Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 27469
Hints and tips by Miffypops
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty *** – Enjoyment ***
I raced through this but came to a crashing halt with three to go and needed Big Dave’s help. Piggies and grandchild for those who are interested.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought. You can also add your assessment by selecting from one to five stars at the bottom of the post.
Across
1a Churchman about to get plate out (7)
{PRELATE} Take our regular two letter word for about and insert it into PLATE
5a See sign is incorrect, for a start (7)
{GENESIS} a straightforward anagram (incorrect) od SEE SIGN
9a Memorial sculpture Lichfield Cathedral contains (5)
{RELIC} The answer is hidden (contains) in the clue. See if you can find it
10a Job‘s place (9)
{SITUATION} Our first double definition of the day and one which should not cause too much trouble
11a Current date girl takes round to party with car (4,6)
{ANNO DOMINI} split 3,1,2,4 we have a girl’s name. We have the only circular letter. We have a party. We have a classic car designed by Alex Issigonis. Altogether they give us the Latin for todays date.
12a Simple plant Father Benedict provides (4)
{HERB} Our second hidden word (provides) once again – go find it.
14a Any more dates in need of rearranging today? (6,6)
{EASTER MONDAY} Anagram (in need of arranging) of ANY MORE DATES will provide the name of today’s bank holiday.
18a Lent period may be an unexpected extension (8,4)
{BORROWED TIME} Time during which death or another inevitable event is postponed.
21a Is he more concerned with chapter than verse? (4)
{DEAN} As in 3d. The head of a chapter in a cathedral
22a Being cut off from the world lose direct involvement (10)
{CLOISTERED} An anagram (involvement) of LOSE DIRECT. A very nice anagram it is too!
25a Describing insects with wings of short span (9)
{EPHEMERAL} – A cryptic definition or possibly a double definition {BD}
26a Cancel right to go in peace (5)
{ERASE} To rub out for instance. Place the R(ight) into a four letter word meaning peace or comfort.
27a Three quarters of hour setting down song about daughter — or the Virgin Mary? (3,4)
{OUR LADY} Take three of the four letters in the word HOUR to provide the first of the two words. For the second word place a three letter noun meaning SONG and place it around the D(aughter)
28a Delay decision for what bishop does with his throne (3,2,2)
{SIT ON IT}. There is a throne here. What would you do with it? What does The Queen do with hers?
Down
1d Dad locks up an outcast (6)
{PARIAH} An affectionate term for one’s Dad followed by what your locks are (as in Goldilocks) but reversed (up)
2d Break a leg in film studio (6)
{EALING} Anagram (Break) of A LEG IN will provide this famous film and television studio.
3d Principal finding company in one churchman or another (10)
{ARCHDEACON} A four letter word meaning Principal or Chief is followed by a senior churchman ( the head of the chapter of a cathedral) containing he abbreviation for company will provide us with an even more senior churchman.
4d Course of salts? (5)
{EPSOM} MGs04 or a horseracing track
5d Find oneself in the groove? Quite the opposite! (3,2,1,3)
{GET IN A RUT } If you were “In the groove” in the sixties you would not be stuck in this. Once in your sixties you will almost certainly be guilty of such. If still unsure the checking letters will provide the key to the answer
6d The original wildlife conservationist? (4)
{NOAH} This Old Testament Patriarch featured in last weeks Monday puzzle at 10ac
7d Objects after tips turned out to be salary payments (8)
{STIPENDS} Place a four letter word for Objects or aims after an anagram (turned out) od TIPS to find a word meaning salary usually applied to the clergy
8d Beach types who are said to exemplify happiness (8)
{SANDBOYS} As happy as a {SANDBOY} plurally
13d Promise loyalty (10)
{COMMITMENT} A nice double definition. I made one of these when I promised my loyalty to Saint Sharon and here she is with grandson Harrison
15d See where they work? (3,6)
{THE CLERGY} An ecclesiastic see in this case and those who are gainfully employed there and probably receiving nice 7ds
16d A strange way to have been God’s ‘fireproof third party’? (8)
{ABEDNEGO} A (from the clue) followed by an anagram (strange way to have) of BEEN GOD will lead you to Shadrach and Meshach’s mate. Daniel Chapters 1 – 3 (Thanks to Big Dave for this one)
17d He’d like to give us all a good talking-to once a week (8)
{PREACHER} The answer is not MINISTER as I first put in which led to all sorts of confusion and a late plea for help from our lord and master Big Dave. But this chappie is a minister
19d Put in orders (6)
{ORDAIN} To confer Holy Orders upon.
