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DT 30308

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30308

Hints and tips by 2Kiwis

BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****

Kia ora from Aotearoa.

A beautifully fine, calm, winter’s day here and an enjoyable Wednesday Cryptic to go with it.
What more could one want?

Please leave a comment telling us how you got on.

Across

1a      I run, held by father’s braces (5)
PAIRS : An informal word for father with ‘S contains ‘I’ from the clue and the cricket abbreviation for a run.

4a     Risk pinching a sovereign (8)
IMPERIAL : Risk or endanger contains ‘A’ from the clue.

10a     Blackadder’s servant cut belt (7)
BALDRIC : Remove the last letter from the name of Blackadder’s servant.

11a     Seconds after eating, tidied up pots (7)
TAGINES : An anagram (tidied up) of EATING is followed by S(econds)

12a     Just fish as it’s 90 degrees! (5,5)
RIGHT ANGLE : Just, or fair, and then fish as a verb.

13a     Wear article worn by cook (4)
FRAY : Cook in a pan with oil contains the indefinite article.

15a     Furious, so each goes off pointless search (4-5,5)
WILD-GOOSE CHASE : A synonym for furious, then an anagram (off) of SO EACH GOES.

17a     Understand the web — time the French deal with problem (5,3,6)
GRASP THE NETTLE : A 4,3,3 phrase that could mean understand computer websites, then T(ime) and a French definite article.

20a     Theatrical answer stifled by Conservative politician (4)
CAMP : C(onservative) then A(nswer) and a Member of Parliament.

21a     Philosophy teachers sit awkwardly, lacking resistance (10)
AESTHETICS : An anagram (awkwardly) of TEACHE(r)S SIT with the physics symbol for resistance removed.

23a     Taking back part of year against falls (7)
NIAGARA : A reverse lurker, hiding in the clue.

24a     Nothing must interrupt register for morning caller (7)
ROOSTER : A register or list contains the letter that looks like zero.

25a     In conclusion, ownership must be accredited (8)
ENTITLED : A three letter word for conclusion contains proof of ownership.

26a     Pal ejecting right monster (5)
FIEND : Remove R(ight) from within a pal or ally.

Down

1d     Visit locals seeing Paul oddly caught in fight (3-5)
PUB-CRAWL : The first and third letter of Paul, then a free-for-all fight contains C(aught).

2d     Criminal may have trouble, say, on a lake (7)
ILLEGAL : Be troubled or unwell, then the two letters from Latin for ‘say’ are followed by ‘A’ from the clue and L(ake).

3d     Expert in planning and setting targets first (10)
STRATEGIST : An anagram (setting) of TARGETS and then ‘first’ written in an alphanumeric way.

5d     Tools for identifying the hidden ATM letter codes after reconstruction (5,9)
METAL DETECTORS : An anagram (after reconstruction) of ATM LETTER CODES.

6d     Limit advantage (4)
EDGE : A double definition.

7d     Takes no notice of Italian ladies sending leader to the south (7)
IGNORES : Start with the title for Italian ladies and move the first letter to the end.

8d     Robust — and out of practice needing to change sides (5)
LUSTY : Out of practice or  maybe corroding with one hand changed to the other.

9d     Freezing additional benefit? (5,2,3,4)
ICING ON THE CAKE : An all-in-one clue. The first word can be a synonym for freezing and the other two the definition.

14d     Bored with Derby perhaps, needing tip (7,3)
CHEESED OFF : A dairy product that could be Derby, and tip that could be an action with a different sort of Derby.

16d     Seed corn doubtful — made cuts (8)
CENSORED : An anagram (doubtful) of SEED CORN.

18d     Remainder of men floundering in storm (7)
REMNANT : Storm or show anger surrounds an anagram (floundering) of MEN.

19d     Plant order for Scotland (7)
THISTLE : An Order of Chivalry associated with Scotland.

