Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29695
Hints and tips by Falcon
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BD Rating – Difficulty * / ** – Enjoyment ***
Greetings from Ottawa, where it feels more like mid-July than early June. It is hard to believe that scarcely more than a week ago gardeners lost plants to frost.
I found today’s puzzle to be well to the easier end of the scale. The Quickie was almost more of a test for me – and, having solved it, deciphering the upper pun proved challenging.
In the hints below, underlining identifies precise definitions and cryptic definitions, and indicators are italicized. The answers will be revealed by clicking on the ANSWER buttons.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought of the puzzle.
Across
1a Ready for action, wife carrying weapons on horseback (6,2)
WARMED UP — W(ife) followed by adjectives meaning in possession of weapons and mounted on a horse
5a Whirling dervish, no doubt initially, could make one shudder (6)
SHIVER — an anagram (whirling) of [d]ERVISH from which the initial letter of D(oubt) has been removed
10a Seafood in pub brawny lads demolished (6,3,6)
DUBLIN BAY PRAWNS — an anagram (demolished) of the four central words in the clue
11a A President // Ford car (7)
LINCOLN — double definition; the first being the 16th president of the United States and the second, a luxury automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company
12a Advertisement for American’s caravan (7)
TRAILER — double definition; an ad for a cinematic production and the North American name for a caravan
13a Further extra to the other side (8)
MOREOVER — string together a word meaning extra or additional and a synonym for across or to the other side
15a Two infer second of daughters should be ignored (5)
DEUCE — remove the second instance of D(aughter) from a word meaning to infer or reach a conclusion through reasoning
18a Stall close to Welsh border (5)
HEDGE — the closing letter of WelsH and a word meaning border or boundary
20a Fabric of church beam a male bishop installed (8)
CHAMBRAY — install or insert the A from the clue and abbreviations for male and bishop into the mapmaker’s abbreviation for church and a beam (of sunlight)
23a Having a hard time making a decision, a party in destructive wind (7)
TORNADO — pulled between competing choices, the A from the clue and the usual short party
25a Financial backer admitting love for architect (7)
FOUNDER — place the letter that looks like a score of love in tennis into a financial backer
26a Teaching establishment getting rid of coach (9,6)
FINISHING SCHOOL — a word denoting getting rid of (also known as terminating with extreme prejudice) followed by a verb meaning to coach or train
27a Attempt to cover object with it (6)
TRENDY — a synonym for attempt containing (to cover) a word meaning object or goal
28a New canteen about right for opening (8)
ENTRANCE — an anagram (new) of CANTEEN containing (about) R(ight)
Down
1d Go off, following women’s swaying gait (6)
WADDLE — W(omen) followed by a word denoting go off or spoil (in reference to an egg)
2d Much associated with this legendary outlaw (5,4)
ROBIN HOOD — cryptic definition of the legendary outlaw who counted Much, the Miller’s Son among his band of merry men
3d Record poem about island, part of series (7)
EPISODE — a four-track phonograph record and a lyric poem encapsulating the two-letter abbreviation for island
4d Belonging to a city, one in South Africa, not the capital (5)
URBAN — remove the initial letter (not the capital) from a city in South Africa
6d Difficult securing first in Richmond (Virginia) university (7)
HARVARD — a word meaning difficult or demanding encompassing the first letter of Richmond and the abbreviation for Virginia
7d I, for example, have unpaid bill that five pounds should cover? (5)
VOWEL — a verb meaning to be in debt is sandwiched between a Roman numeral five and the abbreviation for pounds
8d Kept back, being shy (8)
RESERVED — double definition; a verb meaning kept back or set aside and an adjective meaning shy or reticent
9d Panic this year in resort (8)
HYSTERIA — an anagram (in resort) of THIS YEAR; resort is used in the sense of rearrange
14d Mostly win one with a queen (8)
VICTORIA — remove the final letter from a noun meaning win and in its place append a Roman numeral one and the A from the clue
16d Fluctuating, with NI county ahead at first (2-3-4)
UP-AND-DOWN — a synonym for with and a county in Northern Ireland follow an adjective denoting ahead or leading in a competition
17d Comedian suppressing nasty oath over female – why should that be considered significant? (4,2,2)
WHAT-OF-IT — a comedian or wag wrapped around an anagram (nasty) of OATH and the abbreviation for female
19d Went by end of terrace, outdated (7)
ELAPSED — the final letter (end) of terracE and a word meaning outdated or expired
21d Delivery for doorman (7)
BOUNCER — double definition; a type of cricket delivery and a doorman at a nightclub
22d Screen in restaurant on base (6)
GRILLE — a restaurant specializing in food cooked on an open fire and the mathematical base of natural logarithms
24d Citrus fruit — not round variety (5)
RANGE — a citrus fruit with the round letter peeled off
25d Cigarette all the rage for Dickensian villain (5)
FAGIN — a slang term for cigarette and an adjective meaning ‘all the rage’ or 27a
Although no clue really stands out for me, I will go with 26a as my clue of the day.
