DT 29602 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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DT 29602

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29602

Hints and tips by Kath

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating — Difficulty **Enjoyment ****

Hello everyone. Not a difficult Ray T crossword today so those of you who find him tricky can relax. It has all his trademark clues and I think we could probably add ‘very few anagrams’ to the ones we already know about.

Please leave a comment telling us how you got on today.

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

Across

1a        Burn end of finger in water vapour (6)
STREAM — the last letter (end) of [finge]R in the middle of water vapour – a nice easy one to start with

4a        Shackle hard with copper very loudly (8)
HANDCUFF — the one letter abbreviation for H[ard], another way of saying with or also, the two letter chemical symbol for copper and, finally, the musical instruction to play very loudly

9a        Remove others accepting European Commission (6)
RESECT — a synonym for the others or the remainder contains the two letter abbreviation for E[uropean] C[omission]

10a       Exercise or basic moves embracing sweetheart (8)
AEROBICS — an anagram (moves) of OR BASIC goes round (embracing) the middle letter (heart) of [sw]E[et]

11a       Guarantee being guarded taking on tirade (8)
WARRANTY — another word for guarded or cautious contains (taking on) a synonym for tirade or angry outburst

13a       Violent split facing English (6)
SEVERE — a verb to split or divide is followed by (facing) E[nglish]

15a       ‘Extraordinary rendition’ case is unkind (13)
INCONSIDERATE — an anagram (extraordinary) of RENDITION CASE

18a       Blithe man’s set to ruin business (13)
ESTABLISHMENT — an anagram (to ruin) of BLITHE MAN’S SET

22a       Munch, eating for example, nut (6)
CASHEW — munch or chomp contains (eating) another way of saying for example or for instance

24a       Shyster, I assume, conceals agitation (8)
HYSTERIA — the first lurker or hidden answer today – it’s hiding in the first three words of the clue and that’s indicated by ‘conceals’

26a       Sparkling silver rubbish (8)
AGLITTER — the two letter chemical symbol for silver is followed by some rubbish or trash

27a       Encourage awareness for the audience (6)
INCITE — a homophone (for the audience) of awareness or understanding

28a       Go purchasing ace undergarment for burlesque (8)
TRAVESTY — another word for a go or attempt contains (purchasing) A[ce] and an undergarment usually worn by old men and small children

29a       Needle users found in underground systems (6)
SEWERS — a double definition, I think, which probably doesn’t need much of a hint

 

Down

1d        Acute cut protecting wicket (6)
SHREWD — cut as you might do to get rid of confidential documents goes round W[icket]

2d        Stop shower before time showing inhibition (9)
RESTRAINT— stop or have a break, a shower of wet stuff coming from the clouds and the one letter abbreviation for T[ime]

3d        Old playful spooks rising up (7)
ARCHAIC — playful or mischievous is followed by a reversal (rising up) of the three letter abbreviation of some American spooks or spies

5d        Top ten is beneath parody (4)
APEX — the Roman numeral for ten follows (beneath in a down clue) a verb to parody or mimic

6d        See old Church saint in decline (7)
DIOCESE — the one letter abbreviation for O[ld], one of the many two letter abbreviations for church and the one letter abbreviation for S(aint) are all contained in (in) a verb to decline or dwindle

7d        Join up, never imagining terrorist enemies initially (5)
UNITE — the first letters (initially) of the middle five words of the clue

8d        Possibly catch dissolute Frenchman revolting (8)
FASTENER — a synonym for dissolute or a bit unrestrained or lewd is followed by a reversal (revolting) of a common first name for men in France

12d      After fault, catch up for game (6)
TENNIS — a fault or wrongdoing and a verb to catch or trap – then turn it all upside down (up)

14d      Dress for bed, nearly with teddy’s covering (6)
NIGHTY — an archaic or poetic word that means nearly is followed by the outside letters (covering) of T[edd]Y

16d      Oddly, fear left with one in paradise? (9)
AFTERLIFE — an anagram (oddly) of FEAR LEFT contains (in) the letter that looks like a one

17d      Liking sort of swan song (8)
PENCHANT — a female swan is followed by a song or warcry

19d      Swim round about and respire (7)
BREATHE — a verb to swim or take a dip contains (round) the usual little abbreviation that means about or concerning

20d      Agreement entered securing deal (7)
ENTENTE — the second lurker or hidden answer which is indicated by securing – I think the definition could be either the first or last word in the clue so I’ve underlined both of them just to be on the safe side!

