Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26798 (Hints)
Big Dave’s Crossword Club
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As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, have been selected and hints provided for them.
Don’t forget that you can give your assessment of the puzzle. Five stars if you thought it was great, one if you hated it, four, three or two if it was somewhere in between.
Could new readers please read the Welcome post before asking questions about the site.
Most of the terms used in these hints are explained in the Glossary and examples are available by clicking on the entry under “See also”.
A full review of this puzzle will be published after the closing date for submissions.
Across
1a Going down in the main (6)
My original thought was diving, but it is actually a faintly cryptic definition of what the tide does when it is going back
9a Healer administering drops? (4,6)
A cryptic definition of person in tribal societies who professes to bring precipitation, usually after a prolonged dry spell
14a Attack upland fell (6,4)
A charade of an aircraft attack and an upland like those in the South East of England fives a verb meaning to fell or slay
18a A sandwich from this joint is a blow (7)
When this joint in the hand is followed by sandwich it means a blow with the fist
22a Short hair below one’s nose (4)
Be careful of the spelling of this abbreviated form of the unshaved hair on a man’s upper lip – if you’ve put a “C” in there then it’s wrong!
26a Late transport (6)
Another faintly cryptic definition – this time of a vehicle used in funerals
Down
2d The bolivar exchanged for a biscuit (4,6)
An anagram (exchanged) of THE BOLIVAR gives a plain biscuit invented by an 18th century physician
5d Having a clear ringing sound — that’s elementary (7)
This adjective meaning having a clear ringing sound also means like a metallic element
13d Human Resources in firm will need set amount processed (10)
Put the abbreviation of Human Resources inside an adjective meaning firm and add a verb meaning to set to get the amount of material or items passing through a process, especially in manufacturing or computing
19d Opening device has message of fundamental importance (7)
A charade of a three-letter device used to open a lock and a short message gives an adjective meaning of fundamental importance, as in a speech designed to state the main concerns of a conference
24d Star given ovation in crossover part (4)
This star that suddenly increases in brightness is hidden (in crossover part) inside the clue
The Crossword Club opens at 10:00am. Feel free to leave comments.
Please don’t put whole or partial answers or alternative clues in your comment, else they may be censored!
The Quick crossword pun: {high} + {Dane} + {Sikh} = {hide and seek}
Thanks BD and setter..
Nice, steady dog-trot, clever and elegant in parts.
Never quite understand the DT’s ratings.
They rate this a 5* I would suggest a 2/3*
Welcome to the blog Hrothgar
I think their difficulty rating is based on average solving time, so will probably go down when those who have completed the puzzle in the paper have entered the answers online. I suspect a lot of people open the puzzle online and then print it out and the clock starts running as soon as they do that (although no longer if you print without opening the puzzle!).
Thanks, BD, and for a truly great site.
Brilliant site, isn’t it?
could not agree more.
It certainly is, Stanley.
My wife still thinks it’s the name of a porn site, though…
Haha Steve – I often tell my husband I’m going to bed with big Dave…
Well that wasn’t the usual Saturday stroll though the park. Needed the BRB on more than one occaison. Still not sure about 23a. Thanks to setter and to BD.
23a Relating to business in government (10)
The definition is “relating to” and it’s a charade of a business, IN and G(overnment)
Many thanks – now to tackle the NTSPP before the rugby fest starts…
Not crossword related but I was just looking at special offer beers in Sainsburys and had to buy Adnams ‘Spindrift’ Apparently you are ‘full of flavour’ with a touch of wheat ‘to make it sparkle’! Apparently you are bright blonde English , dry, crisp, with aromas of tropical fruits, and evoke images of sea spray blown off a cresting wave. I would be interested to hear Mrs Spindrift’s comments on that description
I’ll order some in my next consignment. It’s Jennings Snecklifter today with the rugby
You’ll be lucky to remember the second half…
I’ll record it just to be sure
Mrs S would probably describe me as thick and dark from a Romany background, wet and soggy with an aroma of socks and that I would evoke images of a wet Wednesday in Cleethorpes.