Quickie Pun (Top Row): COURSER + CANNES = CORSICAN
Quickie Pun (Bottom Row) : CAUGHT + MARSHAL = COURT MARTIAL
Another great start to the week and most enjoyable. I struggled with a couple such as 15a and 22d but wondered why once I got them. I have not heard of the fabric at 20a but it had to be what it was from the parsing. My COTD is 7d.
Many thanks to Campbell and to Falcon for the hints and I agree the Quickie was harder!
All pretty straightforward for a Monday, completed in */** time. I liked the clever mis-direction in 15a.
Many thanks to the compiler and Falcon, with whom I agree about the Quickie, but the upper pun might be ” Course I can “
Your option for the upper pun did occur to me first.
By the way, I have changed the answer to the upper pun to be singular. When I typed it last evening (my time), I seem to have been influenced by the spelling of the French resort rather than the pronunciation.
Today’s paper gives “Corsicans” as yesterday’s pun.
Like Falcon, that’s also what I thought of before realize the ‘s’ is silent and changing to the singular.
Yes, I opted for your alternative!
I’d say pretty much perfect for a Monday puzzle, very well clued throughout. The “much” reference in 2d went over my head but it could be nothing else.
5a&7d share top spot with 1d&15a making up the (extended) podium.
1.5/4*
Many thanks to Campbell and Falcon for the fun.
Just reading the hints, you’ve omitted the reference to the poem in 3d Falcon.
Oops! Thank you. Correction has been made.
1*/4*. This was light but fun with 14a, 15a & 7d making it onto my podium.
Many thanks to Campbell and Falcon.
I agree with all the above comments and was just into ** time as a result of hitting a bit of a brick wall with 17d although once solved I wasn’t sure what my problem had been. A steady and enjoyable exercise to start the week. Thanks to Falcon and the setter.
A very straightforward puzzle but nonetheless enjoyable for that, especially after the brain-burners last week (1.5*/4*). I liked the long anagram at10a, although I’d never eat them and 20a and thought 15a quite clever. Thanks to Falcon for the hints and to the compiler. It’s either famine or feast with the weather, Falcon. We had rain every day in May but the June sun is in evidence now and thewatering can/ hose are making an appearance. My thoughts are with LROK today.
I keep thinking about LROK too – I do hope he doesn’t have to simply hand over Bella when he gets to the surgery doors, that seems to be the way a lot of them are operating under Covid regulations.
Me too. I did think about how he would have to hand Bella over.
Hopefullythey had a nice day together on the beach and then at home. Some quality time on which to say goodbye.
Our vet came out to the car, so we were able to be there to the end, even if it was in a car park. Hopefully something similar possible for LROK, who has also been in my thoughts today
Yes, when we had to say goodbye to Thompson the vet came to the car. At least you know the end is very peaceful.
Thanks so much all it has been a hard morning for us..
We also took the outside option.
That said it was the hardest goodbye as really it is the first time it was not a clear cut decision. The look of trust in her eyes I will never forget. I can’t be sure it wasn’t misplaced
You did the right thing, LROK. When a dog cannot do what a dog needs and wants to do anymore, it is time to say farewell.
However, doing the right thing doesn’t stop it being heartbreaking and I am sure all out thoughts are with you.
I am sure you did the right thing. Sometimes we are tempted to delay, but that is really more for us than them. My veterinarian told me last time that very few pets go on their own, and sadly it is the heart breaking decision we have to make for them. Glad you were able to be with her at the end.