21d      Intrusive photographers capturing Queen for tabloids? (6)
PAPERS – the abbreviation for some very intrusive photographers more often seen in Europe than in the UK (I think) contains (capturing) the regnal cipher for our Queen – I’ve never heard of this abbreviation meaning what it does here – lots of other meanings but not this one

23d      Dance is hot saucy stuff! (5)
SALSA — a Latin-American dance is also a spicy sauce

25d      Coat used for shower (4)
 PELT — a raw animal hide (coat) is also a heavy shower of rain

I thought there were lots of really good clues today including 4 and 28a and 3 and 21d. My favourite was 8d.

The Quickie Pun:- MARS + HELP + ROOST = MARCEL PROUST

87 comments on “DT 29602

  1. 2*/4*. The usual excellence from Mr T. and an entertaining blog from Kath – our Thursday dream team. Many thanks to both of them.

    9a was a new word for me, and 25d was my last one in.

    My podium comprises 1a, 8d, 17d & 25d.

    I see the DT published acknowledged half of yesterday’s mess up by apologising for printing the incorrect solutions for 29600. However they haven’t mentioned publishing the wrong puzzle yesterday and today’s version of yesterday’s solutions refers of course to 29601, which is of no help to anyone who solved 29606 yesterday and who is not aware of the error.

    1. :oops: I’ve just spotted Mhids’ post @8 below. I foolishly assumed that because yesterday’s solution today was labelled 29601 it was 29601. Silly me.

    2. I think 1a was a missed opportunity. Should have clued “Burn fingertip in water vapour”

  2. I agree with Kath that this was Ray T in a very benevolent mood this morning. I found the cryptic easier than his Quickie today. I thought 21d was a little tenuous, but everything else was fairly and concisely clued as always. 26a was my personal favourite.

    Many thanks to Mr T and to Kath.

  3. I agree with Kath on rating and a pleasant RayT Thursday with none of yesterday’s kerfuffle over which puzzle we were doing!
    It was all very exciting though. Today’s was high quality and fairly randomly 5d was my COTD for it’s simplicity. Thanks to Kath and RayT

  4. As Kath said, not a difficult Ray T puzzle but a hugely enjoyable one. If Jane is Ray T’s number one fan I’m applying to be number two.
    My only hold up was in the SW where I confidently entered “shito” for 23d, an anagram (dance) of “is hot” giving the Japanese sauce. Soon realised the error of my ways though after 28a couldn’t be anything else.
    Loved the lurkers, the homophone but top spot is shared by 8d (I think the Frenchman appeared in a Toughie last week) and 17d, excellent clue and lovely word.
    2/4.5*
    Many thanks to Mr T and to Kath for the top notch entertainment.

            1. They’d be 1&2 for me in a reverse forecast depending on my mood & with Dada running them close but just losing out in a tight 3 way photo finish – they might even have to call for an enlarged print to separate them.

  5. Ray T was certainly being kind to us this morning. All very straightforward. **/*** Great entertainment. Favourite 17d. A simple, effective clue. Thanks to all.

  6. Nicely clued and straightforward. Like Rabbit Dave 9a was new to me so I needed to check its meaning. 1a was my favourite.

    Thanks to the setter and Kath.

  7. An excellent Ray T production today. Not difficult but packed with clever clues making it very difficult to select a podium so won’t even try. 9a needed a check as new to me & I always think of 14d with an ie rather than a y at the end but otherwise very straightforward. After an example in yesterday’s Toughie I’m trying to get my head around compound (& augmented) anagrams but not entirely sure I’ve got the hang of it yet. Miserable rainy weather today but a poorly back has put paid to any notions of a walk anyway. Today’s albums: Veedon Fleece (Van) & Voodoo Lounge (Stones)
    Thanks to Ray T & as ever to Kath – shall read the review now.

