DT 28825 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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DT 28825

by Kath  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 28825

Hints and tips by Kath

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating — Difficulty **/*** — Enjoyment ****

Hello everyone. This is a Ray T crossword. I thought it was probably of less than average difficulty for one of his – it was certainly less tricky than his last one which was a beast – and was as enjoyable as ever. I do find it hard to judge difficulty and enjoyment when I know I’m doing the hints so please leave a comment telling us what you thought, and possibly putting me straight!

In the hints the definitions are underlined and the answers are hidden under ANSWER so only do that if you want to see one.

Across

1a        Six-footer‘s since ruined front of trousers (6)
INSECT — An anagram (ruined) of SINCE is followed by the first letter (front) of T[rousers]

4a        Gauche Tory leader pretends to welcome the French (8)
TACTLESS — The first letter (leader) of T[ory] and then a synonym of pretends or puts on a show which contains (to welcome) the plural of the French word for ‘the’

9a        Initially, person always taking regular old nook? (6)
PATRON — The first letters (initially) of the rest of the words in the clue

10a      Bishop accepting first female objective becoming minister (8)
REVEREND — The two letter abbreviation of a bishop’s title contains (accepting) the first female – the one in the Garden of Eden – and is followed by an objective or aim

11a      Clear container maintained by record temperature (8)
DISTINCT — A record such as an LP or a CD contains a container or can and is followed by the abbreviation for T[ime]

13a      Pans left corroded on board (6)
 SLATES — Not the kind of pans used for cooking but a verb meaning criticises – the abbreviation for L[eft] and a synonym of corroded or wore away are contained in the usual two letters for a steamship (on board)

15a      Prison rebel is turning reckless … (13)
 IRRESPONSIBLE — An anagram (turning) of PRISON REBEL IS

18a      … adapting pine bed’s nails to make key (13)
 INDISPENSABLE — An anagram (adapting) of PINE BED’S NAILS

22a      Force of speech for the audience (6)
TORQUE — A homophone (for the audience) of a speech or address

24a      Sporty cyclist’s end in ethical upset (8)
ATHLETIC — An anagram (upset) of ETHICAL contains (in) the last letter (end) of cyclist

26a      Bond part involves hell, occasionally (8)
RELATION — A part or a share contains (involves) the second and fourth letters (occasionally) of hell

27a      Heartless sucker embracing former wife? That’s more sensual (6)
SEXIER — The first and last letters (heartless) of S[ucke]R contain (embracing) our usual former wife or partner and the two letter abbreviation for the Latin for ‘that is’ (That’s) – the last bit took me ages to see so for quite a long time I seemed to have a couple of spare letters floating around.

28a      Sailor’s plan to circle opening of the deep (8)
ABSTRUSE — One of the many two letter abbreviations for a sailor, with his ‘S, is followed by a plan or a deception which contains (to circle) the first letter (opening of) T[he]

29a      Breed’s first bird dog (6)
BEAGLE — The first letter (first) of B[reed] is followed by a large bird of prey

 

Down

1d        This compiler’s exercise does, oddly, hinder (6)
IMPEDE — How the compiler would say he is and the two letter abbreviation for P[hysical] E[xercise] are followed by the first and third letters (oddly) of ‘does’

2d        Settled, one’s nourished keeping middle of insides full (9)
SATISFIED — Settled or took a seat, the letter that looks like a number one with the ‘S, and finally a synonym for nourished or gave food to which contains the central letter (middle) of insides

3d        Archbishop’s cross about more ruddy … (7)
CROSIER — The one letter abbreviation for the Latin word for about is followed by a synonym of more ruddy or highly coloured

5d        … bishops perhaps after a final word (4)
AMEN — These bishops are different to the one in 10a – pawns would work just as well as they are the bits that get moved around in a game played on a chequered board – they follow (after) the A from the clue

6d        What’s used to hold bloomers up? (7)
TRELLIS — A spot of lateral thinking is needed here – these ‘bloomers’ aren’t voluminous pants and neither are they long crusty loaves of bread . . .

