Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30251 (Hints)
The Saturday Crossword Club (hosted by crypticsue)
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A rainy Saturday morning brings what I thought was one of the friendliest Prize Crosswords for quite a while
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, an assortment of clues, including some of the more difficult ones, have been selected and hints provided for them. If I haven’t hinted a clue you are stuck on, my advice would be firstly to see if it a lurker. If you are still stuck, just ask and I’ll see what I can do.
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.
Some hints follow.
Across
8a Pointed remark that is ignored by Ken’s partner
Ignore the abbreviation for that is which appears at the end of Ken’s partner
10a Banker welcoming Harry? Don’t hold your breath! (6)
A West Country river (banker) ‘welcoming’ a diminutive form of Harry
12a Publicity from trade fair guaranteed (8)
A trade fair and a synonym for guaranteed or without doubt
15a African runner‘s wealthiest, having lost millions (7)
Lose the abbreviation for millions from a two-word phrase meaning wealthiest
17a Concert bootleg occasionally getting support (7)
A concert and the occasional letters of bOoTlEg
23a Support journalist and set out to enter China (8)
Crosswordland’s usual abbreviated journalist and an anagram (out) of SET inserted into (to enter) a friend (China being Cockney Rhyming Slang for a friend)
28a Cover old pool (4)
A cover and the abbreviation for old
Down
1d Buffet food might be fried in this (6)
A verb meaning to buffet or push roughly or a coating for fried food
2d One watches over British person in court? (8)
The cricket abbreviation for over, the abbreviation for British and a person on a tennis court perhaps?
5d Stay calm and don’t undress! (4,4,5,2)
This instruction to stay calm tells you not to undress your top half!
6d Broadcast trailed ‘Like a Virgin‘ (6)
A homophone (broadcast) of part of a verb meaning trailed or pursued
18d Spoil pretty Italian resort (8)
A verb meaning to spoil and the Italian word for pretty
21d Lovely day to play with R.E.M. (6)
An anagram (to play) of DAY with REM
24d Impressive electronic image (4)
The letter used to indicate that something is electronic followed by an informal image
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The Quick Crossword pun: WRITE + TOUGH + WEIGH = RIGHT OF WAY
Hmm, not a pangram, no double unches, my five bob is going on ‘not a Cephas’ but, of course, that could be five bob down the drain. As to who might be the setter I have no idea but it was very enjoyable and just about right for the SPP – **/****
Candidates for favourite – 12a, 15a, 5d, and 18d – and the winner is 5d.
Thanks to the setter and to CS.
Fantastic puzzle. Thought this one was absolutely brilliant, hard but very fair.
Lots of favourites today, too many to mention them all, but 11a and 15a were
my pick of the bunch. Many thanks to our setter, great fun!
Gentle start to the morning. 11a and 1d get my vote. Thanks to CS and today’s setter.
Not me
It certainnly wasn’t in Cephas’ usual style. I made a slow start, then the bottom right hand side fell into place smoothly and a few checkers helped me finish off the feft side. It wasn’t an especially difficult guzzle but I did have difficulty finding the compiler’s wavelength at first.15a was the outstanding clue for me and at least it made me laugh on this dull, wet Saturday morning. Thanks to CS for the hints and to the compiler (Chalicea maybe?).
I agree that 15a was a laugh out loud moment! Such fun.
I preferred 11a
Just right for Saturday morning. Nothing too taxing ( unlike the budget).
1*/3.5*. Light and fun for a gloomy Saturday morning. My past life of yore as a chemist meant that I couldn’t see anything cryptic at all about 26a. It just looked like a straight piece of GK to me until I finally spotted the alternative meaning of the clue.
My podium comprises 11a, 15a & 1d.
Many thanks to the setter and to CS.
I had exactly the same experience with 26a, RD.
Um, what’s the alternative meaning, please? I can only see the v straightforward GK and I’ve looked and looked. What on earth am I missing? Baffled.
If you’d never heard of the solution and just read the clue, what would you think of?
Eek. Sorry. Blank. I still can’t see owt cryptic. My brain must be fogged by rugby!
Me too – not a clue – well, yes, obviously we DO have a clue but . . . I give up!
PS – people who have been on this blog for years and years and years know very well that my brain may well be fogged but it certainly isn’t by rugby!!!
Me too, I just can’t get it.