I think I will stick to the beer
. Mr CS and I are going to have one with lunch. I will report back.
We recommend the ‘Spindrift’ – must go and buy some more while it’s on special offer. Definitely beery and a touch of fruit but we didn’t notice any sea spray or crested waves!
A lady whom I love dearly, and who also happens to be my wife’s oldest friend, took great pleasure in giving me a red wine by the name of “old Git”.
And no, you may not hear my wife’s comments
Good crossword today- thanks BD & setter.
I might appear a bit dim but some bloggers talk of using the BRB: what is that?
Hi Peter, the BRB is the “big red book”, a description of the chambers dictionary.
2d leapt out at me and after that it fell into place quite quickly.
And yes I did get caught by c/* in 22a.
Sitting on the boat, so why did 1a cause a problem?
Enjoyed it thanks for hints and tips.
I think the DT must have been giving out too many prizes so decided to put out a much tougher one than normal. Still stuck on 11a and consequently 8d. Also have answers to 4d but cannot see what is has to do with table and 17a which ought to be ****coat but obviously isn’t. Some clever clues but not my favourite puzzle.
Thx for the hints.
11a Redcoat
A cryptic definition of a red coating caused by oxidation
4d Leaves on the table (5,5)
The kind of leaves put on the table in a bowl to eat with a cold meal
Many thanks, I did in fact see the 11a but I always thought of this product as brown rather than red but had the wrong answer for 4d (sward instead of the correct word) but that now mucks up 17a, damn!
Sorry for putting in the word in clear, oops.
Just seen 17a, so obvious when you get it but then arn’t almost all crosswords :–)
By the way, the expert in 8d is not an ace or a dab – more someone who is paid to be good at his chosen career
Agree with Spindrift. Also put diving in which slowed me down somewhat and again am somewhat unsure of why 23a is the answer I have. 5d I thought had 2 possible answers until I re-read the clue! Old age creeping up – ok I know racing up. Fave clues were 2d and 18a. Thanks to BD and setter.
See comment #2 for 23 across
23a – a business is the first part then IN Government – hope that doesn’t break the ‘partial words rule’ – if it does forgive a newby!
It’s ok to use words that are in the clue.
Enjoyable, thanks for the hints BD needed a couple, do we know the setter? Thanks anyway
It’s the turn of Cephas, so presumably it is he
If I hadn’t looked at Big Dave’s hint for 1a, I think that I’d have been going round in ever-decreasing circles because I was tempted to put in ‘diving’ too. Thank you, Dave. After that, I made very good progress and, whilst there weren’t any ‘Eureka!’ moments, it was still an enjoyable puzzle. Now that’s out of the way, I can concentrate on the weekend sport and the omens are good for teams who play in red… Mary will no doubt agree in due course!
I rather think Welsh teams will get stuffed at Fortress Twickenham and at Wembley.
My heart would agree with you but my head is saying something else. I hope it’s proved wrong.
Your head is definitely right spindrift. Here we goe, Jennings Snecklifter at my side
Phrew at half time
I’m going to go and sit in the garden shed
Well boys it look as though we got the right result! now for the soccer, come on Liverpool
Hopefully at Wembley Dave not sure about Twickenham though, just popped in to say hello, not got time yet today to do the crossword busy doing my bit pressure washing the back whilst the glorious sunshine lasts, maybe back later if got time
well done all on a quick look through it doesn’t look too easy to me, back to the pressure washer 
I enjoy it really especially in this weather
And it came to pass…
First trawl through only got 4 clues, thought OMG! Then 4d and 14a got me going nicely. Very enjoyable Xword. Thanx to setter, didn’t need your hints BD but always read them, so thanx also.
I didn’t think I could solve a crossword that my previous personal best but apparently I can! 1* difficulty for me 2* entertainment. Thanks presumably to Cephas and to BD too.
Lovely sunny day today in E Kent with the first primroses out in the woods.