7d        Take part in eleven, team fixture (5)
EVENT — Our one and only lurker or hidden answer which is indicated by ‘take part’ – it’s hiding in the fourth and fifth word of the clue

8d        Avoid son, despite changes (8)
SIDESTEP — The abbreviation for son is followed by an anagram (changes) of DESPITE

12d      Bite, eating for instance, nut (6)
CASHEW — Bite or gnaw contains (eating) a little tiny word meaning for instance or for example

14d      Fancy outfit revealing bodice (6)
CORSET — An expression of surprise is followed by an outfit or group

16d      ‘Living‘ undergarment clothing sweetheart’s body (9)
BREATHING — A piece of underwear worn by women contains the central letter, or the heart, of swEet and is followed by a synonym for a body or an object  

17d      Climber is wariest scrambling round island (8)
WISTARIA — An anagram (scrambling) of WARIEST contains (round) the abbreviation for island

19d      Hesitate then speak following good person (7)
STUTTER — Our usual ‘good person’ followed by a synonym for speak or express

20d      Contradict victory over European judge (7)
BELIEVE — A synonym for contradict or refute is followed by the abbreviations for V[ictory] and E[uropean]

21d      It’s rare to see Conservative in panic (6)
SCARCE — Panic or fright contains (in) the abbreviation for C[onservative[

23d      Regrets holding Liberal principles (5)
RULES — Regrets or is sorry about contains (holding) L(iberal)

25d      Slumber party on boat? (4)
DOSS — Our usual crosswordland party or social gathering is followed by (on) the abbreviation for S[team] S[hip]

I particularly liked 29a and 6 and 21d. I think my favourite was 4a.

The Quickie Pun:- DOORS + CHEFS + KEY = DOSTOYEVSKY  Well, that’s unless anyone else has a better idea!

63 comments on “DT 28825”

  1. Sorry this is a bit late – it was all done in plenty of time, I pressed the thingy to publish it and the whole ****** lot disappeared into the ether never to be seen again – must have done something really dim! :sad:

    1. Hey Kath – once you’ve done all that work in future you might want to copy it all to the clipboard before you post it, and then if the posting goes awry, you’ve got it there to paste back on your next attempt.

      1. Hmmm – then all I have to do is find it. I think you don’t quite realise just what a technotwit I am! :sad: again.

        1. Kath, the easy way, presuming you are doing it on a PC, is to highlight it all, then press CTL C to copy it to the clipboard, and later, if you want to retrieve it, place the cursor where you want it to go and press CTL V. Rehearse it before you have to do it for real. Hope this helps.

  2. 2* / 4*. I thought this was very enjoyable albeit at the easier end of Ray T’s range. At one point I was suspecting a pangram but that failed to materialise. HM was also conspicuous by her absence today but we were treated to a plethora of bishops.

    20d was my last one in and 6d raised a smile. 4a was my favourite.

    Many thanks to Ray T and to Kath.

  3. Smooth run in the East and then much enjoyed the challenge in the West but no particular Fav. The Quickie pun doesn’t really ring true as correct pronunciation of name isn’t anywhere near that. Thank you RayT and Kath particularly for poor you having had to do the whole ******* thing a second time.

  4. When a I failed to see Her Maj I seriously questioned whether this was actually a Ray T as, for once, I solved it without any real hold-ups. But his other trademarks have obviously convinced us all that it was one of his, and very enjoyable it was too. Like RD I really liked 4a.

    Thanks Ray and Kath.

  5. I was enjoying this until I got to the umteenth anagram .
    I liked 22a
    Thanks to Kath and Ray T.

  6. Once the 2 long anagrams were solved the rest were obtained steadily without too much difficulty .
    No big laughs , some old chestnuts and no favourite today .
    Thanks to everyone .

  7. This was excellent – great clues, a decent challenge and very enjoyable. Favourite, purely for the humour, 6d. 3* / 4*

  8. I always struggle on Thursdays but I almost finished this one.
    Could some kind member explain why ‘relation’ = ‘bond’ and why “believe” = ‘judge’?
    Brian

    1. I wasn’t very happy about ‘relation’ = ‘bond’ either but the BRB says, under bond, “something that binds; a link, connection, union” etc etc – so I suppose it’s OK although, having looked up ‘relation’, it doesn’t mention bond. It is in the thesaurus. Oh well, who knows?
      I think ‘believe’ = ‘judge’ is OK. You could say, “I believe something or other” and mean “I judge it to be . . . ”
      I’m sure someone else will have something to say about it!

  9. I too was a little confused about the judge/believe, but couldn’t see anything else.

    I had this completed except for the pairing of 11a and 12d and had to come here for help. It was at this juncture that I found I had mis-written 3d. DOH!