Maybe she was simply thanking you for everything you’ve done over the years and for now allowing her to rest peacefully. Don’t be so hard on yourself, LROK, it seems to be a human failing that we always find a way to blame ourselves. You will never forget her but, in time to come, most of your memories will be of the pleasure she brought and the good times you shared.
Better to say goodbye now in the last few weeks that she has some quality of life than leave it until she is dragging herself around in severe pain, LROK. You did the right thing for her just as you always have done.
My thoughts are with you on this day. Words can’t express enough at this time. Just know you did the right thing for your long time companion. My last springer and last sheltie both looked at me one day as if to say,’ help me, please’ … and I knew what I had to do. Made it no easier. May Bella RIP
Feel for you LROK. It really is a low point, but it has to be done.
Really sad for you but, in your heart, you know you made the right decision. Everyone is thinking about you.
The pictures I’ve been getting from Inverness shows lovely sunshine, I’m glad she didn’t have to go on a cold, dank day. You’ve had her for a long time, please think of the happy days.
I just wanted to add my sincere best wishes to you on this very sad day. It’s absolutely heartbreaking but you were doing the best for Bella and that is truly unselfish and loving on your part.
So sorry to hear this…my heart still hasn’t healed fully from 8 years ago when we had to say goodbye to ‘Revel’ our chocolate lab 😢
LROK I haven’t seen the weekend blog but sadly realise that you have had to say goodbye to your beloved Bella. Having been through the same painful experience back in February I have every sympathy for the loss of your four-legged friend. They become such a part of the family and though we have been through the experience many times over the last 46 years it never gets easier. We were fortunate to say goodbye outside on a small grassy area. Yes the traffic was roaring past nearby but we were in our own world with her and yes she looked into my eyes and now tears are flowing down my cheeks. Bella knew she was loved and you did that final act of kindness. Night, night.
These are my own thoughts on the subject. The least we owe our dogs is a dignified exit from this life after they’ve given us a lifetime of unconditional love and devotion. As hard as it seems at the time you are doing the right thing LROK. My thoughts are with you.
Poor you. My heart bleeds. It is a decision we will soon face as my 15yr old soul mate has 2 tumours on his lungs. I am dreading the day, but it will have to be at home. Me just thinking about going to the vets sets him into a panic.
Plenty to like here and not too much to trouble the little grey cells. 15a last one in. Does anyone do the crossword in the Oldie? I have one left in the June issue – 13a. Savoury salad dressing without French wine. ?I?R?T?E. It has defeated me. Anyway thanks to the setter and Falcon.
Aigrette
[Vin]aigrette
Manders, the answer is “aigrette” (“vinaigrette” without the “vin”), which can mean a type of savoury food.
Thank you chaps – actually I did think of aigrette but I googled it and the definition I got was a head dress! I still can’t find it as a savoury. Anyway I can finish it off now and let my neighbours have The Oldie as they enjoy it too. Thanks again.
Definition no. 7 in my online Chambers – A savoury cooked in deep fat
I was like you, Manders, but there it is:
November savoury – cheese aigrettes
How does one make sure the flour, butter and water mixture, which is boiling, doesn’t stick to the fingers?
Good point, doesn’t sound very nice!
Re-reading the recipe, you are basically making a choux pastry and then ruining it.
I might give it a try, though. Once, that is, I have worked out how to make sure the boiling mixture doesn’t stick to the fingers.
Whoever knows what a gill is anymore?
It’s a quarter of a pint but I would never go into a pub and order a gill of beer!
It’s Monday so that explains it then. 10 across is a favourite food of mine along with all shellfish so that gets my clue of the day prize. Thanks to Campbell and Falcon for a nice start to the puzzling week
Oh my! I could eat that with no problem preferably at a harbour side restaurant in Erquy in Brittany.
Ee-Usk Harbouside Oban £22.95
I’d eat it anywhere. That dish is right up my alley.
I also love Erquy, in fact all of Brittany actually all of France!
