'll ask for the answer, please, then I might manage the four other - empty! - across clues leading from it.
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I'm afraid no light is dawning yet, so I think I'll ask for the answer, please, then I might manage the four other - empty! - across clues leading from it.
your fourth word in your post is part of the answer in it also being a synonym for frivolous
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Hi Susan,
I'm afraid no light is dawning yet, so I think I'll ask for the answer, please, then I might manage the four other - empty! - across clues leading from it.
C'mon - you can do this. What items are "wicked" - ie, contain wicks? That'll give you the first half of the answer...
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your fourth word in your post is part of the answer in it also being a synonym for frivolous
Thank you -much appreciated. I've been trying to think of words with 'light' in and I suppose it must be CANDLELIGHT, 11 letters. Is that correct, please?
I can't quite see how pronouncing the word 'wicked' as one syllable works ... ... but then, I have been thinking 'wict', whereas I supposed if it's 'wiked' I could connect that with light.
Also CANDLELIGHT is such a lightweight word for such a long clue!
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Hi Susan,
C'mon - you can do this. What items are "wicked" - ie, contain wicks? That'll give you the first half of the answer...
Ah, thank you - much appreciated - saw this after posting to NS. I will now fill it in and see if I can make sense of the across clues. So far, they're remaining very empty ...
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Thank you -much appreciated. I've been trying to think of words with 'light' in and I suppose it must be CANDLELIGHT, 11 letters. Is that correct, please?
I can't quite see how pronouncing the word 'wicked' as one syllable works ... ... but then, I have been thinking 'wict', whereas I supposed if it's 'wiked' I could connect that with light.
Also CANDLELIGHT is such a lightweight word for such a long clue!
Thar's correct. Candle is a thing with a wick so might be called wicked as BHS has explained. And obviously the whole dispels gloom.
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Thar's correct. Candle is a thing with a wick so might be called wicked as BHS has explained. And obviously the whole dispels gloom.
Thank you.
I've been awake thinking about two of the clues and decided to google them.
8 down: Fellowship of real ale fans entertaining Democrat on Lake (11)
Letters: - A - A - A - R - E
and having found CAMARADERIE I can see the why of it, but would not have got it. It helped to complete that section.
23 across: Chap's name is love (7)
Letters: I - - - - - E
ISADORE is another I couldn't have got, so I'll forgive myself for 'cheating'!
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I've had to ask more questions than usual this time, I'm afraid. I've nearly finished but would appreciate a hint for:
17 down: Cinema fire - temperature hot inside (8)
Letters: A - - - O - S E
and
20 across: Negative piece with slogan Reagenites used? (8)
Letters: E - E - - - - N
Third letter of 17 down is fifth of 20 across.
There were quite a few answers that I knew must be right and filled in but didn't know why, so I had a look at Big Dave's blog for this Cryptic and found out why, but a bit too cryptic in my opinion!
Edit Is 17 down ARTHOUSE? H > hot tempreature, and some link between Fire! and AROUSE?
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I've had to ask more questions than usual this time, I'm afraid. I've nearly finished but would appreciate a hint for:
17 down: Cinema fire - temperature hot inside (8)
Letters: A - - - O - S E
and
20 across: Negative piece with slogan Reagenites used? (8)
Letters: E - E - - - - N
Third letter of 17 down is fifth of 20 across.
There were quite a few answers that I knew must be right and filled in but didn't know why, so I had a look at Big Dave's blog for this Cryptic and found out why, but a bit too cryptic in my opinion!
Edit Is 17 down ARTHOUSE? H > hot tempreature, and some link between Fire! and AROUSE?
It's definitely Arthouse but I have to admit that I'm not getting the whole clue.
20 across is made up of a 5 and 3 letter phrase that would say vote as a synonym (5) for Reagan if you knew him well (3)
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It's definitely Arthouse but I have to admit that I'm not getting the whole clue.
20 across is made up of a 5 and 3 letter phrase that would say vote as a synonym (5) for Reagan if you knew him well (3)
Thank you - much appreciated. I'm glad it's not just me! And I've thought of 20 across: electron.
So that's now complete and it can go out in the recycle bag today ...
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Thank you - much appreciated. I'm glad it's not just me! And I've thought of 20 across: electron.
So that's now complete and it can go out in the recycle bag today ...
There is an anagram as part of it in 'temperature hot inside 'with the 'ure hot' leaving only A and S but beyond that....
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Hi Susan,
Cinema fire - temperature hot inside
Letters: A - - - O - S E
“Fire” = AROUSE. “Inside” it is TH, ie “temperature” and “hot”.
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Hi Susan,
“Fire” = AROUSE. “Inside” it is TH, ie “temperature” and “hot”.
thank you for saying, an yes, I suppose so,, but I think I'll just do a little bit of muttering under my breath for a moment or two! :)
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Managed five answers as I was going through the clues, but in order to give myself a starter, I googled the answer to
5 across: Martians at last on flying saucer? That's deliberate.(7)
I had thought of DISC, but would appreciate a brief explanation of why the answer is DISCUSS, please. Is it something to do with the Space Station?
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Hi Susan,
Managed five answers as I was going through the clues, but in order to give myself a starter, I googled the answer to
5 across: Martians at last on flying saucer? That's deliberate.(7)
I had thought of DISC, but would appreciate a brief explanation of why the answer is DISCUSS, please. Is it something to do with the Space Station?
It’s S (last letter of “Martians”) inside of DISCUS (a "flying saucer" in athletics). To discuss is to deliberate.
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Hi Susan,
It’s S (last letter of “Martians”) inside of DISCUS (a "flying saucer" in athletics). To discuss is to deliberate.
Ah yes, of course. Thank you for the reason- and I should have remembered from the last time I asked the same question!
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Nothing further achieved so far, so I have just looked at the first paragraph of the blog, which is:
I think the comments from the past few weeks will apply again. A few people will enjoy it, but most will feel negative about it. A shame. It is a very classy puzzle but is probably more suited to a Tuesday or Wednesday Toughie and probably set by our newish kid on the block. Lots of clever definitions to admire, but this took me quite some time to get onto the right wavelength. Maybe while we are locked up or down the esteemed Editor feels we need a stiffer challenge than the usual Saturday puzzle.
I wish they'd bring back the one whose clues I could finish by Sunday instead of this new Clever Clogs!
Ah, well, I suppose it will keep me thinking for several days. Hints will be requested, I think.
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I've managed two more clues, but bearing in mind the quote in the above post, I 'd like to ask, please, for two answers to see if I can make some headway.
1 across: Greek character recalled problem about British diamond (7)
Third letter possibly O
and
12 across: Coppers on spot reported revolution (3,5)
Third letter A, although I can't think of a word that fits.
I realise that coppers can be police or pence!
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12 across is suggesting "change" to me for coppers as in small change with possibly sea as in "C" for copper, giving seachange I think. It's a bit foggy I know, but the only other thing that came into my mind was "tea party" and I can't make that work at all. ;D
Edit: just realised the numbers are wrong it would need to be 3,6. for mine to work.
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12 across is suggesting "change" to me for coppers as in small change with possibly sea as in "C" for copper, giving seachange I think. It's a bit foggy I know, but the only other thing that came into my mind was "tea party" and I can't make that work at all. ;D
Edit: just realised the numbers are wrong it would need to be 3,6. for mine to work.
I too am thinking that change works. So wonder if it is 3,6. If so the first word sounds like but isn't tea.
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Thank you TV and NS for your replies. Yes, I had thought of SEA CHANGE and, it turns out, we are all right! I didn't think of counting the squares and yes, there are six. Sound like a bit more previewing and editing is required in the DT Puzzles office!
Edited to add apologies to the Puzzles staff and to you too of course, , it did say (3,6) so the mistake was mine. *sigh*!
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Thanks to help and moral support, the grid is looking a little less empty!
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I'm tackling another blank area this afternoon.
26 across is: Drunk on a charge in an Alaskan port ... (9)
Begins with A
ANCHORAGE fits nicely, but I'm afraid the why question arises - that's if it's right of course. May I have a yes/no, or a hint if no, please?
If it is relevant, the clue for
27 across is:... injured her shin getting wine! (7)
Answer: RHENISH.
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...
ANCHORAGE fits nicely, but I'm afraid the why question arises - that's if it's right of course. May I have a yes/no, or a hint if no, please?
...
Simple anagram of the letters after "drunk" ?
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I'm tackling another blank area this afternoon.
26 across is: Drunk on a charge in an Alaskan port ... (9)
Begins with A
ANCHORAGE fits nicely, but I'm afraid the why question arises - that's if it's right of course. May I have a yes/no, or a hint if no, please?
If it is relevant, the clue for
27 across is:... injured her shin getting wine! (7)
Answer: RHENISH.
Drunk means mixed up here and an anagram of 'on a charge' is mixed up. Anchorage is an Alaskan port.
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Simple anagram of the letters after "drunk" ?
Thank you for your help - oh dear, I really should have seen that!
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Drunk means mixed up here and an anagram of 'on a charge' is mixed up. Anchorage is an Alaskan port.
Thank you too for your help - and I really should have remembered that 'drunk' is another anagram indicator.
I think I was over-thinking it - Clever Clogs being the compiler, but no, that's no excuse!!
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Couldn't resist just dropping in to say that I have done 1 across and 1 down, plus about six others todayall by myself!! In a couple of years I might catch up with this Clever Clogs compiler chap. :)
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16 across is:Unit employed with rocks to lug round area (5)
Letters: C - R - S
So it has to be CARTS but I would appreciate a why answer, please!
I suppose TARS could be rocks, and A a unit, and 'lug' is CART but to make such a complicated clue ...well ... why?!
Edited to add:
17 across is: Conscientious consumer for example stops goods vehicle (5)
Letters: B - G - N
So it has to be BEGIN. For example> e.g., vehicle > GIN\/? But what about the conscientious consumer? I give up!! :)
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16 across is:Unit employed with rocks to lug round area (5)
Letters: C - R - S
So it has to be CARTS but I would appreciate a why answer, please!
I suppose TARS could be rocks, and A a unit, and 'lug' is CART but to make such a complicated clue ...well ... why?!
Edited to add:
17 across is: Conscientious consumer for example stops goods vehicle (5)
Letters: B - G - N
So it has to be BEGIN. For example> e.g., vehicle > GIN\/? But what about the conscientious consumer? I give up!! :)
I think some of your letters are wrong.
I don't think S is the last letter in 16 across.
And I don't think B is the first letter in 17across
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I think some of your letters are wrong.
I don't think S is the last letter in 16 across.
And I don't think B is the first letter in 17across
Thank you very much - back to square one!!
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Hi Susan,
Further to NS’s post re wrong letters…
16 across is:Unit employed with rocks to lug round area (5)
Letters: C - R – S
Diamonds are sometime referred to as “rocks”.
17 across is: Conscientious consumer for example stops goods vehicle (5)
Letters: B - G - N
Possibly a “conscientious consumer” is someone who avoids animal-based foods?
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Well, back to square No. 17 to be precise! With E as the second letter, the only other answer that makes sense is VEGAN I think.
17 down is: Bad lover pens heartlless gag for on line contributor (7)
Letters: V - - - g - R
heartless gag > GG
so that has to be followed by ER and I thought the answer was BLOGGER
The only word I can think of which fits with V to start is VInIGAR, but that doesn't make sense as far as I can see!
May I have a hint, please?
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Hi Susan,
Well, back to square No. 17 to be precise! With E as the second letter, the only other answer that makes sense is VEGAN I think.
Spot on.
17 down is: Bad lover pens heartlless gag for on line contributor (7)
Letters: V - - - g - R
heartless gag > GG
so that has to be followed by ER and I thought the answer was BLOGGER
The only word I can think of which fits with V to start is VInIGAR, but that doesn't make sense as far as I can see!
May I have a hint, please?
Someone who posts videos online is called something like a blogger, but with a different first letter.
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Hi Susan,
Further to NS’s post re wrong letters…
Diamonds are sometime referred to as “rocks”.
Possibly a “conscientious consumer” is someone who avoids animal-based foods?
Thank you - I'm afraid I didn't see this before my last post.
Re the diamonds: is it CARAT? CART around A for area?
Yes, I think it must be.
That still leaves seven more to do, including 17 down.
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Hi Susan,
Spot on.
Someone who posts videos online is called something like a blogger, but with a different first letter.
Ah, so it's one of these new-fangled computer words, is it? Huh! Let's see ... ... surely it can't be VLOGGER! I wince visibly! :)
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:)
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:)
With magnifyng x10 that appears to be a big grin!!!!
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Ah, so it's one of these new-fangled computer words, is it? Huh! Let's see ... ... surely it can't be VLOGGER! I wince visibly! :)
I love that language is this adaptable. The term itself is 16 years old
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I love that language is this adaptable. The term itself is 16 years old
Just goes to show, I suppose, that I'm about twenty years behind the times!! :)
Still a few tricky clues to answer and may I have a hint, please, for:
8 down: Satanic sort, very French, about to ensnare writer (7)
Letters: S - R - E - T
This has come up before I think but my mind obviously did not record it well enough. I've been trying various letters in the spaces and to include tres=very in French (can't put grave accent in) but nothing has worked.
The few answers I managed yesterday includied one where I almost had to stand on my head as well as squint sideways to make it fit the clue!
It was: Weapon returned to court causing bleed? (5)
Answer: EXACT
I suppose you can exact a confession, but bleed?
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Hi Susan,
1. Think of a word for a snake.
2. If you “exact”, say, money from someone you “bleed” them for it.
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Hi Susan,
1. Think of a word for a snake.
2. If you “exact”, say, money from someone you “bleed” them for it.
Many thanks, so that's SERPENT ...and I should have picked out the P and the N when working through the alphabet! I'm glad I got the tres for very right though.
I think I'll be back later with hint requests for the last few ...
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21 down is: Irish with a question for an Arab (5)
Letters: I - A - I
So it has to be IRANI, or IRAQI. I can see that 'ran I' could be a question but it could also be IRAQI with IRA and Q, Which is right, please?
I would really appreciate a hint for the following:
24 down is: In the beginning, Adam mentioned temptation as moderate (5)
Letters: A - A - -
Then that will leave only two incomplete answers.
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Hi Susan,
21 down is: Irish with a question for an Arab (5)
Letters: I - A - I
So it has to be IRANI, or IRAQI. I can see that 'ran I' could be a question but it could also be IRAQI with IRA and Q, Which is right, please?
IRAQI I think.
IR = Irish
AQ = a question
I = an
I would really appreciate a hint for the following:
24 down is: In the beginning, Adam mentioned temptation as moderate (5)
Letters: A - A - -
Then that will leave only two incomplete answers.
The “beginning” of Adam you have already, so now you need something that sounds like (“mentioned”) a temptation – what would tempt a fish maybe?
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Hi Susan,
IRAQI I think. IR = Irish
AQ = a question
I = an
Thank you. I wonder if the compiler gave himself a pat on the back for that! The “beginning” of Adam you have already, so now you need something that sounds like (“mentioned”) a temptation – what would tempt a fish maybe?
Thank you for help. I thought it would be AD for the first two letters. Can't think of the rest just at this moment, so willl have to think ...
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Thank you. I wonder if the compiler gave himself a pat on the back for that! Thank you for help. I thought it would be AD for the first two letters. Can't think of the rest just at this moment, so willl have to think ...
It is just A not AD
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It is just A not AD
Thank you. Yes, I have just realised that this might be the case and have come back to the computer to check!
Light not dawning yet though ...
The two remaining clues are:
22 down: Run, step up and go over again (5)
Letters: R - C - -
RACER? RACED?
28 across: Lead and quietly withdraw(7)
Letters:- - E - - - E
First is last of 22down and fifth is last of 24 down.
rather than ask for answers, perhaps a hint for 28 across will achieve a final success?
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Thank you. Yes, I have just realised that this might be the case and have come back to the computer to check!
Light not dawning yet though ...
The two remaining clues are:
22 down: Run, step up and go over again (5)
Letters: R - C - -
RACER? RACED?
28 across: Lead and quietly withdraw(7)
Letters:- - E - - - E
First is last of 22down and fifth is last of 24 down.
rather than ask for answers, perhaps a hint for 28 across will achieve a final success?
28 across is a synonym for leads in the sense of happening before. If you remove the first letter then you have a word for something withdrawing into the distance
22 down is a synonym for go over again as in an argument
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28 across is a synonym for leads in the sense of happening before. If you remove the first letter then you have a word for something withdrawing into the distance
22 down is a synonym for go over again as in an argument
Many thanks. I'l tryand come back with the answers later.
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22 down - RECAP, although I can't see where 'Run' comes in ...
28 across - PRECEDE
I would never have got those two without the hints, so thank you for the hints that enable!
I give up on the Adam clue - may I have the answer please?
I do so appreciate the help given, especially as some of theselatest have been assessed as more like 'toughies'.
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Hi Susan,
22 down - RECAP, although I can't see where 'Run' comes in ...
“Run” is R, and PACE “up” gives you the ECAP part.
I give up on the Adam clue - may I have the answer please?
You’ll kick yourself – it’s ABATE. “BATE” sounds like “bait”, which is the temptation part.
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Hi Susan,
“Run” is R, and PACE “up” gives you the ECAP part.
thank you - yes I could see the PACE after getting the answer as a result of NS's hint.You’ll kick yourself – it’s ABATE. “BATE” sounds like “bait”, which is the temptation part.
Well, I had been thinking of bait ( spent a few minutes remembering the time when my two sons were young and used to cycle to Keyhaven at low tide to dig for ragworms for fishing!), but i couldn't see how the spelling worked, and I think ABATE is just a bit too far from the clue
for me!
As I said to NS, I really appreciate the help given here every week.
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I think there is another fun-lacking week ahead. Lots of three-line clues for four-letter words, and ditto for twelve-letter ones. Hmmm.
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Not so bad after all, I'm hoping! I've made a start.
5 down is: Travelled round wizard place, an island (4)
Letters: - O - O
So I think it must be TOGO? May I have a yes/no, please, and why the wizard?
ETA No it can't be checked Togo and it's not an island. Sorry!
GOZO
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Top half only a few empty squares. Bottom half a bit empty!
May I have a hint, please, for:
21 across: Lawbreaker facing prison? A liberal one might allow such visits (8)
Begins with C
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Hi Susan,
No problem. You need a synonym for a lawbreaker, then a slang one for prison, then two letters given to you with “a liberal”. The whole word describes a certain type of visitation rights...
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Hi Susan,
No problem. You need a synonym for a lawbreaker, then a slang one for prison, then two letters given to you with “a liberal”. The whole word describes a certain type of visitation rights...
Thank you for your help. Took a while, but I had thought of CON and and a U in 12 down helped, so CONJUGAL
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Rather to my surprise, I've finished the Cryptic.
There are one or two answers I'm not entirely sure about, but they fit in nicely and I'm satisfied with them!
13 across is: Booming factory hides dope (8)
Letters: - L - N - E - T
PLANGENT seems to fit, but could you please say where the dope is?
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Rather to my surprise, I've finished the Cryptic.
There are one or two answers I'm not entirely sure about, but they fit in nicely and I'm satisfied with them!
13 across is: Booming factory hides dope (8)
Letters: - L - N - E - T
PLANGENT seems to fit, but could you please say where the dope is?
Plant is the factory
That leaves Gen which can mean information, as can dope.
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Plant is the factory
That leaves Gen which can mean information, as can dope.
Ah yes, thank you very much. So many meanings for so many words to try and remember!
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Slow start; long clues; several for 3 or 4 letter answers, and 4 15-letter ones.
13Across: Rocky pass, one circling a safe place to walk (7,8)
Letters: - E - I - - and none of the other 8.
Could I please have a yes/no for: is the second word CROSSING? Sounds like a good guess, I'm hoping.
ETA I suppose it could be PELICAN CROSSING, but I think this cryptic is going to be one of those where a measure of guesswork is useful and I don't see the answer to the 'why' questions until later on.
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Hi Susan,
Slow start; long clues; several for 3 or 4 letter answers, and 4 15-lwrrwe onwa.
13Across: Rocky pass, one circling a safe place to walk (7,8)
Letters: - E - I - - and none of the other 8.
Could I please have a yes/no for: is the second word CROSSING? Sounds like a good guess, I'm hoping.
ETA I suppose it could be PELICAN CROSSING, but I think this cryptic is going to be one of those where a measure of guesswork is useful and I don't see the answer to the 'why' questions until later on.
You’ve got it - anagram (“rocky”) of “pass, one circling”.
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Hi Susan,
You’ve got it - anagram (“rocky”) of “pass, one circling”.
[/quote
Thank you. I still can't see the 'one' though ... never mind, I might catch up in a day or two!!]
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Taking it nice and slowly this week, I am on:
3 down:Georges perhaps one involved with gun schemes? (9,6)
Letters: - U – O – A - - - / P – L - - -
AUTOMATIC PILOTS fits nicely, but I would be grateful, please, for a yes, no, or hopeless!
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Taking it nice and slowly this week, I am on:
3 down:Georges perhaps one involved with gun schemes? (9,6)
Letters: - U – O – A - - - / P – L - - -
AUTOMATIC PILOTS fits nicely, but I would be grateful, please, for a yes, no, or hopeless!
It's correct.
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It's correct.
Thank you for the 'yes' answer! So now I have done the four 15-letter answers!
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. I still can't see the 'one' though ... never mind, I might catch up in a day or two!!]
No problem. You’re over thinking it though I think – it’s just an anagram of the words “pass one circling”.
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Hi Susan,
No problem. You’re over thinking it though I think – it’s just an anagram of the words “pass one circling”.
Thank you. Actually, I think I missed some of that because I was not thinking the right letters for the anagram.
checking a synonym or two and making a few wild guesses here and there, I have only five or six answers to go, so it has worked out better than I thought it would.
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Down to three now. May I have hints, please, for
18 down: Spooner becomes confused about international killer (8)
Letters: P - I - O - E -
7 down: Become friendlier, we hear, finding God (6)
Letters: - - - R
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Susan,
Down to three now. May I have hints, please, for
18 down: Spooner becomes confused about international killer (
Letters: P - I - O - E –
Anagram of “spooner” around “i” (“international”).
7 down: Become friendlier, we hear, finding God (6)
Letters: - - - R
What ice does when it gets warmer sounds like (“we hear”) a god.
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Susan,
Anagram of “spooner” around “i” (“international”).
What ice does when it gets warmer sounds like (“we hear”) a god.
Many thanks. PRISONER I don't think I'd have guessed that one.
Hmmmm, ROAR \\\\I suppose, but I'm afraid that stretches my imagination a bit too far!
Just one more now, about low-fat: P - I - A - so I'll think about that one ....
I've found plenty of synonyms for fat but 'creamy' is not, as it seemed to indicate on search links, a synonym for low-fat!
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Many thanks. PRISONER I don't think I'd have guessed that one.
Hmmmm, ROAR \\\\I suppose, but I'm afraid that stretches my imagination a bit too far!
Just one more now, about low-fat: P - I - A - so I'll think about that one ....
I've found plenty of synonyms for fat but 'creamy' is not, as it seemed to indicate on search links, a synonym for low-fat!
It isn't Prisoner. You haven't used all of Spooner for the anagram. And it isn't Roar
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks. PRISONER I don't think I'd have guessed that one.
Not prisoner – you probably wouldn’t take drugs from this person!
Hmmmm, ROAR \\\\I suppose, but I'm afraid that stretches my imagination a bit too far!
Not “roar”. Think hammer, thunder etc…
Just one more now, about low-fat: P - I - A - so I'll think about that one ....
I've found plenty of synonyms for fat but 'creamy' is not, as it seemed to indicate on search links, a synonym for low-fat!
What’s the clue please?
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Hi Susan,
Not prisoner – you probably wouldn’t take drugs from this person!
Ah, right! POISONER!!Not “roar”. Think hammer, thunder etc…
It hasn't sprung to mind yet ... ...What’s the clue pleese?
10 across: Start with ploughman's with low-fat pickle? (6)
Letters: P - I - O - Not A as in previous post.)
I think I'll allow myself to ask for the answers, please! :) I have a slight excuse - I had a bit of a TIA on Saturday and found that I was unable to say a few words properly, so that's probably wiped out a few brain cells. :)
spoke to a GP today who has referred me to Lymington Hospital, from whom I have just this minute had a phone call to say they will see me Thursday morning.
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Hey Susan,
Ah, right! POISONER!!
Hooray!
It hasn't sprung to mind yet ... ...
You’ll kick yourself – who was the god of thunder in Scandinavia?
10 across: Start with ploughman's with low-fat pickle? (6)
Letters: P - I - O - Not A as in previous post.)
I think I'll allow myself to ask for the answers, please! I have a slight excuse - I had a bit of a TIA on Saturday and found that I was unable to say a few words properly, so that's probably wiped out a few brain cells.
spoke to a GP today who has referred me to Lymington Hospital, from whom I have just this minute had a phone call to say they will see me Thursday morning.
OK, so you have the P from the start of “ploughman’s”. Now you need a word meaning “low fat”. If it’s not heavy, it must be… The whole thing then means a “pickle” as in a scrape or a tight situation.
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Hey Susan,
Hooray!
You’ll kick yourself – who was the god of thunder in Scandinavia?
You're right! I should have known that!
