Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30431 (Hints)
The Saturday Crossword Club (hosted by crypticsue)
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
A beautiful sunny day, but with quite a drop in temperature from those we have experienced in the last week or so, which meant I had to find a warm jacket before setting off for the supermarket early this morning.
I’ll be interested to read what other solvers made of this crossword, particularly the clue for 8a. If I haven’t provided a hint for a clue you can’t solve, it is more than likely to be an anagram or a lurker.
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.
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
6a Following dance with girl, don suffers unexpected comedown (6,7)
The abbreviation for Following and an anagram (suffers) of DANCE with GIRL DON
8a Snap this monster, a bloomer (6)
Put the first word of the clue before the monster and you get a flower (bloomer)
9a After project, chap is mournful (8)
An informal term for a man (chap) goes after a project
12a Where to find a waiter? (8)
Another name for a waiting room
20a Worrying job for a carpenter? (8)
Something created by a carpenter does, if split 4,4 could read as a worrying job
25a Unbalanced individual regularly swindles daughter (3-5)
An individual thing or person, the regular letters of SwInDlEs and the abbreviation for Daughter
27a Something that’s currently attractive? (13)
A cryptic definition of something that uses current to attract things
Down
1d Alarm Conservative seen in Slough (8)
The side linked to Conservatism ‘seen’ in some low marshy land (slough)
4d Princess does not have a young child (6)
A Spanish or Portuguese princess without the A at the end of the word
5d Employee of mine down under? (6)
A form of address used ‘down under’ which could also refer to a miner
17d Wade round in Scottish river or racetrack? (8)
An anagram (round) of WADE inserted into a Scottish river
18d First principle is that smallest one should accept little money (8)
The smallest animal in a litter should ‘accept’ a small sum of money
21d Hanger-on volunteers, with fewer turning up (6)
The abbreviation for some former military volunteers followed by a reversal (turning up) of a synonym for fewer
22d Peculiar thing — revolutionary party with heartless song (6)
A reversal (revolutionary) of a party and a simple song without its middle letter (heartless)
Could new readers please read the Welcome post and the FAQ before posting comments or asking questions about the site.
As this is a Prize crossword, please don’t put any ANSWERS, whether WHOLE, PARTIAL or INCORRECT, or any ALTERNATIVE CLUES in your comment. If in doubt, leave it out!
Please read these instructions carefully – they are not subject to debate or discussion. Offending comments may be redacted or, in extreme cases, deleted. In all cases the administrator’s decision is final.
If you don’t understand, or don’t wish to comply with, the conventions for commenting on weekend prize puzzles then save yourself (and me) a lot of trouble and don’t leave a comment.
The Quick Crossword pun: QUAY + WHOLE = KEYHOLE
I thought today’s guzzle was going to beat me because it took an age to get a toehold. Fortunately, solving a couple of the long ones gave enough checkers to let me in and I finished over two coffees. I didn’t think 8a was that cryptic but what do I know? I loved the worried carpenter at 20a and the poor princess at 4d but my COTD is the thin bloke at 2d.
I searched for a Nina when I saw the outer borders of the grid but it was not to be.
Many thanks to the setter for the fun and another chance to summon The Mythical. Thank you, CS for the hints.
Sunny, chilly and somewhat windy in The Marches today. I must make a decision about our mulberry tree. It has split down the centre of the trunk and I’m not sure whether to fell it completely or see if part can be salvageable.
We had a 300 year old mulberry when we lived at Lordship Farm and it blew over in the gales in 1987. We got a tractor in to pull it upright and somehow it survived. A bl k mulberry of course, no use for silk making!
It’s what worries me about our mulberry, DG. The trunk is split vertically and I am worried a good gale will send it over especially as they seem to retain their leaves longer than others.🌳
It is probably worth getting a tree surgeon in to advise, that’s what we did. Could it be tightly bound and hope it would survive? We have had all kinds of disasters with fruit trees and they still produce fruit. Give it a go.
Thanks, DG. That is the plan and I am asking friends and neighbours about a good tree surgeon.
I know 8a by a different name but the answer came to me helped by the monster!
I keft the NW corner of tgis grid until last a d worked my way sesdily round in a clockwise direction. There were some good well-concealed anagrams (6a was the best) and some fine cryptic definition s ( ofcwhich 8a wasn’t the best example). I liked 27a, 20a and 7d , my COTD. Thanks to the compiler and to CS for the hints. It’s a halcyon, clear, blue-skied sunny day but quite cold, here in Wantage, after yesterday evening’s torrential rain.
Very poetic. I like a Halcyon day.
I thought 8a was a little weak and it certainly didn’t hold up against the rest of the grid which was quite tricky in places but most entertaining. Some terrific clues, foremost among which were 20a and 2d.
My thanks to our Saturday setter and CS.