20d Notice a gap coming in the church calendar (6)
{ADVENT} Our usual suspect for a notice or advert following a gap or opening will reveal the period leading up to a religious event such as Christmas or Easter
23d Small marine detachments (5)
{ISLES} Pieces of land surrounded by water
24d Novel companion for Nelson (4)
{EMMA} A novel by Jane Austen or Admiral Lord Nelson’s squeeze.
Many thanks to Mr Van Morrison for the musical accompaniment today, and to Big Dave for holding my hand at the end.
The Quick crossword pun: (ease} + {stir} + {tied} = {Eastertide}
A trickier Rufus than usual and he seems to have exceeded even Giovanni’s quota of religious clues in this themed crossword. Thanks to him and Miffypops
Happy Birthday to Her Majesty, Big Dave and the much missed Libellule.
Sue,
Many thanks for the birthday wishes. The day was spent productively, varnishing the shutters
Yes belated birthday greetings from me too Libelulle
Happy Birthday Dave…I have sent you best wishes on FB xx
Needed help with 16d but otherwise not too bad. Tougher than most Mondays for me, but quite enjoyable. Thanks to Setter and to Miffypops for the hints and pictures.
Still having problems with the DT site, who seem to think I’ve cancelled my sub. Don’t suppose they’ll do anything over a Bank Holiday, other than block my access.
Can anyone point me to a suitable link for the Quickie and Cryptic, please?
You are not alone in that. Click on the Contact tab at the top of the page then open the Comment tab and post your request there. Looks like Gazza is monitoring that today and forwarding PDFs.
Somewhat belatedly they’re on their way.
3*/4*. I agree this was tougher than the average Rufus, but nevertheless very enjoyable.
16d was my last one in and favourite when the penny dropped.
Many thanks to Rufus and to MP – great pictures of grandchild and pigs!
PS: A very Happy Birthday to our Queen, and to BD and to Libellule if I am reading CS’s remark correctly.
PPS: MP, you’ve mixed up your principals and your principles for your hint for 3d.
Thank you Rufus, an enjoyable and not too difficult puzzle. For some reason I actually remembered 16d from a long time ago ! Thanks Miffypops for your review and hints and family photos !
Raced through top half but bottom section more of a challenge not helped by misspelling 16 d . After a break to cut the grass , rain due later ,in South Wales , managed to finish .
Agree more difficult than a normal Monday but this is not a normal Monday .
Alot trickier than the usual Rufus and that’s coming from one who often finds them fairly difficult. At least 3* for both.
I’d almost given up on 6 and 16d but another cup of coffee and a wander round the garden allowed for cogitating and suddenly there they were.
I was slow to get the first word of 18a – don’t know why. I was also slow with the 22a anagram – again, don’t know why.
I thought there were some good clues although I do feel a bit overdosed on religious references – wonder how Brian will get on today.
I liked 11 and 28a and 5d. My favourite was 8d.
Going to investigate Mr,Mrs or Miss Rookie later on but off to the garden now until it rains – looking at it now I don’t think I’ll be long.
Happy birthday to all the “Birthday People” and I hope you’re all having a lovely day.
Sorry – no manners – thanks to Rufus and Miffypops.