    I think the biggest penny drop moment was 28a, so that is my COTD.

    Many thanks to Ray T and Kath.

  10. At last a crossword I could finish. I have been having a difficult 2 weeks in Crossword land, but an enjoyable solve, thank yo Ray zT and to Kath for her
    Frustrating morning .

  11. Managed nearly all the clues until 26a, still not sure about it. Enjoyed 28a and 22a. 10a makes sense now. Thanks Ray T and Kath.

  12. Grrr I forgot to go incognito.
    This must have been an easier Ray-T as I had no problems.
    I am ashamed to say my initial thought at the anagram at 1a as ‘incest.
    Many thanks both.

      1. If you try to comment on a tablet, most security apps won’t let you comment as they consider the blog to be a ‘dangerous’ site. The only way to successfully comment is via an incognito tab like I am now or else the comment vanishes into the ether :(

        2. Aha – clear as mud. I didn’t know that you can now comment on a sugary confection – how the world has moved on since I got off the Merry – Go – Round. :smile:

  13. Easy end of the Ray T spectrum. I wasn’t happy with bond either; bond=relationship (noun) or relate (verb), can’t see just relation, but the setters are seldom wrong. A few too many anagrams for my taste. A pleasant solve nonetheless.

  14. Seems to be a day for computer malaise, mine refused to send e-mails which just disappeared into the ether and odd boxes kept coming up on the screen-called for the IT man who sorted it.
    Loved the Quickie pun-I had the same solution as Kath so must be right, remember Gromit in jail reading crime and punishment by Fido Dogstoyevsky!.
    Anyway I digress and a **/**** puzzle for me , I too like Kath had problems with ‘that’ in 27a-thanks.
    No real favourites today.

  15. Afternoon all – sorry you had a frustrating morning Kath. Grrrrrrrr indeed.
    Agree that’s it on the easy side for a Ray T but pommers says it deffo is.
    Like a few others not keen on bond = relation. But with a bit of thesauritis the link will be there somewhere.
    I wasn’t too keen on thing = body either.
    But 2*/4* – funniest clue deffo 6d.
    Thanks Kath and Mr T for the crossword.

    1. Yes – very Grrrrr!
      The main problem is that I don’t know what I did wrong which means that I could easily do the same thing again – think it happened once before and didn’t know what I’d done then either – I’m really not fit to be let loose!

  16. A fairly gentle offering today, but enjoyable nevertheless.

    Thanks to RayT, and to Kath for the write-up.
    17d solution and picture needs a vowel change.

  17. Finishing a Ray T is a rarity for me, so that was satisfying.

    I needed the dictionary however, for the Archbishop’s Cross (new word for me), and for Gauche – for some bizarre reason I was thinking of louche! (froggy roots, I presume). Also the hints to understand why 16d is what it is.

    So, thanks to both setter and Kath.

    My favourite was 28a, and last one in, the homophone (22a).

    2 / 4

  18. Not the most difficult of puzzles from Mr Terrell, nevertheless – good fun. Quite a few ‘trademark’ clues and the usual stretched (albiet correct) synonyms just to get you scratching your head. Not quite convinced by the homophone @ 22a but I suppose they’re all subjective. No stand out favourite today although I’m trying to think of a way of introducing 28a into my everyday conversations.

    Thanks to Mr T for the puzzle and to Kath for a stalwart review, overcoming the frustration that is IT :cool:

    1. I get paid to sort out Inherently Temperamental problems – drives me mad at times.
      My desk is a sanctuary – a PC, a radio and some books. Bliss.

  19. I too noticed the smattering of bishops and was also thinking of a pangram mainly because I spelled Crosier wrong! 6d my fave today.
    Thanks to Kath and Ray T.

  21. Well done Kath!! If l had pressed the wrong button after all that work,l would have thrown the whole ****** lot against the wall!

    I am also not happy with judge = believe.
    Thank you to all.
    Favourite today was 28a.

  22. This must be a benign Ray T didn’t even think it was one of his until just now looking at the blog? Was on his wavelength from the off with the anagrams giving a really good start. Last in 22a and a real doh moment when the light came on with that one! Really enjoyed this puzzle possibly because I found it more straightforward, nevertheless a very pleasant solve.

    Clues of the day: 22a / 1d

    Rating 3* / 4*

    Thanks to Kath and Mr T.