OK, so you have the P from the start of “ploughman’s”. Now you need a word meaning “low fat”. If it’s not heavy, it must be… The whole thing then means a “pickle” as in a scrape or a tight situation.
PLIGHT
Thank you - hellp much appreciated as always.
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Today's Cryptic is much more accessible and I've done about 8 answers on first read through, but there will no doubt be one or two for which I shall have to request a hint!
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No chance of going out today in this wind, so may I please have a yes/no for:
Are these letters right C - F- M - - -
for 14 down: American river crossed by container vessel (9)
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Hi Susan,
No chance of going out today in this wind, so may I please have a yes/no for:
Are these letters right C - F- M - - -
for 14 down: American river crossed by container vessel (9)
Not keen of the F I’m afraid.
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Hi Susan,
Not keen of the F I’m afraid.
Thank you - I thought that might be the problem, but the answer to
16 across: Bookkeeper's test of equilibrium? (5,7)
I thought was FINAL BALANCE,, which fits so nicely! I think the fifth letter is L and BALANCE is probably right.
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Think of another word for final that would go at the bottom of a list of figures added together...... it still has L as the last letter.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you - I thought that might be the problem, but the answer to
16 across: Bookkeeper's test of equilibrium? (5,7)
I thought was FINAL BALANCE,, which fits so nicely! I think the fifth letter is L and BALANCE is probably right.
You're on the right lines. Before you get to the final balance though, there's another type of balance...
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Many thanks, TV and bluehillside, for extra help. That must be TOTAL then. Certainly a T makes more sense between C and M in 14 down!
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Susan,
Many thanks, TV and bluehillside, for extra help. That must be TOTAL then. Certainly a T makes more sense between C and M in 14 down!
Noooo! What's it called when you have a preliminary version of something? Same word used for court proceedings.
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Susan,
Noooo! What's it called when you have a preliminary version of something? Same word used for court proceedings.
thank you. LEGAL BALANCE? I have just googled definition of 'legal balance' and it seems to fit.
-
Hi Susan,
TRIAL BALANCE!
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Hi Susan,
TRIAL BALANCE!
thank you - much appreciated. I wouldn't have got it, never having had to deal with proper book-keeping.
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This morning I have cheated with 1 across.
Clue: Old vehicle's trim pocketed by flier (6)
JALOPY and I should have worked it out. However,
1 down is: In summer month, right to make soup (8)
First letter J, seventh N
I have just googled 'soups begining with J and the only word that has 8 letters is Japanese, which won't work. As there is an N, it could be June, rather than July but not necessarily I suppose.
May I have a hint, plese?
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This morning I have cheated with 1 across.
Clue: Old vehicle's trim pocketed by flier (6)
JALOPY and I should have worked it out. However,
1 down is: In summer month, right to make soup (8)
First letter J, seventh N
I have just googled 'soups begining with J and the only word that has 8 letters is Japanese, which won't work. As there is an N, it could be June, rather than July but not necessarily I suppose.
May I have a hint, plese?
The whole is more commonly known as a way to slice veg but can also be a soup. June is the right month. The 'right' is inside it.
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The whole is more commonly known as a way to slice veg but can also be a soup. June is the right month. The 'right' is inside it.
Thank you. I'll work on that while doing my up-an-down-the-Close walk in a minute.
-
NS
Thank you for your help. JULIENNE I got it on the third lap! 'lien is not a word that springs to mind though, except for those involved with the law, I suppose. Must remember it ...
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May I have, please a yes/no for the following:
4 across: Cheap ?American couple snapped (3-3)
Last letter T.
I think it must be TWO-BIT
10 across: Church officer attacked violently, unknown admitted (6)
Fifth letter O
This one I think must be CANNON.
the reason I ask is that it gives me, for
5 down: Cleaner with wooden thumb, oddly? (7)
And, if above are right, letters are: W - C - T - B, whereas an S instead of the C would give me WASHTUB!
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Morning Susan,
May I have, please a yes/no for the following:
4 across: Cheap ?American couple snapped (3-3)
Last letter T.
I think it must be TWO-BIT
10 across: Church officer attacked violently, unknown admitted (6)
Fifth letter O
This one I think must be CANNON.
the reason I ask is that it gives me, for
5 down: Cleaner with wooden thumb, oddly? (7)
And, if above are right, letters are: W - C - T - B, whereas an S instead of the C would give me WASHTUB!
Not ”cannon” I’m afraid. You need another “church officer” beginning with S, and “unknown” usually means you have an X or a Y…
Yes to WASHTUB. It’s W (“with”), ASH (“wooden”) and TUB comes from the alternate letters (“oddly”) of “thumb”.
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Morning Susan,
Not ”cannon” I’m afraid. You need another “church officer” beginning with S, and “unknown” usually means you have an X or a Y…
Yes to WASHTUB. It’s W (“with”), ASH (“wooden”) and TUB comes from the alternate letters (“oddly”) of “thumb”.
Many thanks. Yes, I thought it was most likely to be 'cannon' that was wrong, but I hoped an unknown might be 'N'. I hoped it was 'ash' and could see it was something to do with the letters of 'thumb', but hadn't quite worked out why.
I'll sort that out later and that's the Cryptic finished!
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As a result of X instead of N for unknown and an S to start, SEXTON was the only choice. ThiS also meant that B - X could only be BOX for 6 down > BOX CAMERA.
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I forgot to ask, can you explain, please, how, in the 10 across clue: Church oficer attacked violently ... ...', do the words 'attacked violently' fit the answer, SEXTON?
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I forgot to ask, can you explain, please, how, in the 10 across clue: Church oficer attacked violently ... ...', do the words 'attacked violently' fit the answer, SEXTON?
Without the X, the unknown, you have SET ON which can mean to be attacked violently
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Without the X, the unknown, you have SET ON which can mean to be attacked violently
Ah, yes, thank you. There are so many different ways to look at answers, aren't there.
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This week's Saturday Cryptic is one of those where I have done 9 answers on a first read through, so it should be okay. However, may I have a hint, please, for
11 across: Armchair found by couple in a Sumerian city (7)
Fifth letter E
Should I assume that the 'couple' is TIE? I've googled Sumerian cities and synonyms for aarmchair but no luckk so far.
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Cryptic now complete except for 11 across, for which letters are now: A - A - E - R and I wonder if it's a rare word for 'armchair'? Advice would be appreciated.
I had to google
1 across: Ogre entering disreputable bar? (split! (7) I thought it was BEGORRA, but found that the first letter had to be D so I'm afraid I googled it this morning! Answer: DIVORCE but I can't work out why - along with quite a few othe the other answers which I know are right! Anyway that filled in the other down clues.
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Cryptic now complete except for 11 across, for which letters are now: A - A - E - R and I wonder if it's a rare word for 'armchair'? Advice would be appreciated.
I had to google
1 across: Ogre entering disreputable bar? (split! (7) I thought it was BEGORRA, but found that the first letter had to be D so I'm afraid I googled it this morning! Answer: DIVORCE but I can't work out why - along with quite a few othe the other answers which I know are right! Anyway that filled in the other down clues.
These clues seem awful...
A disreputable bar could be referred to as a "dive", and "orc" is nasty kind of creature from Tolkien's Lord of The Rings, with an orc in a dive we have a synonym for "split".
For armchair, I think it is a word with a similar sound rather than a similar meaning; "couple" is a word for intercourse - as is "mate", and "Ur" is really the most significant Sumerian city.
Hope that's not too much information!
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These clues seem awful...
A disreputable bar could be referred to as a "dive", and "orc" is nasty kind of creature from Tolkien's Lord of The Rings, with an orc in a dive we have a synonym for "split".
For armchair, I think it is a word with a similar sound rather than a similar meaning; "couple" is a word for intercourse - as is "mate", and "Ur" is really the most significant Sumerian city.
Hope that's not too much information!
Many thanks for your help. Actually, I would appreciate the answer, please, as I've tried googling Sumerian cities and none of the links suggested show a city - AMATER*.
Edited immediately to say thatof course it's ARMATURE- is that right?!
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Hi Susa,
Many thanks for your help. Actually, I would appreciate the answer, please, as I've tried googling Sumerian cities and none of the links suggested show a city - AMATER*.
Edited immediately to say thatof course it's ARMATURE- is that right?!
Not quite - its AMATEUR (as in "armchair amateur"). Poor clue though I think.
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Hi Susa,
Not quite - its AMATEUR (as in "armchair amateur"). Poor clue though I think.
Thank you for the answer and how it links to clue. Yes,, ARMATURE was daft! too many letters and the third letter couldn't be M.
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Before I consign the completed cryptic to the recycle bag, I'd just like to ask one more why question. I googled two answers and this was one of them. I don't think I'd have got it even with all alternate lettersbut anyway:
5 across is: Birds with wings in Estonia's coastal location (7)
The answer is SWANSEA, but why? SEA is a coastal location, and SWANS are birds with wings, as all birds have, whether used or not! But what has Estonia got to do with it? I can't puzzle that one out.
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Hi Susan,
Birds = SWANS
The “wings” (ie the outer letters) of the word “Estonia” are E & A
“Coastal location” = SWANSEA (SWANS + EA)
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Hi Susan,
Birds = SWANS
The “wings” (ie the outer letters) of the word “Estonia” are E & A
“Coastal location” = SWANSEA (SWANS + EA)
Thank you - the trick to dissociate words from each other is quite difficult to do sometimes!
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This Saturday's is probably called easy! I've done all except 8 answers, two of which and four of which share letters.
May I have a hint, please, for the first across clue:
7 across: Sporty student to initiate classy descent (4,5)
8th letter O
I know I should know this one, but no luck so far.
ETA Fifth letter L, so FLOOR ...?
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Hi Susan,
The R is wrong I’m afraid.
Sporty students are sometimes described by a colour, and the second word is a way of initiating someone into something. “Classy descent” could describe you are if you have posh ancestors...
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Hi Susan,
The R is wrong I’m afraid.
Sporty students are sometimes described by a colour, and the second word is a way of initiating someone into something. “Classy descent” could describe you are if you have posh ancestors...
Ah, yes, of course - BLUE BLOOD. Many thanksThat leaves just fourincomplete.
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Last one:
28 across: Protest about short audition for leading lady ( (9)
Letters: - A(?) - R - A - C -
May I have a yes/no for whether the letters are right, please?
Is the ending ANCE?
This is another I know I ought to know!
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Last one:
28 across: Protest about short audition for leading lady ( (9)
Letters: - A(?) - R - A - C -
May I have a yes/no for whether the letters are right, please?
Is the ending ANCE?
This is another I know I ought to know!
Letters are right. ANCE is not the ending.
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Letters are right. ANCE is not the ending.
thank you for your help - I'll work on that this afternoon.
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It's MATRIARCH, isn't it? I was working through letters, and had got to 'patriarch', dozed off for 5 minutes or so and realised it was 'matriarch'. Not quite sure where the short audition comes in. 'March' for the protest and whole word for the leading lady, but audition?
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Hi Susan,
It's MATRIARCH, isn't it? I was working through letters, and had got to 'patriarch', dozed off for 5 minutes or so and realised it was 'matriarch'. Not quite sure where the short audition comes in. 'March' for the protest and whole word for the leading lady, but audition?
It's MARCH around TRIA, the latter being a shortened version of TRIAL. He's using "trial" for "audition", which it can be I suppose but I'm not wild about it.
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Hi Susan,
It's MARCH around TRIA, the latter being a shortened version of TRIAL. He's using "trial" for "audition", which it can be I suppose but I'm not wild about it.
Thank you. Having finished that now, and it's only Sunday, I'll have to copy the Tuesday prize one or something to fill in time here and there during this next week.
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Hi Susan,
No problem - and well done.
Most of the broadsheets publish jumbo crosswords around this time of year. I don't know which day the Torygraph will do theirs, but look out for it - that one should keep you quiet for a bit! ;)
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Hi Susan,
No problem - and well done.
Most of the broadsheets publish jumbo crosswords around this time of year. I don't know which day the Torygraph will do theirs, but look out for it - that one should keep you quiet for a bit! ;)
/quote]
The weekly puzzlers' newsletter e-mail mentioned the Giant Christmas Cryptic and that the last across clue is 150, so it will be beyond the capacity of my printer to put it onto an A4 sheet of paper I think - but I might just give it a try! :)
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I tried to search for the DT Giant crossword, but failed. However, I think it might have been a general knowledge one, so I shall not pursue the search.
I've made a start on today's Cryptic, but a yesno for the following will be much appreciated:
8 down: Solitary type, fellow struggling to carry on (4,4)
Letters: - - - P / - O - -
Are the letters right?
Is the second word SORT? Or LOADpossibly ?
9 down: Comprehensive hit when everyone refuses to work (7,6)
Letters: - - - C - A - / - - - - - -
Are letters correct?
Is second word STRIKE? I think it must be.
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Hi Susan - compliments of the season.
9 down on first reading looks suspiciously easy to me if "strike" is correct. But to be what I think it is the "C" in your first word is incorrect.
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I tried to search for the DT Giant crossword, but failed. However, I think it might have been a general knowledge one, so I shall not pursue the search.
I've made a start on today's Cryptic, but a yesno for the following will be much appreciated:
8 down: Solitary type, fellow struggling to carry on (4,4)
Letters: - - - P / - O - -
Are the letters right?
Is the second word SORT? Or LOADpossibly ?
9 down: Comprehensive hit when everyone refuses to work (7,6)
Letters: - - - C - A - / - - - - - -
Are letters correct?
Is second word STRIKE? I think it must be.
Don't think the P in 8 down is correct. And neither sort or load is correct. It is much more animalistic.
In 9 down the C is not correct, but Strike is right.
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Hi Susan - compliments of the season.
Thank you.That is an expression I haven't seen for ages - I think I like it better than 'Season's Greetings' and shall use it in future. And I return mine to you and all here of course.9 down on first reading looks suspiciously easy to me if "strike" is correct. But to be what I think it is the "C" in your first word is incorrect.
Thank you. Yes, I wondered about 'strike' being a bit too easy! And the C was a five-letter answer for which TOPIC was suspiciously easy!
More work needed, but it's still ony Saturday morning, so I have plenty of time.
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Yes, I wondered about 'strike' being a bit too easy!
To be clear, I do think "strike" is correct. For the first word you have to think of a more universal term.
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To be clear, I do think "strike" is correct. For the first word you have to think of a more universal term.
Thank you -- I've just come back to the computer after having a think ( in between dozing a bit, I have to confess!) to ask if it's OVERALL and whether the second word has to begin with L because of 'everyone' in the clue. However, OVERALL STRIKE sounds okay?
ETA No, of course not! That's hopeless - it doesn't fit the spaces. I'll have to think again ...
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Thank you -- I've just come back to the computer after having a think ( in between dozing a bit, I have to confess!) to ask if it's OVERALL and whether the second word has to begin with L because of 'everyone' in the clue. However, OVERALL STRIKE sounds okay?
No, Overall is not right.
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No, Overall is not right.
Thank you - I have just edited the post and will keep thinking ... ... :)
The fourth letter of 8 down is now E, so I think the first word must be LONE ...
FEDERAL fits the first word of 9 down nicely, but is it too American?
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Thank you - I have just edited the post and will keep thinking ... ... :)
The fourth letter of 8 down is now E, so I think the first word must be LONE ...
Lone is correct
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Thank you - I have just edited the post and will keep thinking ... ... :)
The fourth letter of 8 down is now E, so I think the first word must be LONE ...
FEDERAL fits the first word of 9 down nicely, but is it too American?
Federal isn't correct. The last 4 letters of it are correct though.
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Federal isn't correct. The last 4 letters of it are correct though.
GThank you - I'll have another look tomorrow morning and hope my subconscious will have been working in the meantime.
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Lone is correct
Thank you for your help. In fact, I'd turned the computer off, but as soon as I did so, I thought GENERAL STRIKE, so I turned on again. It seems a rather heavy-weight clue for that answer, so I think I'll try to avoid over-thinking tomorrow, especially as I've done another clue which was quite straight forward.
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Working out that the folowing clue is to do with a canon, I googled 'loading a canon' and the word 'carronade'came up. Fits nicely, but I can't quite work out why it fits the clue.
26 across: Move top article in magazine (9)
Any ideas, please?
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Working out that the folowing clue is to do with a canon, I googled 'loading a canon' and the word 'carronade'came up. Fits nicely, but I can't quite work out why it fits the clue.
26 across: Move top article in magazine (9)
Any ideas, please?
It isn't to do with cannon, though armaments of a smaller kind are involved. The first 3 letters are correct.
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It isn't to do with cannon, though armaments of a smaller kind are involved. The first 3 letters are correct.
Oh dear! Thank you - I'll have to keep thinking ...
Plenty of time for that today, though - grey, windy and rain outside!
ETA Correction - sun is out and much brighter!
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For 26 across, CARTRIDGE fits, but doesn't seem to go with the clue.
Does the answer have something to do with CARBINEs? I've tried to find a word of 9 letters which sounds a bit like it but I cannotso I would appreciate a hint, please.
I've printed a fresh copy of the crossword - the first one is a mess!
It would help if I could work out
17 down: Flower opened, a daisy's beginning to come up (8)
Letters: - A - F - - - - -
DAFODIL fits nicely but that puts a D in 26 across, and DA is not upside down, and my horticultural knowledge is poor!
'ETA I suppose CART could be move, and RIDGE could be top ..
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Cartridge is correct.
Daffodil is also right. Da is start of daisy, and what's left reversed is Lid Off.
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Cartridge is correct.
Daffodil is also right. Da is start of daisy, and what's left reversed is Lid Off.
Many thanks - that's encouraging!
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Finished the last two answers yesterday, (SOMALIAN- African very African; and ANDEAN - Official in college on range) but I would be interested to know what you think of the following clue. Is it a very clever one or an unlikeable one?!
Because I knew I'd never get the last across clue
28 across: Rich yellow food in salad stuffed in mouth, perhaps? (11)
Letters: - - L - A - - A - S -
I googled the answer, HOLLANDAISE; and no, ;I definitely wouldn't have got it. I can see that HOL ...E could be a synonym for mouth, but that's about all I can see.
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Hi Susan,
It’s an anagram (“stuffed”) of IN SALAD inside a slang term for “mouth”, ie HOLE. Don’t love it as a clue, but it’s ok I think.
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Hi Susan,
It’s an anagram (“stuffed”) of IN SALAD inside a slang term for “mouth”, ie HOLE. Don’t love it as a clue, but it’s ok I think.
thank you, I certainly find it more interesting to know the answer to the how it fits the answer question.
It took me a couple of momentes to sort that out, but I'll try and remember it, and also try to remember yet another marker for an anagram!
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A short tale of woe this weekend! I somehow managed to disconnect the computer from the internet on Saturday and all sorts of weird things appeared on the screen. My son e-mailed the Tech chap who, realising that this was an emergency!, came this morning to put things right. Some of my SuperNova settings are not quite right but that will be Dolphin who can fix that.
In the meantime, it meant I had no access to hints and help here or synonyms.
Thanks to all the help I've had here, I have been able to do a lot but a yes/no would be much appreciated for:
Are the letters right for:
2 down: Man's man perhaps is on spacecraft (8)
- S - A N D - -
ISLANDER fits nicely, and I have just asked google if there is a spacecraft named that, but drawn a blank.
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A short tale of woe this weekend! I somehow managed to disconnect the computer from the internet on Saturday and all sorts of weird things appeared on the screen. My son e-mailed the Tech chap who, realising that this was an emergency!, came this morning to put things right. Some of my SuperNova settings are not quite right but that will be Dolphin who can fix that.
In the meantime, it meant I had no access to hints and help here or synonyms.
Thanks to all the help I've had here, I have been able to do a lot but a yes/no would be much appreciated for:
Are the letters right for:
2 down: Man's man perhaps is on spacecraft (8)
- S - A N D - -
ISLANDER fits nicely, and I have just asked google if there is a spacecraft named that, but drawn a blank.
It's correct. The spacecraft is a lander, see link below.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lander_(spacecraft)
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It's correct. The spacecraft is a lander, see link below.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lander_(spacecraft)
Thank you for your help. Could you please say how 'Man's man perhaps' fits the answer?
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Thank you for your help. Could you please say how 'Man's man perhaps' fits the answer?
Islander could be used to describe a man from the Isle of Man.
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Islander could be used to describe a man from the Isle of Man.
Ah, yes, of course, thank you.
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There are several clues still incomplete and I have googled two of them this morning, neither of which I would have got.
9 across is: Disorganised start to school fair around noon (8)
Letters: S - - - - - L -
I've thought of synonyms for 'disorganised' and for 'fair' but in the end I've googled the answer just now and it is SLOVENLY.
I reallycan't see the 'why' for that answer and would be most interested to know how it works.
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There are several clues still incomplete and I have googled two of them this morning, neither of which I would have got.
9 across is: Disorganised start to school fair around noon (8)
Letters: S - - - - - L -
I've thought of synonyms for 'disorganised' and for 'fair' but in the end I've googled the answer just now and it is SLOVENLY.
I reallycan't see the 'why' for that answer and would be most interested to know how it works.
Seems a bit obscure to me, the only thing that occurs is the saying "All in love is fair" but I can't still make it work properly in my mind!
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There are several clues still incomplete and I have googled two of them this morning, neither of which I would have got.
9 across is: Disorganised start to school fair around noon (8)
Letters: S - - - - - L -
I've thought of synonyms for 'disorganised' and for 'fair' but in the end I've googled the answer just now and it is SLOVENLY.
I reallycan't see the 'why' for that answer and would be most interested to know how it works.
I don't like this clue at all. As far as I can see the disorganised start is S from school. Around noon means taking N from noon, which leaves you with LOVELY as a synonym for fair. Ugly clue
ETA the whole thing is synonym for disorganised so a bit better. Still not my favourite
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I don't like this clue at all. As far as I can see the disorganised start is S from school. Around noon means taking N from noon, which leaves you with LOVELY as a synonym for fair. Ugly clue
ETA the whole thing is synonym for disorganised so a bit better. Still not my favourite
Ah....that makes more sense!
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I don't like this clue at all. As far as I can see the disorganised start is S from school. Around noon means taking N from noon, which leaves you with LOVELY as a synonym for fair. Ugly clue
ETA the whole thing is synonym for disorganised so a bit better. Still not my favourite
Thank you for replies, NS and TV, much appreciated. I'm glad you think it is a poor clue. It helped with two down answers, but neither of them appeared to have much connection with its clue!
I did manage the last two clues without cheating, but not a satisfying finish.
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Thank you for replies, NS and TV, much appreciated. I'm glad you think it is a poor clue. It helped with two down answers, but neither of them appeared to have much connection with its clue!
I did manage the last two clues without cheating, but not a satisfying finish.
If you want to put up the last 2 clues, happy to see if I can point out why.
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If you want to put up the last 2 clues, happy to see if I can point out why.
Thank you. Unfortunately, I've thrown it away and have only just seen this post.
Reading through today's, I thought a few of the answers were so easy, I must have misread them! However, they are obviously right and a coupl of sections complete. Some definitely not easy, so thought I'd have a look at Big Dave's hints. The ones I understood, I've already got right, but for the rest, I couldn't understand the hints!
I shall, ;however, work on it tomorrow and request the much better hintsalways appreciated, given here, where necessary.
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This clue is one of those whose Big Dave hint was more cryptic than the clue, I thought! May I have a hint, please? Some sort of anagram I suppose, but can't work out which words are included.
17 down: One wandering sailor in van with dog barking (8)
Letters: - A - - - O - D
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This clue is one of those whose Big Dave hint was more cryptic than the clue, I thought! May I have a hint, please? Some sort of anagram I suppose, but can't work out which words are included.
17 down: One wandering sailor in van with dog barkingv
The answer is vagabond - 'one wandering'
The included words are van and dog. Barking is the indication that it is an anagram, I think. That leaves ab which I think is meant to represent able seaman for sailor.
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The answer is vagabond - 'one wandering'
The included words are van and dog. Barking is the indication that it is an anagram, I think. That leaves ab which I think is meant to represent able seaman for sailor.
Many thanks. I would not have got that. I did wonder whether it was NAV at the beginning, but that made no sense for the rest of the word.
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MMay I please have a yes/no for:
10 across: Ace paper after correction to be publishe (6)
Is the answer APPEAR?
If wrong, a hint would be much appreciated.
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MMay I please have a yes/no for:
10 across: Ace paper after correction to be publishe (6)
Is the answer APPEAR?
If wrong, a hint would be much appreciated.
Yes
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Yes
Thank you - that has spurred me on a bit!
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Still quite a few clues to go.
6 down is: Rugby forward finds bear in Nutwod (6)
Letters: - - P R - -
I've been thinking of a whole variety of letters to go in, but without success. 'bear' could be PORT, but nowhere can I find a link with Pooh Bear!
A hint would be much appreciated.
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Still quite a few clues to go.
6 down is: Rugby forward finds bear in Nutwod (6)
Letters: - - P R - -
I've been thinking of a whole variety of letters to go in, but without success. 'bear' could be PORT, but nowhere can I find a link with Pooh Bear!
A hint would be much appreciated.
