ST 3224 (Hints) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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ST 3224 (Hints)

by Senf  

Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3224 (Hints)

Hints and tips by Senf

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg, where it may be beginning to cool down.

For me, and I stress for me, and after an excellent ‘brain food’ supper of cod and chips, Dada somewhat less friendly than usual even with seven anagrams (one partial), two lurkers, and no homophones, – all in a symmetric 32 clues; with 16 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid, you should be able to get the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues.

Candidates for favourite – 1a, 18a, 6d, 20d, and 24d.

As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, a number of the more difficult clues have been selected and hints provided for them.

Don’t forget to follow the instructions in RED at the bottom of the hints!

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

1a Loan’s secured for each fine (6)
A three letter, perhaps abbreviated, synonym of loan containing (secured) the three letters equivalent to for each.

5a Dodge through with visa (6)
A two letter synonym of through and (with) a synonym of visa.

11a Tree mashed up by molecular biologist — might one use willow? (9)
Think of a molecular biologist – to help you out, this one was one of four who played crucial roles in deciphering the helical structure of the DNA molecule then follow it with (by) an anagram (mashed up) of TREE – I have to admit that I got the answer from the definition and worked backwards.

12a Set to embrace religious instruction, an insular type (7)
A synonym of set (in place) containing (to embrace) the two letters for Religious Instruction then add AN from the clue.

18a Age of retired Irish writer (5)
The two letter abbreviated form of Irish, and it’s not the IVR code, reversed (retired) and a type of writer (as in writing implement).

23a Doldrums, where shade sought in part of boat (7)
Hmm – a part of a sailing boat containing (where . . . sought in) a shade (as in colour) which you have to guess.

26a Only some accessing other block (5)
The first lurker (only some) found in two words in the clue.

28a Figure disappeared in outskirts of Torquay (6)
A synonym of disappeared inserted into (in) the outer letters (outskirts) of TorquaY.

Down

2d Fragment of wonderful narrative relating to member’s part (5)
The second lurker (fragment of) found in two words of the clue – not to be confused with the reasonably adjacent, and similarly sounding, four letter ‘member’s part’.

3d Problem looking unsolvable ultimately, certainly in need of coach (9)
The last letter (ultimately) of unsolvable, a three letter synonym of certainly (as in affirmation), and a means of transport that might need a coach (or two or more).

5d Bag short suit (9)
A synonym of short and a synonym of (legal) suit.

8d Get rid of popular composer (6)
An informal single word term for get rid of and the two letter synonym for popular.

15d Different extremes in suspense story (9)
The first and last letters of (extremes in) SuspensE and a type of story (which illustrates a moral point).

16d Tank‘s broken down more gates (9)
I’m not sure these exist any more, the illustrated ones, just ‘outside’ St Pancras Station, have luxury flats built inside the framework – an anagram (broken down) of MORE GATES.

20d Far away, on a little bit (6)
Two letters equivalent to on and a single word for a little bit (as in particle).

24d Enjoy computing number (5)
A (1950s/60s?) synonym of enjoy and two letters for computing.

Quick Crossword Pun:

WOOL + FUR + HAM + TON = WOLVERHAMPTON

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As this is a Prize crossword, please don’t put any ANSWERS, whether WHOLE, PARTIAL or INCORRECT, or any ALTERNATIVE CLUES OR HINTS in your comment.

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One to get you dancing around the kitchen as the Sunday roast is being prepared.  Singer Yasmin Evans, better known as Yazz, is probably best known for her only number one single The Only Way Is Up which started five weeks at number one on this day in 1988.  It was originally recorded in 1980, without any chart success, by American R&B and soul singer Otis Clay:

48 comments on “ST 3224 (Hints)”

  1. Good fun with 3d taking top spot and an obvious nod to 28a.
    Thanks to Dada and Senf.

      1. There’s the rub. For me, a not very well written clue where as it is coach is a noun. Read the clue with the word required for the answer in place of coach – noun or verb?

        One has need of coaching would be acceptable but that does not provide what is required for the answer.

        Part of what Gazza said ‘Perhaps not one of Dada’s best.’

        1. Thanks Senf. I think we’ll just have to agree to disagree on that. For me “in need of” is just a link and not something that is in need of a coach.

        2. For what it’s worth I read this as a noun when I was completing the puzzle. I read the clue as asking for a word for something that can’t really exist without the thing in the clue. I’d better not try to explain further for fear of the naughty step.

  2. Perhaps not one of Dada’s best but still enjoyable – thanks to him and to Senf.
    My picks were 1a, 21a, 3d and 6d.
    I’m pretty sure that there are four words in the Quickie pun.

    2. Only three clues are Italicised in the Quickie on the ‘new’ puzzles web site, my supposedly unimpeachable source, and I was beginning to suffer from 3d, but I see what you mean. Fixed.

  3. This went in fairly smoothly apart from two in the NW corner, and a couple in the SE. They took about as long as the rest of this enjoyable puzzle. 3d was the last to fall and my favourite.

    Thanks to Dada and Senf.