Bright in NE Scotland but a bitterly cold, strong wind.
Enjoyed this puzzle but started with some trepidation when I saw the number of clues without a checker for the initial letter. Surely 9a must be a candidate for The List?
Favourites 26a, 5d and 17d for using a river from near home.
Thanks to setter and crypticsue.
I have always thought that 9a meant something else entirely, DaveP but the BRB does support this meaning.
Thanks for the weather report!
My pleasure. It might be warmer in Nairn!
I found this one quite difficult today; perhaps it was just me.
I enjoyed some of it, but not sure if I derived a huge amount of satisfaction from it.
As I said, probably just me…
Thanks to the setter, and to CS.
Oh dear – just couldn’t see 12a until reading the hint which I’m blaming on a lack of sleep over the past 3 days & a copious quantity of painkillers that aren’t touching the sides. Having foolishly continued to play golf with a painful right shoulder it’s now developed into a case of severe bursitis according to the GP. Needless to say it’ll cost a tidy penny to get prompt treatment but there isn’t any alternative if it takes the best part of 10 mins to put your right sock on & driving is out of the question. Enjoyed the guzzle but found it the most challenging solve of the week. Top 3 for me in no particular order were the downs at 3,17&19.
If driving is out of the question, you can still practise your putting 😉
As I wrote that I did wonder if It invited that quip😊. Oddly enough I went through a phase of holing out 3 footers one handed to take the left hand yank out of the equation.
Fell into your trap!!
You have my sympathies – I had to give up golf 18 months ago and really miss it. Still manage to hit a few balls on the driving range to reduce my frustration.
Hope you are soon back driving in both meanings of the word.
Oh dear, Huntsman what a sad tale. I hope your shoulder gets better soon.
Ouch – and I’m sure you’ve already been told that you need to give the golfing a miss for a while to effect a recovery? Hopefully, the cost of getting private treatment will knock some sense into you!
He could always try having a ‘nice’ walk without the worry of lugging a big trolley and then having to stop and search for a little white ball.
If you can’t play golf today, you should try Chalicea’s NTSPP – I think you’ll get on well with it ;)
Even I clocked those themers pretty quickly 🙂
Hope it eases up,soon, H. Rest is the cure, no golf, DIY nor writing the definitive golf mystery novel longhand!
A few weeks ago I developed bursitis with cellulitis on my elbow and a GP at my surgery diagnosed it on sight and telephoned the EAU at Scarborough Hospital and I was admitted straight away as an outpatient. Five consecutive mornings of treatment followed by a further seven days of penicillin four times a day and it was almost cleared. Now gone with no side effects and nothing to pay.
Have never used private health care on principle.
Lucky you & what a contrast to my experience – I couldn’t even get to see a doctor but had an assessment from the practice physiotherapist nurse. Even the promised prescription for stronger painkillers failed to materialise & I was told that an MRI & aspiration/cortisone (almost certainly required) could take weeks if not months. The reality for many is that they simply have no choice but to somehow pay for health care & principles have to be sacrificed. Having had a hip replacement care of the company health care scheme some time ago I have nightmares about the likelihood of that needing to be redone now I have to self fund. Met a lady the other day who’s been waiting over 2 years for one.
Sorry you have had such a torrid time with your bursitis and the previous hip replacement and the worry about it having to be done again. I have been fortunate so far. Gave up rugby in the early 70s as my right knee was getting hammered and causing some problems but it settled down and I only have twinges now. Hope everything comes right for you.
Our health insurance might not be cheap over here, but it is reasonable once you are retired, and mostly we get seen to right away. I feel so sorry when I read of people waiting such a long time for treatment under the NHS. Main problem that I find is that the “best” doctors are usually booked up, but will see you in cases of extreme pain or urgency. If something isn’t covered (haven’t run into this yet), I would definitely pay out of pocket. Your health is worth it.
My husband is a retired doctor and I am a retired dentist. We are so sad to see how difficult it is to access treatment. We use Benenden and find it excellent. I had seen my GP once in a year for a painful shoulder and when I persuaded him finally to refer me to Beneden I saw a rheumatologist in the month and had bloods done and an MRI scan. A month later a referral to a consultant surgeon and definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
Hope you feel better soon and get some better pain relief.
A tricky grid that took a while to work through. The NE corner held me up – 9a is not a word in my common usage, and the pennies took some time to drop for 4d and 12a. Once they did, my LOI 5d slotted in easily. Fave of the day, the soon to be upon us 7d. Sunny and cold-ish with leaves turning brown here in SW London. Lots of leaf sweeping in prospect. Hello autumn.
Super puzzle that had a few problems that held me up for ages inc 8a (last in). Favs were 7d and 20a but 9a was a new word to me and Mrs B.
Very enjoyable
Thx to all
***/*****
*Best wishes to Andy – hoping for a speedy recovery and that the treatment isn’t too expensive.