20d     Stick around love boat (5)
CANOE : A stick that might be used for walking contains the tennis score love.

22d     Short trousers can be long (4)
PANT : A slang word for trousers loses its last letter.

Our favourite today is 14d.

Quickie pun    fall    +    teat    +    hours    =    Fawlty Towers

42 comments on “DT 30308

  1. Great puzzle – things are picking up this week after Monday’s poor performance – really nice clues and very enjoyable to solve.

  2. Really enjoyed this Wednesday offering with a great mix of clues and enough challenge to keep you engaged, especially 9d which I stared at for ages until the penny dropped!

    2*/4*

    Fav 14d LOI 9d.

    Thanks to setter and the 2Kiwis.

  3. I thought this a very clever and quirky puzzle which was great fun. I did wonder if it may be the work of our former Tuesday blogger at one point.
    17a plus 3,5&14d take the honours today but it was all top-notch.
    Many thanks to the setter and The Ks.

  4. Enjoyed this and only puzzled over 22d but guessed right!
    15a favourite and 11a was a new word to me but supplied across the breakfast table by Mycroft.

    1. 11a is becoming somewhat of an oldie but goodie as it can be clued in two ways – the pot or the ‘result’ of what has been cooked in it (usually with a regional qualification).

  5. I found it dreadfully difficult to get a start with this crossword but eventually got going in the NE corner, only todfind it was still difficult to get started in the other corners. It was certainlymorecchallengingcthan 2* for me for difficulty. I speeded up once the checkers went in and felt that it was satisfying to have finished. I liked 17a, 21a and 15a. The anagrams were particularly good. Thanks to the compiler and to the Kiwis for the hints

  6. I thought this was going to be a challenge on first sight but once the penny dropped on a couple of the long ones everything fell into place. I admit to getting out the Thesaurus for 6d – it’s always the little ones! 10a was new to me, the belt that is, not the Blackadder connection. I did think that 19d was not the best clue. Lots to like, especially 1a, 17a and my favourite 1d. Thanks to today’s setter and the 2Kiwis, whose help I didn’t need but I did appreciate the wonderful illustrations.

  7. Missed the lurker and found a new word for a belt! Good fun which was over too fast. Thanks to all.

  8. 2*/4*. A light delight in the middle of the week with 14d my favourite.

    The answer to 10a was a new word for me, but easy enough to divine.

    Many thanks to the setter and to the 2Ks.

  9. I concur with the 2Kiwis rating for this pleasant romp oiled by numerous partial anagrams and some complete. I didn’t have a particular favourite clue but enjoyed all the long ones. Very clever. Thanks to the 2K’s and the setter.

  10. I thought this a really enjoyable and witty challenge, with just enough ‘bite’ to make one stop and think. Indeed on reviewing afterwards I was struck by quite how many clues I had (or could have) marked as being “really rather good” – most of them! A bit heavy on the anagram front, but some very clever clue construction employed throughout. I’ll confine my Hon Mentions to 4a, 13a, 1d, 6d & 14d – my COTD.

    2* / 4*

    Many thanks to the mystery Setter (Robin?) and of course to the 2Ks

  11. Enjoyable puzzle with just the right level of difficulty for me.
    17a was not a problem as I spent yesterday strimming them at Fyvie Castle as they are threatening to swamp the bluebells, wild garlic and rattle which are still in flower up here.
    Favourites today are 17a, 24a and 9d.
    Missed the reverse lurker at 23a but the answer could only be one thing.
    Thanks to setter and hinters.

  12. Good Wednesday fun but, for reasons I don’t understand, it did take some time to get going before it was over in a bit of a blur – 2.5*/3.5*

    Candidates for favourite – 15a, 17a, and 14d – and the winner is 17a.

    Thanks to the setter and the 2Kiwis.

  13. The committee met this morning but decided that as the sun is shining, and the sky is only punctuated by a minimum of clouds, 10a is spared from being added to THE LIST. It was a close call though.
    Lovely crossword; very few bung-em-ins but all were gettable with a bit of thought and some handy checking letters.

