DT 30085 – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
View closed comments 

DT 30085

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30085

Hints and tips by Mr K

+ - + - + - + - + - + - + - +

BD Rating  -  Difficulty ** Enjoyment ***

Hello, everyone, and welcome to Tuesday. I found myself bouncing all over the grid adding answers during my solve of this puzzle, so it took quite a few passes through the grid to get everything done and dusted. Weird how that happens sometimes. And afterwards it’s hard to see why. 

In the hints below most indicators are italicized, and underlining identifies precise definitions and cryptic definitions. Clicking on the answer buttons will reveal the answers. In some hints hyperlinks provide additional explanation or background. Clicking on a picture will enlarge it or display a bonus illustration and a hover (computer) or long press (mobile) might explain more about the picture. Please leave a comment telling us how you got on.

 

Across

1a    The Telegraph perhaps approves of what writers produce? (10)
PAPERBACKS:  What the Daily Telegraph defines by example (perhaps) followed by “approves of” or supports 

6a    Food shop consignment with 50 per cent off (4)
DELI:  Remove half of a word (with 50% off) meaning consignment (from FedEx or DHL say)

10a   Bound to admit last bit of water's drained (5)
TIRED:  Bound with rope containing (to admit) the final letter of (last bit of) WATER 

11a   Where one might find bishop had claret prepared (9)
CATHEDRAL:  An anagram (prepared) of HAD CLARET 

12a   Meticulous yet containing nothing right (8)
THOROUGH:  A synonym of yet containing both the letter representing nothing and the single letter for right 

13a   Complains fish start to smell (5)
CARPS:  A freshwater fish with the initial letter of (start to) SMELL 

15a   Speedy  Mo! (7)
INSTANT:  Double definition. Speedy like coffee that requires only the addition of boiling water 

17a   Going around India, unfortunately I snore louder (7)
NOISIER:  An anagram (unfortunately) of I SNORE containing (going around) the letter represented in the NATO phonetic alphabet by India 

19a   Talk to father about mother's garment? (7)
ADDRESS:  The reversal (about) of a dialect word for father is followed by a female garment 

21a   Mountain bike finally ready? Good (7)
BENEFIT:  Link together a Scottish word for mountain, the final letter of BIKE, and ready (for duty, for example) 

22a   Fear picture in article? On the contrary (5)
PANIC:  Inverting the wordplay (on the contrary) we insert a grammatical article in an informal contraction of picture 

24a   Company gifts mentioned (8)
PRESENCE:  A homophone (mentioned) of a noun meaning gifts 

27a   Answer welcome, encapsulating blokes' understanding (9)
AGREEMENT:  The single letter for answer is followed by a synonym of welcome containing (encapsulating) some blokes

28a   Celebrate no leader getting salary increase (5)
RAISE:  Celebrate or compliment minus its first letter (… no leader

29a   The woman had to get rid of hut (4)
SHED:  A contraction meaning “the woman had” 

30a   Calls doctor to help with teen's dropping temperature (10)
TELEPHONES:  An anagram (doctor) of TO HELP TEEN’S minus (dropping) the physics symbol for temperature 

 

Down

1d    Prime Minister virtually unknown? Shame (4)
PITY:  All but the last letter (virtually) of an 18th century Prime Minister with a letter that represent a mathematical unknown 

2d    Got hold of cap and rushed out (9)
PURCHASED:  An anagram (out) of CAP RUSHED 

3d    This helps one find ships in waves going up and down (5)
RADAR:  Electromagnetic waves that are a palindrome (the same going up and down

4d    Conservative supporting a nobleman's explanation (7)
ACCOUNT:  Putting the bits in order, assemble A from the clue, the single letter for Conservative, and a European nobleman 

5d    Understanding about hunger, prepare food here? (7)
KITCHEN:  Understanding or knowledge containing (about) hunger or desire 

7d    Slip over in despair or regret (5)
ERROR:  The answer is hidden reversed (over) in the remainder of the clue 

8d    Show wicked American Triumph's top speed (10)
ILLUSTRATE:  Concatenate evil or wicked, an abbreviation for America, the initial letter (…’s top) of TRIUMPH, and another word for speed

9d    Socialist almost put on suit to get response (8)
REACTION:  All but the last letter (almost) of a socialist or communist is followed by a legal suit 

14d   One adult held by military engineers after old penny vanishes (10)
DISAPPEARS:  Link together the letter representing an old penny, the Roman one, and the single letter for adult inserted in (held by) some military engineers 