    1. I sympathise with your back, my hip is now playing up something rotten (due to having had to wait so long for my new knee) it makes even going for a walk a chore. I have an X-ray next Tuesday but the thought of going back into hospital and being hors de combat again is SO depressing.

  8. I didn’t find it that straightforward, it took me a full *** time to complete, with the pesky 25d being responsible for a full half *. I didn’t get it until my second run through the alphabet.

    The “old” part of 3d seems to be a word with many meanings; the “for example” in 22a is also a bit of a Hmmm for me.

    Many thanks to Ray T and Kath.

    I do think that the DT should have published the solution to 29606 this morning, for consistency’s sake if nothing else. What use is solution 29601 to the dead tree users?

    1. In relation to the current mix up, the solution published in the dead tree version is the solution to 29606, just labelled incorrectly!!. Enjoyable puzzle today with no hold-ups. Thanks to Ray T and Kath

  9. Us Ibex can relax today as the lions were sleeping. A very enjoyable puzzle made all the more so by Ray T allowing a good start with 1a. Always nice to get that one and then dive in to the rest with a degree of confidence.
    As such 1a and 26a were my favourites today. No gripes at all. Last in was 8d, shades of Allo Allo.
    Thx to all
    **/*****

  10. Thank goodness, no complications today after yesterday’s ‘horlicks’. It was a well-constructed Ray T with a few verynice anagrams, 16d being the best one. I also enjoyed the misdirection in 20d and 27d and the lurker in 21a. Thanks to Kath for the hints and to Ray T for another fine puzzle

  11. I had to wonder if Mr T is trying to send a signal to Mr L that he would like to be a Monday setter. One of his most ‘approachable’ puzzles, completed at a fast gallop – 1.5*/4.5*.
    Favourite – a toss-up between 4a and 6d – and the winner is 6d.
    Thanks to Ray T and Kath.

  12. A enjoyable **/**** today with 17d as my favourite. Learnt a couple of new definitions today which is always a good thing.

  13. As Keats wrote, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”–and such is today’s Ray T’s gift to us. A pleasure to solve, a joy to behold. Podium stars: 17d, 3d, 28a, with special mention to 6d. Thanks to Kath and Ray T. ** / ****

    Beautiful Toughie too.

  14. I enjoyed this puzzle immensely. Never heard of the answer for 9A.
    My wife tells me that 14D is spelt with ie at the end.

  15. After my first pass of this puzzle I thought I was in for a fast finish. As usual Mr RayT pulled the handbrake on and I crawled to a slower finish. A prize in every clue, the winner today is the solver. Well worth any time spent teasing out the answers. I had the COVID jab yesterday and Saint Sharon is suffering the side effects for me. I shouldn’t be amused but I am finding it funny, poor girl. Thanks to Kath for the review and thanks to RayT for the friendly puzzle.

    1. MP
      With your interest in music I presume you read the obit of Rupert Neve.
      It is amazing to me how (to the general public) there are people who have a huge influence on our lives who we have neither heard of nor appreciate their contribution.
      Just shows you don’t have to go to MIT to become the best in your field.

      1. I read most of the obits. There are often some lovely stories in there. I was unaware of any of this stuff. The sound desks at the back of gigs always frightened me. Too many knobs and buttons. My friend Graham Bradshaw has been the sound man at thousands of gigs. Last time I saw him at a gig he sat with an iPad and controlled everything from that.

  16. As RD commented, alternate Thursdays bring us the dream team and how I look forward to seeing them.
    I did need to check on 9a which was new to me, everything else slotted in nicely.
    Favourite without a doubt was 8d with the swan song sliding into second place.

    Devotions as always to Mr T and many thanks to Kath for her late night stint to pull together the excellent review for us.