Pooh lived in Hundred Acre Wood, the bear that lived in Nutwood has very snazzy trousers
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Pooh lived in Hundred Acre Wood, the bear that lived in Nutwood has very snazzy trousers
Ah, yes, of course! Thank you. RUPERT
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Progressing slowly! May I have a yes/no for:
21 across is: Roll stuffed with old chicken (7)
Letters: - O - S - - -
Is the answer BOLSTER or ROOSTER? If it is, I don't quite see why.
If it is not, a hint would be much appreciated, please.
ETA I suppose ROSTER could be 'roll' plus the O for old...
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Progressing slowly! May I have a yes/no for:
21 across is: Roll stuffed with old chicken (7)
Letters: - O - S - - -
Is the answer BOLSTER or ROOSTER? If it is, I don't quite see why.
If it is not, a hint would be much appreciated, please.
ETA I suppose ROSTER could be 'roll' plus the O for old...
Your ETA is right. I quite like it as a clue.
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Your ETA is right. I quite like it as a clue.
Thank you.
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About 11 empty squares in four answers. Are the letters right in:
5 across: Mamma mia finally shown in French port(6)
Letters: - R - A - S(?)
31 across: Boozer - he turned into a swine! (8)
Letters: - L - H - U - E(?)
In 5 across, 'dans' > French for 'in', but I don't think that works.
There are two clues for whichanswers requested please, as I cannot work them out:
4 down: Alpha male in scrap (4)
Letters: A - O -
and
16 across: German managed to escape from Otranto (4)
Letters: T - U -
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About 11 empty squares in four answers. Are the letters right in:
5 across: Mamma mia finally shown in French port(6)
Letters: - R - A - S(?)
31 across: Boozer - he turned into a swine! (8)
Letters: - L - H - U - E(?)
In 5 across, 'dans' > French for 'in', but I don't think that works.
There are two clues for whichanswers requested please, as I cannot work them out:
4 down: Alpha male in scrap (4)
Letters: A - O -
and
16 across: German managed to escape from Otranto (4)
Letters: T - U -
5 across the S is wrong
31 across the letters are right
For 4 down I'll try a hint. Think cat.
And 16 across think German man's name , and the U is wrong
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5 across the S is wrong
31 across the letters are right
For 4 down I'll try a hint. Think cat.
And 16 across think German man's name , and the U is wrong
Many thanks. The S and the U being wrong mean I'll have to re-think 8 down! That will keep me busy this afternoon.
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Is it AMOK for 4 down? I can see that A alpha and M male, but not how it relates to 'scrap' ... ... or a 'cat' reference, I'm afraid!!
8 down is: Aroused? By implication no! (6,2)
If the first letter is T and therefore T is last letter of 5 across, then it's TURNED ON,
16 across must be OTTO
It is going to take a bit more thinking to complete 5 and 31 across, though. I have walked this morning, Wiltshire Farm Foods have delivered order, so not much else to do this afternoon!
ETA 31 across isALTHOUGH. I've been thinking the word since yesterday but have only just worked out the why of it.
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Is it AMOK for 4 down? I can see that A alpha and M male, but not how it relates to 'scrap' ... ... or a 'cat' reference, I'm afraid!!
8 down is: Aroused? By implication no! (6,2)
If the first letter is T and therefore T is last letter of 5 across, then it's TURNED ON,
16 across must be OTTO
It is going to take a bit more thinking to complete 5 and 31 across, though. I have walked this morning, Wiltshire Farm Foods have delivered order, so not much else to do this afternoon!
Not Amok. Think of a word for a male cat. OTTO is right. It's Otranto with 'ran' removed or 'escaped'
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Not Amok. Think of a word for a male cat. OTTO is right. It's Otranto with 'ran' removed or 'escaped'
Thank you. Please see ETA just added to previous post before seeing this one of yours.
Brain still ticking along... ... :)
ETA and of course I've got it immediately after clicking on post - ATOM and the why of it I should have got already ...
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Is it AMOK for 4 down? I can see that A alpha and M male, but not how it relates to 'scrap' ... ... or a 'cat' reference, I'm afraid!!
8 down is: Aroused? By implication no! (6,2)
If the first letter is T and therefore T is last letter of 5 across, then it's TURNED ON,
16 across must be OTTO
It is going to take a bit more thinking to complete 5 and 31 across, though. I have walked this morning, Wiltshire Farm Foods have delivered order, so not much else to do this afternoon!
ETA 31 across isALTHOUGH. I've been thinking the word since yesterday but have only just worked out the why of it.
I don't think Although is right. I think E as the last letter was right
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I don't think Although is right. I think E as the last letter was right
Thank you - and it should of course be ALEHOUSE, shouldn't it? I have been to Tesco and while waiting for my small amount of shopping to be done I realised I had written ALTHOUGH which I was thinking about yesterday, but which of course is wrong!!
I realised that the 'swine' I suppose is 'louse'
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Thank you - and it should of course be ALEHOUSE, shouldn't it? I have been to Tesco and while waiting for my small amount of shopping to be done I realised I had written ALTHOUGH which I was thinking about yesterday, but which of course is wrong!!
I realised that the 'swine' I suppose is 'louse'
Yes Boozer is alehouse. And a louse is a swine. And he is 'turned into' i.e. reversed in a louse.
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Yes Boozer is alehouse. And a louse is a swine. And he is 'turned into' i.e. reversed in a louse.
Thank you. I had not seen that last part of the why.
I have worked through letters and the only answer that seems to make sense for 5 across is BREAST. The A being the final letter of Mamma and Mia and BREST fitting the rest of the spaces. I cannot see exactly why though and shall of course be interested to know.
ETA It's the double M in 'Mamma' that reminded me last night that it's - 'the milk-giving part of female anatomy' so have just looked it up.
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I think the answer to the first clue is SUNVISOR but since those letters have not helped so far with the five down clues, I
wonder if it is right. May I have a yes/no, please?
1 across is: Peak protection for optics (8)
ETA: Just worked out that fifth letter must be H so that makes it SUNSHADE I suppose, but in my opinion the peak should be 'visor'!
... or EYESHADE ? Hmmm, probably more likely ...
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I think the answer to the first clue is SUNVISOR but since those letters have not helped so far with the five down clues, I
wonder if it is right. May I have a yes/no, please?
1 across is: Peak protection for optics (8)
ETA: Just worked out that fifth letter must be H so that makes it SUNSHADE I suppose, but in my opinion the peak should be 'visor'!
... or EYESHADE ? Hmmm, probably more likely ...
Eyeshade is right
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Eyeshade is right
Thank you. Actually, having got that, clues started falling into place, so now three quarters completed.
I was quite tired yesterday, which I'm blaming on the vaccine, although it was probably coincidental!
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Yes/no help would be appreciated for:
Are the letters correct?
Is it an anagram of 'in Chester in'?
12 down is: Where one could have caught train in Chester in chaos(11)
Letters: C - I - S - - - - - -
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Yes/no help would be appreciated for:
Are the letters correct?
Is it an anagram of 'in Chester in'?
12 down is: Where one could have caught train in Chester in chaos(11)
Letters: C - I - S - - - - - -
I don't think either the C or the I is correct. The S is. And it isn't an anagram of in Chester in
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I don't think either the C or the I is correct. The S is. And it isn't an anagram of in Chester in
Many thanks.
The I should be V - the answer was DELIVERYMAN and I'd spelt it DELEIVRYMAN
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Many thanks.
The I should be V - the answer was DELIVERYMAN and I'd spelt it DELEIVRYMAN
Yep, that's right
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It's DEVASTATION, isn't it, = chaos, but where does Chester come into it, I wonder?
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It's DEVASTATION, isn't it, = chaos, but where does Chester come into it, I wonder?
It is. Deva (Victrix) is the Roman name for Chester. Station is where you catch the train.
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It is. Deva (Victrix) is the Roman name for Chester. Station is where you catch the train.
Thank you. That gives me some letters to help with the bottom righthand, empty, corner.
I did not know the Latinn name for Chester, but I have always remembered that 'cester' or 'chester' indicates a Roman fort. And of course 'station' did fit rather nicely! :)
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ASPIRIN fits nicely here, but apart from 'aspirin' having an 'aspen' sound - and I wonder if 'state' is a marker for this - I can't see why. May I have a yes/no answer, please.
22 across: State who in Paris inside is trembling (7)
First letter A
ETA No, that won't work - 've just done 18 down and that makes the third letter U, so I'll have to think again.
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ASPIRIN fits nicely here, but apart from 'aspirin' having an 'aspen' sound - and I wonder if 'state' is a marker for this - I can't see why. May I have a yes/no answer, please.
22 across: State who in Paris inside is trembling (7)
First letter A
ETA No, that won't work - 've just done 18 down and that makes the third letter U, so I'll have to think again.
ok, so I think I've worked it out and I don't think I like it as a clue but it works. As a clue to you, Paris isn't specific, it's aboit the language that is spoken there.
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ok, so I think I've worked it out and I don't think I like it as a clue but it works. As a clue to you, Paris isn't specific, it's aboit the language that is spoken there.
Thank you for your help. I'll keep working on it ...
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There aren't many letters which fit between A and U, are there, which do not need doubling. I've come up with AQUIFER, and I'd thought of that earlier, but have been thinking of it as spelt 'aquAfer' but checking I see that it is AQUIFER which I suppose fits the clue quite well! Especialy as I'd been thinking of 'qui' ...
F for French?
ER for trembling?
Is it right? Is AQUIFER supposed to indicate trembling?
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There aren't many letters which fit between A and U, are there, which do not need doubling. I've come up with AQUIFER, and I'd thought of that earlier, but have been thinking of it as spelt 'aquAfer' but checking I see that it is AQUIFER which I suppose fits the clue quite well! Especialy as I'd been thinking of 'qui' ...
F for French?
ER for trembling?
Is it right? Is AQUIFER supposed to indicate trembling?
One letter out. The French/Paris part is the QUi - French for who. The whole word means trembling
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One letter out. The French/Paris part is the QUi - French for who. The whole word means trembling
[/quote
Many thanks. A quick google of synonyms shows AQUIVER. I would be interested to also know how it fits the clue?
ETA That gives me EVEN SO for 19 down and just a few letters mising in last down and last across clues ...
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One letter out. The French/Paris part is the QUi - French for who. The whole word means trembling
Many thanks. A quick google of synonyms shows AQUIVER. I would be interested to also know how it fits the clue?
ETA That gives me EVEN SO for 19 down and just a few letters mising in last down and last across clues ...
Synonym for to state is aver. Qui is 'who in Paris/French'. Placing qui 'inside' aver gives you aquiver which means trembling.
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Many thanks. A quick google of synonyms shows AQUIVER. I would be interested to also know how it fits the clue?
ETA That gives me EVEN SO for 19 down and just a few letters mising in last down and last across clues ...
Synonym for to state is aver. Qui is 'who in Paris/French'. Placing qui 'inside' aver gives you aquiver which means trembling.
Thank you very much - knowing the why always makes it more interesting.
20 down: Reportedly fix wall decoration (6
FRIEZE) I knew, but could not be sure until I had the R
26 across: Then look round - you might find it in the wood (8)
Letters: - N - T - O - E
KNOTHOLE Oh dear, I should have got that yesterday! I thought it might be an anagram of 'then look', but couldn't see it before.
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Another three or four day one this weekend. -there hasn't been a nice, easy one for ages! I'm afraid I cheated on the first across clue early yesterday, but otherwise nearly half done.
24 across is: New yarns composed: pens productive here? (8)
At first glance it would appear to be an anagram of the first two words: SWANNERY, but unless 'pens' refers to enclosures for swans, I can't see why.
A yes/no will be much appreciated.
Edited for spelling of last word
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Hi Susan,
Another three or four day one this weekend. -there hasn't been a nice, easy one for ages! I'm afraid I cheated on the first across clue early yesterday, but otherwise nearly half done.
24 across is: New yarns composed: pens productive here? (
At first glance it would appear to be an anagram of the first two words: SWANNERY, but unless 'pens' refers to enclosures for swans, I can't see why.
A yes/no will be much apprciated.
Looks good to me – “pens” are female swans (the males are cobs).
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Hi Susan,
Looks good to me – “pens” are female swans (the males are cobs).
Thank you. Actually, I realised i had confused myself somewhat because I'd written the answer in the wrong place and of course it didn't work there!
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Quite a few clues left, but most have letters. A hint would be appreciated for:
25 down: See attempt to get out at the Oval? (4)
First letter Y and I think third might be A but there is a great shortage of words with that A!
I presume the 'see' means 'looks like' rather than 'sounds like'?
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Quite a few clues left, but most have letters. A hint would be appreciated for:
25 down: See attempt to get out at the Oval? (4)
First letter Y and I think third might be A but there is a great shortage of words with that A!
I presume the 'see' means 'looks like' rather than 'sounds like'?
Y is right A is wrong. See in this case is about usage of See as a noun. The answer is an example of this which is also about a way one might bowl in cricket.
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Y is right A is wrong. See in this case is about usage of See as a noun. The answer is an example of this which is also about a way one might bowl in cricket.
Many thanks. I did wonder about the 'see' being connected with Bishops, but could not see it! I'll have to listen to some Five Live cricket tonight ... ... Ah, no, I think it might be York?
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Many thanks. I did wonder about the 'see' being connected with Bishops, but could not see it! I'll have to listen to some Five Live cricket tonight ... ... Ah, no, I think it might be York?
Yes, a Yorker is a bowling term
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Yes, a Yorker is a bowling term
Thank you.
With three to go, I allowed my self to look up BOUNDARY for a clue which has come up a few times and for which I should have remembered the answer:
2 down: Tied beside a railway line (8)
Letters: - O - N - - - -
. MAGNET must be the answer to:
12 across: Painter consumes gallon in attractive bar (6)
but can you pleas say where the painter comes in?
Last unfinished answer is:
27 across: Party, holding short sword in both hands? (5)
Letters: - E - E -
LEVER? L and R for both hands, but looking up words for 'short sword' does not show EVE!
May I have a yes/no for that, please?
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Thank you.
With three to go, I allowed my self to look up BOUNDARY for a clue which has come up a few times and for which I should have remembered the answer:
2 down: Tied beside a railway line (8)
Letters: - O - N - - - -
. MAGNET must be the answer to:
12 across: Painter consumes gallon in attractive bar (6)
but can you pleas say where the painter comes in?
Last unfinished answer is:
27 across: Party, holding short sword in both hands? (5)
Letters: - E - E -
LEVER? L and R for both hands, but looking up words for 'short sword' does not show EVE!
May I have a yes/no for that, please?
For12 across the painter is Manet, and consuming gallon is having G for gallon in it
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For12 across the painter is Manet, and consuming gallon is having G for gallon in it
Ah, yes, of course. Thank you.
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Thank you.
With three to go, I allowed my self to look up BOUNDARY for a clue which has come up a few times and for which I should have remembered the answer:
2 down: Tied beside a railway line (8)
Letters: - O - N - - - -
. MAGNET must be the answer to:
12 across: Painter consumes gallon in attractive bar (6)
but can you pleas say where the painter comes in?
Last unfinished answer is:
27 across: Party, holding short sword in both hands? (5)
Letters: - E - E -
LEVER? L and R for both hands, but looking up words for 'short sword' does not show EVE!
May I have a yes/no for that, please?
For 27 across, can I check if 'Party' is correct in clue? Could it be Parry? If so I think the sword is epee.
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For 27 across, can I check if 'Party' is correct in clue? Could it be Parry? If so I think the sword is epee.
Oh dear, I am sorry - yes, it is 'parry'. /Having only that peripheral vision is extremely annoying at times!!!
that completes the Cryptic nicely. Thank you.
ETA I'm not sure, though, because the 127 across is five letters. Did I say (4) ? More apologies!
ETA No. 2: Five letters ... can we blame the compiler for a not good clue?! :)
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Oh dear, I am sorry - yes, it is 'parry'. /Having only that peripheral vision is extremely annoying at times!!!
that completes the Cryptic nicely. Thank you.
ETA I'm not sure, though, because the 127 across is five letters. Did I say (4) ? More apologies!
ETA No. 2: Five letters ... can we blame the compiler for a not good clue?! :)
No, sorry I was unclear. The sword referred to is an epee but that is not the answer. You are on the right track with both hands.
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No, sorry I was unclear. The sword referred to is an epee but that is not the answer. You are on the right track with both hands.
Thank you. I'm off to Tesco now, so will think about that while I sit waiting for an Assistant to do the shopping.
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An abbreviated epée with L and R gives LEPER, but in a brief search re to lepers, it does not say they had to carry a dagger or short sword.
Is LEPER right, please? If so, an explanation would be much appreciated.
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An abbreviated epée with L and R gives LEPER, but in a brief search re to lepers, it does not say they had to carry a dagger or short sword.
Is LEPER right, please? If so, an explanation would be much appreciated.
Reverse Left and Right
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Reverse Left and Right
Thank you. I'd never have thought of that, I'm afraid! I'll try and remember it though.
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Thank you. I'd never have thought of that, I'm afraid! I'll try and remember it though.
Repel then being a synonym for Parry in terms of sword fighting, and epee is short by dropping the third e.
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Repel then being a synonym for Parry in terms of sword fighting, and epee is short by dropping the third e.
Thank you for the explanation. I think one of the most difficult things to do is to separate, disconnect and isolate the words from each other.
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In the past few weeks, I have been printing off one of the mid-week cryptic crosswords for which answers appear the following day and have been using them as practice exercises! I do not have to look at too many of the answers but the answer, CAMERAS, to the following clue is slightly puzzling:
17 down:Two thirds of soldiers in automobile as they take shots (7)
CA..R for automobile
Whole word for 'taking shots',
but could you please say where does the 'two thirds of soldiers'come in?
I had thought of CAMERA but had rejected it ... not enough letters for a start!
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Hi Susan,
In the past few weeks, I have been printing off one of the mid-week cryptic crosswords for which answers appear the following day and have been using them as practice exercises! I do not have to look at too many of the answers but the answer, CAMERAS, to the following clue is slightly puzzling:
17 down:Two thirds of soldiers in automobile as they take shots (7)
CA..R for automobile
Whole word for 'taking shots',
but could you please say where does the 'two thirds of soldiers'come in?
I had thought of CAMERA but had rejected it ... not enough letters for a start!
Soldiers is MEN, two thirds of which is ME. Put that inside CAR (“automobile”) and add the AS that’s given to you in the clue.
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Hi Susan,
Soldiers is MEN, two thirds of which is ME. Put that inside CAR (“automobile”) and add the AS that’s given to you in the clue.
Thank you very much - definitely a bit too cryptic for my liking, though!
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No easy run this week! May I have yes/no answers for the following, please:
17 across: Seconds brought in Walter perhaps doesn't eat (5)
Answer FUSSY?
17 down: Hide debts, making one angry (7)
Letters: - - r - o - -
Answer FURIOUS?
I can't see what Walter has to do with anything! This may well be of course that the reply to this will be No and No!
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No easy run this week! May I have yes/no answers for the following, please:
17 across: Seconds brought in Walter perhaps doesn't eat (5)
Answer FUSSY?
17 down: Hide debts, making one angry (7)
Letters: - - r - o - -
Answer FURIOUS?
I can't see what Walter has to do with anything! This may well be of course that the reply to this will be No and No!
17 down is correct.
For 17 across could Walter actually be Waller?
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17 down is correct.
For 17 across could Walter actually be Waller?
Many thanks and, yes, it is Waller. As it has a capital W, I automatically read it as Walter. I'm afraid that reading it as Waller does not ring any bells though ...
Actually, I have bought a new magnifier. It's a Clover 4 handheld video magnifier. It does not replace the large screen CCTV but I shall use it for reading labels on things more easily as the magnification goes up to 24x if needed. It wil also mean I can take the crossword with me (on a clipboard or something) to places other than the desk on which sits the CCTV!
ETA I have just looked at the introduction paragraph of the Big Dave's blog and it says that there are some clues which are trying to be too clever and might cause a problem to experienced puzzlers.! Hmmmm. I don't read the hints part as I have plenty of time to work on it and much prefer the help here.
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Many thanks and, yes, it is Waller. As it has a capital W, I automatically read it as Walter. I'm afraid that reading it as Waller does not ring any bells though ...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Waller
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fats_Waller
Thank you - much appreciated. I have done 12 answers so far ...
ETA FASTS (that helps with three other answers.)
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Did quite a few answers yesterday evening, but I would appreciate help on 1 down, please. I have just googled the answer but I don't agree with it!
1 down: Thus PM defends his specious argument (7)
Letters: - - P - - - M
Answer from wordplay.com was PRETEXT but I am fairly sure the P and the M are right.
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Did quite a few answers yesterday evening, but I would appreciate help on 1 down, please. I have just googled the answer but I don't agree with it!
1 down: Thus PM defends his specious argument (7)
Letters: - - P - - - M
Answer from wordplay.com was PRETEXT but I am fairly sure the P and the M are right.
I agree with you . I think the P and M are correct. The clue means 'specious argument' wisely.
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I agree with you . I think the P and M are correct. The clue means 'specious argument' wisely.
Thank you. I'll keep thinking ... ...
11:30 a.m. Cryptic completed.
I am waiting for WFF to deliver, so have spent the time on finishing the last quarter. Couple of synonyms looked up, but no cheating!
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Thanks to your post, NS, I have the answer - SOPHISM. I had thought of SO for 'thus' but had got no further. thank you.
Three quarters now complete.
ETA I have just added this to wrong post! 11:30 a.m. Cryptic completed.
I am waiting for WFF to deliver so have spent the time finishing the last quarter. A few synonyms looked up, but no cheating!
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Thanks to your post, NS, I have the answer - SOPHISM. I had thought of SO for 'thus' but had got no further. thank you.
Three quarters now complete.
Hurrah
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Hurrah
Please see ETA I have just written in previous post!! (And the one before that by mistake!)
I couldn't be doing this without the help received over the past couple of years.
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With one minor cheat, I have completed three-quarters of the Cryptic, so I expect those who aim to be prize-winners will have completed it in a very short time!
Of the six clues remaining, a hint would be much appreciated for:
20 down: Around capital, cold and extremely tense atmosphere (7)(
No letters available
ETA Fifth letter I, I think.
ETA It's CLIMATE, isn't it? C > cold, LIMA > capital, TE first and last letters of 'tense'.
No empty squares now! There are two clues, however, for which answers are right but I will as always be interested in the why, please.
23 across: Researcher, say, one going into trail of evidence, is right at last (9)
Answer: SCIENTIST
26 across: Beasts harshly censurefashionable adult in review (7)
Letters: A - I - A - S, so I assume ANIMALS
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Hi Susan – hope you’re nice and warm today.
20 down: Around capital, cold and extremely tense atmosphere (7)(
No letters available
ETA Fifth letter I, I think.
ETA It's CLIMATE, isn't it? C > cold, LIMA > capital, TE first and last letters of 'tense'.
Spot on.
No empty squares now! There are two clues, however, for which answers are right but I will as always be interested in the why, please.
23 across: Researcher, say, one going into trail of evidence, is right at last (9)
Answer: SCIENTIST
Scientist = “researcher”. I is “one” that “goes into” SCENT (the “trail of evidence”). IS is given to you (“is”), and “right at last” is the T.
26 across: Beasts harshly censurefashionable adult in review (7)
Letters: A - I - A - S, so I assume ANIMALS
“Harshly censure fashionable adult” is SLAM IN A. Reverse it (“in review”) and you get ANIMALS.
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Hi Susan – hope you’re nice and warm today.
Yes, thank you! I piled on layrs with my water and windproof jacket on top and did ten laps of the Close - must keep the lungs breathing properly!
Spot on.
Scientist = “researcher”. I is “one” that “goes into” SCENT (the “trail of evidence”). IS is given to you (“is”), and “right at last” is the T.
Many thanks. I had realised that an I had to go in somewhere but certainly didn't see 'scent', and I had thought the last letter would be R.
“Harshly censure fashionable adult” is SLAM IN A. Reverse it (“in review”) and you get ANIMALS.
Again - many thanks. However. I'm still not quite clear. 'harshly censure' > yes, I can see that would be SLAM, and the A for 'adult' and the 'in' is there, but the 'fashionable' seems unnecessary ... especially as the first word of the clue was quite sufficient on its own!!
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Hi Susan,
Again - many thanks. However. I'm still not quite clear. 'harshly censure' > yes, I can see that would be SLAM, and the A for 'adult' and the 'in' is there, but the 'fashionable' seems unnecessary ... especially as the first word of the clue was quite sufficient on its own!!
Not quite. If something is fashionable then it's "in" - that's where the IN comes from.
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Hi Susan,
Not quite. If something is fashionable then it's "in" - that's where the IN comes from.
Ah, yes, of course - thank you. All that being 'in' or not never bothered or affected me - I was too busy just getting on with real life and teaching!
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Printing off the Cryptic (and Quick) crossword is something I usually do first, but yesterday there werea few such interesting posts to respond to on the GH, that I didn't do that until later afternoon!
It will take a few days, but at least I have the first across clue done and quite a few others.
May I have a yes/no for whether the letters are correct, please, for
2 down In run, be a tenth on a winning streak? (8)
Letters: U N(?) B - R - - -
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Hi Susan,
Printing off the Cryptic (and Quick) crossword is something I usually do first, but yesterday there werea few such interesting posts to respond to on the GH, that I didn't do that until later afternoon!