16d   A good niece's moving bureaus (8)
AGENCIES:  Cement together A from the clue, the single letter for good, and an anagram (moving) of NIECE’S 

18d   Fine tonic treated symptom of disease? (9)
INFECTION:  An anagram (treated) of FINE TONIC 

20d   Greatest drink tried regularly with this writer (7)
SUPREME:  Put together a verb synonym of drink, alternate letters (regularly) of TRIED, and a pronoun that the setter could use for themselves 

21d   Whisper about entering tub with European (7)
BREATHE:  A short word meaning about or concerning is inserted in (entering) a tub, and that’s all followed by the single letter for European 

23d   Pluck neck or cheek (5)
NERVE:  Triple definition. I had to check the second one. It’s not so different from the third

25d   Want to leave daughter land (5)
EARTH:  A want or lack minus the genealogical abbreviation for daughter (to leave daughter) 

26d   Pins, for example, in two sizes (4)
LEGS:  The Latin abbreviation meaning “for example” is inserted in between two abbreviated sizes 

 

Thanks to today’s setter. I ticked 12a, 21a, 1d, 5d, and 26d. Which clues did you like best?


The Quick Crossword pun:  MOW + NAN + GROWN = MOAN AND GROAN


67 comments on “DT 30085

  1. Straight forward Tuesday puzzle and agree with Mr K’s **/***I too seemed to bounce around the grid for no particular reason- instead of the usual ‘quarters’
    A wide variety of clues,favourites were the two charades 14d and 21a-thanks to Mr K for the cat pics-liked the garage!

  2. Yes, I too jumped about all over the place with this grid. A terrific crossword; one or two bung-ins and then a lot more thought required to reach the summit.

    Thanks to the setter and The Celebrated Mr K.

    Beatles on Tuesday:

    1. Hi, Terence. I thought about including a clip of that song in the hints, but I knew you’d come up with the best one. Thanks.

    1. Welcome from me as well.

      I expect there was a time in our crossword solving lives when all of us welcomed less tricky puzzles.

      The survival of cryptic crosswords relies on new solvers joining the community. That’s enabled by offering some puzzles lying at the more straightforward end of the difficulty spectrum. The Telegraph can do that because they also provide the Toughie series of puzzles for solvers seeking a greater challenge.

  3. I thought this was as straightforward as straightforward gets, with very little to slow the solving process. 12a and 26d share my top spot this morning, ahead of 20d.

    My thanks to both Misters involved in today’s production.

  4. Triple definitions are quite rare, so I was surprised this had 2, or so I thought. On reflection, 29A is more a double definition plus a cryptic bit. But again, quite rare.
    Agree with the **/*** rating. Any I finish with no help gets a *** from me.

    Thanks all.

  5. 1*/3.5*. This proved to be a light and fun diversion and I agree with YS’s choice of 12a & 26d sharing the top spot.

    Many thanks presumably to Anthony Plumb and to Mr K.

  6. For me somewhat not Typically Tuesdayish but as enjoyable as ever – 2.5*/4*.

    Candidates for favourite – 12a, 15a, 24a, 5d, and 20d – and the winner is 12.

    Thanks to the setter and Mr K.

    Not very impressed by the Newsletter yesterday. So-called news about the new web site, blissfully unaware of how terrible it is.

    And, my five bob is now on the OLPPs and, probably, the Clue Writing Contest disappearing completely; at least that would make one of our company the reigning champion forever of the Clue Writing Contest!

      1. Thanks Terence, I felt too stupid to ask! Maybe you have to have the puzzles app to see it – I just have the ordinary subscription.

        1. Campbell has long provided an additional “OnLine Prize Puzzle” and OnLine Quick Crossword on Mondays, a welcome distraction given the absence of a Toughie on a Monday.

          They both used to be available to anyone with a puzzles-only subscription, so I’m surprised they were not similarly available to subscribers to the online newspaper.

    1. Ahhh! OL = On Line! Thank you.

      I have long enjoyed the bonus Monday cryptic which now seems to have disappeared amidst the disastrous puzzles revamp.

    2. I’ve sent a cheeky email asking what’s happening to the rest of my £35.88 sub for this year since I can find no way in except through the ‘one month free’ offer!

    3. I have heard, from somebody in a position to know, that “Regarding printing from the new website, the print formats are being worked on further currently, so hopefully improved versions will be available shortly”

  7. A good solid puzzle, which I found slightly more testing than the average Tuesday fare – for me it required a bit more lateral thinking and at times I felt quite dense, though that may be more to do with a short night’s disturbed sleep! 1d very timely and raised a smile. My podium places were occupied by 21a, 8d and 14d.