*Dave P on his horse – I dare not comment on 9a being a candidate for THE LIST. The wrath of PC Security is terrifying to behold.
I was going to extol the marvel of Grinling Gibbons in relation to one clue, but I dare not in case PCS shakes her fist at me.
Terrific guzzle; got going by solving the wee three-letter fellows and meandered on from there.
It’s chilly and autumnal. I believe we are going out for a bracing, lovely walk; need to find a scarf.
Thanks to the setter and PC Security (anag)
:roll:
:rose:
Thanks T. Have you listened to The Stones single they’ve released from their forthcoming album, Hackney Diamonds, featuring Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder on keys.
Sweet Sounds of Heaven – excellent
It certainly is a return to form. I don’t mean to be a puritan but I wish they hadn’t asked Wyman back.
I know all’s well with the world if you’re back into lovely, bracing walks Terence!
x
1*/3.5*. This was light and fun, and after some reflection I think 8a is my favourite with 20a in second place.
Many thanks to the setter and to CS.
I’m wondering whether our setter has pulled a double shift this weekend?
Took me a while to spot the workings of 6a and thought 8a was a smile-worthy bit of fun.
Top three for me were 20&26a plus 3d.
Thanks to our setter and to CS for the hints.
A little trickier than RD seems to have found it but very enjoyable – **/****
No problems with 8a which I thought was quite clever.
I was going to suggest the Floughie Lady as the setter but then up pops the NTSPP with her name on it, But it wouldn’t be the first time for her to provide the SPP and NTSPP on the same day. My pocket has a surplus of half-crowns in it so one of them is going on Chailcea.
Candidates for favourite – 16a, 27a, 2d, and 22d – and the winner is 2d.
Thanks to Chalicea, or whomsoever in my two and six goes down the drain, and thanks to CS.
So sorry Senf, another of those half-crowns down the drain. This great puzzle was not one of mine. I suspect it’s one of CL’s (editorial) ones.
As a newbie I found this not too bad and it’s the first puzzle I’ve finished before the clues were published, although electronic help was needed in places. I think the secret is to have insomnia and start solving just after midnight until the wee small hours!
Favourite is 11a as I liked the symmetry.
Ciaran
Congratulations on your first finish.
Yes, congratulations, Ciara. 👍
Can’t say I liked this one, found it a bit of a humourless slog, maybe put in the wrong
frame of mind from the get go by the ink heavy grid.
New word for me at 9a, but easy enough from the letters in it.
On the upside I did like 7d. Oh well, let’s see what tomorrow brings.
Bottom half was fun, top half was a chore, with a couple of nudges from crypticsue needed. Slipped into *** time and a scant **1/2 for enjoyment. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow! Thanks to the setter and crypticsue. Now for coffee and the Giant GK since it’s pouring here in Myrtle Beach…
We enjoyed this, sitting in the warm sunshine, and it all seemed to fall into place nicely. No Nina which the grid seemed to suggest. 9a is usually [redacted]
Anyway, all done and dusted with daisies by 11,22a and 1,21d and the favourite is 21d. Busy day yesterday, went the the funeral of an elderly cousin (even more elderly than I am) and met for the first time in years the cousin closest to me when we were growing up. He was present when we had the doodlebug incident in Banstead. He greeted me by saying do you remember the spitting competitions we used to have, racing down Banstead High Street to see who could be first to spit on the pillar box! Moi? Surely not, our mothers would have had kittens. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Sue. Also finally saw my 5 minutes of fame in a TV documentary – utterly cringe making!
What TV documentary was that DG?
We recall you said in DT 30265 blog that you had been interviewed by the BBC. We have been waiting to see the result. Which programme was it?
Re the crossword, we thought it quite straightforward and fair. Favourite clue 20a. Will be sending off to get the mythical pen.
Sorry forgot to say. Thank you to mystery setter and CS
A DNF ,I’ll say no more. Thanks to all
Some really great clues in this Saturday puzzle. This went in bottom to top. Liked so many of the clues and parsings today, practically every clue could have been a podium contender. So much to like … so good.
1.5*/4.5* today
I thought 8a was a clever clue
Favourites include 1a, 8a, 11a, 12a, 27a, 2d & 17d — with winner 2d
I too thought 8a was a clever clue
Thanks to the setter & CS for hints/blog
I was beginning to think it was one of those, “Is it just me”, days but there a couple of others I’ve spotted now – thank goodness for that!
I thought it was difficult, specially for a Saturday – they’re usually quite gentle, allowing us all to recover after Fridays.
Now I’m looking at everything again and I really can’t see what I made such of a fuss about it!!
I was wondering if we might have had both 3d and 17d because of the last few letters – made me think if one of my answers was wrong.