It will take a few days, but at least I have the first across clue done and quite a few others.
May I have a yes/no for whether the letters are correct, please, for
2 down In run, be a tenth on a winning streak? (
Letters: U N(?) B - R - - -
Not the R I’m afraid. The answer is visibly right in front of you, but I guess not if you hear it rather than see it?
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Hi Susan,
Not the R I’m afraid. The answer is visibly right in front of you, but I guess not if you hear it rather than see it?
thank you very much. On the CCTV I cam see the printed version (white on black) ) andI have to considerably magnify it. I am very accustomed to using the peripheral vision of course but I can only actually see four or five letters at a time* and have to move the paper along to read the whole thing. I would not have seen the word unless you had said it was there, but I can now see that it is UNBEATEN.
About half the clues completed so far ...
Edit: * I can 'see' peripherally that the rest are there, but the 'focus' can only be on four or five l.etters.
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Hey Susan,
thank you very much. On the CCTV I cam see the printed version (white on black) ) andI have to considerably magnify it. I am very accustomed to using the peripheral vision of course but I can only actually see four or five letters at a time and have to move the paper along to read the whole thing. I would not have seen the word unless you had said it was there, but I can now see that it is UNBEATEN.
About half the clues completed so far ...
No problem, and spot on!
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Hey Susan,
No problem, and spot on!
While you're there ... another question please!
22 across is: Order at all times to seize for military use (10)
I thought at first it would be an anagram of 'at all times' but it is COMMANDEER.
|Order - command but where does 'at all times' fit in?
P.S. see edit of previous post
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Hi Susan,
While you're there ... another question please!
22 across is: Order at all times to seize for military use (10)
I thought at first it would be an anagram of 'at all times' but it is COMMANDEER.
|Order - command but where does 'at all times' fit in?
P.S. see edit of previous post
Yes: “e’er” is an old-fashioned way of saying “at all times” (short for “ever”).
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Hi Susan,
Yes: “e’er” is an old-fashioned way of saying “at all times” (short for “ever”).
Ah, yes, of corse. Thank you. Aninvisible apostrophe!
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Finished, but only by being just about to ask a question about 7 down! By the time I'd written the question and the letters available, I had remembered that 'bed' is 'cot', and that the answer is COTERIE.
7 down: Secret group's bed on lake (7)
I cannot claim not to have cheated though, as there are two clues for whichh I did look up answers, one of which I should have got and ther other I wouldn't have.
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I started off thinking, as I read through the clues, I can't do any of them! However, I have done almost half by allowing the brain to think cryptically.
A yes/no answer for the following two questions would be much appreciated.
Are the letters right?
Is the answer an anagram of 'trie', and 'as all'?
16 down: Patience tried endlessly as all wasted (9)
Letters: - - L - A - I - -
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I started off thinking, as I read throgh thec clues, I can't do any of them! However, I have done almost half by allowing the brain to think cryptically.
A yes/no answer for the following two question woud be much appreciated.
Are the letters right?
Is the answer an anagram of 'trie', and 'as all'?
16 down: Patience tried endlessly as all wasted (9)
Letters: - - L - A - I - -
Could All be Oil?
-
Could All be Oil?
Oh dear, yes it is! Thank you for noticing. I'll have another go at it and post again asap.
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The oil makes it much easier! it is SOLITAIRE. That makes 23 across, which I'd had as ANGER, TIGER instead.
thank you for your help.
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I think I might allow myself a small pat on the back! I have finished it. However, there is one answer I was not sure of, so googled the answer just now.
The clue is: Seconds served with fish and flower head (5)
Letters: S - I - E
I decided to put SLICE, but the answer is SPIKE. I should have known, because it has come up before, and I can see that S for 'seconds' and PIKE for fish, but could you please say where the flower head comes in?
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Hi Susan,
I think I might allow myself a small pat on the back! I have finished it. However, there is one answer I was not sure of, so googled the answer just now.
The clue is: Seconds served with fish and flower head (5)
Letters: S - I - E
I decided to put SLICE, but the answer is SPIKE. I should have known, because it has come up before, and I can see that S for 'seconds' and PIKE for fish, but could you please say where the flower head comes in?
I'm no gardener, but I'm fairly sure that when plants have stems with flowers growing along them they're called "spikes" - gladioli for example.
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Hi Susan,
I'm no gardener, but I'm fairly sure that when plants have stems with flowers growing along them they're called "spikes" - gladioli for example.
Thank you. I'll have to print tomorrow's cryptic for practice to fill some of this week's twiddling thumbs time.
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Starting off as usual with the, 'Well, ;I can't do any of that one!', but dismissing that as not so applicable nowadays, I have made a reasonable start. However, a yes/no answer for the first question and a hint for the second would be appreciated for the following:
1 across is: Rush head teach limiting right for extended time off (6,5)
The second word had to be 'break' or 'leave' and it is BREAK, But is the first word longer?
1 down is: Arrange 70 per cent of security (7)
May I have a hint, please?
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Afternoon Susan - hope all’s well.
Starting off as usual with the, 'Well, ;I can't do any of that one!', but dismissing that as not so applicable nowadays, I have made a reasonable start. However, a yes/no answer for the first question and a hint for the second would be appreciated for the following:
1 across is: Rush head teach limiting right for extended time off (6,5)
The second word had to be 'break' or 'leave' and it is BREAK, But is the first word longer?
BREAK is good. For the first word, you need a synonym for “rush”.
1 down is: Arrange 70 per cent of security (7)
May I have a hint, please?
Took me agas this one (I managed to mow the lawn between seeing it and working it out!). The “70 per cent” tells you that the seven letters of the answer need another three added to give you a synonym for “security” (think of a financial security here). The answer is a synonym for “arrange”, as in organise or bring things together.
Hope that helps!
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Afternoon Susan - hope all’s well.
BREAK is good. For the first word, you need a synonym for “rush”.
Took me agas this one (I managed to mow the lawn between seeing it and working it out!). The “70 per cent” tells you that the seven letters of the answer need another three added to give you a synonym for “security” (think of a financial security here). The answer is a synonym for “arrange”, as in organise or bring things together.
Hope that helps!
Many thanks. If I can't think of a synonym for 'rush' myself, I'll google one.
But if you had time to mow the lawn while working out1 down, then it could well take me a week or more! I did think of 'security' having too many letters for picking out 70% and it wasn't much help to add in the 'if' to make 10 letters. LXI doesn't help either.
I'll work on it this afternoon.
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Having done a few clues this morning, I thought I was getting somewhere, but this is going to take longer I'm afraid.
No luck yet with the 1 down, but the only word that seems it might fit in 1 across is TRAVEL, which comes up as half of a phrase synonymous with 'rush' , but could you please say if it is right?
I looked up reeds and rushes too, but that didn't help.
ETA a few more clues solved so it looks somewhat less empty.
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Hi Susan,
Having done a few clues this morning, I thought I was getting somewhere, but this is going to take longer I'm afraid.
No luck yet with the 1 down, but the only word that seems it might fit in 1 across is TRAVEL, which comes up as half of a phrase synonymous with 'rush' , but could you please say if it is right?
I looked up reeds and rushes too, but that didn't help.
ETA a few more clues solved so it looks somewhat less empty.
I’m afraid it isn’t correct - think of something charging along out of control (a car for example), but the same word also means a job someone has for a long time.
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Hi Susan,
I’m afraid it isn’t correct - think of something charging along out of control (a car for example), but the same word also means a job someone has for a long time.
It seems I turned off the computer just a bit too early yesterday! I read this about 7:30 a.m. and have at last got it - CAREER
Many thanks. Now I'll see what I can do with 1 down.
ETA Is 1 down COLLECT(ion)? I think that is more likely than CAPITAL(ise) from what you said above and I think it fits with 7 across .
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Hi Susan,
It seems I turned off the computer just a bit too early yesterday! I read this about 7:30 a.m. and have at last got it - CAREER
Many thanks. Now I'll see what I can do with 1 down.
ETA Is 1 down COLLECT(ion)? I think that is more likely than CAPITAL(ise) from what you said above and I think it fits with 7 across .
Spot on for CAREER BREAK.
Re 1d though, not COLLECT I'm afraid. The first four letters are correct though!
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Hi Susan,
Spot on for CAREER BREAK.
Re 1d though, not COLLECT I'm afraid. The first four letters are correct though!
Thank you. That will be COLLATE then? What is it 70 per cent of?!
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. That will be COLLATE then? What is it 70 per cent of?!
Collateral.
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Hey Susan,
Collateral.
thank you. My finances being very simple, I don't tend to get much involved with doing any colating of them!
7 across is: Reportedly charge criminal gang finding dried-up food (7)
Letters: B - L - - - -
I remember that the 'charge' is Bill, but a small hint towards the rest would be appreciated. I don't think it's 'mafia', that's too long, but IRA or IS?
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thank you. My finances being very simple, I don't tend to get much involved with doing any colating of them!
7 across is: Reportedly charge criminal gang finding dried-up food (7)
Letters: B - L - - - -
I remember that the 'charge' is Bill, but a small hint towards the rest would be appreciated. I don't think it's 'mafia', that's too long, but IRA or IS?
Neither of these. More of a Chinese feel.
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Neither of these. More of a Chinese feel.
Thank you - much appreciated. I'll work on that this afternoon.
ETA All I've managed is 3 down which gives the last letter of 7 across as G. I hope my subconscious works overtime during the night!
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7 across - Got it - it's BILTONG
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Three more clues sharing letters and the two below just lacking them now.
May I have comments on the answers I think are right, please.
11 across: What might be appropriate in the air? (6)
Letters: - I - A - K
I've been trying out all the combinations of letters I can think of and the only one that seem to fit if only vaguely is HIJACK, but 'appropriate'? I can't see why!.
13 across: Powerful type caught going after banker (4)
Letters: E - E
I think it might be ELEC, or ECEO, or an acronym of which I'm unaware?
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Two meanings to appropriate.
You can appropriate something for your own use.
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Hi Susan,
Three more clues sharing letters and the two below just lacking them now.
May I have comments on the answers I think are right, please.
11 across: What might be appropriate in the air? (6)
Letters: - I - A - K
I've been trying out all the combinations of letters I can think of and the only one that seem to fit if only vaguely is HIJACK, but 'appropriate'? I can't see why!.
Yes to HIJACK, and the clue relies on the two different meanings of “appropriate”.
13 across: Powerful type caught going after banker (4)
Letters: E - E
I think it might be ELEC, or ECEO, or an acronym of which I'm unaware?
The “banker” is a river, and the “caught” is the cricket abbreviation. The answer is a synonym for a powerful business type – as in “Hollywood E – E –“.
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Two meanings to appropriate.
You can appropriate something for your own use.
Ah, yes, of course. Thank you - that alternative pronunciation and meaning catch me out quite a lot!
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Hi Susan,
Yes to HIJACK, and the clue relies on the two different meanings of “appropriate”.
Thank you - yes, I've just seen TV's post.
The “banker” is a river, and the “caught” is the cricket abbreviation. The answer is a synonym for a powerful business type – as in “Hollywood E – E –“.
Thank you. I thought of river in connection with banker but not of C for caught. Is it EDEC, the C after DEE mixed up? The meaning still escapes me, I'm afraid!
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Hey Susan,
Thank you. I thought of river in connection with banker but not of C for caught. Is it EDEC, the C after DEE mixed up? The meaning still escapes me, I'm afraid!
Close, but it's EXEC (as in "executive"). It's the rive EXE, plus the C.
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Hey Susan,
Close, but it's EXEC (as in "executive"). It's the river EXE, plus the C.
Thank you - and I really should have thought of the Exe!
I was going to write the following, but before posting , I went back and had another look and the answers are: MARTINI and SPINNER!, But I thought you might be interested to see the clues anyway so I'll leave it as written!
My brain had obviously been working on them.
***************************************
I've done one more clue so now I'm left with the following for which hints would be appreciated please.
17 down: Drink hot Italian stuff on the way up (7)
Letters: M - R - - - I
The only thing I can think of is MARCONI!
24 across: Top political strategist (7)
Letters: S - - - N E R
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Reading through the clues of this 29,616 and managing only four, I have looked up the Big Dave's hints and the page starts like this:
To brighten things up, here’s a Prize Puzzle that will give the mental muscles a good workout today. I think there a couple of clues that give the game away as to our setter, who I’m guessing is our lady in town, who’s a most welcome addition to the Saturday setting gang. 9 across is the main example as it’s a device not often seen round these parts, but it is quite accessible if you read the clue properly. It’s sometimes seen in Toughie puzzles and other types of puzzles that our setter specialises in. Having just completed three other puzzles by her, I was probably in tune with the clue.
My heart sinks!!
1 across is: Two tunnels under a bridge? (8)
and the given clue is:
Where will you find two tunnels under a bridge?? Look in a mirror.
So I assume the answer is FOREHEAD. I shall not look at any other clues- I much prefer the ones given here - but I think it will take me several days or more if I am to get even near to completing it.
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Hi Susan,
My heart sinks!!
1 across is: Two tunnels under a bridge? (
and the given clue is:
Where will you find two tunnels under a bridge?? Look in a mirror.
So I assume the answer is FOREHEAD. I shall not look at any other clues- I much prefer the ones given here - but I think it will take me several days or more if I am to get even near to completing it.
Don’t know how many letters it is (?), but your “two tunnels under a bridge” are your nostrils I’d have thought.
PS Who’s Big Dave (he sounds scary!)?
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Hi Susan,
Don’t know how many letters it is (?), but your “two tunnels under a bridge” are your nostrils I’d have thought.
Ah, thank you! That gave me a laugh to start the day! Eight letters and yes I should have thought of that, but I do have an excuse since I cannot see myself in a mirror! :)
PS Who’s Big Dave (he sounds scary!)?
I found the site (http://bigdave44.com/2021/03/06/dt-29616-hints/) by chance a while ago. If you go to 'main content', this week's Saturday Cryptic is the one referred to. The chap, Tilsett (sp?) who writes it is elderly, has problems with legs, lives in some kind of sheltered accommodation in Warrington. I think there is a message board of some sort, but I have no wish to try and learn to navigate some other, much more impersonal, message board.
I hope that having 1 across done will give me some help in deciphering the down clues.
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Although I have done 1 down and one other clue this cryptic is one that is going to have to remain unfinished I think. I have been reading through the clues again and I won't give up until next Saturday, but my subconscious is going to have to work overtime.
6 down is: Periods of time chef journalist wiped out (6)
Presumably ERASED, 'eras' > time and 'ed' journalist, but 'chef'?,
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Susan is it "chef" or "chief" ?
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Susan is it "chef" or "chief" ?
Many thanks. You are right - it is 'chief', so that makes sense.
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I've managed 5 across: SEESAW
7 down is: A child wrapped in fur in winter, perhaps? (8
First letter S
Could you please say if SKIDABLE sounds like a reasonable answer?
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I've managed 5 across: SEESAW
7 down is: A child wrapped in fur in winter, perhaps? (8
First letter S
Could you please say if SKIDABLE sounds like a reasonable answer?
No. Think of what winter is one of.
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No. Think of what winter is one of.
Thank you. Winter is a seasonbut I can't see a place for a word for a child or fur. May I have the answer, please?
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. Winter is a seasonbut I can't see a place for a word for a child or fur. May I have the answer, please?
You've basically got it. "A child" is A SON, and the fur is SEAL. Put A SON inside SEAL and you get...
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Hi Susan,
You've basically got it. "A child" is A SON, and the fur is SEAL. Put A SON inside SEAL and you get...
Yes, I had thought of son and seal but thought that sonwas not a close enough synonym for the general word 'child', and couldn't put them together with eight letters! I'll have another go later.
Thank you for your help.
ETA Also, seal and son = 7 letters so just popin an extra A I suppose" SEASONAL
And I suppose that A is the one at the start of the clue.
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Some more clues answered, but slowly.
3 down is: Rally finished in sports ground yard (8)
Letters: R - - - V - R -
Is it RECOVERY? If not, a hint would be much appreciated.
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Some more clues answered, but slowly.
3 down is: Rally finished in sports ground yard (8)
Letters: R - - - V - R -
Is it RECOVERY? If not, a hint would be much appreciated.
It is Recovery
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It is Recovery
Thank you.
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Well, employing a considerable amount of guesswork but finding the answers that fit, I am quite pleased to say that I have only two incomplete answers left.
These are4 down and 9 across.
4 down is: Lout pursuing goal ultimately to idly hang around (4)
First letter L and I'm fairly certain the answer is LOLL.
9 across is: Fuel broken-down Chelsea tractir disgruntled setter leaves (8)
Letters: C - A - C - L -
As far as I can see, the only word that fits in is CHANCILY, but I've no idea why. Anyway, I have now taken a look at Big Dave's blog and quote as follows:These types of clues, known in the trade as composite anagrams, are not very often seen in these sorts of puzzles as they have specific rules,
Basically, it works out like this:
The answer = an anagram of a word or phrase minus a word (or an anagram of the word).
So, take today’s clue and remove SETTER from CHELSEA TRACTOR. There has to be an anagram indicator with setter as the letters are not in order. Them’s the rules!
So no wonder!!
And finally, could you please remind me why the answer to this clue is STUBBORN? Or tell me why it is wrong!
29 across is; Hard to work reaped field the French cut or glean finally (8)
Letters: - t - b - o - n
Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
Well, employing a considerable amount of guesswork but finding the answers that fit, I am quite pleased to say that I have only two incomplete answers left.
These are4 down and 9 across.
4 down is: Lout pursuing goal ultimately to idly hang around (4)
First letter L and I'm fairly certain the answer is LOLL.
I don’t think it is – think of bread!
9 across is: Fuel broken-down Chelsea tractir disgruntled setter leaves (
Letters: C - A - C - L -
As far as I can see, the only word that fits in is CHANCILY, but I've no idea why. Anyway, I have now taken a look at Big Dave's blog and quote as follows:
Quote
These types of clues, known in the trade as composite anagrams, are not very often seen in these sorts of puzzles as they have specific rules,
Basically, it works out like this:
The answer = an anagram of a word or phrase minus a word (or an anagram of the word).
So, take today’s clue and remove SETTER from CHELSEA TRACTOR. There has to be an anagram indicator with setter as the letters are not in order. Them’s the rules!
So no wonder!!
Fair enough!
And finally, could you please remind me why the answer to this clue is STUBBORN? Or tell me why it is wrong!
29 across is; Hard to work reaped field the French cut or glean finally (
Letters: - t - b - o - n
Thank you.
Yes. The “reaped field” is STUBBLE, but the LE is removed ("the French cut"). The OR is given to you, and the N is the final letter of “glean”.
Well done!
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Hi Susan,
I don’t think it is – think of bread!
Oh, I see - LOAF.
Fair enough!
The A from 'loaf' makes it C - A C - A -
I suppose the answer must be CHARCOAL, it being a fuel.
Yes. The “reaped field” is STUBBLE, but the LE is removed ("the French cut"). The OR is given to you, and the N is the final letter of “glean”.
Thank you, I must try and remember that when it crops up next time, so that I can complete that answer more quickly.
Well done!
Thank you. This one certainly kept me thinking about it!
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Much less strenuous mental activity required this week! May I please have a yes/no for the answer being BIVALVE for this:
2 down: Half bite very rotten veal and oyster? (7)
Letters: - - - - L - E
- E
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Hi Susan,
Much less strenuous mental activity required this week! May I please have a yes/no for the answer being BIVALVE for this:
2 down: Half bite very rotten veal and oyster? (7)
Letters: - - - - L - E
Looks good to me. "Half bite" gives you the BI, "very" is V and the "rotten veal" is the ALVE part.
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Hi Susan,
Looks good to me. "Half bite" gives you the BI, "very" is V and the "rotten veal" is the ALVE part.
Thank you. Only about 11 clues to go and most have a letter or two, nosynonyms etc looked up so far,so it is quite relaxing!
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By 6:30 p.m. yesterday I had completed the Cryptic unaided!! I did look up one synonym butI think I chose the wrong word and in any case the options were no help at all. Okay, this mustmean that to most of the DT Saturday Prize Cryptic puzzlers, it must have been very easy, but that's a first or me, I think. Very satisfying!
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Definitely a bit harder this week. Top left-hand corner complete and a few other answers but slower and more thinking required.
May I please have a yes/no for whether BUTCHER is right for the folowing clue, and if it is, could you say why?
5 across: Less likely lamb from this supplier? (7)
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Yes.
('Like', not 'likely'?)
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Yes.
('Like', not 'likely'?)
Thank you for your reply. Actually, since writing that post I have been going through the clues and getting almost nowhere. I have come to correct answers several times (checked by googling) but the why question remains a mystery! I can mostly sort of work backwards, helped by a use of Big Dave's hints* but that blog does not of course provide hints for all the clues, and that's the first time I have gone beyond reading the first hint. Last week's completion in one day was too good to be true, obviously!.
*I give myself a poor report but will endeavour to complete the remaining clues without cheating!
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With the extra letters here and there acquired via cheating, I have filled in a few more answers, but may I please have a hint for:
16 down: Show man tempo needs changing (9)
First letter P, last E
Tempo would appear to be part of an anagram, and probably man too, but I can't see it.
(I do wish Magnus Magnusson's 'I've started so I'll finish' would not keep running through my head! :))
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With the extra letters here and there acquired via cheating, I have filled in a few more answers, but may I please have a hint for:
16 down: Show man tempo needs changing (9)
First letter P, last E
Tempo would appear to be part of an anagram, and probably man too, but I can't see it.
(I do wish Magnus Magnusson's 'I've started so I'll finish' would not keep running through my head! :))
I think it is "main tempo" ? And, "needs changing" implies an anagram as you suggested.
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I think it is "main tempo" ? And, "needs changing" implies an anagram as you suggested.
Oh dear! Thank you very much. As you can imagine, peering at magfnified letters on a large screen is a bit tricky at times! But I should be able to work out that answer now I hope.
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There are now four more clues (all in bottom left-hand corner) which I cannot do. I will just ask for one more hint, please, for
17 down: Lots following letter dictated: those in hot water? (3,4)
First letter T, last letter S
Then, if that answer does not help with the two across clues and the other down one, then I'll give it another day ... ... then give up and google!
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There are now four more clues (all in bottom left-hand corner) which I cannot do. I will just ask for one more hint, please, for
17 down: Lots following letter dictated: those in hot water? (3,4)
First letter T, last letter S
Then, if that answer does not help with the two across clues and the other down one, then I'll give it another day ... ... then give up and google!
Maybe put the kettle on while you think about it
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Maybe put the kettle on while you think about it
:) Many thanks. So the answer is TEA BAGS ! I had thought of that but hadn't anyidea why and in any case that sounded too easy!
I'll try to do the other three tomorrow.
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Hi Susan,
:) Many thanks. So the answer is TEA BAGS ! I had thought of that but hadn't anyidea why and in any case that sounded too easy!
I'll try to do the other three tomorrow.
BAGS is a synonym for "lots", and it comes after ("following") TEA, that sounds like ("dictated") the letter T.
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Hi Susan,
BAGS is a synonym for "lots", and it comes after ("following") TEA, that sounds like ("dictated") the letter T.
Thank you for the 'why' answer. 'Bags' is a word I remember using when I was young! I should imagine the only people who use it nowadays are crossword compilers! I'll have to try and prevent it slipping too far back into my memory!
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Going to the grid this morning, I have done 14 down and 25 across with answers which are evidently right but which need a bit of lateral thinking to see how they fit the clues - and yes they do. This leaves me with
21 across: Character seen with drink: John Lennon for one!(7)
Letters: A - R - O - T
Well, AIRPORT fits, but even with lateral thinking I despair!! Is there any chance that I am right? :)
eR;;.
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Hi Susan,
Yes! “Character” is an AIR, “drink” is PORT and John Lennon airport is in Liverpool.
Well done!
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Hi Susan,
Yes! “Character” is an AIR, “drink” is PORT and John Lennon airport is in Liverpool.
Well done!
Thank you. I thought the drink was the 'port'!
To a certain extent, I suppose, the amountI've learnt and the way I think I am reading the clues better has made for guesses which are more likely to be right. It is very nice to have the occasional really easy one though.
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This week's Cryptic is much more friendly than last week's and I've completed about two-thirds* with no cheating required!
The answer to the following clue would seem to be IMPERILS, but I don't see where the S comes from. May I have a yes/no please and, if 'no', then a hint would be much appreciated.
15 down: Jeopardise hosting leader in Ark Royal (8)
Letters: - M - - - I - -
Similarly
25 across is: Bring to life musical pair on the air (7)
Letters: - - I - A - E
Answer: ANIMATE ? But I can't see why. Is it correct?
* Now three-quarters.
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Afternoon Susan - hope all's well still,
This week's Cryptic is much more friendly than last week's and I've completed about two-thirds* with no cheating required!
The answer to the following clue would seem to be IMPERILS, but I don't see where the S comes from. May I have a yes/no please and, if 'no', then a hint would be much appreciated.
15 down: Jeopardise hosting leader in Ark Royal (8)
Letters: - M - - - I - -
Not IMPERILS, but you're most of the way there. Keep the IMPERIL, but put an A in it ("leader in Ark") to give you a synonym for "Royal".