    Many thanks to the setter and to Mr K

  8. You don’t often see triple definitions but we have two in this puzzle. My cup runneth over.

    **/**** for me.

    Many thanks to the setter and Mr K

  9. I thought this was all pretty nifty. My favourite is probably 21a. (We have a couple of mountain bikers in the family. Myself, I will sometimes go downhill fast, but rarely on a bike!)

    Many thanks to the setter and Mr K.

  10. Steady, workmanlike progress to completion.
    Last in, incredibly, 1a.
    Candidates for COTD 15 and 21a and 5 and 20d.
    Clear winner 21a.
    So, */****
    Many thanks to the setter and to Mr K.

  11. Excellent first class puzzle. For me the best crossword for ages.
    No favs, they were all good.
    Thx to all
    **/*****

  12. Yes a nice straight forward solve 😃 26d held me up for a while **/*** 🤔 Favourites 1, 21 & 22a Thanks to Mr K and to the Compiler 👍

  13. A first-rate puzzle – thanks to the setter and Mr K.
    My ticks went to 12a, 21a and 9d but favourite was the timely 1d (although the setter did have plenty of notice of today’s event).

  14. I made heavy weather of this to begin with but then hey presto it soon all began to fall into place. Fav 30a for its smooth surface. Thank you Messrs. Ron and K.

    1. I was the opposite – steamed ahead then came to a grinding halt. Struggled on a few that I should have got without help, but still enjoyed it.

      Thanks to setter and Mr K.

  15. I too seemed to jump about all over the grid but it was all straightforward. I think 30a was my favourite. I want you all to know I am suffering, though George would say not in silence. My 20 minute appointment yesterday turned into 50, I actually felt sorry for the dentist and at one point was almost pleading to be taken to hospital. My tooth had cracked horizontally. I hope you are all feeling sorry for me – I am feeling very sorry for myself. 🤕🦷But at least it is over. Thanks to the setter for the diversion and, as ever, to Mr K and his cats.

    1. So sorry to hear that Daisygirl. And we pay them for this treatment : beyond belief. I always remember a very posh aunt saying, when I turned up for an occasion in a short sleeved shirt, ” Michael, short sleeve shirts are fine on used car salesmen and dentists. Neither a profession for a gentleman.” Perhaps that’s why they cause pain and expect to be paid.

      1. Oooh Corky. That’s brave (or foolhardy) of you. I hope your dentist doesn’t read this blog or he might give you a hard time. I think dentists really earn their money – I would hate to spend my days looking down someone’s throat. Yuk. It’s the pain I am needing sympathy for, George is a bit low on sympathy.

        1. Exactly DG and furthermore SC of this parish may well have a comment to make to you Corky👎.

                1. Doh! Thank you Mr K. I’m so pleased someone cares, suffering in silence was never my forte! I feel better already.

  16. I made very heavy weather of the SE corner for no reason except not reading the clues thoroughly as advised by MP a few weeks ago. So nothing different then: stupid boy.

    Good crossword otherwise.

  17. Sorry Mr K. I forgot to thank you and the setter for your good work this morning. So thank you both.

  18. A very well balanced and varied puzzle, which was most enjoyable. Like others, I dartwd about a bit, in my case because there were a few clues that were difficult to get without checkers. I particularly enjoyed the two triple definitions. Favourites were 1a, ,1d, 15a,, 23d and 14d. Thanks to Mr K for the hints and to our Tuesday compiler.

  19. Enjoyed this one very much indeed – a great start with 1a &1d and several others that really amused such as 13a plus 21& 26d.

    My thanks to our setter and to the redoubtable Mr K for another of his excellent reviews.

  20. Very enjoyable throughout. Two Beatles songs in one day too (I’ve put one on the Toughie blog)
    1&26d (for different reasons) were my favourites.
    Many thanks to the setter and Mr K for the fun.

  21. I fear I am in a minority on this occasion. I got there without help but did not enjoy greatly. In fact I disliked the “sounds like” at 24a and not keen on 19a. I thought neck and cheek were synonymous. Thanks Setter and Mr K.

  22. Another bouncer here, all over the place, but very happy to finish a pleasantly enjoyable puzzle. 15a, 1a, and 26d make the podium for me. Thanks to Mr K and today’s setter.

    Very late today because I was up late cheering on my Clemson Tigers in their season debut as they managed, with a second-half splurge and surge, to overcome the Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech, 41-10. That’s American college football, in case you’re wondering.