Yet again the crossword is displaced from the back page, but it is Saturday. How many BD followers remember a greater calumny committed on a Monday morning in the late 1980s?
The Telegraph had employed a new designer and one of his earliest actions was to remove the ‘High & Dry’ gin “ears” from the top of the front page, for aesthetical reasons at a cost then of some £250k pa. The Telegraph was a customer of mine in those days and I was a frequent visitor to South Quay and I was due there for 9am on the particular Monday that the crossword was laid out across the width of the back page, the height of the grid, albeit at the bottom of the page. (For the benefit of non-commuters this makes it pretty much impossible to do the puzzle on the train or tube.)
Unusually, the receptionists were all on the telephone when I arrived dealing with the overflow from the switchboard; as my pass was silently handed over I asked if they had had many calls regarding the crossword layout that morning. The lady put her hand over the telephone mouthpiece and said that she had been on sinced 7am and the calls had been both incessant and incensed. The calls were still arriving when I left after noon, and the experiment was not repeated.
Thanks to setter and BD for review.
I have given up harrumphing about the crossword being in the wrong place. I just work my way from the front of the paper until I get to the crossword. The advertisers (whoever they are) are wasting their money because I should imagine no-one whatsoever looks at the advert at all.
6d is clever. Is it an all in one clue?
No – the river is not defined by the whole clue. It may look as if “German” is doing double duty, but the definition is just “river”.
Tks BD
Struggled and struggled before visitiing here. I think the expression is OMG. I DID put in diving. All sorted now. Thank you. As ever I am in your debt. Fondest regards to all
It’s rather difficult to get the biscuit if you put diving in!
I thought this was going to be really easy as I got the answers to several of the first across clues as soon as I read them, but then slowed down quite badly and the rest has taken a while. “Diving” for 1a fortunately didn’t occur to me. 11a was my last one – lots of it around here as I am REALLY naughty about putting garden tools away – drives husband MAD!! I didn’t understand the last three letters of 13d which wasn’t surprising as I had “…….out” but worked that one out. I did have 22a spelt with a “C” – don’t see how we are supposed to know which one it is, not that it matters very much. I enjoyed this puzzle very much – best clues for me today include 18, 20 and 25a and 7, 16 and 23d. With thanks to Cephas and BD.
Going to have a go at the NTSPP later if time but beautiful day, husband’s birthday and daughters here for w/e so might have to wait until tomorrow. Have a good weekend everyone.
The other spelling is not in Chambers in the context given in the clue – it has a different meaning, but is still a diminutive.
Thanks – had quick look in Chambers and got in a tangle with the same word with an “E” at the end etc etc – that’ll teach me to read it properly!
Kath – the NTSPP is well worth it – just finished it and enjoyed it more than this one.
Just finished it in time for a quick bacon butty, then some tennis – and the sun came out. Does it get any better? And the crossword was pretty good too. Thanks BD & Cephas?
I cannot say that I liked this one today. It must be just me, as others seem to have enjoyed it.
Thanks to setter, and to BD.
I’m with you, Jezza.
Me too Jezza – try the NTSPP – it is a good one
And me! Did eventually struggle to a finish, but not without lots of electronic help and certainly needed BD to explain a lot of the answers.
6d comes up quite regularly as does 2d. 26a has featured before as has 8d. 1a is a regular. Overall rather tame crossword although I did learn a new thing with 2d. Done whilst watching my son place football – a 4 -3 win and a great game. East Herts is sunny but very chilly.
You’re heading for the naughty corner with one of the words at the beginning of one of your sentences!!
Thank you for that one! Really struggling today so scanning for as much help as possible!
Looks as if it’ll be me in the naughty corner for pointing it out!!
Unintentional! Not even a yellow card, ref!
Not on the right wavelength today and, like Jezza, didn’t really like this puzzle
Perhaps I spoiled my appetite by doing the Paul offering in the Grauniad first!
Oh well, off to try the NTSPP and then the rugby beckons
Thanks to the setter and BD.
I’ve had a very quick look at the NTSPP – I think it’s very difficult but could easily be just me – only done about seven clues and I don’t understand two of them.