    We’ve had a long weekend celebrating H’s birthday. On Sunday about ten of us went to the theatre to see a splendid play in which a family member is musical director, followed by an ‘interesting’ meal nearby.
    “We’re out of roasts….”
    “OK… how about this?”
    “None left…”
    “Right… how about that?”
    “All gone…”

    Thanks to the setter and The TwoKays

    1. I’m pleased you decided to spare 10a from The List, Terence. Maybe I watched too many swashbuckling films in my youth but I do know the term. It’s the belt that carries the sword.

  14. A fun Wednesday puzzle – thanks to our setter and 2Ks.
    The clues I liked best were 1d and 14d.

  15. Hit the buffers with 17a and 16d to go.
    Latter inexcusable for an anagram.
    Proverbials eventually dropped,
    Putting me into a solid 3.5 time.
    Satisfying and enjoyable.
    But a bit difficult for a Wednesday.
    COTD 14d
    Thanks setter and the 2Kiwis,

  16. Enjoyed this short walk in the park with 10a being only hiccup – don’t know much about Blackadder! No particular Fav. Thank you Mysteron and 2 Kiwis.

  17. Nicely clued quirky puzzle, needed careful parsing,
    Favourites were 10a 15a and the well hidden reverse lurker in 23a.liked the quickie pun
    Going for a **/****,
    Thanks to our setter and the 2K’s

  18. Excellent although I was held up by my last one in, 4a. I had all the checkers but simply could not see it. So, not an unaided finish but the rest was very enjoyable. I particularly liked 1a and the Lego clue at 17a. I went through all the horse races I could think of before twigging it had nothing to do with horses. This is my COTD.

    Many thanks to the setter for the challenge. Thank you for making sense of a couple for me 2Ks.

    Another beautiful day here in The Marches. Warm and sunny with a cooling breeze. Salad for tea, methinks.

    Loved the Quickie pun! Amazing that there were only twelve episodes.

    1. Same for me on 4a Steve, the checkers didn’t bring anything to mind initially, required some running through the alphabet for the penny to drop

      1. I often use the “running through the alphabet” ploy, GJR. Nothing wrong with it, of course but I always have a feeling of inadequacy if I resort to it. No idea why.

  19. I found this puzzle felt different from the last few Wednesday puzzles in that it went in relatively trouble free. There were certainly those clues that caused pause for thought and exercising the grey matter, but overall it was a good solve on my Tuesday evening … with a smattering of rain.

    2*/3.5* for me

    Favourites included 11a, 15a, 23a, 9d, 14d & 20d — with winner 11a
    Got some chuckles with 12a, 24a & 20d … the last one being my last in with a DUH! as the tea-tray clattered to the floor!

    All good fun overall.

    Thanks to setter and the 2K’s

  20. Plenty to enjoy in this one – think 14d was my winner but I also liked the plant order for Scotland.
    New type of belt in 10a and it took me long enough to remember who was Blackadder’s servant in the first place – no appeal for me in that programme.

    Thanks to Robyn (?) and to our 2Ks for the review.

  21. I’m with you on this Steve, 14d favourite and 1a a very nice clue. We also have very warm weather here – we have 5 water butts in the garden and already one is dry. I went to the big garden centre in Shelford today to replace my dahlias – far too expensive! And not showy enough, only simple blooms. I shall have to wriggle out of the cut throat Dahlia Day Competition in August. I had a 15a. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Kiwis. I loved the Quickie pun and I almost managed to finish yesterday’ s Toughie last night. Yeay.

    1. I planted my dahlia tubers a couple of weeks ago, DG. Because of the warm weather they are now poking their heads above the ground. I planted six tubers all of which are “ dinner plates”. I do love the large blooms. I’m no expert but I am becoming increasingly enamoured of these delightful blooms.