Similarly
25 across is: Bring to life musical pair on the air (7)
Letters: - - I - A - E
Answer: ANIMATE ? But I can't see why. Is it correct?
* Now three-quarters.
It feels right to me but I can't see how the "musical pair on the air" part works I'm afraid. A musical pair is usually DUO but that doesn't help. and I'm trying to see whether there's a do re mi type reference but can't see than either (except for the TE at the end?). Hmmm...
...I'll keep thinking ;)
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Afternoon Susan - hope all's well still,
Not IMPERILS, but you're most of the way there. Keep the IMPERIL, but put an A in it ("leader in Ark") to give you a synonym for "Royal".
Ah, yes, thank you ... that makes it IMPERIAL It feels right to me but I can't see how the "musical pair on the air" part works I'm afraid. A musical pair is usually DUO but that doesn't help. and I'm trying to see whether there's a do re mi type reference but can't see than either (except for the TE at the end?). Hmmm...
...I'll keep thinking ;)
As you can't quite see it either is quite cheering, you know! I thought of AGITATE first of all - A and G keys next to each other on the piano, but then that would have been G,A, wouldn't it, reading left to right.
Help much appreciated as usual. Three unfinished now and the last across clue is going to defeat me I think. I'l quote it later, with or without answer!
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12 down is:Careful doctore led a tribe east (10)
Letters: - E - I - E - A - -
The answer must begin wih MED or VET I think, and VETINERARY fits but that spelling doesn't come up on google. Also I can't see the 'tribe'. Now if the answer was VET IN A RACE ... ...
The I comes from RAGAMUFFIN, the second E from hEavyset and the A from Animate.
The last letter of 12 down is the 7thletter of
28 across: Press cast to drink beer, facing issue in rep(11)
Letters: S - L - - - - - S - N
There's a four-letter down clue whose last letter is the fifth but I'm not sure that any of them will help me much!
May I have hints, please?
-
Hi Susan,
12 down is:Careful doctore led a tribe east (10)
Letters: - E - I - E - A - -
The answer must begin wih MED or VET I think, and VETINERARY fits but that spelling doesn't come up on google. Also I can't see the 'tribe'. Now if the answer was VET IN A RACE ... ...
The I comes from RAGAMUFFIN, the second E from hEavyset and the A from Animate.
The last letter of 12 down is the 7thletter of
No, the answer is a synonym for “careful”. The “doctor” tells you that it’s an anagram of “led a tribe e”.
28 across: Press cast to drink beer, facing issue in rep(11)
Letters: S - L - - - - - S - N
There's a four-letter down clue whose last letter is the fifth but I'm not sure that any of them will help me much!
May I have hints, please?
Slightly trickier this one. The “cast” tell you that you need an anagram of “press”, that contains a synonym for “beer” followed the final two letters for “facing issue”. The “rep” at the end is the synonym for the whole answer, a rep being someone who flogs things.
-
Hi Susan,
No, the answer is a synonym for “careful”. The “doctor” tells you that it’s an anagram of “led a tribe e”.
Oh dear, oh dear! That is most decidedly a kick-self! DELIBERATE was the first word I thought but thwen, thinking a medical start was needed, I completely forgot that 'doctor' is an anagram indicator. And it was ony a couple of weeks ago that I told myself that I must remember that. Tut, tut
, Slightly trickier this one. The “cast” tell you that you need an anagram of “press”, that contains a synonym for “beer” followed the final two letters for “facing issue”. The “rep” at the end is the synonym for the whole answer, a rep being someone who flogs things.
SALESPERSON I am accustomred to beer = ale, and vice versa, but couldn't work out the second part of the clue. I wonddered whether it was something to do with repertory.
Many thanks for your help.
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Nice straightforward Cryptic today. I have only five to go. May I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are right? - I wonder whether the I should be E?
16 down: Put right, I might stand this? (9)
Letters:C - R - I - T - -
-
Nice straightforward Cryptic today. I have only five to go. May I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are right? - I wonder whether the I should be E?
16 down: Put right, I might stand this? (9)
Letters:C - R - I - T - -
The I should be an E
-
The I should be an E
Thank you. In that case, I think it has to be CORRECTED.
-
Thank you. In that case, I think it has to be CORRECTED.
Yes
-
6:30 p.m. Cryptic completed, although I'm not quite sure about the last couple of answers. I'll look at them again tomorrow morning ... ...
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Deleted because I have found why the last down clues' answer is SPRIG not 'sprog' .
The clue was: Shoot southern puritan(5)
Letters: S - R - G
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This week's Cryptic looks as if it is easy. Not lengthy clues and they appear to be straightforwardly cryptic. Hmmm. Reading through the clues though, I have ony done one so far, I shall not try and finish it this weekend since that will leave me with nothing to do tomorrow!
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My impression that the Cryptic appeard to be easy was of course deceptive! I've done 6 answers but a hint would be much appreciated for:
9 across: Name European plant in allotment (10)
Letters: - - - - T - T - - -
I assume E is the first or second and I'm hoping the third is P.
I'm also thinking that the synnym is for 'name' but not sure.
REENTITLED fits, but it doesn't fit the clue.
3:15 a.m. this morning, Monday, found myself wide awake. Worked out that 2 down had to be IMPLORE, therefore third letter of 9across definitely P. Worked out that answer is REPUTATION - E plus PUT in RATION, but still not quite sure about how PUT is a synonym for 'plant'.
Still plenty more to do.
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Only about six left incomplete now and a lot of brain cells hav been kept busy. May I please have a yes/no for whether the answer to the following clue is HAIRDO?!
22 down is: Shock arrangement? (6)
Letters: - A - R - O
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Only about six left incomplete now and a lot of brain cells hav been kept busy. May I please have a yes/no for whether the answer to the following clue is HAIRDO?!
22 down is: Shock arrangement? (6)
Letters: - A - R - O
Yes, it is.
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Hi Susan,
3:15 a.m. this morning, Monday, found myself wide awake. Worked out that 2 down had to be IMPLORE, therefore third letter of 9across definitely P. Worked out that answer is REPUTATION - E plus PUT in RATION, but still not quite sure about how PUT is a synonym for 'plant'.
Still plenty more to do.
"Put" and "plant" are synonyms - as in put/plant an idea in someone's mind.
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Nearly Sane and bluehillside
Thank you both for replies.
Help for 6 across would be appreciated. No letters available.
If 'annoy' is 'irk' and I remove those three letters from 'parking', it leaves 'pang', but that is not a synonym of space,is it, and I don't see how it could be made to be.
6 across: Annoy leaving parking space (4)
In a way, I suppose I should be grateful to the compiler for making it quite difficult - for me, anyway - since it does give me a positive activity to do!
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Hey Susan,
Nearly Sane and bluehillside
Thank you both for replies.
Help for 6 across would be appreciated. No letters available.
If 'annoy' is 'irk' and I remove those three letters from 'parking', it leaves 'pang', but that is not a synonym of space,is it, and I don't see how it could be made to be.
6 across: Annoy leaving parking space (4)
In a way, I suppose I should be grateful to the compiler for making it quite difficult - for me, anyway - since it does give me a positive activity to do!
Try a synonym for “annoy” with the P (“parking”) missing, the remaining word meaning a space or location.
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Hey Susan,
Try a synonym for “annoy” with the P (“parking”) missing, the remaining word meaning a space or location.
Thank you. I suppose it must be S(P)ITE. That is a much stronger emotion than annoym though ... ...
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Susan,
Thank you. I suppose it must be S(P)ITE. That is a much stronger emotion than annoym though ... ...
I agree - not a great clue.
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Susan,
I agree - not a great clue.
For the last two main clues and one small one remaining incomplete, a bit of help would as always be much appreciated.
13across is: Close friend certain East will go for ace (9)
Letters: C - N - U - A - -
It sounds as if it could be a Bridge-related clue.
The last letter is the fifth letter of:
8 down is: Sour beer found in Eastern Mediterranean (10)
Letters: E - B - - - E - E -
I remember this came up a while back - an anagram of 'sour beer' plus an extra E, and I think you said it was an unusual word?
The last one I can't find a set of letters to make sense is:
24acrossFlatter fizzy drink for the audience (4)
Letters: C - A -
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Hey again Susan,
For the last two main clues and one small one remaining incomplete, a bit of help would as always be much appreciated.
13across is: Close friend certain East will go for ace (9)
Letters: C - N - U - A - -
I don’t like the U I’m afraid. Maybe try with an I there instead…?
It sounds as if it could be a Bridge-related clue.
The last letter is the fifth letter of:
8 down is: Sour beer found in Eastern Mediterranean (10)
Letters: E - B - - - E - E -
I remember this came up a while back - an anagram of 'sour beer' plus an extra E, and I think you said it was an unusual word?
Not an anagram. You know the letter “Eastern” gives you. And the Mediterranean is often shortened to three letters. If you put a kind of beer inside that, you get a synonym for “sour”.
The last one I can't find a set of letters to make sense is:
24acrossFlatter fizzy drink for the audience (4)
Letters: C - A -
OK, what’s the most famous fizzy drink you can think of? Say the plural of it our loud, but spell it to give you a word meaning “flatter” (though I think maybe “encourage” is a better synonym).
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Hey again Susan,
I don’t like the U I’m afraid. Maybe try with an I there instead…?
Not an anagram. You know the letter “Eastern” gives you. And the Mediterranean is often shortened to three letters. If you put a kind of beer inside that, you get a synonym for “sour”.
OK, what’s the most famous fizzy drink you can think of? Say the plural of it our loud, but spell it to give you a word meaning “flatter” (though I think maybe “encourage” is a better synonym).
Thank you very much for your help. I'll sort that out later or tomorrow.
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Cryptic now complete thanks to help given. I would not have got it without.
CONFIDANT - The A taking the place of the E. The U was a spelling error, and it definitely should have been I.
EMBITTERED and COAX
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No help needed so far. This week's Cryptic is topical and I presume this particular one has been prepared and waiting for today and today's main event.
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No help needed so far. This week's Cryptic is topical and I presume this particular one has been prepared and waiting for today and today's main event.
The start of the World Snooker Championships.
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The start of the World Snooker Championships.
If that was the clue, I'd have definitely needed help! :)
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Top half complete and a few of the bottom half including the last, but a hint please would be much a preciated for:
16 across: International team's second to wear unusual silver uniforms (8)
Letters: - - - E - I - S
I knowI ought to remember but cannot at the moment.
ETA Thought I'd take a look at the comments of other puzzlers on the blog and was quite pleased to find that the few whose posts I've read so far found the same ones difficult as I have! And that I knew one or two words they didn't!!!
Also, having now done 17 down, to add the E in letters for 16 across.
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Morning Susan,
16 across: International team's second to wear unusual silver uniforms (8)
Letters: - - - E - I - S
The "unusual" silver tells you you have an anagram, and it surrounds ("to wear") the abbreviation for "International", plus the second letter of "team" ("team's second"), the result being a synonym for "uniforms". There were lots of these at Prince Philip's funeral yesterday I believe.
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Morning Susan,
The "unusual" silver tells you you have an anagram, and it surrounds ("to wear") the abbreviation for "International", plus the second letter of "team" ("team's second"), the result being a synonym for "uniforms". There were lots of these at Prince Philip's funeral yesterday I believe.
Many thanks, so that's LIVERIES. It's the very large number of anagram indicators that catches me out.
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The bottom left-hand corner is proving difficult. May I please have a hint for:
23 down: American ruler loses kilo exercisin (5)
Last letter G
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The bottom left-hand corner is proving difficult. May I please have a hint for:
23 down: American ruler loses kilo exercisin (5)
Last letter G
The Kilo is K so what leader might have a k?
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The Kilo is K so what leader might have a k?
Thank you. Yes, I had thought of taking the K off 'king', but couldn't think of what letters to put before the 'ing'.
I now realise that I suppose it must be USING ... ...
There are still several answers with letters missing, but I can't work out which letters fit to make the answer fit the clue in
4 down: Get rid of ultimately vile joke for audience (5)
Letters: E - E - T
I think this one came up a while ago, but I can't remember the answer!EJECT fits but doesn't fit the clue.
A hint, or the answer, would be much appreciated.
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Hi Susan,
4 down: Get rid of ultimately vile joke for audience (5)
Letters: E - E - T
Tricky one this. The simple answer would have been EJECT – the first E works (last letter of “vile”), but the JECT part doesn’t. You can though add to the E four letters that sound like “joke” to give you the answer, though I admit that I had to look it up to make sure it’s a word.
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Hi Susan,
Tricky one this. The simple answer would have been EJECT – the first E works (last letter of “vile”), but the JECT part doesn’t. You can though add to the E four letters that sound like “joke” to give you the answer, though I admit that I had to look it up to make sure it’s a word.
Thank you. In that case, I don't think I'll ever get it! May I have the answer, please?
There ar still a few empty squares here and there, which I'll try to fill tomorrow, but I think it is unlikely that I'll succeed..
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Susan,
Thank you. In that case, I don't think I'll ever get it! May I have the answer, please?
There ar still a few empty squares here and there, which I'll try to fill tomorrow, but I think it is unlikely that I'll succeed..
EGEST. I hadn't heard of it, but as presumably it's the opposite of "ingest" I guess it makes sense. Unusual word though.
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Susan,
EGEST. I hadn't heard of it, but as presumably it's the opposite of "ingest" I guess it makes sense. Unusual word though.
Thank you - help appreciated as always. I think that will count as a rather forgettable word!
Earlier today, I was reading the comments and quite a number of them had not heard of it either. Apparently the compiler was Chris Lancaster who is the DT Editor of the Crosswords section of the puzzlers page. No wonder some of the clues were hard. Definitely not one I could complete unaided!
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No rush of course, but I would much appreciate a reply to the following:
I have just tried to look up the definition of EJEST' but it changes it to 'eject'. Could you please say how that answer
is arrived at? I can see the opposite to 'in jest', but not how it can be 'get rid of', or 'audience'.
There are two remaining clues which defeat me. I think the answer to 26 down is OWN UP, and to 25 across possibly MOOSE, but that doesn't make sense.
25 across: Occasionally asked after low creature (5)
Letters: M - - - E
and
26 down: Admit adult leaving Greece (3,2)
Letters: - - N / - P
First letter of 26 down is third of 25 across.
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Good morning Susan – hope all’s well this fine sunny day,
I have just tried to look up the definition of EJEST' but it changes it to 'eject'. Could you please say how that answer
is arrived at? I can see the opposite to 'in jest', but not how it can be 'get rid of', or 'audience'.
It’s EGEST (with a “G”). The E is given to you, and the GEST sounds to an audience like “jest” – ie, the “joke” part.
25 across: Occasionally asked after low creature (5)
Letters: M - - - E
Yes to MOOSE. “Occasionally asked” gives you the alternate letters of “asked” (ie, SE), and they come “after” a word for “low” (as in the lowing of the cattle), ie MOO. And MOOSE of course is the “creature”.
26 down: Admit adult leaving Greece (3,2)
Letters: - - N / - P
You’ll kick yourself! “Adult” is GROWN UP, but the initial GR is removed (“leaving Greece”) – OWN UP being the synonym for “admit”.
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Good morning Susan – hope all’s well this fine sunny day,
It’s EGEST (with a “G”). The E is given to you, and the GEST sounds to an audience like “jest” – ie, the “joke” part.
Yes to MOOSE. “Occasionally asked” gives you the alternate letters of “asked” (ie, SE), and they come “after” a word for “low” (as in the lowing of the cattle), ie MOO. And MOOSE of course is the “creature”.
You’ll kick yourself! “Adult” is GROWN UP, but the initial GR is removed (“leaving Greece”) – OWN UP being the synonym for “admit”.
Many thanks. I did wonder about the G so I should have listened to the characters in yourprevious post.
I'm not sure I think it's quite fair to have to remove two letters from GReece, but I'll let them off this time! :D
And yes, I'm very well, thank you. I did, however, leave a cupboard door open recently and hit my forehead on it forgetting it was open, so the lump and the bruise are at a colourful stage apparently, because people keep asking me what I have done!
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Slow Cryptic today I think. May I please have a yes/no for
2 down: Bird touching cheese (7)
Letters: S - I - - - -
Is STILTON right?
(If it is, I cannot work out why.)
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Good morning Susan,
Slow Cryptic today I think. May I please have a yes/no for
2 down: Bird touching cheese (7)
Letters: S - I - - - -
Is STILTON right?
(If it is, I cannot work out why.)
Yes. A STILT is a type of bird, and ON is a synonym for "touching".
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Good morning Susan,
Yes. A STILT is a type of bird, and ON is a synonym for "touching".
thank you .
Top left-hand corner almost done already and a few other answers here and there .. .,.
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3:45 p.m. Cryptic finished!!! Confirmation of STILTON only help needed. No having to look anthing up, et. I conclude, therefore, that it must have been a rather easy one! :)
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Susan,.
3:45 p.m. Cryptic finished!!! Confirmation of STILTON only help needed. No having to look anthing up, et. I conclude, therefore, that it must have been a rather easy one! :)
Or in the alternative that you are in fact a steely-eyed crossword Ninja!
(My money's on the latter by the way...)
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Susan,.
Or in the alternative that you are in fact a steely-eyed crossword Ninja!
(My money's on the latter by the way...)
Thank you: :D I couldn't have done it without help here for the last three years including reading that book 'Pretty girl in pink rose', , but it is certainly quite fun to be able to set about the Saturday cryptic expecting to finish it somehow.
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This week's has about six 10 or 12 letter answers. It looks reasonable but I don't think I'll be beating my record time today!
However, this post is to ask whether there is a general rule about the number of anagrams allowed in a cryptic like the DT Prize Cryptic. I vaguely remember something about that from many years ago I think.
Sunday I have looked at the intro to the blog and it says:A pleasant puzzle to match the day, most probably by Cephas, with the short concise clues and anagrams he is best known for, although no pangram lurking there.
so it appears that there are probably more than four anagrams. That infomation doesn't help much though - I have only answered five clues so far!
8:35 a.m. edit:
15 across is: Nice unmarried woman? (12)
Second letter possibly A
Getting nowhere with this, in spite of thinking of different definitions and the fact that Nice is a place, I have had to google the answer: MADEEMOISELLE
I certainly would not have got that one!
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May I please have a yes/no for the questions: is the answer an anagram of 'to use admin in'? Are the last three letters ION?
18 across is: One's inclined to use admin in building (12)
Letters: - - - - T - - - S - - -
I'll try to think about it as I now go out for up-and-down-the-Close walk.
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Hi Susan,
Yes to the anagram, but no to the ION at the end. It shouldn’t be too much of an Everest for you to climb...
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::)
Hi Susan,
Yes to the anagram, but no to the ION at the end. It shouldn’t be too much of an Everest for you to climb...
Many thanks. This is definitely a much harder cryptic than the last few weeks - well, as far as I'm concerned anyway!
MOUNTAINOUS A bit steeper than 'inclined' though and I wouldn't have got that one.
Edit again- no it can't be! wrong amount of letters and no D -back to the drawing board!
Final edit: MOUNTAINSIDE !!
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Hi Susan,
Many thanks. This is definitely a much harder cryptic than the last few weeks - well, as far as I'm concerned anyway!
MOUNTAINOUS A bit steeper than 'inclined' though and I wouldn't have got that one.
Edit again- no it can't be! wrong amount of letters and no D -back to the drawing board!
You nearly have it. MOUNTAIN is correct, so you just need S _ _ _ to finish it...
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Hi Susan,
nearly have it. MOUNTAIN is correct, so you just need S _ _ _ to finish it...
\Previous post finally edited with correct answer! :)
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The MOUNTAINSIDE helped with several answers but still too many empty squares. May I have hints, please, for:
6 across: Meat plans rejected (4)
and
8 down: Mat originally straightened, dragged through the mud (8)
Letters: - - t(?) - - - e -
Last letter of 6 across is first of 8 down.
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Morning Susan,
The MOUNTAINSIDE helped with several answers but still too many empty squares. May I have hints, please, for:
6 across: Meat plans rejected (4)
You need a synonym for "plans" that, when reversed, gives you a type of meat (that used to come in cans).
8 down: Mat originally straightened, dragged through the mud (8)
Letters: - - t(?) - - - e -
Last letter of 6 across is first of 8 down.
The "mat originally" gives you the first letter, and the synonym is the "dragged through the mud" part, as in slandered. The T is wrong though.
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Morning Susan,
You need a synonym for "plans" that, when reversed, gives you a type of meat (that used to come in cans).
Thank you for your help - much appreciated as usual.
I thought of MAPS taking the letters from 'MeAt and PlanS, but that didn't make sense! SPAM
The "mat originally" gives you the first letter, and the synonym is the "dragged through the mud" part, as in slandered. The T is wrong though.
I tried looking up synonyms of straightened this morning, and heard 'aligned', but the T and another tentative E got in the way. Anyway, that makes it MALIGNED - thank you.
Most of the clues actually have been ringing faint bells from a while ago to which hints were similarly given, but unfortunately not loud enough to remember!
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I'm afraid I'm asking more questions this time, but as usual would like to fill all the squares if I can, so I think a few more hints are going to be required to do so. Nay I have one, please, for:
11 down: Great message about drone is broadcast (12)
Letters: - - - S - D - - - B - E
I'm assuming IBLE or ABLE ... ...
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Hey Susan,
You need a synonym for an (old fashioned) type of communication going around an anagram of “drone is”, the whole meaning “great” or big. ABLE is correct by the way.
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Hey Susan,
You need a synonym for an (old fashioned) type of communication going around an anagram of “drone is”, the whole meaning “great” or big. ABLE is correct by the way.
Thank you. I'll have to have a think ...
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Well, it's taken me from 3:36 until now 4:03 to get the answer, thinking about it all the time, but never mind, success!
CONSIDERABLE
Thank you. :) I'll plod on later!
4:33 It's looking a bit less empty, although very messy! Four more incomplete.
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Just two empty squares left. This morning I have completed the two remaining incomplete answers.
23 down is: Testament maintained by perfect opponent (4)
Letters: - N - I
ANTI fits but doesn't make sense.
May I please have the answer?
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Morning Susan,
“Testament” is NT (New Testament) and it’s “maintained” (ie, surrounded by) an abbreviation for “perfect” (AI = A1). “Opponent” is the synonym for ANTI.
You had it right!
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Morning Susan,
“Testament” is NT (New Testament) and it’s “maintained” (ie, surrounded by) an abbreviation for “perfect” (AI = A1). “Opponent” is the synonym for ANTI.
You had it right!
Many thanks. My goodness, talk about complicated thinking for just a four-letter word! But it's nice to have all the squarees filled.
I'm afraid I didnt see your post earlier - I've been busy all morning on the GH forum in an interesting exchange of posts with one who talks of the oneness and thinks he has a connection with the 'one that is'.
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By 10:30 this morning, all but sixclues completed! This was made easier because it is a dull day and I was able to read the clues without the sun interfering with the CCTV light.
May I have a hint, please, for:
28 across: Feverish, so slept with pyjama bottoms only? (7)
Letters: R - P - - -S
I wonder whether the first letter should be T and the word TOPLESS, but cannot see where feverish would fit in.
ETA Yes, I have looked again and the T comes from NORTHEAST, so TOPLESS is okay.
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All done unaided except for one, , which is:
26 across:Resting across raised switches, bolt finally secured (7)
Letters: A - T - I - E
May I please have a yes/no for whether letters are correct?
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All done unaided except for one, , which is:
26 across:Resting across raised switches, bolt finally secured (7)
Letters: A - T - I - E
May I please have a yes/no for whether letters are correct?
Letters are correct
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Letters are correct
Thank you. I think I have it - ASTRIDE - anagram of 'raised', plus a T. I suppose 'aside' is 'resting.
Well, that's my shortest time so far!
I think I'm going to have to try and think of another hobby to occupy the time no longer so often spent on the Saturday cryptic. Any suggestions gratefully received!
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No record-breaking times today - I've only done one answer so far!
May I have a hint, please, for:
1 across: In appropriate of problem daughter to purchase magazine (3-5)
I think the first part is ILL, because an L can fit the start of 2 down.
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Hi Susan,
No record-breaking times today - I've only done one answer so far!
May I have a hint, please, for:
1 across: In appropriate of problem daughter to purchase magazine (3-5)
I think the first part is ILL, because an L can fit the start of 2 down.
Yep, ILL is good and you know the abbreviation for "daughter" to put at the end. All you need in the middle now ("to purchase") is a four-letter (American) magazine...
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Hi Susan,
Yep, ILL is good and you know the abbreviation for "daughter" to put at the end. All you need in the middle now ("to purchase") is a four-letter (American) magazine...
Many thanks. So that is ILL-TIMED. Could you please say where the 'of' and the 'purchase' come in?
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Hey Susan,
Many thanks. So that is ILL-TIMED. Could you please say where the 'of' and the 'purchase' come in?
The clue is "In appropriate of problem daughter to purchase magazine (3-5)"
I assume the "In appropriate" should be "inappropriate", the "of" is just a connecting word meaning "can be derived from" or similar, and the "purchase" means "obtain", ie the TIME goes inside (is obtained by) the ILL and the D.
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Hey Susan,
The clue is "In appropriate of problem daughter to purchase magazine (3-5)"
I assume the "In appropriate" should be "inappropriate", the "of" is just a connecting word meaning "can be derived from" or similar, and the "purchase" means "obtain", ie the TIME goes inside (is obtained by) the ILL and the D.
