DT 29724 (Hints) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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DT 29724 (Hints)

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 29724 (Hints)

The Saturday Crossword Club

Hosted by Tilsit

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

Good morning everyone, from a soggy Warrington.

In a bit of a rush today, so am keeping it short and sweet. A puzzle that will probably divide the nation. Some will enjoy it and others will moan about it being ‘a General Knowledge puzzle’.

Do let us know what you think, but if you are going to criticise it, at least have the courage to explain why it’s not floating your boat. Setters love feedback; they have put time and effort in designing the puzzle, but they don’t need halfwits who, like one or two last week were just downright rude.

To paraphrase Mark Twain and Lisa Simpson, better to be thought a fool, than to hit the keyboard and remove all doubt.

Thanks to our setter for today’s challenge.

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”. Where the hint describes a construct as “usual” this means that more help can be found in The Usual Suspects, which gives a number of the elements commonly used in the wordplay. Another useful page is Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, which features words with meanings that are not always immediately obvious.

A full review of this puzzle will be published after the closing date for submissions.  Thank you to our setter for an enjoyable solve this morning!

Some hints follow:

Across

1a US city is behind new online map (11)
We start with the name of an American city. An anagram (new) of ONLINE MAP plus the word IS after it.

7a In error, Greek character backing exercise system (7)
The name of a letter of the Greek alphabet goes inside a word for an error, and the whole thing reversed.

10a Starter in Rajasthan filling belly; boy, it’s hot! (8)
Inside a short word for your belly goes the first letter (starter) of Rajasthan. Add to this a boy’s name and you get the name of a spice.

11a Twins placing car behind empty garage (6)
The name of heavenly twins is found by taking the first and last letters of GARAGE and adding the name of a car.

16a Prehistoric monument seen on the ground, inspiring gasps initially (10)
The name of a famous landmark is an anagram of SEEN ON THE with the girst letter of GASPS inside.

21a Eat in drinking establishment (6)
Hidden answer

25a A pressing household chore? (7)
Cryptic definition for something I never do.

26a Light box to carry on banner (11)
A word meaning to light (as in fire) is found by taking the name of a type of box and inserting ON, plus a type of banner.

Down

1d A student hugged by girl — that’s infectious (7)
Inside a girl’s name goes A and the letter that represents student or learner.

3d I sent a side to play in Borneo etc (4,6)
An anagram of I SENT A SIDE, gives the old name for an area of Asia that includes Borneo.

6d Cult I connected to area (7)
Another name for a cult, plus I and a short word meaning connected to.

7d George of England perhaps, unlikely star in panto (6,5)
An anagram of STAR IN PANTO, gives something that George of England is an example of.

9d Platform for workers teaching doctor (8,3)
A name for a platform where people work is found by taking a word meaning teaching and something meaning to doctor, as in an election.

12d Appalling wind finally is blowing (10)
After the last letter of WIND, goes IS and something that means blowing, as in a wind.

17d Natural magic in a grotto, somewhat uplifting (7)
A hidden answer but reversed.

19d Drink studied, moan out loud (3,4)
A homophone for a word that means studied (at uni), plus something meaning to moan.

20d Two fathers requiring a temple (6)
The word for a father, plus another for the Father (for some) and A.

23d Leads in Ibsen dramas often lacking for film star (4)
First letters of some words in the clue describe how some view a film star.

That’s all folks. Thanks to our setter for the challenge. Remember to play nicely or you won’t be allowed to stay up and watch the match.

The Crossword Club is now open.

Music today is something tranquil before the hysteria of tomorrow:

Could new readers please read the Welcome post and the FAQ before posting comments or asking questions about the site.

As this is a Prize crossword, please don’t put any ANSWERS, whether WHOLE, PARTIAL or INCORRECT, or any ALTERNATIVE CLUES in your comment. If in doubt, leave it out!

Please read these instructions carefully – they are not subject to debate or discussion. Offending comments may be redacted or, in extreme cases, deleted. In all cases the administrator’s decision is final.

If you don’t understand, or don’t wish to comply with, the conventions for commenting on weekend prize puzzles then save yourself (and me) a lot of trouble and don’t leave a comment.  BD


The Quick Crossword pun: day+jar+view=déjà vu


81 comments on “DT 29724 (Hints)

  1. After the struggles of the last 2 days a gentle and straightforward solve from my perspective. Horses remained calm and relaxed throughout. 5d my favourite and 26a LOI. Thanks to setter and, though not needed, Tilsit for the hints.

  2. Pleasantly light for a Saturday morning, with nothing too obscure. Any GK was not specialised, I thought, so perfectly gettable from the wordplay. The reversed lurker at 17d has a good surface and was my favourite.