      By the way, I believe you showed a picture of your garden mirror. I’m having an archway built at the entrance to our shaded area and I thought a mirror would look great. Can I ask where you got yours from?

      My apologies to the commenteriate because this post has nothing to do with cryptics.

  22. Found this easier than yesterday, and really great fun, mind you, I always love the puzzles with multi-word answers the best, Many thanks to our setter today, very clever clueing.

  23. Finally finished after getting stuck several times but refusing to give in. 4a last in as I could not see it for ages, several very clever clues which I found more tricky than yesterday. I did not know the belt but did know Blackadder’s servant so got it….bought back memories of ‘cunning plans’.

    Overall great fun, with a sense of achievement now it’s complete. My favourite 15a….glad it wasn’t one!

    Many thanks to the 2 kiwis and the setter

  24. Completed whilst listening to a trad jazz band (heaven knows their average age) in the lovely sunshine in the back garden of an old proper pub in Redbourn. A very enjoyable guzzle with a couple of learning points – the belt & the fact that the 11a dish is also the pot it’s cooked in. No real favourites but enjoyed all the long ‘uns.
    Thanks to the setter & 2Ks

  25. Very enjoyable for me, with lots to amuse, nothing obscure, maybe the belt but I remembered the servant and easy enough to look up. I also know 11a spelt differently, but with the anagram it had to be. Love multi-word answers, it helps when you get the long answers. Fave was 14d, but I liked 19d as well.
    Thank you setter for the fun and 2Kiwis for the hints and pics.

  26. Good evening
    I was unable to take part yesterday, so I was looking forward to a shot at today’s, in the garden with a cup of tea. Proving a bit challenging at first, I got there; although I almost missed the reverse lurker in 23a, and of course I had to look up 10a.
    Many thanks to our compiler and to 2Ks

  27. I have no pretensions of being any kind of linguist, but surely the ladies in 7 down should read men? All the ‘signore’ references I have checked are male and all the ‘signoras’ are female. Apologies if I’m wrong and completely missing something that everyone else bar me is aware of :-) :-)

      1. Thanks Gazza, that’s something my little dictionary wouldn’t or didn’t come up with and oddly enough Google didn’t help me much either. I must try and remember that one next time it comes up in a puzzle :-) Otherwise, a most enjoyable crossword puzzle, solved in pretty good time. Now for tea

  28. 2/4. Another enjoyable puzzle with only a couple causing a pause for thought. I liked 21&23a the most. Thanks to our setter and the 2Ks.

  29. Morning all.
    We particularly enjoyed 10a. We are keen watchers of old episodes of Time Team so are familiar with the brilliant, multi-talented Sir Tony and where his alias in Blackadder came from.
    Frosty feeling pre-dawn here in NZ and another fine calm day in prospect. If we’re lucky we may meet another young fur seal on our beach walk as we did two days ago.
    Cheers.

  30. I’m going to go against the tide of opinion here, in that I found it trickier than recent Wednesdays, which I had begun to really enjoy. I was slow to start, with 1a giving me the most trouble (trying to think of things than run, oh dear), and had to pause when I was 3/4 done. Now that I have verified a couple of answers from the hints (goodie I was right), it finally all fell together. LI was 4a, just didn’t occur to me when I went all round the houses with sovereign. COTD to 14d for nostalgic reasons, as I haven’t heard that for 40+ years, you never hear that said here.

  31. Most enjoyable puzzle completed at the pub this evening, I was held up in the North East by neglecting to change sides in 8d and then the South East took a while to fall. My nemesis though was 17a and I needed to use reveal mistakes on my tablet for the first letter of the third word for trial solutions until I realised what it must be. Thanks to 2 K’s and the setter

  32. Thank you to the setter for setting and the hinters for hinting. 14d’s cheesy hat was my favourite.

    I didn’t manage to finish, being unable to work out 22d. I had a W as the first letting, which matched the definition but not the wordplay.

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