Thank you - oh, and I did not realise I had left a space between in and appropriate which, magnified, I can see - a typo on my part.
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Having got started, I now have only ten incomplete answers, so with luck should finish tomorrow.
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Having discovered, from reading the Big Dave's comments section, that the Cryptic is a pangram which I found out means that all the letters of the alphabet must be in the grid (and which I vaguely remember having found out years ago), I now have only three clues unfinished at top left-hand corner One of them must, I hope contain an X!!. May I have a hint, please, for
4 down: Scotsman before long getting wind (7)
Letters: M - - - O - N
I know this clue has come up before and I know that 'ere' is sometimes a synonym for 'before', but that doesn't fit and I can't remember the answer.
And as soon as I press 'post', I think MONSOON sadly no X and anyway, why 'monsoon'?!
So the X is in 3 down: TAXI, which makes 9 acrss: FLAXEN.
Completed now.
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Hi Susan,
4 down: Scotsman before long getting wind (7)
Letters: M - - - O - N
I know this clue has come up before and I know that 'ere' is sometimes a synonym for 'before', but that doesn't fit and I can't remember the answer.
And as soon as I press 'post', I think MONSOON sadly no X and anyway, why 'monsoon'?!
It's MON for "Scotsman" (as in, "hoots mon") and "before long" is SOON. "Wind" gives you the synonym.
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Hi Susan,
It's MON for "Scotsman" (as in, "hoots mon") and "before long" is SOON. "Wind" gives you the synonym.
Ah, yes, thank you. I'd forgotten the 'hoots mon'.
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Today's Cryptic started well, - top left-hand corner no problem. However, the rest of it is definitely harder.
May I have a hint, please and/or a yes/no for:
8 down: travel some distance to do everything possible (2,2,3,6)
First letter definitely G
I have chosen GO TO ANY EXTENT
Is that correct?
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Nearly correct I think, just the last word needs rethinking to form a phrase that is more commonly used.
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Nearly correct I think, just the last word needs rethinking to form a phrase that is more commonly used.
Thank you for reply. In that case, I suppose it has to be LIMITS but that makes one of the a cross answers end in I which is always a bit tricky and might need a further hint!
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Not limits. Think of a specific measurement. Perhaps in swimming?
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Not limits. Think of a specific measurement. Perhaps in swimming?
Thank you - is it LENGTH
Yes, it must be because that makes 24 across HAT TRICK
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You got it!
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You got it!
Thank you. Plodding through, at the rate of about one clue an hour or slower, I have about six more to answer
18 down is: Unusually kind to accept most of fee cut? (6)
Letters: K - - - E -
KIDNEY fits and the anagram of kind is there, and key is cut, but I can't see how it works.
Is it right, please?
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Hi Susan,
Thank you. Plodding through, at the rate of about one clue an hour or slower, I have about six more to answer
18 down is: Unusually kind to accept most of fee cut? (6)
Letters: K - - - E -
KIDNEY fits and the anagram of kind is there, and key is cut, but I can't see how it works.
Is it right, please?
Sorry, no. The “unusually” tells you you have an anagram of “kind”, and the “accept” means it goes around something else. “…most of fee” tells you that the bit in the middle could be most of the word “fee”, and he answer must therefore be a synonym for “cut”.
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Hi Susan,
Sorry, no. The “unusually” tells you you have an anagram of “kind”, and the “accept” means it goes around something else. “…most of fee” tells you that the bit in the middle could be most of the word “fee”, and he answer must therefore be a synonym for “cut”.
Thank you for your help. I'll have to have a think about that. However, I have managed the other clues so it and the word across which contains the third letter are all that's left now
ETA: Ah, not quite so hard after all! Wrote down KNI and so it has to be KNIFED.
... and the across word is SNEAKING
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Slow but steady sort of cryptic this weekend. Three corners almost done, but a hint would be much appreciated for:
13 across: Social occasion of leading lady and gentry essentially (5)
First letter L and third possibly E but not sure.
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Morning Susan,
Think of the “leading” (ie, first) lady in the Bible, plus the central letters of “gentry” (ie, the “essential” parts of that word) and you’ll have a social occasion.
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Morning Susan,
Think of the “leading” (ie, first) lady in the Bible, plus the central letters of “gentry” (ie, the “essential” parts of that word) and you’ll have a social occasion.
Thank you. EVEnt was my first choice, but that meant the first letter is not L. I had looked several times and knew the answer to 1 down wasTRUFFLE, but looking again now, I realised I'd spelt it EL at the end. I know why, too, I must have been confusing it with the name of a teacher I used to know whose surname was Trusselll! And that's daft of course!
Delay in response - because I've had both granddaughters, one with Reuben, 16 months now, and the other with partner and baby due in November!
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Slowly finding answers but I'n not keen on some of them. Anyway, just five to go. May I please have a hint for:
7 down: Coward takes advantage of work (7)
Letters|: M - - - S - P
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Hi Susan,
Extracting liquid from a cow is a synonym for “taking advantage of”, and a “work” is often abbreviated to two letters...
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Hi Susan,
Extracting liquid from a cow is a synonym for “taking advantage of”, and a “work” is often abbreviated to two letters...
Many thanks for your help. MILKSOP I wouldn't have got that.
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Just finished it. I have had quite a few of the answers all day but couldn't see why they worked, but fortunately they have gradually sunk in. One answer was ANNULAR, a word I assumed I knew, but checked and found that I didn't! (Cancel a Republican circular)
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This week's Prize Cryptic crossword is fairly straightforward so far but I wonder if the compiler has been given a book called 'the compendiumn of joke clues for cryptic crosswords'!! :)
13 down is: Give it everything, O frong! (2,3, 5)
The answer would appear to be GO FOR CROAK!
The two Os fit but not sure about the K. May I have a yes/no, please.
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Hi Susan,
Not quite. GO FOR is good, but the third word that only rhymes with CROAK...
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Hi Susan,
Not quite. GO FOR is good, but the third word that only rhymes with CROAK...
Thank you, so it's GO FOR BROKE. But then, I wonder what the point was in putting'O frog!' Or was it that, by using the word frog, it meant that croak was not the word to use! Fortunately the E at the end of BROKE is more useful than a K.
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Hi Susan,
Thank you, so it's GO FOR BROKE. But then, I wonder what the point was in putting'O frog!' Or was it that, by using the word frog, it meant that croak was not the word to use! Fortunately the E at the end of BROKE is more useful than a K.
Look at the clue again: "Give it everything, O frog!".
"Go for" is an anagram of "O frog" - in other words, "O frog" is GO FOR anagrammatised (ie, "broke").
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Hi Susan,
Look at the clue again: "Give it everything, O frog!".
"Go for" is an anagram of "O frog" - in other words, "O frog" is GO FOR anagrammatised (ie, "broke").
Many thanks. I don't think I'd ever have got that! In fact, I've just finished it, but even though the answers have to be what they are, it has been necessary to tie myself in knots to work out the why for quite a few!
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Yesterday's Cryptic crossword was so straightforward that I'd finished it by mid-afternoon. Some clues needed plenty of thinking, but none needed hints.
It is, however, always comfortingly reassuring to know that this topic is here.
The 'show new posts' link showed only one this morning, so I wonder whether the fine weather and the dramatic events in Denmark kept people away?
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I know I should know this one, but a little hint would be much appreciated for:
7 down: To be one, this administrator mmust have two others (8)
/fifth letter M
I checked definition of GTRIUMVIR in case I could shorten TRIUMVIRATE, but no luck!
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I know I should know this one, but a little hint would be much appreciated for:
7 down: To be one, this administrator mmust have two others (8)
/fifth letter M
I checked definition of GTRIUMVIR in case I could shorten TRIUMVIRATE, but no luck!
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triumvir
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https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/triumvir
Many thanks - google search turned TRIUMVIR into TRIUMVIRATE - i should have trusted my judgement I suppose!
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Four unfinished answers.
11 down is:Breach in border intended to be announced (12)
Letters: - N - R - N - E - - - T
I think it is INFRINGEMENT. The MENT to sound like 'meant', i.e. announced?
May I have a yes/no, please?
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Hi Susan,
Yes!
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I've done quite a lot so far although for half the answers I can't see why they are right. This clue, 14 down, seems to be an anagram with the letters 'LA star' removed from totalitarianism. I thought it was going to be 'militation' but that's 10 letters. A hint would be much appreciated please. The first 'I' might be wrong I suppose?
14 down: Version of totalitarianism LA star rejected as fake (9)
Letters: M - I - A - I - N
Edited: On further thought, I suppose it must be IMITATION which means I might have to come back for a clue to the across clue which I hoped hadan M as third letter.
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May I please have some help with
13 across: Trembling, from mum: I'm engaged (9)
Letters: S - E - E - I N G
It looks as if the last four letters should be RING, but working through the alphabet, I can't find a combination which fits, or even a word which doesn't fit with the clue!
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Morning Susan,
For the first one, you could try removing “LA star” from “totalitarianism” and making an anagram of what’s left. That first M is wrong though.
For the second, keeping mum is often “SH”, and that first E is wrong too I’m afraid.
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Morning Susan,
For the first one, you could try removing “LA star” from “totalitarianism” and making an anagram of what’s left. That first M is wrong though.
Many thanks for help. So it isIMITATION.
For the second, keeping mum is often “SH”, and that first E is wrong too I’m afraid.
Ah yes, I'd forgotten the 'sh' for 'keeping mum' but the wrong E was my own fault - the square which should have been I, not E, was so written over and over that I'd forgotten it was an \I, and I should have thought of SHIVERING. Anyway, all complete now.
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Oh dear, I've finished the cryptic already! Fastest time ever and all that, but what am I going to do now?!
I do so wish I had another hobby I could do. I don't want to do another crossword, other puzzles just don't work. There are so many things I can't do, I'm afraid.
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Hi Susan,
Oh dear, I've finished the cryptic already! Fastest time ever and all that, but what am I going to do now?!
Congratulations - I'm impressed!
I do so wish I had another hobby I could do. I don't want to do another crossword, other puzzles just don't work. There are so many things I can't do, I'm afraid.
Well, you could put your hard-won expertise to good use and give clues to novitiates starting out on the journey you began here not so long ago? ;)
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Hi Susan,
Congratulations - I'm impressed!
Well, you could put your hard-won expertise to good use and give clues to novitiates starting out on the journey you began here not so long ago? ;)
Hmmmm, I'll think about that, but probably the best hint I could give would be to say: join R&E, and read all the posts on the Crossword clues topic!! This will give you access to all the hints I have received and learnt from. :)
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No early finish today, although quite a few done so far. May I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are correct here, and if not, a hint would be much appreciated.
7 across: In error, Greek character backing exercisesystem (7)
Letters: P E(?) L - T - S
I think the word is PELETAS but that does not appear to have a definition attached to it.,
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Morning Susan – hope all’s well,
No early finish today, although quite a few done so far. May I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are correct here, and if not, a hint would be much appreciated.
7 across: In error, Greek character backing exercisesystem (7)
Letters: P E(?) L - T - S
I think the word is PELETAS but that does not appear to have a definition attached to it.,
Close, but no cigar. You’re after a seven-letter “exercise system” – to get there you need an “error” with a Greek letter inside it, and the whole thing’s reversed “backing”. Good luck!
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Morning Susan – hope all’s well,
Close, but no cigar. You’re after a seven-letter “exercise system” – to get there you need an “error” with a Greek letter inside it, and the whole thing’s reversed “backing”. Good luck!
[/quote
Many thanks. I'll come back to it tomorrow along with the other two answers I cannot work out! ]
sorry I didn't see this earlier.
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Took a bit of thinking - but PILATES, then a bit more thinking to see it in reverse! Not a clue I like, but I dare say I'll recognise it if it comes up again.
There are two more unfinished answers, for which help will be appreciated.
10 across:: Starter in Rajasthan filling belly, boy: it's hot! (8)
Letters: T - S - E - I -
19 down: Drink studied, moan out loud (3,4)
Letters: R - D / - I - T
Was there something about a RED PINT a while back? Even if so, I don't see how it fits the clue.
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Morning Susan,
I’m not liking the S in the first one, or the T in the second I’m afraid (perhaps a nice glass of Bordeaux would help with the latter, though I wouldn’t add any spice even if it would help with the former!).
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Morning Susan,
I’m not liking the S in the first one, or the T in the second I’m afraid (perhaps a nice glass of Bordeaux would help with the latter, though I wouldn’t add any spice even if it would help with the former!).
Many thanks. So it is RED WINE and I can see why. However, 26 across, which shares the final letter, is:
26 across: Light box to carry on banner (11)
Letters: C - N - L - G - A - -
I found that CONFLAGRANT is a word with a definition (!) so I thought that was it. I suppose it must be CONFLAGRATE which gives the CR ATE' ...
1 down, which produces the S, is:
1 down: A student hugged by ghirl - that's infectious ((7)
Letters: M - L - - - A
I thought the answer was MELISSA. L ion MISS although couldnt see how infectious came into it
And what Rajasthan has to do with anything in 10 across, I've no idea!
further help needed, please!
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Hey Susan,
Many thanks. So it is RED WINE and I can see why. However, 26 across, which shares the final letter, is:
26 across: Light box to carry on banner (11)
Letters: C - N - L - G - A - -
I found that CONFLAGRANT is a word with a definition (!) so I thought that was it. I suppose it must be CONFLAGRATE which gives the CR ATE' ...
Works for me!
1 down, which produces the S, is:
1 down: A student hugged by ghirl - that's infectious ((7)
Letters: M - L - - - A
I thought the answer was MELISSA. L ion MISS although couldnt see how infectious came into it
This is a “you’ll kick yourself “ one I think. Think of the love interest in West Side Story for the “girl”, then put that around the usual two letter for “a student”. You’ll get a disease – which is the “infectious” part.
And what Rajasthan has to do with anything in 10 across, I've no idea!
further help needed, please!
The “starter in Rajasthan” is R, which you then put in a synonym for “belly”. Just add a boy’s name at the end, et voila!
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Hey Susan,
Works for me!
This is a “you’ll kick yourself “ one I think. Think of the love interest in West Side Story for the “girl”, then put that around the usual two letter for “a student”. You’ll get a disease – which is the “infectious” part.
A kick-self? No, not really, I don't think I'd have got that one. I suppose that will be MALARIA then. However, I don't think I knew that LA was a two-letter synonym for student, I thought it was just L.
The “starter in Rajasthan” is R, which you then put in a synonym for “belly”. Just add a boy’s name at the end, et voila!
I had thought the ending would probably be C, but I do not know my spices, so I did not know that TURMERIC is hot!
Many thanks for help - crossword now complete.
Younger son on his way to visit today - he's just bought a bit more expensive new car - well, just slightly not new!!
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Hi Susan,
A kick-self? No, not really, I don't think I'd have got that one. I suppose that will be MALARIA then. However, I don't think I knew that LA was a two-letter synonym for student, I thought it was just L.
It's AL - the A is given to you in the clue ("A student").
I had thought the ending would probably be C, but I do not know my spices, so I did not know that TURMERIC is hot!
I don't think it is hot - not sure the setter knows that though!
Many thanks for help - crossword now complete.
Younger son on his way to visit today - he's just bought a bit more expensive new car - well, just slightly not new!!
You're welcome - have a lovely time!
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Too many clues with question marks at the end! However, mostly done except for 6 or 7 incomplete. Unaided ... I glanced at the blog, but took the headphones out and did not listen to the hints for the ones I haven't done as I should be able to do it.
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Two answers completed, but that still leaves three which share letters. A hint would be much appreciated for:
5 across: Line on map runs into field (6)
Letters: - R - P(?) - -
I thought it might be GROUND, but the U is a very unlikely starter for 7 down.
And then there's 2 down: Diffferent fruit, one box collected (9)
Letters: D - S - A - A - A
wWell, DISBANANA fits nicely, so I googled it and yes, there's a word in a song!! But it can't be right, can it?!
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Two answers completed, but that still leaves three which share letters. A hint would be much appreciated for:
5 across: Line on map runs into field (6)
Letters: - R - P(?) - -
I thought it might be GROUND, but the U is a very unlikely starter for 7 down.
And then there's 2 down: Diffferent fruit, one box collected (9)
Letters: D - S - A - A - A
wWell, DISBANANA fits nicely, so I googled it and yes, there's a word in a song!! But it can't be right, can it?!
For 5 across the P is correct, think of a line that might appear on a global map.
For 2 down, I think the last A is wrong
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For 5 across the P is correct, think of a line that might appear on a global map.
For 2 down, I think the last A is wrong
Many thanks. I'll see if I can work out 5 across.
The wrong last A was from BEACH, but it must be BEECH. The clue was: Loudly sand wood (5)
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I think 5 across is TROPIC. R in TOPIC which presumably is a field. I don't think I like the clue!
I'm still puzzling over 2 down. If it is DISPARATE:
D - different
I one
SPAR - box
D ...ate for fruit
but where is the 'collected'? Separate parts collected in the box?!
7 down is PITTA (bread)
8 down is CREOSOTE (oily liquid - couldn't get it without the C
If 2 down is right, that is crossword completed. Thank you.
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Hi Susan,
The fruit (DATE) has “collected” (ie, it contains) the I SPAR (“one box”). DISPARATE is the synonym for “different”.
Well done too!
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Hi Susan,
The fruit (DATE) has “collected” (ie, it contains) the I SPAR (“one box”). DISPARATE is the synonym for “different”.
Well done too!
[/quote
]
Thank you. Quite a few of the clues needed a bit of convoluted thinking to work out why!
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Just three unfinished answers which I'm hoping will sort themselves out by tomorrow morning. I managed to refrain from looking at the blog hints although I read a few after I had the answers. It is a pangram too, so I know that one of the letters of the last three must be a W.
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One remaining unanswered this morning:
15 down: Free policeman, powerless in pit (8)
Letters: - O - L - I - E
One of the letters must be a W which I assume is the first or fifth letter. but although I can think of words that fit, none fits the clue. May I have a hint, please.
Edit: 10:53 to say that I've just realised it needn''t be a W - still can't get it though.
17 down is: Run up river as punishment.
The answer appeas to be TORTURE.
TORT = TROT upside down
U might mean up?
R for river
but is the E just magicked into existence?!
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Good morning Susan,
One remaining unanswered this morning:
15 down: Free policeman, powerless in pit (
Letters: - O - L - I - E
One of the letters must be a W which I assume is the first or fifth letter. but although I can think of words that fit, none fits the clue. May I have a hint, please.
Edit: 10:53 to say that I've just realised it needn''t be a W - still can't get it though.
The “free” tells you that you have an anagram of “policeman”, but without the “e” (“powerless” – ie, lacking energy). Thus there is no W.
17 down is: Run up river as punishment.
The answer appeas to be TORTURE.
TORT = TROT upside down
U might mean up?
R for river
but is the E just magicked into existence?!
The “river” is the river Ure (an old crossword trope).
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Good morning Susan,
The “free” tells you that you have an anagram of “policeman”, but without the “e” (“powerless” – ie, lacking energy). Thus there is no W.
If there is no E (which I gave as a letter in previous post), then I am rather puzzled. The answer in which the E appears is in 'peerlEss' from the clue:
26 across: Unrivalled lady about 50 (8)
The “river” is the river Ure (an old crossword trope).
Ah yes - I suppose I should have thought of that!
Many thanks for your help. I will work on the anagram, but could you please say where I've gone wrong with the 'peerlesss'?
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Susan,
If there is no E, then I am rather puzzled. The answer in which the E appears is in 'peerlEss' from the clue:
26 across: Unrivalled lady about 50 (8)
Oops - my mistake. I should have said no P ("powerless") - sorry for the confusion.
Ah yes - I suppose I should have thought of that!
Many thanks for your help. I will work on the anagram, but could you please say where I've gone wrong with the 'peerlesss'?
You haven't! Apologies again....
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Susan,
Oops - my mistake. I should have said no P ("powerless") - sorry for the confusion.
You haven't! Apologies again....
Ah, thank you! (Slightly furrowed brow quickly clears!! :) )
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thank you for your help. so that's COALMINE but even with knowing it's an anagram of (p)oliceman, it is not something that would jump out - not at me anyway! Going through putting letters in alphabetically, the word 'coalmine' came up but I didn' see why it was right. Never mind - crossword now complete and consigned to the recycle bag!
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Hey Susan,
thank you for your help. so that's COALMINE but even with knowing it's an anagram of (p)oliceman, it is not something that would jump out - not at me anyway! Going through putting letters in alphabetically, the word 'coalmine' came up but I didn' see why it was right. Never mind - crossword now complete and consigned to the recycle bag!
COALMINE, yes indeedy. The clue is: “Free policeman, powerless in pit”. The “free” tells you that you have an anagram of “policeman”, but the “powerless” tells you that you can ignore the P. A coalmine is a pit, et voilà!
Personally by the way I’d have been tempted to use a play on “parking” to remove the P because that better creates a false relationship with “policeman”. Something like: “Free parking from confused policeman in pit” or similar maybe.
Well done though!
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Hey Susan,
COALMINE, yes indeedy. The clue is: “Free policeman, powerless in pit”. The “free” tells you that you have an anagram of “policeman”, but the “powerless” tells you that you can ignore the P. A coalmine is a pit, et voilà!
Personally by the way I’d have been tempted to use a play on “parking” to remove the P because that better creates a false relationship with “policeman”. Something like: “Free parking from confused policeman in pit” or similar maybe.
Well done though!
Thank you!
Nothing to do with crosswords, but I have just listened to this (https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201130-climate-change-the-mystery-of-siberias-explosive-craters) most interesting article. I think I'll add it to the Science board.
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Top third done but I can't see why the answer to 15 across is REPTILE.
Clue is: Unpleasant person in bother over weird pet (7))
/Second letter ?E
I googled synonyms for bother and 'rile' is the only one that fits withi an anagram of 'pet' so REPTILE and I looked up the wordplay answwer and it is right, but I can't work out why. If it is supposed to be a synonym of 'unpleasant person' then I strongly disagree!
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Top third done but I can't see why the answer to 15 across is REPTILE.
Clue is: Unpleasant person in bother over weird pet (7))
/Second letter ?E
I googled synonyms for bother and 'rile' is the only one that fits withi an anagram of 'pet' so REPTILE and I looked up the wordplay answwer and it is right, but I can't work out why. If it is supposed to be a synonym of 'unpleasant person' then I strongly disagree!
It's not a common synonym but I have heard people described as reptiles in a disparaging way, so I think it works.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-thesaurus/reptilian
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It's not a common synonym but I have heard people described as reptiles in a disparaging way, so I think it works.
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english-thesaurus/reptilian
Thank you for your help - I'm obviously not anywhere near modern or trendy enough!
Actually, I have to confess that I have googled a couple of answers (oh, the shame!! :) ) but I have allowed myself this weakness as I have had a few things to think about this last week!
I sometimes read the comments which follow the big dave's hints and did so today. Many of the regular contributors found this cryptic tricky, puzzling and couldn't see the why s for quite a few clues. I'll leave it on the CCTV and look at it every now and again to see if I can find the answers, but shall not mind if I cannot.
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I have just had another look at the cryptic and it seems my subconscious has been at work because I did several more answers! Three to go. One of them is:
23 down: Family affair (5)
Letters: I - S - E
ISSUE fits, but I can't see any reason why. If that is not right, may I have a hint, please?
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Morning Susan,
I have just had another look at the cryptic and it seems my subconscious has been at work because I did several more answers! Three to go. One of them is:
23 down: Family affair (5)
Letters: I - S - E
ISSUE fits, but I can't see any reason why. If that is not right, may I have a hint, please?
Yes. “ISSUE” means children or offspring, and also a topic or matter of importance, as in “affair” (“he’s a man of substantial affairs” etc).
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Morning Susan,
Yes. “ISSUE” means children or offspring, and also a topic or matter of importance, as in “affair” (“he’s a man of substantial affairs” etc).
thank you. I would like to be walking up and down the Close, but I have to wait in for a phone call, so having another look I find that I have the answer for
27 across: Tramp returning with incomplete clue. One's supposedly intelligent! (7)
Letters: D - - L(?) - h - n]]so it's DOLPHIN!!
PLOD plus H and since the last letter is definitely N, no choice for vowel!
Last one is:
17 down: Cloth fromn China and money from Saudi Arabia? (7)
Letters: - E - A - I - L
RIAL presumably for money, but I'll have to try out letters to see what fits. Hmmm, just goes to show that these last several years of help and practice have mostly worked!
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And of course the answer is MATERIAL - which I have been thinking of for a while but thought the A and E were the other way round. And then of course checking found they were not"
So: MATERIAL and I can now consign the crossword to the recycle bag.
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Another three or four day Cryptic, I think. - Where oh where is the setter whose clues I could complete by Saturday afternoon! Today is one of those where a lateral thinking brain is required to get from clue to answer. I've done quite a few but at least I have an excuse! Yesterday an envelope arrived with 8 sheets of A4 paper with info about Scan on Wednesday, pre-op covid 19 test on 24th and op on 27th, plus dozens of questions about medication details, Far too much to do even wih the CCTV so my son came down to do it for me.