  17. If you are a solver relying on definitions and bunging in what fits then today’s Toughie suits that approach. I have a completed grid, goodness knows how. I’ll have another look later

  18. Definitely no relaxing here, a new word for me at 9a, not the first clue how to parse 19d (thanks Kath!) brain freeze at 8d, trouble with the homophone at 27a (thanks again Kath) and still scratching my head at the synonym of for example at 22a. I did enjoy solving all the others though and Mr T’s typical succinctness (is that a word?) always astounds me.

  19. I’ve just been reading the comments (it’s very quiet here today – where is everyone?)
    I’m slightly surprised how many of you said that 9a was a new word – I suppose it’s a medical term (surgical is probably more correct) but even so . . .
    I agree with Tincantel’s wife (comment 14) who said that 14d is spelt with ie at the end rather than the Y but I don’t think I’ve ever written it so looked it up in the BRB – I can’t find either! Give up!

    1. Hi Kath, both spellings are in my BRB (Revised 13th Edition). “Nightie” is the second word after “nighted”(!) in the derivatives paragraph below the main definitions for “night”. Under “nightie” it says “see nighty below”, which in turn tells you it’s an informal word for “nightgown”!

      1. Made me think of (and listen to) Van’s cover of Sonny Boy Williamson’s great blues song Help Me with the great lines:
        Bring me my nightshirt
        Put on your morning gown
        Don’t feel like sleeping
        But I feel like lying down

        1. It wouldn’t have been quite so effective if the first line had been:
          “Bring me my nightie”…

          Sonny Boy Williamson – what a great bluesman!

    2. Both alternatives are given in the BRB under ‘night’. I suppose it’s a bit like ‘auntie’ and ‘aunty’ – you can use whichever form you wish, or were taught.

      Sorry, RD, we crossed in the ether yet again!

    3. Oddly they are the third and tenth entries in bold under the keyword. I suppose the list order is defined by some combination of alphabetical, hyphenated, apostrophised and ‘two word’ (eg night shift) entries, but I can’t work out exactly what the rules are. Suffice to say neither of the two spelling options are where I thought they would be.

      1. Your reply has puzzled me, Devartly.

        The structure in Chambers is to have the Headword first, in this case “night”. The Headword can be followed by up to three types of Subhead, in order: Derivatives, Compounds and Phrases. These Subheads are preceded respectively by a black square, a white square, and a grey square. As far as I can see, the entries in each of these Subheads are in alphabetical order ignoring spaces and hyphens.

        In the case of “night”, there are eight Derivatives listed which are in alphabetical order:
        – nighted
        – nightie
        – nightless
        – nightlong
        – nightly
        – nights
        – nightward
        – nighty

    4. Ah – thanks both. I had another look in my BRB because, having the attention span of a gnat, sometimes I get bored before I get far enough down the list of everything but it really isn’t in mine which is 11th Edition (well, most of the 11th Edition ie minus all the bits that have fallen out because it’s so old and so much used!) Really is just about time for a new one.

      1. Sounds like my Good Housekeeping book from 1966. I’ve had to copy some of the recipes, as I am almost afraid to pick it up as it is really falling apart. But it has all the golden oldies in there. I didn’t even know how to cook cabbage when I got married and referred to it for everything.

        1. My Good Housekeeping and Mrs Beeton date from 1968, the year we were married, and are held together with sticky back plastic. The Mrs B is a historical document, with household hints and sections on laundry and stain removal, first aid etc.

          1. I’m not setting up in competition here but my Mrs Beeton was given to my Great Great Grandmother MacMillan for a wedding present in about 1885 and has been passed down through the family since then.

            1. I have quite a few Mrs Beeton’s or derivatives thereof including a very old one my best man friend asked his executor to give me after his death. However, despite being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1996 he is still very much with us, so he gave it me (the book not the disease) last year. I have a 1969 one All About Cookery presumably based on her original recipes. I have not used it for years but coincidentally used it this week for a chicken casserole. I sorted through about a dozen other books first but was looking for comfort. Like me I can tell you are fed up so let’s hope we can be out and about before too long.