I was so anxious to know Brian’s reaction that it took huge self-control not to peek before I had finished. Then, there he is, not a ruffled feather anywhere. Beat that!
He does surprise me quite often – I think he does it on purpose!
Finally had to get the hint for 16d but didn’t have too much trouble with the rest. My favourite was 18a. so I would give the puzzle ****/***. Many thanks to the setter and to Miffypops.
I’d put it at a **\****
For once I enjoyed the religious theme. 16d was a blast from the past. Why IS it we remember such weird things from childhood and why did these three chaps feature so heavily in RE? Anyway, I eventually fitted in the name but I had to Google to see the story that explained the clue.
Thanks MP – did w.o. the hints but the pics looked personal, so your comment explains it! That changing mat takes me back……..
A trickier puzzle than usual from Rufus with a very Pascal theme!
Last in was 16d.
Happy Easter to everybody!
Must now get dolled up as my daughter will collect me to go with family to an excellent restaurant for our Easter meal together.
Gosh – fastest ever solve for me (read and write) but nonetheless most enjoyable. */****. No hints needed but highly amused by some of the explanations and photos; many thanks to setter and Miffypops.
Welcome to the blog TattieMagpie – love the handle!
Many thanks. I thought I had lurked silently for long enough!
Less tricky than I thought it was gong to be given all the religious references. Last in was 23d, odd clue I thought.
No real favs today except perhaps 25a.
Thx to all
Good afternoon folks. I struggled in part today not quite tuned in it seems. Very biblical theme and needed some assistance to complete it. 27a and 13d were my favourites. Thank you of course to The Setter and to The Reviewer. Off to cut the grass in beautiful sunshine.
I found this to be every bit as easy as the normal Rufus and the Biblical theme quite suited me on this momentous day, my thanks to Rufus and Miffypops.
Trying to help my 90 year old Mum with this crossword. I haven’t got a clue as I only do general knowledge xwords. She is sailing through it!!! Clues don’t make any sense to me!!!
Welcome to the blog Hilary.
Don’t forget that it’s my birthday today too
Happy Birthday to you too!
Many thanks Merusa
Happy birthday to you too, collywobs – we weren’t ignoring you – we just didn’t know. Now you can have a little flower all to yourself.
Many thanks Kath. Wheres Mary?
Who knows where Mary is – I think she could be almost anywhere! They had a few days away in their camper van, then she ‘popped in’ briefly at the end of last week, I think. At that point she said she couldn’t guarantee to be around if the weather carried on being good. I’m none the wiser . . .
Hello both, I am here, I did this early yesterday and then was invited out for lunch…not sure where the rest of the day went!!
I really disliked this, mainly for the religious theme. Religious cryptic defs added more woe to that. ***/*
I thought it was really nice to have a themed crossword for a change…more of them I say..religious or not
I was dead on wavelength today and had no problems, and even knew how to spell 16d. Must be the benefits of my CofE boarding school, captive audience and all that. Last one in was 18a. Lots of good clues, but I think 28a has to be fave; nice one Rufus. Thanks to Rufus, and many thanks M’pops for review and update on grandson and piggies.
Happy Birthday to Her Majesty, who looks incredibly well, to Big Dave and Libellule. From CS’s comment, it sounds as if he is not coming back, which would be our loss.
Most enjoyable, quite a struggle though, say four*, but we got there.
Would take issue with 18a, the first word of the answer is not a synonym for the word in the clue.
Or am I being thick-headed/
Many thanks Rufus.
Many thanks Miffypops
For 18a you need to read the first two words of the clue as ‘period that has been lent (to you)’.
Thanks – I was reading the second word in the answer as a period.
Cunning, these setters.
No problems with this – perhaps because I attended Sunday school religiously (?) as a boy. Thx to all. It’s a lovely afternoon in East Devon.