    Many thanks to our setter and to Tilsit.

  3. Super prize puzzle which should give most people a chance to enter. Such a relief after yesterday which I have consigned to my dustbin of puzzles.
    Really clever clues with elegance in todays.
    Very enjoyable.
    Thx to all
    *****/**

  4. 1.5*/2.5*. I thought this was very light and mostly enjoyable, but I was disappointed to find not one but two vague names.

    I suppose it’s a matter of taste but I would never describe 10a as “hot”.

    Many thanks to the setter and to Tilsit.

    1. I wouldn’t describe 10a as hot either RD. In fact, it’s quite musky in flavour and mre useful for its colour than flavour in spicy dishes. It’s chilli that gives heat.

      1. If we are being pedantic, not sure you could call 1d infectious more transmissible, after you can’t catch it from another human without a vector.

    2. RD I agree re 10a not being hot but bitter rather and obviously it adds colour to curry powder.

      1. I’ve edited your comment to replace the solution with the clue number. We all agree with RD but it is Saturday so we can’t refer to the solution directly

        1. I have taken a spoonful of the item for years on the advice of my Indian yoga teacher. Shaken up in orange juice it is not ver pleasant but as you all say, not hot. Apparently good for arthritis but honestly cannot say whether it has done anything for me!

            1. Ora, as SC implies, 1d is not transmitted person to person but it is classed as an infectious disease. So, I reckon the clue is OK.

          1. Daisy, I’ve taken it on the recommendation of my rheumatologist and I think it helps. I buy the capsules, much easier to take with a swig of water. I should imagine it’s pretty bitter taken raw.

  5. Last in 10a after experimenting with various letters .
    Didn’t know it was hot.
    Otherwise, certainly a quickie, though enjoyable.
    So, */****
    Many thanks to the setter and to Tilsit.

  6. A very enjoyable puzzle with mostly straightforward clues (*/****). It provided some light relief after the more demanding puzzles of the last few days and variety is indeed the spice of life. There were a few GK clues and I enjoyed the geographical ones, especially 1a. 26a was nicely misdirected clue and my COTD and the well-misdirected 9d was a close second. Thanks to Tilsit for the hints and to the compiler for an entertaining puzzle.

  7. Greatly enjoyed this although spelling 1a correctly was a bit of a challenge. Don’t think 10a particularly hot. 26a last one in. All the GK ones were very doable. Thanks to the setter and Tilsit. Won’t be watching the football, find it embarrassing and sad that people boo other nations’ national anthems and quite dreadful to shine a laser into someone’s face. Hope England play fair and win.

    1. Manders, I believe you recommended the Finding Your Feet movie? We watched it last night, and very much enjoyed, a nice relaxing story. Always like Timothy Spall. Thought Joanna Lumley looked great. Thank you.

        1. I don’t know whether you saw my comment. I couldn’t remember who had recommended it!
          We watched it recently and enjoyed it very much.

          1. What I would call a gentle and completely inoffensive film with understated humour😀

  8. Found this to a straight forward and enjoyable solve, a tad easier than most Saturday puzzles.
    Thanks to Tilsit for hints.
    Thanks to setter for a pleasant diversion from a miserable rainy morning in Dover.

  9. Perfectly pleasant albeit pretty undemanding & especially in contrast to the rigours of the last couple of days. Can’t say I regard 10a as particularly hot either & like our reviewer try to avoid 25a if at all possible though once I’ve finally no option but to tackle the accumulated pile I find it strangely relaxing. Thought the 4 long uns round the periphery nice clues & the 12d surface is rather good.
    Thanks to the setter & to Tilsit

    1. I agree about the strange satisfaction of 25a and the smell is evocative of childhood. The big secret (from the Domestic Goddess herself haha) is not to let it pile up.

      1. My rule is only start when the pile is sufficiently high that it begins to resemble the tower in Pisa…..

  10. Just about right for a SPP with no need for the copious white space on my printed sheet – 2.5*/3.5*.

    Candidates for favourite – 8a, 22a, and 12d.

    Thanks to the setter and Tilsit.

  11. If I can complete the SPP, Quickie and most of the GK at one sitting, then the compilers must be going easy on us.

    The only clue I ringed for comment was the second father in 20d. I did like 26a, a cracking word that should get more use.

    Many thanks to the setters and Tilsit.

  12. No problems here with the odd bits of GK but 26a caused some grief even after most of the checkers had fallen into place – definitely needed a ‘penny drop’ moment.
    5&7d made me laugh so go to the top of the pile.

    Thanks to our setter and to Tilsit for the hints and gentle music.