I can’t see the alternative either 😟
At the risk of having Battenberg stuffed into me, try looking at “test paper” as a written exam in chemistry. The clue is cryptic but it is so subtle.
Two slices of Battenberg please, CS?
Thanks Steve for trying to help. I still can’t see the cryptic bit. I woke up thinking about it this morning but have a complete and utter mental block. I will have to remain tormented until the full set of hints come out.
Me too.
I simply thought that the answer is a word which can precede either test or paper
Very light puzzle for a Saturday, with a few smiles along the way.
1*/3.5*
Fav 10a LOI 23a.
Thanks to setter & CS.
This was far from plain-sailing for me particularly in the SW where I was working around another chestnut support. 16d isn’t necessarily to go downhill. I knew of Ken’s partner in 8a but not her association with him so took while for a penny to drop. Goodies for me were 11a, 15a and 2d. Thank you to Mysteron and CS.
11a gets my vote too for the COTD ahead of 15a from this pretty straightforward but most entertaining puzzle. It’s been a good week for backpagers, with plenty to keep most solvers happily scratching their heads.
My thanks to our setter, Chalicea perhaps, and CS.
Quite a gentle SPP with a few old favourites dotted about, such as 11,20&28a.
I did enjoy the ride and awarded rosettes to 12&13a plus 18d.
Thanks to our setter and to CS for the hints&pics.
As CS notes, this was quite chummy for a Prize Crossword, and the early-ish solving of the long ‘uns was very helpful.
There was a question asked on Thursday – why do I need Lorazepam to attend the dentist’s chamber? I really don’t mind answering such questions as my life is an open book. It isn’t so much fear of the dentist as a form of claustrophobia that overwhelms me sometimes when I am in a situation where I feel trapped. Thus I cut my own hair, and don’t visit a hairdresser.
I inherited this ‘condition’ from my father who was far worse than me. He would walk up twenty flights of stairs rather than enter a lift (elevator). I’m so used to it that I just accept it as a normal part of life.
Off to Stamford Bridge! Where I will enter a lift with a cheery smile (and pray it doesn’t break down).
Thanks to the setter and PC Security (anag).
I’m claustrophobic too. Particular nemeses toilets and phone boxes although little use for the latter these days. Fear of getting locked in anywhere or getting lost in a large building too, which I don’t suppose is actually claustrophobia.
I had an awful experience at the dentist years ago in Cape Town. My dentist, Ian, was a New Zealander and a good friend. He administered an injection and instead of numbing a small area for half an hour, it felt as if my head was exploding and the whole of me went absolutely rigid and I couldn’t speak but I was fully aware of my surroundings. Ian realised immediately what had happened and told me it would only last a couple of minutes which was correct. Trouble was I had to have a second injection! It has never happened again thank goodness – perhaps Steve C could explain what went wrong? It has made me fearful of going to the dentist.
I suspect the local anaesthetic was accidentally injected into a blood vessel, Manders. It is more down to the adrenalin, which is a vasoconstrictor to keep the anaesthetic local, rather than the anaesthetic itself. The effects are not usually as severe as you describe and, as you found out, they soon resolve. However, I can see why you are worried about going to the dentist. Maybe you should ask for plain local that does not have adrenalin in it.
I have only suffered claustrophobia once, Terence, on a late night London Tube Train. I got onto a crowded train but at the next station, Piccadilly if I recall, everyone in the carriage got off leaving me on my own. As the train set off I watched the passengers going up the stairs then I was suddenly in the tunnel. I began to perspire, shake and felt panic. I had to get off at the next station and get to the street level quickly.
It has never happened since but I do understand how it must be for you.
I was trapped on my own in an underground shelter for four hours as a little girl. Doodlebug. Not nice.
I cannot imagine what that must have been like, Daisygirl. What a thing to have to endure as a child.
Not a fan of the “group of” indicator, if that is what it was, in 9a. With the checkers and second part of the clue, the answer was clear.
My heart usually falls when I see “broadcast” as in 6d but I think this homophone should work in all parts of the UK and other countries too.
Favourites include the excellent 15a (after working out that the runner was not a river), 8a and 21d which has nothing to do with Michael Stipe this time.
My football team’s match is postponed due to snow and water on the pitch and I am failing to muster the enthusiasm to go to watch Formartine v Wick Academy in the continuous drizzle.