    5. I just assumed that if Mr T had used that spelling in his puzzle then it must be right, and moved on to the next clue.

    6. Is this is the best you can do when talking about nighties boys? Still it’s better than the bad old days which are long behind us now

  20. Yes Kath I was about to say that a woman would spell it nightie. As others have said 25d was my last in and possibly 17d was favourite although I know we have had it in the past. We went straight in and started writing which is unusual on a Thursday. I remember nursing daughter talking about resect though I’ve never used the word. Two nice anagrams, a joy all the way. Thanks to Mr T and to Kath for the hinty bits. After a very wet morning the sun has come out and george is suggesting a walk. Better get some fresh air I guess. I did enjoy yesterday’s Toughie when I eventually got round to it.

  21. I usually like charades but the one in 4a didn’t rock my boat.
    9a was also new to me.
    Always forget that saint can be abbreviated to a single letter.
    Favourite 17d.
    Thanks to RayT and to Kath.

  22. A nice crossword especially for aThursday 😬 I was surprised that it was a Ray T 😳 ***/*** Favourites 4a and 17d 😃 Thanks to Kath for the blog and to Ray T for being so easy on us

  23. A charitable Ray T! Hooray, and also, hurrah! A most agreeable crossword, completed over the latest breakfast ever recorded in the common era.

    While we continue to wait for results from Germany, Lola has finished all medication and seems the better for it. More alert and interactive – though her paws (in particular), ears, and nose will be overjoyed if the test results indicate a solution for her issues. She continues to live on a cushion, though she attempted a short walk around the room just now, before her paw problem forced her back to her little comfort zone.

    Today’s soundtrack: Steely Dan – Pretzel Logic

    Thanks to Ray T, and Lovely Kath.

    1. So pleased to hear that Lola’s having a better day, Terence, let’s hope the German lab can come up with some answers. I suppose it could be that they’ve got to grow cultures from the samples to determine the cause of the problem? I hope the culprit doesn’t turn out to be your shower gel, soap or washing powder!

      1. Thanks Jane – the theory about it being caused by an allergy is being given less credibility now as poor Lola has barely left this room for two months, so an allergic reaction to anything would have been ‘cured’ by now, the vet believes, by the antibiotics, or simply not being exposed to the culprit. We have ensured no cleaning products have been used in this room since December; as per advice we have been using damp cloths only. The mystery continues!

        1. Terence, I presume you will all have thought of this, but it suddenly occurred to me to wonder if she might have developed an allergy to her cat litter … or less likely, the litter tray. Just a thought. I do hope the people in Germany come up with a solution.

          1. Along the same lines I also wondered recently if she could be allergic to whatever the household washing is done in so that when she sits on Terence’s knees/lap or whatever you want to call it it then affects her – or what about the DT newsprint which also comes into contact with T’s trousers? Antibiotics don’t cure allergies.

              1. Sometimes it’s the perfume in household cleaners and detergents or the fixative that makes the perfume stay that triggers nose and skin allergies. It plays havoc with mine. Anything new, you have started using recently?

  24. A very fair challenge from Ray T today.
    Lifts the gloom of the current slog.

    Oh, a terrific quickie pun also.✅

    Regards to Ray T and to Kath.

    ***/*****

  25. For once in a quite a while finished a Ray T on my own so a thank you to him for his benevolence. 17d a clear favourite.

    Thanks to Kath for her blog.

  26. The ‘playful’ part of 3d is new to me and thank you Kath for explaining. A great Ray T offering today with **** enjoyment.

  27. What a change from yesterday fairly whistled through this one, typical RayT excellent puzzle.
    Thanks to Kath and RayT.

  28. As other have mentioned a more straightforward Ray T than some recent puzzles. I particularly liked the fact that the clues for words I had not come across before (9a, 26a) and the unusual use of the first half of 3d didn’t prevent me from completing it. COTD largely because it took a while for the penny to drop was 6d with 25a and 26a in close attendance. Many thanks Kath and Ray T.

