Day: 17 September 2009

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 26032

A full analysis by Tilsit

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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment: ***

My first bite at the Saturday Puzzle, and until this week it has tended to be the last of the weekend puzzles that I solve, simply because the others usually have themes or gimmicks that I love to solve.  In most papers the Saturday puzzle is usually the most difficult of the week, but I don’t think this applies to the DT.  However, it will now be the top of the list each week.  I hope my reviews are as helpful as Peter’s were and if not, I’m sure you’ll let me know.

This was an interesting puzzle and is a curious mix of clues with some fine ones, plus one or two duds.  The Telegraph is spoilt for cryptic definition clue writers, as Monday’s Maestro is probably one of the finest exponents of this genre around, and I sometimes think that even he overeggs the pudding occasionally.  As a result, other attempts at cryptic definitions often hit the target, but not the bull, to use an expression from archery.

Anyway, let’s have a look at last Saturday’s challenge.  One of the first things I notice is the brevity of clue writing in most cases.  On first inspection that suggests to me a preponderance of cryptic definitions.  Let’s see if I’m right.

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