  23. Completed while parked outside of the Royal Brompton Hospital following a horrendous journey in from St Albans. Waze packed up half way through (how did we cope before satnav) & inadvertently strayed into the congestion zone. Anyway a nice gentle puzzle that was all over too quickly but was very enjoyable nevertheless. 12&21a my top two.
    The Serpent Toughie looks chewy enough to keep me occupied while I await my patient
    Thanks all

  24. No problems with this Tuesday puzzle. Straightforward and fun.
    For me 2.5*/3.5* today.

    Favourites 12a, 30a, 1d, 20d & 26d — with winner 1d

    Thanks to setter and Mr K

    P.S.
    How do I get to the Newsletter Senf refers to? Would like to read it based on Senf’s comments. Is there a link I am missing?
    Thanks

      1. I usually receive them OK but haven’t had one for a bit – has there been one recently? Perhaps I will have to re-register?

    1. Here is more detailed guidance about getting the newsletter, provided by our Puzzles Editor:

      “To sign up to the puzzles newsletter, you need to be a registered user (which is free!) or a Telegraph or Telegraph Puzzles subscriber. You can sign up at the following URL (which is printed under the Quick Crossword most days in the print edition of the newspaper):

      https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/puzzles

      If you are having trouble receiving the puzzles newsletter, there is a help page which gives possible solutions:

      https://www.telegraph.co.uk/about-us/newsletters/

      While the following isn’t official advice, I’ve also found that the problem can sometimes be fixed by unsubscribing from the newsletter in the My Account section of the Telegraph website. If you then wait 24 hours to ensure this change has updated everywhere here, resubscribing to the newsletter should then mean it is sent going forward.”

      1. Hi Mr K,

        I am in a similar position to Manders, in that I used to receive the newsletter by email every Monday, but since the end of July they have mysteriously stopped. I tried the unofficial fix mentioned in your final paragraph, but to no avail. I contacted the helpdesk last month and they have now replied to say that they have discovered why I am not receiving the newsletters, but they are still trying to work out how to rectify the issue! I suppose that’s progress of sorts, so I would recommend others to pursue the helpdesk route if they are encountering similar difficulties.

  25. No problems with todays crossword.
    I’m always caught with 16d – such an odd word – it has so many uses and seems to cover almost anything possible – or am I just being dim about it?
    Thanks to the setter for the crossword and to Mr K for the hints.
    What a noisy night – torrential rain for quite a while and lots of “thunder and frightening” what my best nephew called when he was little.

  26. I am gutted to miss such a good sounding puzzle now being in the frozen wastes – intellectually – of the Costa Blanca. Not a DT in sight despite a large number of Brits albeit possibly not of BD calibre. Am I allowed to say that? However I did find an unlikely source of newspapers – the well hidden Iceland shop which oddly had an FT. I confess to a ***********! However I did rather like the content of the rag more than our beloved. Less woke I should say. See you all in 2 weeks when I return, and hopefully when the case holding half of my climbing gear and all of Wendy’s clothes arrives. Our receipt folder is getting larger….,

    Now – where are those olives?

  27. I like trickier too, but not too tricky can also be enjoyable, as it was today. */*** for me.

  28. On the wavelength today with the exception of 19a. Never heard the word for father before. Is this something children say?

    Enjoyable solve which was over a bit too quickly.

    Thanks to all.

    1. I think it’s dialect – probably northern, but I’m not sure why I’m saying that – maybe I should shut up!

    2. I had a friend from Northern Ireland, who certainly addreaaed her farher by that term, as ans adult. It’s definitely regional, Bananawarp

    3. Thanks for the replies. You both make sense.

      This has got me thinking. I wonder if it is also used by the traveller community.

  29. **/*** for me… Rather embarrassingly (?) 29a escaped me – then I read the hint and realised how silly I’d been and should’ve got it!

    Still, better than my recent run of form! Now for the Toughie!

  30. After my travails with the toughie this afternoon I barely had time to pause for breath with this one, enjoyable though. Favourite was the typical 1d. Thanks to the setter and Mr. K.

  31. Being an ardent mountain biker – whether analogue or ebike- my COTD in this fine, if straightforward, crossword is 21a. The 21a of regular mountain biking is immense!
    Thanks to the setter and Mr. K.

  32. Great crossword. The American English answer to 28a jarred slightly – but then I’m very old school! With thanks to the setter and to Mr K.

Comments are closed.