    1. From the checking letters, I immediately thought of another light, It wasn’t until I dismissed that thought and followed the instructions that I arrived at the answer. I have such a one-trackmind, I’ve got to practise lateral thinking more.

  13. Lovely puzzle, hugely enjoyable to undertake and complete. I have no problem at all with general knowledge if it is exactly that. I grind my teeth when the answer involves detailed study of Chinese dynasties, or the victories of Sultan Selim I for the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century.

    Today’s crossword soundtrack: Walter Becker – Circus Money <- much gratitude to Stephen L who suggested this. I really love it and cannot understand why I didn’t explore Walter’s solo work before. Stephen – what a wonderful album, the reggae slant as delightful as it was unexpected!

    Thanks to the setter and Tilsit (lovely to hear that George Butterworth piece)

    1. Hi Terence.
      So pleased that you love the album, a much underappreciated gem. You can definitely see what Walter brought to the party.

    2. Curious to know what streaming site you listened to it on as Spotify have removed it.

      1. I listened to Circus Money on YouTube yesterday but know not whether that is a “streaming site”.

  14. Lovely puzzle today, makes a pleasant change to be able to solve at a nice gentle pace. Thanks to the setter.

  15. A very enjoyable puzzle today. I did not manage to finish unaided needing help for about three clues. I do not think that 10a can be considered hot but I’m probably missing something. I still could not get 26a despite having all the checkers possibly because I was concentrating on the wrong word in the clue. My COTD is 7a.

    Many thanks to the setter for the enjoyment. Thanks also to Tilsit for the hints.

  16. For some reason made heavy weather of this to begin with but soon it all began to fall into place and hey presto! 7d “unlikely” new one on me. Failed to parse second word of 9d. 5d Fav. Thanks Mysteron and DJ Tilsit.

  17. Very enjoyable, nice to be able to complete one now and then. 10a last in as I spell it differently, the wrong way I might add😊. Can’t imagine what Bertie will say about it. Thanks to all.

  18. A very pleasant puzzle, great for occasional and regular solvers alike. My favourite was 7d.
    1.5/3*

  19. I enjoyed this one. A couple of clues where I needed this site’s help to parse after I’d got them, but definitely liked it.

  20. Needed the hint on 26a but the others all fell into place reasonably quickly. Many thanks.

  21. Everyone has said it, very nice crossword so thank you setter and thanks to Tilsit. I really liked 5d and 26a nothing to dislike. Back to doing church flowers, 3 hrs this morning and possibly only another one this afternoon. My turn on the Rota but my misfortune to hit a weekend when I am doing 3 pedestals and a table arrangement. Onward and upwards. I shall enjoy the tennis and I hope that you football followers will have a good result and celebrate nicely.

  22. Nice puzzle. After some this week it has restored my self esteem.

    I quite enjoy 25a. At least, unlike some household chores, the result lasts a while, unlike, say, floor cleaning, when someone tramps over it almost immediately!.

    Thank you Tilsit and The Setter

  23. This is the first time I’ve finished a crossword before looking at the hints- so thanks Tilsit for training me over many months, thanks BD for setting up the blog and thanks to the setter for the crossword. Now to celebrate with a beer I wouldn’t normally have in the middle of the afternoon!

  24. With a tough day ahead of me (I want to roller paint the guest bathroom walls today, small room with 12ft ceilings…) so was more than pleased to be treated to this enjoyable and doable solve this morning. Nothing like an “all on my own” puzzle to set you up for the day. Thank you to the setter (is it Chalicea?) and to Tilsit.

  25. Really liked this Saturday treat. Nice puzzle with some great clueing. On same rank as the Friday puzzle **/***** for me. Clues for favourites include 7a, 18a, 22a, 2d, 4d &19d with winner tied 22a/4d. 19d made me laugh as did 18a & 5d
    Very pleasant solve for a sunny Saturday and a coffee.

    Thanks to setter and Tilsit for the hinting.

  26. What a relief after the last 2 days self confidence restored .
    Solved alone and unaided and only needed help with the parsing on 20d.

    Thanks to Tilsit and to the setter.

    Weather cannot make up its mind here…..pouring rain this morning and now the sun is shining fit to bust.

    I feel I have seen the Quickie pun before……I’ll get my coat…..

  27. 26a nearly drove me crazy as I could not free myself of another word for ‘light’, and so I resorted to an electronic assist, and finished the puzzle with that little crutch. Ah well, the rest of the puzzle was a total delight and went quite swimmingly. I particularly enjoyed the perimeter clues and 15d. Thanks to Tilsit and today’s setter. **** / ***

    Congratulations to Mark Cavendish and good luck, England, against Italy tomorrow!