We fell in love with Brittany about 30 years ago and used to camp every year at Sables-d’or-les-pins. We have two wonderful Breton friends there. They told us not to visit in August because the french arrived! The wife, Maripol is an artist and we have quite a few watercolours and acrylics of the Côte d’Amour. She and her husband, Jean-Paul are also musicians and a number of their CDs grace our collection.
I know Sables-d’or! We used to take a Gite in St Cast most years when I was a kid. We had a posh lunch at a restaurant in Sables-d’or and when he wasn’t looking I swapped my wine glass of coca cola with Dad’s glass of red wine. It was classic. Didn’t go back to St Cast until about 1990 – hadn’t changed at all. Every year we camped somewhere for a week and hired a boat for a week all over France – wonderful. Not much traffic on their waterways and great lock keepers. The River Lot in flood the scariest river I have ever been on. Happy days.
No much traffic on their motorways, either. Great place.
I’d never heard of 10a, I got the middle word and couldn’t get “scallops” out of my head. I knew it was an anagram so I knew that was wrong. Getting a few checkers helped a lot. That dish looks sooo delicious!
I can assure you that it was delicious. Not just that time but every year we went to Ardbrecknish Southlochaweside
A very comfortable and speedy solve this morning that was both straightforward and fun, a good combination for a Monday. 26a and 7d clambered to the top of my podium.
Many thanks to Campbell for the enjoyable challenge and to Falcon.
Gentle and enjoyable Monday puzzle with smiles along the way. Top marks here for 20&26a.
Thanks to Campbell and to Falcon for the review – sounds as though everyone is experiencing rather topsy-turvy weather!
A gentle start to the week. The much reference in 2d went over my head too so thanks for the hint there, Falcon. An unknown member (to me) of his merry men. Favourite 7d */*** Thanks to all.
A gentle start to the week but very enjoyable nonetheless. Was on track for a * time finish but 15a, my last in, refused to yield for a wee. The parsing of 2d was beyond me – remember Friar Tuck, Will Scarlett & Little John but that’s about it.
Thanks to Campbell & Falcon. Thoughts also with LBROK.
Ps An acting masterclass last night from Sean Bean & Stephen Graham in Jimmy McGovern’s latest BBC drama, Time. More BAFTAs beckon methinks.
I thought it was brilliant – but terrifying. Is that what prison is like? ( I don’t expect any answers unless you are a warder!)
I haven’t seen the programme but I used to work in Shrewsbury Prison and it was pretty scary sometimes. The nicest inmates were some of the murderers serving life, strangely enough.
It was certainly very hard-hitting. Sadly, it’s not difficult to understand how some of the ‘inmates’ come out as more hardened offenders than they were in the first place. Goodness knows what the answer is but the current prison system doesn’t seem to be fit for purpose.
Yes it is.
I enjoyed this cheery start to the week from the ever splendid Campbell.
We are still recovering from a (too) long circular walk we undertook from Abinger Hatch to Holmbury St. Mary and back. The last uphill stretch was somewhat trying. We met a family who were lost in the woods and needed directions to the pub, which required them to cross a recently ploughed field (the farmer was still churning it up). The man was wearing flip flops and the woman and two daughters were all wearing spotless white trainers. I blurted out that their snow white trainers wouldn’t be so white after they crossed the field. All three turned on the man blaming him for taking them the wrong way, and the man gave me a ‘thanks pal’ look. I have felt guilty about this ever since.
We did have a lovely supper at ‘The Hatch’ though. The lost family were not in attendance when we arrived. I hope they are not still arguing it out in the woods.
Today’s crossword soundtrack: Górecki – Symphony No. 3
Thanks to Campbell and Falcon.
18a. Wasted lots of time trying to find a town called Hedge situated on the Welsh Border. D’oh!
10a is a clever anagram. Mouth watering.
Me too, I feel so stoooopid!
A very gentle start to the week, the easiest Monday puzzle in a long while for me. Is it really a Campbell? As with some others, my favourite is 7d.
Thanks to all
Enjoyable, swift, and all equines quite relaxed. If it is indeed Campbell they’re being more than usually gentle with us today.
1*/3*
Many thanks to setter and to Falcon.