Thanks to the setter and hinter for keeping me occupied for part of the morning.
A definite whoosh. in less than * time.
Unusual for a SPP.
The generous long clues, 13 and 20a and 3 and 5d, provided an excellent launching pad.
Last in, 15a, an old favourite in its various clueing forms.
Thanks to the setter and to CS.
As straightforward as they come with nothing holding us up. Favourite was 13a. Thanks to the setter and CS.
I really enjoyed this despite putting the wrong jacket in at 26a, which held me up in the SE corner for quite a while. It is probably just me but I could not reconcile the number of letters in the answer to 3d with those in the clue. Not to worry, it’s too nice a day outside to worry over such things. I have three jostling for the top spot, 11a, 15a and 1d. After due consideration, I am going with wealthiest African.
Thank you to the setter. I will put 5 bob on Chalicea but, as I can never win an argument, I will say goodbye to it now. Many thanks, CS for the hints.
I will now submit for the mythical pen.
Steve – re 3d – I think if you add an ‘s’ for ‘succeeded’ to the letters criminalised in ‘tricks to entice’ you get the right number of letters for the anagram. But don’t quote me!
That does make sense, PB, Thank you. Mind you, I do think the use of words for one letter is a bit overused. It’s like “Arithmetic” standing in for A.
The abbreviation for succeeded is well-known and has appeared in crosswords on many occasions, not to mention being in lists of abbreviations and the BRB
Seemed like a pretty normal Saturday puzzle to me, but as I see from notes it is not Cephas. Hmmm
1.5*/4* for me
Favourites include 8a, 12a, 13a, 20a, 25a & 3d with winner 8a
Laughs and chuckles with 13a, 20a, 25a, 5d & 22d
Thanks to setter and CS
Good afternoon all … the sun is daring to share its face today! Lovely Saturday crossword but still stuck on first part of 3d and 9a, I’m hoping for a light bulb moment sometime soon … rugby soon … hoping for a win against France 🤣 … 🏴
Thanks for hints Sue … tho managed without today apart from the two above 👍🏻
3d is an anagram clue as indicated by ‘criminal’. If you have the second word, you should be able to find the first one. I’ve given Brian a hint on 9a below
Thanks Sue 👍🏻👍🏻
I may be being slightly thick here and looked at the anagram before and found it a letter short, I have the answer now but??
As another commenter has already pointed out, you need the abbreviation for succeeded too
Rusty Sue! 😉
Hmm. As I have said at #16, is the letter S an abbreviation for “succeeded”? Is “Blanket” an abbreviation for B? 😉
Yes to S no to B
I think a win against France may be beyond us, Mary, but I’ll regard it as a moral victory if we lose to them by fewer points than England did.
Watching with baited breath Gaza 🤞🏻
Tough today esp the top half. I have answers to 9a and 11a which Google confirm as correct but I cannot for the life of me work out why!
Needed the hints a lot today.
Thx to all
****/**
9a is a ‘group’ of letters found in the third word of the clue
11a is a cryptic definition of a run ‘short’ of ‘gear’
Thx for that. They were driving me to distraction. Would never have occurred to me to find the answer in the long word, group does not really help. As far as the other is concerned I forgot that the answer has that meaning, reminds me of the song by Ray Stevens!
“it was too late, Ethel was moved”
And yes, I do know both Brian and I are being naughty on a prize puzzle day, but I couldn’t resist replying to him. There are mini Battenburg cakes.in the Naughty Corner tin
Thank you!
“Hello, everyone, this is your action news reporter
With all the news that is news
Across the nation
On the scene at the supermarket
There seems to have been some disturbance here
Pardon me, sir, did you see what happened?”
Does that get me some Battenburg, CS? 🍰🍰
Last in 11a and 1d. Straight run through with this as quick as my pen would take me. Lovely misdirection in 18d and I’m waiting for someone to say the compiler doesn’t know her geography. The long ones were a help but I use a different third word. My favourites 8 11 and 12a and 18d. Thanks CS for helping me to fully parse 23a. Thanks Setter.
Just popping in to say that this wasn’t a Cephas or Chalicea today, but a rare outing for yours truly. Thanks for the write-up and the kind comments so far!
Long time no see, Mr Ed! Thank you so much for popping in to claim ownership of this one.
Great puzzle, Mr. Ed and thank you so much for popping in.