Might have another go but will probably have to wait for review.
Keep at it Kath – I worked in corners and “clicked” once I got a word in each corner.
Thanks for the encouragement – off for sunny dog walk now but will try again later – I think it’s tricky and probably a bit beyond me.
Is this a record for the least number of words used in a set of Across clues?
I hadn’t noticed, but now that you’ve mentioned it …..
1a was the catalyst, though it took ages to get there even with BD’s help. Maybe starting work at 5 am didn’t help!
Hopefully I can stay awake for the rugby.
Thanks to BD for the nudge in the right direction.
Oh Dear, I’m glad I’m not Italian
Found this pretty straightforward to-day but needed 13d explained to me. Thanks BD &Cephas
Quickly solved puzzle this Saturday.
Faves : 9a, 14a, 23a, 4d, 13d &15d.
26a is an old chestnut.
Fair number of anagrams!
Can anybody help with 23d. It’s probably very obvious
Well, if I’ve got it right – think of horses – there is I think a saying that “they go at a fair old ****” and I believe you use the same word when *** **** **** * “*******” ** **** **** **** ****!!
Now that’s a red card for you Addicted!
thanks Addicted
I’m not sure about the second part of that comment!
Thought I’d been very careful – but there you go!! Sorry, sorry……….
I was probably a bit harsh. No need to apologise.
Well done Wales (Triple Crown winners) – never in doubt
. I have to say that England played as well as I’ve seen them for many years.
They certainly did – surprisingly
It should have been a draw as that England try should never have been disallowed. But there again England did do their usual trick of throwing it away in the last 10 minutes.
Gari – please explain how you can exert downwards pressure when your hand is under the ball?
Gazza, How do you spell “patronising”?
Brilliant result Gazza
More impoRtantly West Brom 4 Sunderland 0, Gazza.
Who are West Brom? Finished puzzle. Very entertaining and enjoyable. Thanks for hints BD and Addicted (if you are off the naughty step) A very satisfying day of rugby
West Bromich Albion collywobs and yes a Very satisfying day of rugby, now lets hope it’s a very satisfying day of soccer – come on Liverpool!!
also a good day for Welsh boxing
I got at least a third of this done before I looked at this site and all the comments, so thanks to all so far who have commented and to Big Dave as ever for his hints.
However, the final clue (5 down eludes me). I am on the stupid step with some date and apple cake
Finally got it after a break for dinner, feeling quite at home on the stupid step:-)
Hi Dawn
5d isn’t my favourite clue in a puzzle I didn’t really like very much. Stupid step not required but the cake sounds nice
It’s a word for a pleasant ringing sound and it also sounds as though it has something to do with a metallic element that you might have jewellery made from – OK – off to naughty corner now!
Hi Pommers
You have confirmed my thoughts, I don’t think Crypticsue has anything to worry about on the cake front, I understand that it is usually lemon drizzle cake in the naughty corner, hope you get some there!
Enjoyed this one, thanks to the setter & Big Dave for the hints. Had to use a few. Could I have some help with 11a please?
See BD’s hint at 4 above
Thanks Sue, got it now.
17a, had to go through every item of clothing before I got it, and what does 4d have to do with table?? All done thanks to hints on 9 and 18
Welcome to the blog Shahriar
Please see comment #4 for the explanation of 4d
Hello Big Dave, we are new to accessing your site and we thank you for all your help. However, we are having difficulty with 15d , supposing that 14a gives us a * to start 15d ?????
Welcome to the blog Wookskiwoo.
For 15d you are looking for the name of a judicial court. Take a description of some playing cards followed by a kind of seat for the answer.
Thank you very much Prolixic, we are learning slowly about the hidden depths of Cryptic crosswords. Sorry for putting in our suggestion for starting letter oops.
Hi wooskiwoo
It’s only on Sat and Sun that the rules are bit stricter as they are prize puzzles. Don’t worry too much about it, a lot of us spend time in the ‘naughty corner’