  29. Unlike most found this a little tough for a Ray T taking just into *** time. Looking back there were no clues that should have caused problems so must just be blood flow to the brain. 9a was new to me but fairly clued.
    No real stand-outs for COTD.
    Thanks to Ray T and Kath for the usual Thursday enjoyment.

  30. I found this a little tougher than normal for a Ray T offering. ***/*** I really got hung up in the NE corner yet after getting the answers in place not really sure why as there was nothing too difficult. Bottom went in nicely then left to right for the top half.
    COTD candidates include1a, 4a, 25a, 29a & 20d with 20d winner and a close second to 25a
    Didn’t really like the clue for 21d as I found it hard to make the connection to get the right answer, but couldn’t see anything else that fit.

    Thanks to Ray T and to Kath for the couple of hints I did need to get this completed.

  31. Pretty benevolent by Ray T standards I agree, but still some head scratching needed. 9a was last in, just because I didn’t think it was a word. 26a took a while as I forgot about the version with the a first. Loved 17d, very funny. Helped get us through this trying week. My infection is at least on the mend, but Peter’s shingles outbreak is giving him grief, despite the medication. Worst of all, the large RC plane he has been building from scratch for the past year took its maiden flight yesterday – off his workbench… Hopefully he can repair the damage, but it’s a huge set back for him. Oh well, worse things happen at sea.

  32. Definitely a gift from RayT, only needing e-help for two clues. I bunged in 21d, never heard of that abbreviation.
    Fave has to be 17d, love the word and the swan song.
    Thank you RayT for the fun, also thanks to Kath for some unravelling – spooks? Really?

  33. A somewhat benevolent Mr. T today nonetheless most satisfying and enjoyable.
    Great constructions throughout,
    So, **/*****
    Many thanks and to Kath for the colourfully illustrated review.

  34. Good stuff – enjoyed! 👍
    Thanks to Ray T as always, and to Kath for the blog & hints.
    Cheers!

  35. An absolute joy to solve once again. We’re in the ‘9a is a new word for us’ camp, but it was not a problem.
    Word count a maximum of seven.
    Thanks RayT and Kath.

  36. Evening all. Many thanks to Kath for the review and to everybody else for your comments. Apologies for my absence the last time but I completely forgot what day it was…

    RayT

    1. Good evening, Mr T. Quite a relief to see you here today – some of us were quite worried when you didn’t appear last week! I guess that’s down to the way of the world at the moment……….

    2. As Jane says, it’s good to see you here today, Mr T. Was concerned a fortnight ago, although I think it was CS who suspected you might have just lost track of the days of the week (not difficult at the moment). Glad that’s all it was. Thoroughly enjoyed your puzzle – sailed through most of it and then ground to a halt but got there in the end. Thanks to you and to Kath.

    3. Thank you, as always, (apart from two weeks ago!) for calling in – glad that you’re OK and thanks also for the crossword which I loved.

  37. Never heard of 9a but there were only 2 options got the position of EC so I simply Googled them the second one coming up with the right answer or heard of the first part of 3d meaning playful, Googled that too and I have now. Favourite was 8d. Thanks to Rayt and Kath.

  38. Jolly good fun, so thanks Ray T. Don’t like the spelling of 14d, even if it is permissible! Favourite is 1a, which is just a great clue. But all of the cryptic is eclipsed by the Quickie ( yes, I prefer ‘-ie’ again) pun. The best I’ve seen in ages!

  39. Thanks again to Ray T and to all for for the comments.
    My eyes won’t stay open for much long so night night everyone and sleep well.

  40. Agree with all that it was an enjoyable and kind Ray T puzzle. Just needed to confirm 9a was right. Look forward to more pictures from Mars.

  41. Another great puzzle from Ray T which all went fine until I got held up in the south west and then as it was late I had to resort to electrons for my last one in, 25d. Thanks to Ray T and Kath. **/*****

  42. 1d. Thought “severe” was a good answer!
    Severe = acute
    Cut = sever
    Wicket = E turned through 90° = wicket shaped.
    Did no one else think it was this?

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