  4. Quite hard in places.
    Big smile at 4d.
    Crafty lurker at 26a
    Nice to meet old friends 8a and 9d.
    At 23a got stuck in a groove of the wrong
    Part of a ship until the proverbial.
    But a synonym?
    Still, who am I to
    Argue with the BRB?
    Heaven forbid!
    Great fun, Dada and
    Thanks Senf.

  5. I thought this was at the tougher end of Dada’s spectrum with some real teasers such as 11a and 3d. Nevertheless, it was a fun challenge with lots to like. A fair smattering of anagrams helped to get a foothold. I don’t have a COTD but I did like 20a and 4d.

    Many thanks, Dada for the mental workout. Thank you, Senf for the hints.

    Much better day in The Marches today with sunshine and a light breeze.

  6. Definitely a tougher than usual Dada SPP with some very clever clues, but, as Gazza says not vintage Dada. I liked 14a, 2d and my COTD 11a, there was a good mix of clue types and s sprinkling of General Knowledge too, which appealed to me. Thanks to Dada and to Senf for the hints.

  7. A jolly good guzzle today – NW last to fall for me too and 3d last one in. We drove through torrential rain yesterday to lovely Aldeburgh and today looks a bit better now. I have been solemnly, and only occasionally, sending in the Prize Puzzle electronically hoping to nab Steve’s mythical pen. Am I now correct in thinking this just results in an Amazon gift voucher, and if so, where do you send the puzzle, presumably by taking a screen shot? Thanks for any advice and thanks to Dada and Senf. PS Still don’t get the useful email. Hope DG manages to spot her very own clue!

    1. Hope you can read the attached photo. Hard to copy! I think you are correct and hope this gives you the answer as to where to send.

      1. Thanks WW, but this coupon doesn’t appear in my digital version so I have no coupon to fill in!

        1. It doesn’t matter you just need to email the crossword to prize.puzzles@telegraph.co.uk you don’t need to have the form but as long as you put the title in the subject line (Sunday Cryptic 3,224 today) and make sure you have a space between cryptic and the puzzle number it should go to the right place. I add my address and email address to the email and it usually works fine

    2. Ah, memories! Aldeburgh, first remember staying there in the Swiss Cottage opposite the Moot Hall (now the museum, I think) in either 1950 or ’53. Spent several hols in Thorpeness, where I learnt to sail before graduating to the Aldeburgh Yacht Club! When my parents retired from India a little while later they always lived close by, starting in Knodishall then moving to Aldringham. Dad was a stalwart of the Aldeburgh Golf Club. Haven’t been back for 30 years, though the kids went there on hols camping a while back.

      1. I was sitting 10 yards away when I read your comment, hope it brings back happy memories!

        1. Indeed thank you!
          Happy hols to you too!
          Looking at Google they seem to have taken the lifeboats away. Is that so?

          1. No, lifeboat still going strong and watched it last year on manoeuvres. Extraordinary complex way of getting it up the beach by moving wooden railway sleepers.
            weather Ok now so have booked a bird watching boat trip from Orford for Wednesday after lovely one last year from Snape. Try and get back here one day, its lovely and Benjamin Britten’s house v interesting. They were very interested I had sung with Peter Piers (sp?) _ it was with our school choir!

            1. I remember Orford. Have had oysters there, though not sure whether at the Tea room, or at Pinney’s.
              Knew Snape once upon a time. Can’t remember if I’ve seen BB’s house, just remember the Maltings. Being a five-year growler, would never have been allowed to sing!

              1. Not five-year, tone deaf! Strange autocorrect!

                PS Happy twitching next Wednesday!

    3. Manders! Don’t you dare try to purloin The Mythical! It is mine by rights! Have I not searched ancient tomes, consulted the Oracle of Delphi (she wasn’t in) and studied magical rites and spells? How dare you assume you can “nab Steve’s mythical pen”? Do you think it’s that easy? I have spent long and sleepless nights fretting about The Mythical! (No you didn’t – you had indigestion).
      Now I’m starting to think I’m at Hogwarts!
      🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  8. Great puzzle and just the right difficulty for hang-over morning.
    Quite a range of clues including the over used motor car!
    Many thanks to Dada (?) for being kind.

  9. Interesting that at least somebody at the Telegraph knows what a 25a is, you wouldn’t know it from the website these days 😂

    1. Thanks you just helped me solve that one…. And I agree. I am wondering why the Letters to the Editor (in the digital version) are no longer showing, you have to go to the menu and hunt for them. A strange move, as the Letters are overwhelmingly where many readers go first. I have written and asked but not holding my breath for a reply.

      1. Go to the letters first? Not me, BL. I save them for later. I have a quick look at the front page while Hudson and Perks eat their breakfasts and the kettle heats up on the Aga for my coffee. Then, coffee in hand, I fold the paper into A5 size with the guzzle showing and settle down for an hour.

    2. Agreed, there was a picture of the King enjoying a “whiskey” at the Highland Games yesterday! How that got past a 25a, I have no idea!