However, a hint would be much appreciated for:
6 down: Character from Athens stealing a dance (7)
Letters: - - M - - - A
I thought it would be an anagram of Athens plus an A, but I'm fairly sure that M is right.
Edit: It's LAMBADA, isn't it, but I can't quite see why.
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Hi Susan,
Another three or four day Cryptic, I think. - Where oh where is the setter whose clues I could complete by Saturday afternoon! Today is one of those where a lateral thinking brain is required to get from clue to answer. I've done quite a few but at least I have an excuse! Yesterday an envelope arrived with 8 sheets of A4 paper with info about Scan on Wednesday, pre-op covid 19 test on 24th and op on 27th, plus dozens of questions about medication details, Far too much to do even wih the CCTV so my son came down to do it for me.
However, a hint would be much appreciated for:
6 down: Character from Athens stealing a dance (7)
Letters: - - M - - - A
I thought it would be an anagram of Athens plus an A, but I'm fairly sure that M is right.
Edit: It's LAMBADA, isn't it, but I can't quite see why.
LAMBDA is the Greek letter, and it’s “stolen” an extra A to give you the dance.
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Hi Susan,
LAMBDA is the Greek letter, and it’s “stolen” an extra A to give you the dance.
thank you. I don't think I knew that - I don't remember hearing that word when listening to the Greek alphabet.
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Since Monday afternoon, I have had one night in Southampton Hospital, an appointment at Bournemouth and a phone call from a Doctor at Lymington!
When the first funny turn came up, I was actually trying to answer the two remaining clues, but having failed to do so, may I please have the answers to:
17 down: Concerns pinning article down (8)
Letters: -E - T - E - S
20 down: WWallop opening oven (7)
Letters: T - N - O - R
Edited: One good thing, - in order to be moved to a ward Monday night I had to have a Covid test which was negative!
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Since Monday afternoon, I have had one night in Southampton Hospital, an appointment at Bournemouth and a phone call from a Doctor at Lymington!
When the first funny turn came up, I was actually trying to answer the two remaining clues, but having failed to do so, may I please have the answers to:
17 down: Concerns pinning article down (8)
Letters: -E - T - E - S
20 down: WWallop opening oven (7)
Letters: T - N - O - R
Edited: One good thing, - in order to be moved to a ward Monday night I had to have a Covid test which was negative!
Sorry to hear about your 'funny turn', glad to know that you were looked after and feeling better.
17 down is Feathers. Fears as a synonym for Concerns, article being the fefinote article the, and wiith the being pinned down by the letters of fears on either side of it in feathers
20 down is Tandoor. Tan is a synonym for wallop, door is the opening, and a Tandoor is an Indian oven
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Sorry to hear about your 'funny turn', glad to know that you were looked after and feeling better.
17 down is Feathers. Fears as a synonym for Concerns, article being the fefinote article the, and wiith the being pinned down by the letters of fears on either side of it in feathers
20 down is Tandoor. Tan is a synonym for wallop, door is the opening, and a Tandoor is an Indian oven
Many thanks. I would not have got those, even without the hospital visits!
I had about seven of these funny turns on Monday afternoon and I think they might have slightly affected small parts of memory. I'm watching and listening to myself to gauge if that is so and if so, how much. In between each one I was perfectly all right. My cleaner and my neighbour were there until the Paramedics came. The cause seems to be remaining something of a mystery!
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I'm afraid I'm looking up answers this weekend - I'm wearing a heart monitor until tomorrow morning. Fortunately, I have done a few of the clues so I'm hoping things will return to normal next weekend. It might have been a series of very minor strokes but I can't quite see that that is so.
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What with one thing and another, last week's crossword was discarded. This week, I wondered whether I'd be able to tackle this one, what with my younger son being in hospital with a heart attack, but as he is being well looked after - attached to a heart monitor and having to stay in bed and not being allowed to move about and sounding as if he is coping with it reasonably well, particularly with all the support he has had, that I've managed a reasonable number of answers so far.
Fortunately, it will give me something to concentrate on for a few days.
4:40 p.m. My son is still stable and I've cheered my self up by nearly finishing ... just 2 x 4-letter answers and one 5,3 one to complete.
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There are just two clues incomplete, for which help would be much appreciated.
6 down: Farewell from man-servant shortof time (4)
Letters: A - L -
7 down: Easy-to-make money Michael's reported (5,3)
Letters: L - A - Y - I -
In 6 down, I've tried putting in letters but can't make a word that fits the clue.
In 7 down, LEAFY and KIT fit but make no sense!
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There are just two clues incomplete, for which help would be much appreciated.
6 down: Farewell from man-servant shortof time (4)
Letters: A - L -
7 down: Easy-to-make money Michael's reported (5,3)
Letters: L - A - Y - I -
In 6 down, I've tried putting in letters but can't make a word that fits the clue.
In 7 down, LEAFY and KIT fit but make no sense!
Don't think the A in 6 Down is correct
And don't think the L in 7 down is correct
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Don't think the A in 6 Down is correct
And don't think the L in 7 down is correct
Thank you very much. I'll try and sort that out ...
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The A and L come from:
5 across: One in form maybe always allowd outside (7)
Letters: L - - - - - T
LET= allowed and so E must be second or sixth letter.
I hoped it was LEAFLET butwould be grateful for a hint, please.
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The A and L come from:
5 across: One in form maybe always allowd outside (7)
Letters: L - - - - - T
LET= allowed and so E must be second or sixth letter.
I hoped it was LEAFLET butwould be grateful for a hint, please.
You are mostly there but tye 4 letters other than Let come from a word associated, not quite a synonym, with always
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You are mostly there but tye 4 letters other than Let come from a word associated, not quite a synonym, with always
Thank you. So that means it is LEVERET and I suppose - and have checked - that form is the word for hare's den.
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6 down: VALE
7 down: READY MIC It has to be MIC because of the clue, but having written it, I vaguely remember it coming up once before and I'd never heard it before.
Thank you.
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6 down: VALE
7 down: READY MIC It has to be MIC because of the clue, but having written it, I vaguely remember it coming up once before and I'd never heard it before.
Thank you.
It's not MIC, MI is right but think of concrete
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It's not MIC, MI is right but think of concrete
Well, I don't often think of concrete!! But since you mention it, it has to be MIX! :)
Thank you.
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Now that my daughter-in-law has phoned to say that my son is awake, I can try and concentrate a bhit on the crossword. May I have a yes/no please for:
1 across: Don't promote record, our era (10)
Is the answer PRESENTDAY?
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Now that my daughter-in-law has phoned to say that my son is awake, I can try and concentrate a bhit on the crossword. May I have a yes/no please for:
1 across: Don't promote record, our era (10)
Is the answer PRESENTDAY?
No
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No
Thank you. It's DISCOURAGE! As soon as I had the D (from synonym of hurry, 1 down) it was fairly easy. Not concentrating as well though, as I keep thinking about my son of course.
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Crossword completed except for one clue. I am sure the letters are right and the only word that seems to make any sense at all is BARDRILL, which is apparently a place name. I assume B to start, a primate being a Bishop as well as a member of the ape family. A yes/no, or a hint would be much appreciated.
12 across: Primate, person taking exercise (8)
Letters: - A - D - I - L
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No.
Forget the bishop bit. It is simpler than that.
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No.
Forget the bishop bit. It is simpler than that.
Many thanks. I replaced BAR with MAN and then googled 'definition mandrill' and I se it's a baboon. I suppose that's another word I must try to remember!
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If I'm at a bit of loose end mid-week, I print off the Tuesday cryptic crossword on a Wednesday, plus the Tuesday answers, and don't mind if I hav a peek at the answers at times! Recently, these Tuesday cryptics appear to have been set by my favourite person and I haven't needed the answers much.
This week, there is one clue for which I got the first word WATER, as I had the W and the T, but would not have guessed the second, BOATMAN. The clue is:
18 across: Strangely Abraham went to no hospital for bug (5,7)
Partly anagram of 'went to no' but I don't see where Abrraham comes in and would be interested to know how the clue works, please if any readers of this thread could exxplain.
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As you note it's an anagram. We get that from the 'strangely'.
It's an anagram of 'Abraham went to' but with the h from Abraham removed because of the 'no' and h being short for 'hospital'. And a water boatman is a type of bug.
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As you note it's an anagram. We get that from the 'strangely'.
It's an anagram of 'Abraham went to' but with the h from Abraham removed because of the 'no' and h being short for 'hospital'. And a water boatman is a type of bug.
Ah, I see ... many thanks.
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This Saturday's setter of the cryptic crossword is the one who, in my opinion!, sits back and thinks, 'Did you notice how very clever and ingenious I am?' Yes, I know that's not fair, but I'm afraid I've had to google several answers and some of the ones I have got right appear to be too remote from the clue. Hmmm. My concentration has been slipping a bit and of coursse I have an excuse for that, with my son having the heart attack and triple by-pass surgery plus a stent in fourth artery, but that isn't really fair on the setter either!
Anyway, here is an example of one of the setter's clues:
9 across is: Sofa, not posh, with more Space to sit? (6)
Letters: L N E
I had thought of 'lounger' and presumably the U is removed, but I haven't the remotest idea why. A brief explanation would be much appreciated.
Edited: I've found the reason - leave out the U for upper class. I suppose I should have realised! *sigh!*
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I think the "u" is missing as a result of "not posh" as in "U or non-u" a term used around English usage. The "U" stands for Upper class.
* I see you've found out why!
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I think the "u" is missing as a result of "not posh" as in "U or non-u" a term used around English usage. The "U" stands for Upper class.
* I see you've found out why!
Thank you for your help and apologies for not seeing this post before I modified mine.
I've ended up with a letter in every square but I think a few are incorrect!
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This week, I cheated on one clue - the answer was PLASTERED
ETA: I intended to delete that, but forgot! Anyway, I think I have reached the stage where I don't mind cheating on one or two answers as I am fairly confident that I can work out most of them. And that, of course, is thanks to the help received here over the past few years.
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This Saturday's is quite hard, but the answer to
1 across: Relative with a universal set of books (4)
is AUNT, but I can't work out why a set of books is NT.
Could anyone helpl me out here, please?
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This Saturday's is quite hard, but the answer to
1 across: Relative with a universal set of books (4)
is AUNT, but I can't work out why a set of books is NT.
Could anyone helpl me out here, please?
New Testament maybe?
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New Testament maybe?
Oh yes, of course! Thank you. I should really have thought of that.
I am not trying to complete this crossword quickly – well, I know I couldn't and I have a lot of empty time this week – but would really like to do so without looking up answers, so may I please ask for answers to the ‘why’ question for the following:
7 down: Expecting to start late exercising power (7)
Letters: R – M – A – T
Answer I think is RAMPART.
Amp > power
Art > the last three letters of ‘start’
But that’s as far as I can get.
20 down: Partly harmful, certainly that’s sore (5)
Letters: I – C – R
INCUR If the letters are right, I don’t know what else it could be … or why of course.
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Oh yes, of course! Thank you. I should really have thought of that.
I am not trying to complete this crossword quickly – well, I know I couldn't and I have a lot of empty time this week – but would really like to do so without looking up answers, so may I please ask for answers to the ‘why’ question for the following:
7 down: Expecting to start late exercising power (7)
Letters: R – M – A – T
Answer I think is RAMPART.
Amp > power
Art > the last three letters of ‘start’
But that’s as far as I can get.
20 down: Partly harmful, certainly that’s sore (5)
Letters: I – C – R
INCUR If the letters are right, I don’t know what else it could be … or why of course.
Don't like the M in 7 down nor the I in 20 down
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Don't like the M in 7 down nor the I in 20 down
Many thanks. I should have said 17, not 7. 19 across I think must be AQUALUNG not AQUARIUM, which is where the M came from. With a G instead, I have R - G - A - T
20 down becomes U - C - R
How about REGNANT and ULCER?
Ulcer makes sense, but can't work out 17 down.
noAQUARIUM and the M in 17 det
aqarium,
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Okay, I think I've got it - (P)REGNANT - thinking of younger granddaughter!
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Many thanks. I should have said 17, not 7. 19 across I think must be AQUALUNG not AQUARIUM, which is where the M came from. With a G instead, I have R - G - A - T
20 down becomes U - C - R
How about REGNANT and ULCER?
Ulcer makes sense, but can't work out 17 down.
noAQUARIUM and the M in 17 det
aqarium,
Regnant = 'exercising power'
Expecting is Pregnant but starting late means the first letter is dropped.
And just to note for Ulcer the clue says partly which means the answer is in the clue as in 'harmfUL CERtainly'
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Regnant = 'exercising power'
Expecting is Pregnant but starting late means the first letter is dropped.
And just to note for Ulcer the clue says partly which means the answer is in the clue as in 'harmfUL CERtainly'
NS
First, many thanks for, and apologies for not noticing your post of 19th September. The one of 25th September I was really slow on and decided not to bother. However, I left it on the desk by the CCTV and, with a few googled answers, finished on 1st October!
This week I did most of it yesterday and have done a few more this morning, but I would appreciate a hint, please, for
23 across: Irritation in summit that's audible (5)
Letters: - i - u -
With only three letters to find, I suppose it should be easy, but I'm afraid I just can't see it - not one that I can see why, anyway. There's MINUS, VIRUS, SINUS
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NS
First, many thanks for, and apologies for not noticing your post of 19th September. The one of 25th September I was really slow on and decided not to bother. However, I left it on the desk by the CCTV and, with a few googled answers, finished on 1st October!
This week I did most of it yesterday and have done a few more this morning, but I would appreciate a hint, please, for
23 across: Irritation in summit that's audible (5)
Letters: - i - u -
With only three letters to find, I suppose it should be easy, but I'm afraid I just can't see it - not one that I can see why, anyway. There's MINUS, VIRUS, SINUS
Think of a synonym for a summit, and then a homophone for that which means being irritated.
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Think of a synonym for a summit, and then a homophone for that which means being irritated.
Many thanks - I had to look up synonyms for irritated ... answer PIQUE. I should have remembered I suppose because that wird does come up quite a bit.
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This Saturday's DT Cryptic crossword I am very much put off by several things, the long clues which, as they are taking me just that bit longer to read nowadays, are also, according to the regular hint-provider on Big Dave's hints, of a 'toughie' standard. It is also by a setter who seems to be a regular now and who is the one who, in my opinion, likes to be seen to be particularly clever. That's probably not fair though!
I did manage a few answers but for example:
1 across: Most heated feeling of dread about boundless grief (8)
Okay, I can see that the letters RIE fron grief are in the word, but actually looking at the first Big Dave hint, I hear that it is something to do with a German word and that didn't help anyway!So I have put it aside and gone back to my reserve one - last Tuesday's cryptic, with a copy of the answers to fall back on!
I''m disappointed because if this is what is going to be set most weeks, I shall no longer enjoy the challenge.
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It is a German word but one used in English, it's a synonym for 'feeling of dread' and goes around RIE
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It is a German word but one used in English, it's a synonym for 'feeling of dread' and goes around RIE
Many thanks, NS. I have retrieved it from the place where I put bits of paper intended for the recycle bag, looked up synonyms of dread and filled in the answer ANGRIEST. Then completed a corner. Still very empty though,, but I'll persevere.
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NS
Thanks to your help, I have now done three-quarters of the crossword. I have, though, googled a couple of answers. and two more googled ones I had already thoughtof but hadn't worked out why. So I am encouraged!
Could I please have a hint for:
25 across: Hang around and fake illness when mum goes (6)
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NS
Thanks to your help, I have now done three-quarters of the crossword. I have, though, googled a couple of answers. and two more googled ones I had already thoughtof but hadn't worked out why. So I am encouraged!
Could I please have a hint for:
25 across: Hang around and fake illness when mum goes (6)
Whole thing is synonym for 'Hang around' that if you add another word for mum then is a synonym for 'Fake illness'
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Whole thing is synonym for 'Hang around' that if you add another word for mum then is a synonym for 'Fake illness'
Thank you, much appreciated. Googled for synonyms and so that's maLINGER.
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Crossword now finished, but definitely a difficult one. I filled in what I thought were the answers for two of the last three clues and half of the third, then checked them via Google. The 'Crossword Genius' page confirmed the answer, REBELLED, but there was ddefinitely a critical tone to his attempted explanation of why!
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Yesterday's cryptic was just exactly right for me, and I finished it by 6:0 p.m. with no need at all for hints or synonyms, so that was very satisfying!
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This week's is more like a toughie again and has too many either you know the answer or you don't, which seems to me more like a need for general knowledge rather than anything cryptic. I've looked up one answer and a couple of synonyms, but although I've done quite a few others, I'm not going to try and complete it if I keep having to google answers.
I would, however, appreciate a hint for:
14 down & 8 down: Strange hauntings moves Trinity College (10,10)
Letters: - O - T - - - - - N and - - - - E - S - - -
I'm assuming it's an anagram of 'haunting moves Trinity' but that many letters is too many to make sense of.
The answer to the last across clue had to be WELL-HEALED but the word 'tailor' was in the clue. Apparently,it has now been changed to 'cobbler'.
6:35 p.m. Got it: NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY
That has helped with a few more clues of course.
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This is one of those crosswords which leave me unsatisfied because, although I have now finished it, quite a few of the answers just don't fit the clues, even though I am fairly sure they are right.
Clue: Resent bard's attitude (7)
Answer: MINDSET
Resent > mind
Attitude > mindset
But where is the bard?!!
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This is one of those crosswords which leave me unsatisfied because, although I have now finished it, quite a few of the answers just don't fit the clues, even though I am fairly sure they are right.
Clue: Resent bard's attitude (7)
Answer: MINDSET
Resent > mind
Attitude > mindset
But where is the bard?!!
Could it be BAND instead of BARD? Then you could have SET as the songs a band plays at a gig. Still not a great clue.
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Could it be BAND instead of BARD? Then you could have SET as the songs a band plays at a gig. Still not a great clue.
Thank you, and yes, I can now see that it is an N not an R. I just hadn't seen it properly, but I'm glad you say it's not a good clue, because I don't think reading the correct word would have helped!
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This week's is going to take me a day or three. I am a little puzzled by two clues.
13 across is: Consequently, cover reliable (5)
Answer: SOLID (I think that has to be right.)
3 down: Threatening, in order to achieve command (10)
Letters: - O - B - D - - - -
The D is from soliD so the answer cannot be BOMBARDIER or BOMBARDING.
What am I missing, please?
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Hi Susan,
This week's is going to take me a day or three. I am a little puzzled by two clues.
13 across is: Consequently, cover reliable (5)
Answer: SOLID (I think that has to be right.)
Consequently = SO
Cover = LID
Reliable = SOLID
3 down: Threatening, in order to achieve command (10)
Letters: - O - B - D - - - -
The D is from soliD so the answer cannot be BOMBARDIER or BOMBARDING.
What am I missing, please?
Achieve = FOR
Command = BIDDING
Threatening = FORBIDDING
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Hi Susan,
Consequently = SO
Cover = LID
Reliable = SOLID
Achieve = FOR
Command = BIDDING
Threatening = FORBIDDING
Thank you - and nice to see you back here!
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It's now 1:30 a.m. and I've been trying to think of the answer to:
17 across: Retreat harder on sons failing to clinch victory (4,2,4,5)
Letters: --A- i- --E- ---s
I remember the clue came up ages ago but I can't remember how it works. So, as I'm awake, I've given up and googled it on something called Crossword Genius' which gives answer - DRAW IN ONES HORNS - and how it is arrived at. I certainy would not have got it. anyway, it gives an idea of the level of difficulty this Saturday's cryptic is.
(The two timers - one a clock and the other a little talking time-teller - which I keep on BST are now right!
ETA: Answer to 17 across has helped with another few answers, some of which appear to have no connection with the clues!
14 across is: For example, 22 kettele has one (7)
Letters: E - E - - - E
May I please have a hint later?
It is now2:20 a.m. so back to bed!
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It's now 1:30 a.m. and I've been trying to think of the answer to:
17 across: Retreat harder on sons failing to clinch victory (4,2,4,5)
Letters: --A- i- --E- ---s
I remember the clue came up ages ago but I can't remember how it works. So, as I'm awake, I've given up and googled it on something called Crossword Genius' which gives answer - DRAW IN ONES HORNS - and how it is arrived at. I certainy would not have got it. anyway, it gives an idea of the level of difficulty this Saturday's cryptic is.
(The two timers - one a clock and the other a little talking time-teller - which I keep on BST are now right!
ETA: Answer to 17 across has helped with another few answers, some of which appear to have no connection with the clues!
14 across is: For example, 22 kettele has one (7)
Letters: E - E - - - E
May I please have a hint later?
It is now2:20 a.m. so back to bed!
I think the last E is wrong.
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I think the last E is wrong.
Thank you. I think it could be T or S but the only answers I can take a guess at are ELEVENS or ELEMENT but I really don't know why!
ETA:: the fifth letter is E too! (6 down is THRICE)
I suppose ELEMENT is more likely, but still can't see why, unless it means that 22 has one element, i.e. a 2. Hmmmmm.
7 down is: Three goddesses maintaining equipment on ships (8)
I thought it was triggers, but I realise it is FRIGATES
Still quite a few to go ...
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Hey again Susan,
Thank you. I think it could be T or S but the only answers I can take a guess at are ELEVENS or ELEMENT but I really don't know why!
ETA:: the fifth letter is E too! (6 down is THRICE)
I suppose ELEMENT is more likely, but still can't see why, unless it means that 22 has one element, i.e. a 2. Hmmmmm.
A kettle has an element (I assume the clue says kettle?), and often a number in a clue refers to another clue. Is there a 22ac or a 22d that might help?
7 down is: Three goddesses maintaining equipment on ships (
I thought it was triggers, but I realise it is FRIGATES
Still quite a few to go ...
Yep – three goddesses = FATES, and equipment = RIG.
Keep going!
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Hey again Susan,
A kettle has an element (I assume the clue says kettle?), and often a number in a clue refers to another clue. Is there a 22ac or a 22d that might help?
Ah, yes, I never think about a number in a clue referring to another one, unless it says so! And yes, the word kettle was there.
22 down is:: Boy in blue or reddish-brown (6)
Fifth letter EYep – three goddesses = FATES, and equipment = RIG.
Keep going!
Thank you. The bottom right-hand corner still looks rather empty!
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Hi Susan,
22 down is:: Boy in blue or reddish-brown (6)
Fifth letter E
This one sent me down some false trails for a bit (trying fit LAD into SAD for example) but actually it’s simpler than that. Think of who, colloquially, are referred to as the boys in blue…
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Hi Susan,
This one sent me down some false trails for a bit (trying fit LAD into SAD for example) but actually it’s simpler than that. Think of who, colloquially, are referred to as the boys in blue…
Thank you. I suppose it's FLYER or AIRMEN, but 'boy' is singular, so FLYER? But why oh why 'reddish-brown'?
26 across is: Butterfly operatin when windy? (6-3)
Letters: O - A - G - / - - -
If the last letter is Y, then I'm hoping FLYER for 22 down. .
In 26 across the only thing that appears to make any sense is ORANGE-FLY but have not looked up a definition.
Unfortunately, I don't think getting those right will help with the remaining to me - difficult clues!
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Thank you. I suppose it's FLYER or AIRMEN, but 'boy' is singular, so FLYER? But why oh why 'reddish-brown'?
26 across is: Butterfly operatin when windy? (6-3)
Letters: O - A - G - / - - -
If the last letter is Y, then I'm hoping FLYER for 22 down. .
In 26 across the only thing that appears to make any sense is ORANGE-FLY but have not looked up a definitin.
Unfortunately, I don't think getting those right will help with the remaining to me - difficult clues!
The boys in blue being police, not the RAF
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Susan,
Thank you. I suppose it's FLYER or AIRMEN, but 'boy' is singular, so FLYER? But why oh why 'reddish-brown'?
No – the boys in blue are the police. And a slang term for a policeman is…?
26 across is: Butterfly operatin when windy? (6-3)
Letters: O - A - G - / - - -
If the last letter is Y, then I'm hoping FLYER for 22 down. .
In 26 across the only thing that appears to make any sense is ORANGE-FLY but have not looked up a definition.
Unfortunately, I don't think getting those right will help with the remaining to me - difficult clues!
Try an anagram of “operating”…
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The boys in blue being police, not the RAF
Thank you. And of course, FLYER wouldn't do anyway, as it's only five letters.
Susan,
No – the boys in blue are the police. And a slang term for a policeman is…?
Thank you. And of course, now I remember from when the clue appeared ages ago, that the answer is COPPER.
I think that makes the answer to 21 across LILAC and with a bit of conccentration I know why?
The clue is: Colour I observed in ring, twirling it around (5)]Try an anagram of “operating”…
Thank you. I'll go and do that now and maybe I can come back later with other answers to complete it.
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That makes it ORANGE-TIP and, too late, my brain says, ah yes, I remember that now. *shakes head sadly*!
And that makes 18 down: relation
Clue: Link Republican with joy (8)
Grid now complete.
Many thanks for all help today. It was definitely harder than usual. A quick glance at some of yesterday's posts on the comments section of Big Dave's Blog shows that the regulars there thought it was hard too and one even said that it might put off those who just tend to look occasionally at the DT Satrday cryptic.