  23. Well, no doubt a very benign RayT today. I only had one unsolved clue, that was 9a, I will never learn.
    Last in was 6d, I was totally hung up on knickers, then the checking letters shouted the answer at me.
    Lots to like here, I think fave is 28a for the doh moment, but 17d is so pretty, it’s a candidate.
    Thanks to RayT and to Kath for her perseverance- now to “post comment” and see if this ***** iPad loses my comment again and I have to go to the computer to post again!

  24. Thanks to Ray T and to Kath for the review and hints. A very enjoyable puzzle from Ray T as usual. The Queen must be on holiday. It was on the gentle side, just needed the hints to parse 2&16d. I once stayed in a place called Wisteria Cottage in North Curry, so managed to get 17d. As regards 3d, there was a Bishop called Crozier, which I thought was rather apt. Last in was 20a. I laughed at 25d, but my favourite was 28a. Was 2*/4* for me.

  25. Either I’m getting better or this was the most “accessible” Ray T for quite a while. Really enjoyed it, lots of clever clues with 20d foremost among them.
    Thanks to setter and to the ever imformative Kath

  26. Rattled through quite happily until stumbling at the last clue . 22 Across was my undoing. Enjoyable and wouldn’t be worth much if it was always easy. Thanks to all involved.

  27. I found this the easiest of the week so far and an enjoyable solve. Thanks to Kath and the setter.

  28. **/****. Another quality puzzle if slightly easier than the usual Thursday fare. Thanks to Kath (especially for the double effort required) and Ray T for the pleasant workout.

  29. Thanks to setter and Kath. Enjoyed it. I still do not understand the dots on 15a linking 18a and 3d and 5d. Is there a reason for this?

    1. The three dots … are ellipses and they are there just to confuse you.

      Or, maybe, not?

    2. Hi John.

      If you put them together, they make a sentence:

      1. Prison rebel is turning reckless, adapting pine bed’s nails to make key

      2. Archbishop’s cross about more ruddy bishops, perhaps after a final word

      It just makes it a nice surface read. Nothing cryptic.

      1. The pairs of clues are linked because when both surfaces are read toghether they form a logical sentence with a common theme/subject/statement. 15a/18a: The prison rebel is being reckless and adapting bed nails to make a key (presumably in an escape bid). 3d/5d: These two surfaces, read together, give a general religious theme. That’s how I see it, anyway.

  30. Many thanks to Kath for doing the blog twice.

    I know nothing about it but isn’t it possible to “save” all your fine work and then “paste” it when the first one disappears into the ether?

  31. Good fun once again from this setter. It all slotted together smoothly for me but I initially had a wrong vowel in 17d until I checked the anagram fodder. Perhaps Kath had been having a quick peek over my shoulder when I was solving as Jezza points out in his comment above. Whenever I am doing a blog my biggest fear is of the sort of thing that happened to Kath today. Well done on getting it all put together again.
    Checked the word count of course and all in order.
    Thanks RayT and Kath.

  32. I never find Ray T puzzles easy, but thought I was in with a chance today when the 15a and 18a anagrams went straight in. But as is usual with his puzzles, I can often see the answer but not exactly why, and therefore reluctant to write them in before checking the hints. As I don’t like to use a dictionary, thesaurus or Mr Google unless I really have to, I am my probably my own worst enemy. 22a was last in and only with help of Kath’s hint, thank you.

  33. What has happened? The king of lurkage has only one lurker and a pretty easy one too!. Still the rest was good fun. It was a toss up between 6 and 16 for clue of the day – they both made me laugh. Also liked 4 11 14 and 27. No Queen – the plot thickens. Thanks to RayT as usual.

  34. Evening all. Many thanks to Kath for the analysis and to all for your comments. Much appreciated.

    RayT

    1. Thanks for popping in Mr T – always a pleasure to see the setter taking an interest in the blog. :smile:

  36. That’s it from me today so thanks to Ray T for the crossword, and for calling in as usual, and thanks to everyone for their comments.
    My bed is calling me increasingly loudly so night night all and sleep well. :yawn:

  38. A good challenge and a pleasure to solve. Yes, certainly an easier than usual Thursday but still great fun. No real favourite but lots to enjoy.
    Thanks to Ray T, and to Kath for her efforts.

  39. Liked the surface readings-especially the would be escapee (15A and 18A ellipsed).

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