To Merusa & Hilary, should you be calling in here today: thank you for your kind words on Friday evening. The dog has made a remarkable degree of recovery over the last 48 hours and has regained quite significant use and control of his hind quarters (gentle massaging of the spine, lots of rest), though not yet of his bodily functions, unfortunately. Time will tell, but given on Friday evening we’d had to contemplate having him put down, I don’t think we could have asked for a better improvement in his fortunes.
Fingers crossed that the improvement continues Mustafa.
My deep sympathies to you on your loss, LROK. They leave their stamp on our hearts and remain in our memories ever more.
I’ve been looking for you, to get an update. I’m glad of the news of improvement if not yet cure. Keep going with the massages and let us know of his progress.
We’ve had a bit of a setback this evening. It had all been going so well, he’d managed to wag his tail for the first time and the vet was terribly impressed, and then in his eagerness to be set free he squirmed out of our hands as we were lifting him out of the car, landed awkwardly, and is back to where we were on Saturday, almost immobile and near paralysed once more. We can only hope that painkillers and a good night’s rest will see some small improvement by the morning.
Sometimes the fates really do resent being tempted, and make their displeasure known.
Mustafa I have only just popped in to read the blog and after reading your good news then saw your later bulletin. Such a set-back and now an anxious time ahead. Fingers-crossed that the pain-killers and lots of rest will help. Thinking of you. Take good care.
Good luck. I’ll be thinking of you, that’s such bad luck.
A very pleasant start to the week, with 7d my clever COTD. I also liked 13a, 15a, and 17d. Thanks to Falcon, whose weather seems to be much like ours down here on the Carolina Coast–hot and steamy, already, more like August than early June. And thanks to Campbell for the entertainment. I settled on “Course I can!” for the first pun, but only after it took me ages to find that hunting dog. ** / ***
It’s Monday It’s Campbell 1.5*/4.5*
Candidates for favourite – 20a, 3d, and 21d – and the winner is 3d.
Thanks to Campbell and Falcon.
Enjoyed this with lots of thumbs up. Slightly surprised, though, at the clueing of 11a. Seems to me like a missed open goal with a clunky double definition when simply PRESIDENT FORD would have sufficed. But perhaps just me?
Overall pleasant Monday fare.
Couldn’t remember Much (as in the Miller’s son) but could remember Richard Greene, Bernadette O’Farrell and Patricia Driscoll from the Beeb series in the fifties- so had difficulty working out why it was RobinH !
A nice puzzle to start the (non) work week after a flippin’ miserable weather weekend. A couple of tricky clues in amongst the others here today, but nothing too troubling. 1.5*/**** Last area completed was the SE for me.
Clues I liked include 10a, 11a, 20a, 14d, 17d & 24d with my winner being 10a and runner up 17d
1d & 25d made me chuckle.
Nice start to the week.
Thanks to Campbell and Falcon
Finished this without too much angst, 15a was last one in but when the penny dropped I can’t think why it bothered us. I try not to be negative because I don’t know how the setters do it week after week, but I did not care for 24d! 7d made up for it though. We had a letter through the door last night from a group complaining about the little planes buzzing around from Duxford Airfield. What is wrong with these people? Far more irritation from the idiots who roar up the High Street at full throttle. I love to see and hear the Spitfires etc puttering about and find it quite restful. They are trying to get up a petition to go to the District Council. Bah.
I used to be a church bellringer. A couple moved into the village to a house near the church and immediately went to the vicar to complain about the bells making a noise. His reply was “They’re supposed to!”
If you buy a house next to a church expect to hear bells.
If you buy a house near an airfield expect to hear aircraft.
And if you buy a house by a village green, expect cricket balls in your front garden!
Agree RD but if the Council Elf & Safety get involved they may well take a different view.
We had a case where someone bought a house inside a golf course (on an estate built by the golf course developer, after the course). They then complained to the Council of balls in the garden. Result was the club had to close down the hole & then erect 50ft nets next to the tee before they could re-open the hole.
Outrageous – what was wrong with compulsory purchase & forcible relocation……
Only kidding
My goodness Daisy, my husband would be in his element, he would spend all day sitting in your garden waiting for the Spitfires. How can anyone object to hearing them? We had a lovely visit to the Duxford Airfield in 2016 on a trip home.
Completed without hints but taxing enough for me.SE corner was the main hold up with 27a last one in., easy once I had the checkers. 7D CoTD for me.