Great puzzle and true to your excellent ‘How to Solve a Cryptic Crossword’.
Thank you from me too. A very doable and enjoyable puzzle, dissipating my feeling of ineptitude yesterday.
Well well. That was a pleasant surprise. Nice one.
Had difficulty to start but soon got on wavelength with huge enjoyment.
Very late today but must say this was such fun. Thank you.
For me, a nice gentle morning, much needed since I’ve only just recovered from yesterday. The four long ones were a great help once it clicked re the letter count in 3d. Great amusing misdirection in both 1d, and 11a. I think 26a is cryptic only by the skin of it’s teeth. Difficult to pick a podium today, there were so many good clues, though I especially liked 15a. Thanks to our setter and Cripticsue.
Cracker of a puzzle today – I had the wrong ending for 6d which held me up for ages. Thanks to CL and CS for the workout and the hints which fortunately I didn’t need on this occasion.
I found this relatively straightforward but that didn’t detract from the fun. Lots of clues to chortle over – my favourite today was 15a with honourable mentions for 8a and 18d. Thanks to the setter and CS.
First puzzle of the week to be really enjoyable and leave me pleased with my solving skills. Not straightforward but honest clues needing some thought especially in the NE corner where I didn’t help myself by putting the solution to 10a in 6d. Honourable mentions to 15a, 18 and 19d.
Thanks to CS and our venerable crossword editor.
Great fun, very enjoyable. 11 & 15a top the charts for me today. Thanks to CS and CL. **/***
Ditto.
That was a lot of fun. Almost all answers achieved by reasoning and thought, and no need for electronic help. Did pause for a while over 5d, as I am more used to it said with the third word being 4 letters and not 5, but 20a (a LOL clue) told me I needed to think a bit deeper. Even knew the chemistry one, will wonders never cease. Thanks Mr. Lancaster for a great start to the weekend.
Me too third word.
I had a problem starting off and was despairing, not again, I thought. First in was 20a, then I suddenly was on wavelength and I was off! I loved it all. It was as if my brain did an about turn. I think fave was 5d, but 15a also amused.
Thank you Mr. Editor for the fun, and thanks CS for the hints and tips and explaining 3d!
A novice, I have managed it all apart from 16 down!
Welcome to the blog
I can see how 16d could be confusing.
Regularly refers to the need to take alternate letters in the second word of the clue. Uphill is telling you the letters should be reversed and you then have something mostly done going downhill
Thank you. Got it now. Of course it’s obvious-when you know the answer!🤦♀️
Welcome, Bea+Lea! If you are a novice but have managed all but one clue in today’s puzzle you have done very well (as old Mr. Grace was apt to say in Are You Being Served). Good to have you with us and I hope you become a regular contributor. 👍
Good straightforward puzzle. Favorite 15a.
No. 2 grandson turned up unexpectedly for lunch with his partner and the guzzle had to wait until now. Most enjoyable, 15a favourite followed by 1 & 11a. Many thanks to CS and Mr Lancaster.
A light, but fun SPP 1* / 4*
As for others, 15a made me smile – very droll
Thanks to CL and CS
Just finished it after dipping in throughout the day.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I too was short a letter in 3d but I see it now.
I loved 8a. It is the first time my daughter’s favourite toys have featured in the crossword. Thanks to the setter (please can we have some more of these) and for the hints (which, I didn’t need this time).
Late to the party as usual. Isn’t it funny how there are days when some find the crossword tricky and one finds it an easy ride and days like today where most everybody seems to have found this an easy ride but I struggled my way through it and kept having to go away and come back to it. Finished in the end and now don’t understand what my problem was. Some great clues, loved 15a in particular. Thank you C.S and Mr Lancaster
I managed this early today and then have been out so could not comment. I really enjoyed this fun puzzle. Fortunately my iPad has behaved so far today and not wiped out all my answers to the puzzle. 15a was my last in and my favourite.
Thank you to CL and to CS for the hints and pics
I’m the odd one out obviously today as I found this quite tough and had to make good use of the conversation above to get with some relief to the end
I have to say that I have never been so much on the setter’s wavelength as I have today with our esteemed editor.There were many clever and misleading clues, but I really enjoyed working at them and reaching an unaided finish. To me it didn’t seem possible to choose a COTD from so many excellent clues Very many thanks to CL and to Crypticsue whose comments I will now read.