    1. I too had another word for light, which would have been plausible but didn’t fit the checkers. Fortunately I saw the light (sorry what a dreadful pun) fairly quickly, rubbed it out and re-thought it.

    2. I was also held up for ages obsessing about another light in 26a! Funnily enough years ago when we had a boat we were moored in Wicken Fen nature reserve when someone set fire to a car by the reed beds – there was a huge whoosh as the car caught light and fearing it would spread fast I rang the Fire Brigade and obviously used 26a to describe the situation rather than just say ‘there’s a fire’! They arrived in about 10 mins with a print-out of my telephone call.

  28. Took us just over xxxxxxx Fastest we’ve ever done a SPP. Must be all that practice with the Toughie now available with the DT app.

  29. Very enjoyable puzzle today which did much to restore my confidence after the last 2 days. Last one in 26 across. I spent almost as much time on solving it as the rest of the clues.

    Many thanks to the setter and Tilsit. Tilsit I’m only approx 25 miles from you but we have good weather all day until 30 mins ago! I could have done another load of washing today if I hadn’t followed the weather App!

    Message for Big Dave or Letterbox Roy I did mention recently that I was having an irritating message coming up on my tablet screen and asking if anyone could help. The following comes up every few seconds.
    ‘Unfortunately, android.process.acore has stopped’. Can you offer any advice, please. Many thanks.

  30. What a relief after the last two days, loved it all! I needed Tilsit’s help in understanding 9d, it had to be. No complaints at all, not even 10a, easy mistake as it’s used in so many hot dishes. No fave, too much good stuff, though liked 7d a lot.
    Thank you setter, not only for the puzzle but for brightening a damp day, and to Tilsit for his help unravelling some.
    Enjoyed the Ladies Finals, I do like Ash Barty. I missed the coup de grace as my aide locked herself out at the very instant Ash won and I had to shuffle to the front door to let her in. Old age can have its irksome moments!

  31. Tackled this one late in the afternoon and found it mild/light with OK clues providing enjoyment while the puzzle lasted. No idea whether 10a is hot or not. I’ve never tasted it on its own but have probably eaten food containing it. I’ve just been reading about it and it appears to be a member of the ginger family with an aroma likened to mustard/black pepper and imparting a pungent and slightly bitter flavour to food. To me pungent does mean hot, but I’ll have to remain on the fence till I’ve tried it (probably never). 1.5*, 2.5*

  32. I knew I would enjoy this cryptic as I thoroughly enjoyed the quick crossword which I always solve first as it always gives me a good feel for the difficulty of the cryptic. Great pun today! Too many favourites to mention. Thanks to the compiler and Tilsit. I’m also getting fed up with the rain. Where is summer?

  33. One of the quickest solves ever , probably for everybody else too.
    And I enjoyed it.
    Thanks to all concerned.

  34. Early morning solve in hotel in Hove. No time yesterday as at a family celebration. Just right. Only 26a caused hesitation and I did not parse 7a. Thanks setter and Tilsit. Hopefully the curmudgeons have disappeared.

  35. PS Having now looked at the hint I think 7a very good. I could not parse my correct answer as I had a Greek character at the beginning which gave me the right letters for the wrong reason.

  36. 26a totally flummoxed me. I don’t agree at all that the answer matches the clue!

    1. Welcome to the blog Richard

      It’s there as a synonym in Chambers Thesaurus. Perhaps you could come back on Friday and tell us why you don’t like it on the post-closing-date review

  37. Very enjoyable although for me it was not at all easy. Thank you to the setter, Big Dave and Tilset and of course everyone here. I love reading the comments as much as I do the help with the clues. Favourites…. so many though I always have a weakness for puns so they are usually my favourites.
    I have been struggling generally with each puzzle for the past week or two so it’s especially satisfying to finish one, albeit with help here. I have recently been prescribed with something called Hydromorphone. I can take half a pill every 4 hours but I stick to half in the morning and half in the evening. I am already naturally foggy and these things make it a pea souper! Then something really weird happens and an answer pops into my head out of nowhere, even sporting references. Alan always says “How on earth do you know that?” Answer “Absolutely no idea, I probably saw previously on Big Dave’s blog.” :-)

  38. Picked up this one about an hour ago – fastest ever so clearly someone out there thinks like me. Bit of a contrast from 2 weeks ago! Thank you whoever.

  39. Thankful for your assistance, Tilsit, on the SE corner – funny how there often seems to be a blind spot these days. Cataracts must be getting worse! Comments seem gentler following the rap on the knuckles, I suppose good order has to be kept but no platforming can make for a rather quiet life!

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