Very nice crossword. They seem to have got easier on a Monday recently. Some clever clues and no obscurities apart from maybe 20a. Thanks all
Delay by lack of GK in a few places – I think I found this tougher than many of you!
* for difficulty, you must be joking, it’s tricky enough to rate a *** for difficulty. Wordy complex clues.
The top half wasn’t too bad but the bottom half was really tricky.
Thx for the hints
***/*
Very good start to the week with the anagram at 10a and the clever simplicity of 2d getting very honourable mentions.
Thank you Campbell and Falcon.
Oh joy of joys, all done and dusted before I looked at the blog. All my own work, and no help needed. Last in was 15a like several others. Agree, not sure why that one took so long to tease out. In defense of Brian, I did start out thinking it was going to be a challenge, but it is pleasantly surprised me by being very doable. Huge thanks to Campbell, and to Falcon for the hints, but so glad I didn’t need them today. Will have a go at today’s prize 659 later.
I notice the 16d answer features in Tater’s Rookie Corner offering today – one of the few I’ve got so far
Once I got into this I found it went pretty smoothly, accepting that my first real toe hold was th SE.
Fairly typical Campbell for me in 2.5* time.
I liked the simplicity of 27a, my COTD.
Thanks Campbell for the test and Falcon for the review.
Lovely puzzle to start the week.
Thanks to Campbell and to Falcon.
Took till lunchtime for the haar to lift but now it is glorious. I suppose we have to pay for the sea views . 😏
Cloud but no haar this morning up here Ora. Like you, now glorious, a real summer feel.
Cruciverbal week gets off to an enjoyable start with no mindbending however I wasn’t too keen on 9d or 22d. Thanks Campbell and Falcon.
A lovely start to the week — not too easy, not too hard. Not sure about my COTD — probably 7D or 2D (as it brought back memories of Robin of Sherwood from my youth!)
Welcome to the blog
Welcome from me as well, Andy. Hope to hear from you again.
Thanks Steve and Sue. Fairly new to the blog (have posted here before a couple of times) and new (last few months) to the Telegraph crossword! Finding this site so helpful as a beginner.
A very nice start to the week, though I did have some holdups. I didn’t know that Merryman, and the why of 18a stumped me; thank you Falcon for that. There was lots to like, 17d and 26a were fun, but fave was 7d. I had no problem with 15a, one of my first in.
Thanks for the fun Campbell, and thanks to Falcon for the help. Our weatherman today told us that Canada was hotter than Florida!
We are setting new records almost daily. Yesterday apparently was the hottest June 6 on record. Last month was the driest May on record.
Of course, those records apply to Ottawa. Other parts of the country could be experiencing vastly different conditions.
I believe our May over here in the UK was the wettest!
Steve,
This May our solar panels generated less than 75% of the power they generated last May.
Should have bought a watermill!
🤣🤣
Nice start to a (hopefully) sunny week 😎 **/*** Favourites 20a & 21d 👍 Thanks to the Falcon and to Campbell and commiserations to LROK
I thought this looked very tricky at first but once I got a few across at the top it all fell in to place. Agree with Daisygirl that 24d was not the best but overall very enjoyable.
Great start to the week!
Thanks again to Campbell for the enjoyable puzzle – Mrs H was very pleased to solve the long 10A anagram for me! Made me hungry now…
Thanks also to Falcon for the hints…sounds very pleasant up there in Canadialand…getting a tad hot ‘n steamy down here in Virginia! 🌞
Cheers!
Well I found quite difficult for a Monday, but a surfeit of Marstons Pedigree and half a bottle of red wine might be a contributory factor. Hey ho! Never heard of 18a in that context or 20a. Favourite was 26a. Thanks thi Campbell and Falcon.
To.
Another finished the following morning. My favourite was probably 21d, “Delivery for a doorman”. Thanks, all.
What a pleasant gentle crossword after the hard work to complete on Sunday. This was finished unaided 1.5*/**** with COTD very definitely 7d.
Now I am really struggling with the quickie. I think I’ll have to get Falcon’s answers to the puns to help me on my way.
Thanks to Compbell and Falcon.
2*/4*….
liked 21D “Delivery for doorman (7)”