I found the top half really easy ,but the bottom half took much longer . I needed the hint for 16d and didn’t help that I was trying to make the anagram of “been gods” . Thanks to Rufus & Miffypops. Lovely photos.
Top half was filled in before we tackled the bottom half in this enjoyable puzzle. I usually like Monday and Tuesday crosswords, and I think it very appropriate to have religious clues on Easter Monday. Many Happy Returns to all those celebrating a birthday today, especially our Queen. Thank you to the setter and to Miffypops.
I’m struggling to see why most people found this heavily-themed puzzle difficult. This would have been a new personal best for me, had it not been for 2D, where I was assuming that the “film” reference meant that the outer letters had to be ET…
So, very enjoyable. My thanks to Rufus, Miffypops and BD. To all those with a birthday, my congratulations/commiserations, as suits your mood
Apparently my comment is awaiting moderation. Why might that be?
As far as I can see it was because the spam checker was “busy” – “Akismet has detected a problem. Some comments have not yet been checked for spam by Akismet. They have been temporarily held for moderation.” It’s now been manually cleared
Thank you, Sir!
Many thanks to Rufus for a most enjoyable puzzle which gave me no problem except for 16d which completely stumped me so merci to BD and to Miffypops. I liked the religious theme but did not follow it through to solve 16d. 6d and 17d were my favourites. ** for difficulty and **** for enjoyment.
Happy birthday to all concerned!
16d was our last one in and delayed us briefly. Agree that it was trickier than most Mondays but appropriate for the day.
Best wishes to all the birthday people.
Thanks Rufus and Miffypops.
As usual I struggled but the clues were teasing so enjoyed it too. Still needed help from thesaurus and bd and not finished!!
This one seems to have been found difficult by some and easy by others. I fall into the latter category, and would score it at 2*/3*. 16d held me up for a bit, then the answer came to me in a flash of inspiration. Favourite clue was between 16d and 2d (but only because l have a soft spot for those glorious black and white comedies). My thanks to Rufus and to Miffypops, and my loyal birthday greetings to HM The Queen.
I found it easy. Finished by breakfast time which I don’t usually manage. Very much enjoyed all the ecclesiastical references. 16d was last for me too. This is so late because I didn’t need your help today, and just thought I’d have a look to see what the general opinion was. 1* for me for difficulty but 4* for enjoyment
Thanks to Rufus and to Miffypops for the review and hints. Managed it ok until 21a & 16&17d. I know it’s Easter Monday, but too many religious clues for me. Favourite was 14a. Was 3*/3* for me.
I don’t mind a religiously themed puzzle if all the answers follow the theme, but this one didn’t and had me looking for biblical answers that weren’t there. Otherwise, quite straightforward except for 16d, for which I have to thank BD. Thanks to to MP for the revue and the Rufus for annoying me just a little bit – he is forgiven because of 8d and 25 a, which were marvellous and nothing to do with god
As a kid I always thought 16d was Abendigo!
Me too ! – I even tried to fit it in.
That is the one answer I got stuck on and had to google it!
Not a fan of themed puzzles and not a fan of religious clues, even if I have no problem with them, as was the case here. So a double whammy for me on the enjoyment level. Straightforward, except for reading 12A as 4, 8 instead of 8, 4 and then happily putting overtime in as the second word with no clue as to the first one. Thanks anyway to the setter and of course to Miffypops for the review. .
Happy Birthday to all!
First non-toughie in ages that I had to resort to hints in order to complete it. Feel quite deflated. 4*/2*
Thanks for the challenge setter and MP for the helpful hints.
Enjoyed this one and meant to comment but was invited out to lunch before the blog came up… I enjoy themed puzzles mostly and this was no exception…thank you Rufus and thanks to MP for the blog
Who cares about the puzzle? What an adorable baby ! (And wife and daughter .)
Thanks Miffypops for your hints. Thanks Rufus.
Hippo birdie Dave!
What a wonderful post. Thank you.