I liked 8 and 20a (once I’d corrected the ending of 20a) and 2 and 5d. My favourite was 7d – had to be as our Elder Lamb is her birthday!
Thanks to whoever set this one and to CS for the hints.
Good one. Once the long clues were in, like a jigsaw, the middle came together. Except 23a which I was hoping for a hint for. Anyway bit of a guess on that one.
Needed the hints to finish but found little to stimulate me.
My thanks to CS and the setter. They
I quite liked 8a. I remember snapping my sisters with them as a boy. I am well aware that is not up there with putting spiders down their backs or similar.
I loved 20a and hadn’t heard of 9a but it had to be that.
Thanks for the enjoyable afternoon to the setter and hinter.
Well, tiny brain here, I loved this! I did find the NE a bit tricky and had to sneak a look at the hint for 12a, not sure I’ve heard of that as a waiting room. My last in was 9a, but we’ve had that before and I liked it, don’t know why I took so long with it. I also liked 2d, 8a and 26a, but many more amused.
Thank you setter, we’ve had a friendly guzzle week so I’m a happy camper. Thank you for your hints and tips CS, I needed the unravelling of a few, 1d in particular … why? I have no idea.
Not so much fun as yesterday which I did early this morning. It was fun for a Friday. I got round three quarters of this. Checked 9a in dictionary but no complaints as it was easy to build. Cross with myself about 6a as got the second word but not the first for ages. Anagram did not enter my head. The NW with 6 to go took me twice as long as the rest of the puzzle. Thanks CS for hints. Didn’t need them but good to check. 7d was obvious and I couldn’t see what was cryptic about it. I now know after reading Putney Boy’s comment. Not been in much lately due to holidays and Covid and general inertia. Have I missed any births, marriages or deaths?
Another good puzzle which I have had to complete in fragments this afternoon. 9a was a new word for me. Many thanks to the setter and CS for the hints.
Good Wordle today 😁😁😁
Wordle 847 3/6
⬜🟨⬜⬜🟨
⬜🟨⬜🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Got it in 3 as well. 👍
Not my cup of tea today..but it may just be me being a bit thick…..
Bottom half went in reasonably quickly but needed the hints for some in the top half.
Not my finest hour.
Thanks to the setter and to crypticsue.
What Dave P said about the weather….
Good fun puzzle today north west first in swiftly lead by an easy 6d but leading me to a false sense of security! Some real forehead slapping duh moments with 17d and 24a fav today was 27a – I thought 8a was pretty obvious and was one of the first in after 6d …
Thanks to the setter and cs for hints – cold but sunny day up here in the land of the castles !
Lovely guzzle enjoyed before caffeination, I was initially quite worried by the crenelated grid but it seemed to flow from the bottom up
I particularly enjoyed the luthiers task Thanks to CS and Setter
Lovely weather here but a bit chilly so a drive over Buttertubs and The Tan Hill Inn was a treat, traffic through Ilkley on the way home less so but a fine day out nevertheless
Didn’t get to this until lunchtime again. Definitely trickier than yesterday, but not a stinker. I did not know the term for mournful, and would never refer to 11a as a bar. And needed Peter’s help with 27a. Always pays to be married to an engineer, the picture didn’t help me 😊. Thanks to setter and CrypticSue.
I eventually managed the West on my Jack Jones but Mr. Google and I found the East a different and tougher kettle of fish however it did contain some lighter d’oh moments of which 12a was Fav. Thank you Ed (?) and CS.
9a, although I got it from the word play I’m not so happy with the definition TBH.
Sorry I am late today. The second word of the pun is Whole. Thanks for your kind comments
Thanks for the great puzzle Cephas. As I said in my comment I really enjoyed it today.
An enjoyable puzzle today, with all the answers being reachable from the clues.
Thanks to Cephas for the puzzle and Crypticsue for the hints. Now to send it off for the non-mythical, having successfully received one earlier this year 🖋️
I found this one a challenge but fun, it was completed very late as we were out. Lots to like, 9a was new to me.
Many thanks to Cephas and to CS for the hints.
I hope your shoulder improves with rest Huntsman
A lovely Cephas puzzle to sit down and enjoy before the European disasters in the rugby.
8A is weird and wonderful as the definition is not where you’d expect to find it :D
I really enjoyed this puzzle today, difficult but doable and finished unaided. LOI and COTD 6a. I was certain I knew the answer but just could not see the parsing until the PDM finally came – D’oh!
Very many thanks to setter and to CS for the hints which I shall now enjoy reading together with all the comments.
V fair puzzle. Just the ticket after a celebratory lunch for my mother in law’s 80th.
Fell into place nicely which makes me think that the chances of winning the pen must be reduced as many correct answers will be submitted. Visited John’s long time practice nurse this weekend as it was her 90 th birthday. Liked the across clues 20, 26 and 27. Many thanks to one and all.