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First look this morning gave the impression of tricky, with 12 and 15 character answers all over the place. However, having got 1 across (A BOWL OF CHERRIES), I have done a lot of top half.
27 across is: Making an arrangement, states animosity must change (15)
Letters: - - - - - - - - I - A - - - -
SYSTEMISATION but if that's right, where do the extra T and A go? Or am I wrong altogether?!
A hint would be much appreciated.
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First look this morning gave the impression of tricky, with 12 and 15 character answers all over the place. However, having got 1 across (A BOWL OF CHERRIES), I have done a lot of top half.
27 across is: Making an arrangement, states animosity must change (15)
Letters: - - - - - - - - I - A - - - -
SYSTEMISATION but if that's right, where do the extra T and A go? Or am I wrong altogether?!
A hint would be much appreciated.
You are on the right track you just have to fit the A and T in.
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You are on the right track you just have to fit the ASnd T in.
Thank you. SYSTEMATISATION?!
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SCompleted except for one, for which may I please have a yes/no?
8 across is: Arrange a band for the audience (5)
Letters: A - I - N
The only word that fits is ALIEN and 'a lien ' I suppose, but why the audience?
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SCompleted except for one, for which may I please have a yes/no?
8 across is: Arrange a band for the audience (5)
Letters: A - I - N
The only word that fits is ALIEN and 'a lien ' I suppose, but why the audience?
There is another word that fits
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There is another word that fits
Thank you. I'll keep going through the alphabet ... ...
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ALIGN - and of course I had thought of the word, but not the why factor. You'd think by now I'd automatically think 'sounds alike' when I see the word 'audience'!!
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this week's should be easier than I am making it at the moment! However, may I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are right in:
7 down: Lacking success, wife out more, presumably? (7)
Letters: W - G(?) - E - S
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this week's should be easier than I am making it at the moment! However, may I please have a yes/no for whether the letters are right in:
7 down: Lacking success, wife out more, presumably? (7)
Letters: W - G(?) - E - S
The letters other than the G are correct.
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The letters other than the G are correct.
Thank you. Top half almost completed but only a little of lower half.
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9 across is: Top bowler (7) and as I realised that is SPINNER, that makes 7 down WANDERS.
I'm afraid I had to google three answers this morning and even then they didn't seem to go with the clues, bbut the crossword was in fact difficult I think and it was too convoluted in places for me. Also you either know that 'orange pottery' is SATSUMA or you don't!! And I certainly didn't. Ah, well ...
16 down was: Vegetable piece split (9) I had a few letters but the answer was MANGETOUT which Synthetic Dave pronounces 'mang et out'! But the web site's explanation that 'piece' could be 'man' i.e. a chess piece was not on my wave length. I'll try and remember it for another time though!
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Completed, but quite tricky to work out why the answers linked to the clues. With possibly looming medical problems, my mind was not fuly on it so I did indulge in a few googled answers!
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Today's cryptic has long clues with long words! I've made a reasonable start but a hint to the following would be much appreciated:
12 across: Not completely comprehend every cry expressing derision (7)
Letters: C - - - - - F(?)
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Hi Susan,
Today's cryptic has long clues with long words! I've made a reasonable start but a hint to the following would be much appreciated:
12 across: Not completely comprehend every cry expressing derision (7)
Letters: C - - - - - F(?)
I’m not liking that F I’m afraid. You need a synonym for “comprehend” with the last letter missing (“Not completely”) and then a word for “every” and you’ll have it.
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Hi Susan,
I’m not liking that F I’m afraid. You need a synonym for “comprehend” with the last letter missing (“Not completely”) and then a word for “every” and you’ll have it.
Thank you. Hmmmm, I'll have to work on that ...
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Having looked up synonyms of comprehend, I think it has to be catch, so that gives CATCALL', I would not have got that so thank you. Definitely not a cryptic I'm going to finish today.
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:(May I please have a hint for:
17 across:: Plucks trimmed, variable, oddly drippy stuff from those bran tubs (5,4)
Letters: L - C - - / - - - S
The only thing that I have this morning just been able, after another look, to think of something that might fit but which has no connection as far as I can see is LUCKY DIPS!! Anychance I might be right?!
ETA Yes it is LUCKY DIPS! Going back I see that it fits the other down clues, but what a heavy, ponderous clue!
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:(May I please have a hint for:
17 across:: Plucks trimmed, variable, oddly drippy stuff from those bran tubs (5,4)
Letters: L - C - - / - - - S
The only thing that I have this morning just been able, after another look, to think of something that might fit but which has no connection as far as I can see is LUCKY DIPS!! Anychance I might be right?!
ETA Yes it is LUCKY DIPS! Going back I see that it fits the other down clues, but what a heavy, ponderous clue!
Agree but it does fit. Just to note for future reference the 'oddly drippy' means take the odd letters from drippy which glves you dip
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Before I put this one in the recycle bin, I would appreciate, please, an explanation of why this clue:
3 down: Seriously stumbling experimentally, not terribly plain (9)
Letters: E – T – E – E - Y
is EXTREMELY? I might be wrong of course, but working through the alphabet, I can't see any other combination of letters that fits.
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Before I put this one in the recycle bin, I would appreciate, please, an explanation of why this clue:
3 down: Seriously stumbling experimentally, not terribly plain (9)
Letters: E – T – E – E - Y
is EXTREMELY? I might be wrong of course, but working through the alphabet, I can't see any other combination of letters that fits.
At a quick glance removing the letters of the word "plain" from the word "experimentally" then gives you the letters for "extremely". The stumbling might be a reference to mixed up letters. Perhaps someone else can explain the clue better than me - but I think your answer is correct.
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At a quick glance removing the letters of the word "plain" from the word "experimentally" then gives you the letters for "extremely". The stumbling might be a reference to mixed up letters. Perhaps someone else can explain the clue better than me - but I think your answer is correct.
Oh, I see. Thank you for the why answer - . I do like to know the whys!!
I have just come back indoors from walking up and down the Close five times - couldn't do any more with an icy north wind, although I was warm inside the layers I had put on!
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Hi Susan,
Before I put this one in the recycle bin, I would appreciate, please, an explanation of why this clue:
3 down: Seriously stumbling experimentally, not terribly plain (9)
Letters: E – T – E – E - Y
is EXTREMELY? I might be wrong of course, but working through the alphabet, I can't see any other combination of letters that fits.
Trent has got it. “Seriously” is the synonym. The “stumbling” means you need an anagram of “experimentally”, but the “not terribly plain” also tells you to omit (“not”) an deconstructed (“terribly”) version of the word “plain”.
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Hi Susan,
Trent has got it. “Seriously” is the synonym. The “stumbling” means you need an anagram of “experimentally”, but the “not terribly plain” also tells you to omit (“not”) an deconstructed (“terribly”) version of the word “plain”.
thank you. One of the other clues was:
Collect short book on very famous plant expert (9)
Answer - HERBALIST but I can't see where the 'collect' comes in, unless it is 'list', but quite a few of the bloggers couldn't work it out either!
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Hi Susan,
thank you. One of the other clues was:
Collect short book on very famous plant expert (9)
Answer - HERBALIST but I can't see where the 'collect' comes in, unless it is 'list', but quite a few of the bloggers couldn't work it out either!
I don’t like this one much, but I guess it’s:
“Collect” = HERD, but it’s “short” so just HER
“book” = B
“very famous” = A-LIST
“plant expert” = HERBALIST
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Hi Susan,
I don’t like this one much, but I guess it’s:
“Collect” = HERD, but it’s “short” so just HER
“book” = B
“very famous” = A-LIST
“plant expert” = HERBALIST
Ah, thank you. Again, that's another thing I'd never have thought of.
I had thought the small applied to book!
The setter is the too-clever-by-half one, but on the other hand I suppose that (a) after quite a few years now of doing the Saturday DT Cryptic, I have a better understanding of how to think, and (b) it uses up more time working on them.
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'By 7:30 this morning, I had completed all but about seven of the clues and now, at 3:30 I have completed this Saturday's cryptic! Which almost certainly means that this must be one of the easiest I have come across!
I suppose I'll have to choose tomorrow's to give me something tricky to think about!
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Hi Susan,
'By 7:30 this morning, I had completed all but about seven of the clues and now, at 3:30 I have completed this Saturday's cryptic! Which almost certainly means that this must be one of the easiest I have come across!
I suppose I'll have to choose tomorrow's to give me something tricky to think about!
Very well done to you. I feel like a proud parent!
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Hi Susan,
Very well done to you. I feel like a proud parent!
:D
Welll, I was awake around 1:0 a.m. so I came downstairs and printed off today's cryptic. I read through the clues but couldn't make head or tail of any of them, except for one simple included word, PASTA. This morning I have gone through them again and , since I was going to print off the answers tomorrow anyway, I googled
1 across: River containing 75 percent of fish, lower (6)
Answer from Danword) apparently is DEBASE. How that has any connection with the clue, I really don't know, but would be interested to understand as usual.
The first thing that google came up with was Lake Tanganyika!!
7:43 a.m.: Got it!
River > DEE
BAS > 75% of BASS
lower > DEBASE
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On Sunday morning, my reader was here, continuing to read the biography of Hans Holbeing the Younger - an excellent book. After a while, I had to ask her to stop as I was feeling a gripping around my chest. We had to call 111. By the time the ParaMedics arrived, I felt quite back to normal. They checked me and found a slightly dodgy something on the ECG. They took me to Southampton for a blood test. (Bournemouth is nearer, but apparently the waiting time there was about 2.5 hours!) I was transferred to the CCU (Coronary Care Unit) where heart problems are taken until the next step is decided. I had an angiogram on Tuesday morning.
Back in 2013 it was discovered that I had one major artery completely blocked but my heart had managed to find ways to bypass this on its own! The other two arteries are blocked. Too much for any stents to be possible and of course any kind of bypass op is out of the question - the risks are too high. In any case, even if it was offered, I would probably say no.
The angiogram expert, a Professor something, was such a very interesting man and quickly had realised that I want simple, straightforward facts, not any softening of them. The best solution to give me a bit longer is new medication. So, as I said to the Professor, I shall now treat every day as a bonus. Well, actually, I've always done that anyway!
I shall carry on doing the DT Saturday cryptic but if I suddenly do not visit here without warning, my son will let you know what's happened.
I think I shall be offered Rehab exercise sessions and will do my best to attend them if they are not too far away, but they liked the fact that I have been walking up and down the Close to keep fit.
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Here's hoping the medication does the trick, Susan: you've had a lot to endure of late, and this thread depends on you being well - so do as you are told!
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Here's hoping the medication does the trick, Susan: you've had a lot to endure of late, and this thread depends on you being well - so do as you are told!
Thank you, Gordon. Yes, I will do as I'm told! My older son is visiting today, so I shall ask him to help me sort out all the medication and make sure I have it all organised efficiently.
On Sunday, because the Saturday one had been easy, I printed off the Sunday one, intending to print off the answers too on Monday. I remembered one clue which was, 'Leave post (3,3) and it took me until Monday to work out that it was probably LOG OUT'. Is that right?
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This weekend's cryptic is difficult. I am concentrating on breathing ( :) ) and taking the right pills at the moment, and, having printed the cryptic on Saturday, the only clue I could answer was RESULT, anagram of Ulster!
Long, complicated clues and I googled the first two and after managing another few answers I googled:
2 down:A lake in alpine country or a distant one (9)
Second letter U
Crossword?Genius says it's AUSTRALIA and explains how to get there. Well, that's too tough for me, so I shall just leave the pages on the CCTV and glance at it sideways every now and again!
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On Sunday morning, my reader was here, continuing to read the biography of Hans Holbeing the Younger - an excellent book. After a while, I had to ask her to stop as I was feeling a gripping around my chest. We had to call 111. By the time the ParaMedics arrived, I felt quite back to normal. They checked me and found a slightly dodgy something on the ECG. They took me to Southampton for a blood test. (Bournemouth is nearer, but apparently the waiting time there was about 2.5 hours!) I was transferred to the CCU (Coronary Care Unit) where heart problems are taken until the next step is decided. I had an angiogram on Tuesday morning.
Back in 2013 it was discovered that I had one major artery completely blocked but my heart had managed to find ways to bypass this on its own! The other two arteries are blocked. Too much for any stents to be possible and of course any kind of bypass op is out of the question - the risks are too high. In any case, even if it was offered, I would probably say no.
The angiogram expert, a Professor something, was such a very interesting man and quickly had realised that I want simple, straightforward facts, not any softening of them. The best solution to give me a bit longer is new medication. So, as I said to the Professor, I shall now treat every day as a bonus. Well, actually, I've always done that anyway!
I shall carry on doing the DT Saturday cryptic but if I suddenly do not visit here without warning, my son will let you know what's happened.
I think I shall be offered Rehab exercise sessions and will do my best to attend them if they are not too far away, but they liked the fact that I have been walking up and down the Close to keep fit.
Susan, sorry to hear you were unwell and you seem to have dealt with it in a very calm, measured way. Glad the Dr's attitude was to your liking. I hope the new medication carries on working well.
If you are in good spirits, then good for you. That's great that you feel positive about rehab exercises. In moments where you may feel less than chipper hope you will post or message. Sending you good wishes. Good luck with the rehab and the crossword!
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Susan, sorry to hear you were unwell and you seem to have dealt with it in a very calm, measured way. Glad the Dr's attitude was to your liking. I hope the new medication carries on working well.
If you are in good spirits, then good for you. That's great that you feel positive about rehab exercises. In moments where you may feel less than chipper hope you will post or message. Sending you good wishes. Good luck with the rehab and the crossword!
I have just responded to your post in 'Prostate Cancer' and thank you for your support. It really does make a difference.
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Just seen this, Susan. May I also add my best wishes and hope that the new medication does its job. May the songs of robins brighten up your winter days. :)
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Just seen this, Susan. May I also add my best wishes and hope that the new medication does its job. May the songs of robins brighten up your winter days. :)
Thank you for saying. I have a great mound of pill boxes to sort out, but my (older) son is visiting tomorrow so we'll get them sorted and stored so that I can find the right one easily. I have a code system of letters or symbols written in thick black felt tip written on them!
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I feel a bit more like concentrating on the crossword this week, although I confess to googling to check two answers which I had thought of but didn't see why they were right.
May I have a hint, please, for:
12 across: Like Don is extravagantly chivalrous (8)
Sixth letter T
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I feel a bit more like concentrating on the crossword this week, although I confess to googling to check two answers which I had thought of but didn't see why they were right.
May I have a hint, please, for:
12 across: Like Don is extravagantly chivalrous (8)
Sixth letter T
I'm thinking windmills
PS your number of letters is showing up as a smiley face - not you fault I just tried putting 8 in brackets and it gave me the same effect! (8)
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I'm thinking windmills
PS your number of letters is showing up as a smiley face - not you fault I just tried putting 8 in brackets and it gave me the same effect! (8)
AAh, yes, thank you very much. I was thinking of the right knightbut not of TILTS though ...I'll have to think a bit more to make it 8 letters. !
Looking up synonyms of chivalrous, I see the only one that fits is ELELVATED and that, like some of the other answers does not seem to be a good enough fit for the clue.
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AAh, yes, thank you very much. I was thinking of the right knightbut not of TILTS though ...I'll have to think a bit more to make it 8 letters. !
Looking up synonyms of chivalrous, I see the only one that fits is ELELVATED and that, like some of the other answers does not seem to be a good enough fit for the clue.
Think a bit more about the character. The word I have in mind isn't an exact synonym (to me, at least) but I think it is close enough.
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Think a bit more about the character. The word I have in mind isn't an exact synonym (to me, at least) but I think it is close enough.
Actually, I had made so many mistakes in the top left-hand corenre, that I could not decipher which letter was which! 'elevated' obviously wasn't right, so I'm afraid I looked up the answer and of course saw immediately that the first three letters werQUI so QUIXOTIC.
I'm off to Eye Casualty soon because there is a slight change in the back of my "good" eye. I think it will be shown to be nothing to worry about but I need to check.
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This morning I read through the posts on the Big Dave's hints page for DT 29862 Cryptic and not a few of them found this very difficult and one or two gave up! It's all very well for the puzzle-winning experts but not for the more amateur! I've googled the four remaining answers.
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I'm afraid I'm running out of steam a bit when it comes to enthusiasm about the DT Saturday cryptic! This past year, the setter called Chaliceer has been much to the fore and the regular everyday cryptic solvers, who also go for record times and prizes, like what she does of course, but I'm sorry that the setter I think who used to do the ones I could more or less manage, Cephas, only rarely appears.
Unfortunately,the amount I can see has lessened a bit so that it takes me longer to read the clues and since I know I'm unlikely to be able to do nearly all of them without help, some of the interest is tailing off.
I am very pleased I started - I think it was three or four years ago - and have been helped enormously by the help given here, and don't intend to stop entirely so I'm not going to close this topic!! Hope that's okay with everyone! :)
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When the chap who writes the hints for the Big Dave's Hints even thinks of the words 'a bit much today' or 'anyhing meaning a bit hard, then what chance is there for the average Saturday cryptic solver who does not try to win a prize or do the DT cryptic every day?!
There has been only one accessible -for me- cryptic recently and today has this clue for instance:
4 down: Upwardly-mobileMensa editor is full of these brainwaves (5)
I think it ends in S and I suppose it will have to contain M and ED, but is it, in fact, quite easy and I'm not seeing it?
ETA, Well, before I turn off the computer, I thought,'Well, I might as wel read the hints. They didnt help much in fact I couldn't really make much of them!, but I found the answer to 4 down IDEAS, but although I'll leave the crossword on the CCTV, I have recently lost the interest I had before, particularly as I thought I'd learnt enough to tackle them. And I'm sorry about that.
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When the chap who writes the hints for the Big Dave's Hints even thinks of the words 'a bit much today' or 'anyhing meaning a bit hard, then what chance is there for the average Saturday cryptic solver who does not try to win a prize or do the DT cryptic every day?!
There has been only one accessible -for me- cryptic recently and today has this clue for instance:
4 down: Upwardly-mobileMensa editor is full of these brainwaves (5)
I think it ends in S and I suppose it will have to contain M and ED, but is it, in fact, quite easy and I'm not seeing it?
ETA, Well, before I turn off the computer, I thought,'Well, I might as wel read the hints. They didnt help much in fact I couldn't really make much of them!, but I found the answer to 4 down IDEAS, but although I'll leave the crossword on the CCTV, I have recently lost the interest I had before, particularly as I thought I'd learnt enough to tackle them. And I'm sorry about that.
"Upwardly-mobile" must mean "try reading backwards" !
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"Upwardly-mobile" must mean "try reading backwards" !
'Thank you - and yes, I did get it, but when the hint-supplier calls it 'a bit of a challenge' I don't think that's fair! :)Anyway one of the other clues is:
25 across: Build up series,, with Spain knocking out Italy next (10)
I can't work out the hint, let alone find the answer!
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'Thank you - and yes, I did get it, but when the hint-supplier calls it 'a bit of a challenge' I don't think that's fair! :)Anyway one of the other clues is:
25 across: Build up series,, with Spain knocking out Italy next (10)
I can't work out the hint, let alone find the answer!
It is ridiculous :)
"String" as a synonym of "series", then change the "i" for an "e" and add "then" at the end.
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It is ridiculous :)
"String" as a synonym of "series", then change the "i" for an "e" and add "then" at the end.
Thank you! In my opinion, the setter, called Chaliceer, likes to show how clever she is ... ... and that's probably totally unfair!, but I do think the Crosswords editor could keep the level of Saturday's cryptics a toughie-type only very occasionally!!
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This week's cryptic is one by the ssetter, Cephas, which means there were enough clues I could do not to have to be put off.
26 across is: Flowery way to describe life of pleasure (8,4)
Letters: - R - - - O - -/ - A - H
Could someone supply the answer, please? And the 'why' of it, if it is a bit obscure?
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This week's cryptic is one by the ssetter, Cephas, which means there were enough clues I could do not to have to be put off.
26 across is: Flowery way to describe life of pleasure (8,4)
Letters: - R - - - O - -/ - A - H
Could someone supply the answer, please? And the 'why' of it, if it is a bit obscure?
It's not obscure in the sense of the clue, just a phrase that isn't used much nowadays. Primrose path - note ot's from Hamlet.
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It's not obscure in the sense of the clue, just a phrase that isn't used much nowadays. Primrose path - note ot's from Hamlet.
Thank you very much. I did wonder if the second word was 'PATH' but had no idea of the first word.
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Couldd you please help with another?
25 across is: Over tense (4)
First letter P
I tried googling this one, but even the Crossword Genius came up with 'ON EDGE' but that is obviously 6 not 4! I've tried thinking of all sorts of words ending in P so that I can turn it 'over', but failed.
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Couldd you please help with another?
25 across is: Over tense (4)
First letter P
I tried googling this one, but even the Crossword Genius came up with 'ON EDGE' but that is obviously 6 not 4! I've tried thinking of all sorts of words ending in P so that I can turn it 'over', but failed.
It's the tense in the verb sense, and over tells you which one.
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It's the tense in the verb sense, and over tells you which one.
Thank you and thank you for givin the reason why. I presume it is PAST and that gives me the S for the final down answer CHEESE!
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This week, I started the DT cryptic with some confidence because I could do quite a lot of the clues, but it turns out to be by the clever setter, some of whose clues are way beyond me, so this morning I have googled quite a few and, no, I wouldn't have got them.
One of the across clues is: Order 51 signs (5)
I could get O and LI for 51 but the answer appears to be OBELI. I googled definition and it offered 'obelisk' butcould someone please tell me what this word means and whether it is a good clue or not?!
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This week, I started the DT cryptic with some confidence because I could do quite a lot of the clues, but it turns out to be by the clever setter, some of whose clues are way beyond me, so this morning I have googled quite a few and, no, I wouldn't have got them.
One of the across clues is: Order 51 signs (5)
I could get O and LI for 51 but the answer appears to be OBELI. I googled definition and it offered 'obelisk' butcould someone please tell me what this word means and whether it is a good clue or not?!
Definition is here
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/obeli
The OBE is the Order of the British Empire.
Not a clue I like.
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Definition is here
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/obeli
The OBE is the Order of the British Empire.
Not a clue I like.
Thank you for your help.
It certainy sounds unfair to leave the word 'order' so undirected.
ETA I expect the ones who treat such a crossword as easy, it is not so rare as it would seem from the definition.
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The DT cryptic yesterday was by the clever setter again, so I knew I would have to be looking up answers, and yes I did have to look up quite a few. However, I found that I had been thinking in the right direction several times, so perhaps I'm understanding her style a bit better.
I have a completed grid but I'll only give myself six out of ten I think!
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I thought I'd print the Monday Prize cryptic and have that to think a bout. I have done quite a bit and hope to see if I can complete it but don't mind if I don't!
2 down is: Clubs in correct order (5)
Letters: E - - - T
I've googled the answer which is EDICT, but I can't work out why. Can anyone help, please? No rush for answer.
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I goggled it because I couldn't see why either. Answer is this:
'clubs in correct' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'correct' becomes 'edit' (edit can mean to correct or emend).
'c' put inside 'edit' is 'EDICT'.
I would never have got that in a month of Sundays!
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I goggled it because I couldn't see why either. Answer is this:
'clubs in correct' is the wordplay.
'clubs' becomes 'c' (abbreviation used in card games such as bridge).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'correct' becomes 'edit' (edit can mean to correct or emend).
'c' put inside 'edit' is 'EDICT'.
I would never have got that in a month of Sundays!
Many thanks - definitely a tortuous route for the setter to take to make a clue!
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Today, for the first time for ages I have completed the Cryptic unaided! I just had to google a couple of synonyms. So it must have been an easy one for those who try to beat their own best times!
Quite satisfying for a change.
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There are far too many toughies amongst the Saturday DT Cryptic crosswords these days - in my opinion anyway!
1 across today is: Brown medicine I swallowed (6)
Second letter: I
Googling for answer comes up with rubbish links! Any help will be much appreciated ... although I don't know whether I will gget anywhere near completion.
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There are far too many toughies amongst the Saturday DT Cryptic crosswords these days - in my opinion anyway!
1 across today is: Brown medicine I swallowed (6)
Second letter: I
Googling for answer comes up with rubbish links! Any help will be much appreciated ... although I don't know whether I will gget anywhere near completion.
Think laxative. The I has been swallowed by it.
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Think laxative. The I has been swallowed by it.
Many thanks - that is SIENNA then.
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The trend now seems to be to more of a toughie on a Saturday and I've lacked the energy to struggle! This weekend I made a fair start so have persevered and googled a few answers. However, I can't find an answer to: 'Lamb's tender (8)'.
Letters: S - E - E - R -
Could someone help, please?
Ah, I see that the second E should be an H so SHEPHERD fits but I still don't get why that should be so.
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A shepherd tends sheep so I suppose that may be it.
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A shepherd tends sheep so I suppose that may be it.
Yes, thank you, I suppose it is. In my opinion, some of the setter's clues are a bit sloppy!!
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Yes, thank you, I suppose it is. In my opinion, some of the setter's clues are a bit sloppy!!
I agree it seems an odd clue. Not clever, just a bit basic, not really anything enjoyable about it.
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After a string of, to me, toughie-like DT cryptics, I have done two this week entirely unaided and feel quite chuffed! They were 30031 and 30035.