  10. Thought I had come unstuck when I put in 2d confidently not realising there was a connected part with five letters. Sigh of relief when I cottoned on. NW last to fall although I got 4d straightaway. 3d needed the hint. Favourites 11 12 and 19a and 4 and 5d. Thanks Dada and Senf.

  11. I’m in the ‘not vintage Dada’ group today although some of the clues did raise a smile – 17&21a plus 6&24d earning ticks.
    Thanks to Dada for the Sunday morning workout and to Senf for the hints and music – I’ve done the obligatory dance round the kitchen but have to admit that I’d have been hard-pushed to come up with the name of the singer!

    1. Jane, 21a is one of your Favs but I Am obviously being very thick because I can’t parse it so bunged in.

  12. A very long and tiresome meeting of THE LIST committee this morning, with judgement reserved regarding 2d. It was felt that it was a sure fire entry, but saved by the clue which leads one, readily, to the answer on this occasion. The compiler has been shown a yellow card.

    For me, and I stress for me, (™ Senf) this was an excellent challenge, with the previously mentioned 2d as a sad exception. How lovely to see the delightful 17a receive a mention.

    An afternoon of contrast lies ahead. Yet another visit to the municipal tip – we’re going through a Marie Kondo style revolution here – followed by Sunday lunch. Like so much in life you have to endure some moments of tedium before reaching nirvana (or Sunday lunch, in this case).

    Thanks to Da-do-ron-ron and The Man From Manitoba

  13. After a breezy week this was rather more squally but pleasantly so. 11a biologist new to me. Not too sure about 15d. My Fav 3d. Liked the Quickie pun as my late husband came from that neck of the woods. Thank you to our enduring Sunday duo, Dada and Senf.

  14. Well for this Sunday I found Dada to be at the easier end of his spectrum without any real quirkiness and he seems to have left his personal thesaurus on the bookshelf for this one too.

    1.5*/4* for me

    Favourites include 11a, 28a, 3d, 22d & 24d — with winner 11a
    Chuckles elicited from 5a, 28a & 24d

    Thanks to Dada and Senf for hints/blog

  15. Pennies somewhat reluctant to drop today but made the finish line in pedestrian pace. I thought the guzzle better than last week without it being one of his best. Molecular biology is all Greek to me but my mate worked for the institute named after him which was handy & I also had to confirm 2d post completion. I’ll go with Gazza’s 4 selections for pick of the clues.
    Thanks to D&S

  16. I’ll go against the tide today and say that I think Dada was in grumpy mood when he wrote this puzzle. I’ve filled in 13 answers so far, but it was like pulling teeth with some of them. I only got 11a with Peter’s help as he knew the scientist, otherwise that would have been a bung in. I guess I am paying for yesterday’s delightful Chalicea. Can’t win them all. Thanks to Dada, and to Senf. Clever man, solving this.

    1. Pedant warning!
      I do wish the term “It’s like pulling teeth” would vanish from the face of the Earth. As a dentist, I know that removing teeth is easy. Anyway, a tooth is never removed by pulling. It has to be pushed out.
      Pedant warning over! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

      1. 😀 I guess the days of tying one end of a bit of string to a tooth and the other end to a door handle and slamming the door are over!? But it seems, according to an ‘English Language & Usage’ community on stack exchange, that a phrase like this was used in the Foreign Missionary Register of The American Baptist Missionary Magazine (Vol. 12, October 1832, No. 10), in the 23rd October 1831 entry of Mr. Judson’s Journal: “When any person is known to be considering the new religion, all his relations and acquaintance rise en masse; so that to get a new convert is like pulling out the eye-tooth of a live tiger.” Perhaps that is where the phrase’s origins lie?

      2. Is it true that only people of certain extraction can become dentists? I’ve heard that’s the root of it anyway 😁

  17. Slippery, sneaky Sunday offering I thought. I got there in the end but the north west was a real struggle with 3 clues taking ages to click. 4d became my favourite followed by 3d as runner up.

    A very unsettled day again with rain even though it was not forecast. I have not managed to dry any washing outside for days.

    Many thanks to Dada for the challenge and to Senf for the hints and tips.

  18. I haven’t read the comments yet, I need to get my exercises going before the rain, I’ll read them when I get out of the pool. Nothing new here, I always find Dada tough. With some ehelp with a couple of anagrams to help me get going, and lots of word search, I got to the finish line. I had the wrong joint in 10a, but 8d soon put me right. I was very chuffed to solve 11a without any problem, maybe it’s my fave. I also liked 19a and 24d.
    Thank you Dada, and you were a great help unravelling a lot Senf, thank you.

  19. NW held us up a bit but otherwise fairly straightforward. Favorite 3d. Weakest 12a.

  20. Not my favourite Dada, a little below his usual high standard with some very stretched synonyms ie 5a which really didn’t work for me.
    Quite enjoyable but not his best.
    Thx to all
    ***/***

    1. I see your point about 5a, Brian. I take it your quibble is with the first two letters? I did ponder them for a while but came to the conclusion that the clue is ok.
      Horses for courses! 🤣

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