DT 30513

109 comments on “DT 30513”

1. Enough of the indicators to show that this was a Ray T production but, for me, etc, it seemed like Monday on a Thursday – 1.5*/4.5*

   Candidates for favourite – 11a, 21a, 16d, and 22d – and the winner is 22d.

   Thanks to Mr T and Shabbo.

2. Wonderful crossword! Really a pleasure to do.
   Many thanks to compiler.

3. A straightforward solve this morning. I liked 5d.

   Thanks to Shabbo and today’s setter.

   1. Hi J

      I forgot to put 5d on my podium as it’s excellent.

4. Perfect.

   RayT’s style is truly top notch.

   Admittedly, there is not much to work with which means that, if you can’t think of the appropriate synonym, you grind to a halt. But, his synonyms are nearly always very common ones. Our Friday compilers sometimes use rarely-used ones, which I’m more than happy with, but it means you have to dig deeper. RayT gets it spot on for a Thursday challenge.

   He really is a master of his craft.

   When a setter nails a crossword, all you can do is sit back and admire it. So, I have nothing more to say other than picking my podium which is 11a, 12a and 21a.

   Many thanks to ‘The Man’ and The Shabster.

   3*/5*

   1. Agreed but I always find this synonym for frozen baffling. I can’t think of a sentence where you can replace one for the other but that could just be me!

      1. The windscreens this morning were frozen / The windscreens this morning were icy

         After a -5C dog-walk this morning my fingers and face were frozen / After a -5C dog-walk this morning my fingers and face were icy

         You may well of course disagree, but the synonym works for me!

         1. Well explained , MG, and I agree 100%. Just one thing, why type out the sentences fully twice? One sentence for each example ending with “frozen/icy” would suffice, using Ray T-style brevity.

         2. My windscreen was “icy”on the inside this morning – took some clearing. ❄️

   2. Nice to see “rarely-used” instead of “stretched”.

      1. I know the rules

5. For the fourth day running, silly mistakes on my iPad meant another DNF (without going back to correct one clue).

   The NE posed the greatest challenges for me: I had seen. 13a before but had forgotten it.

   I liked 19a, 27a and 8d with 10a reminding me of a summer spent in Kent many years ago when Heineken was 10p a pint.

   Thanks to the setter and for the hints which helped me to parse a couple.

   1. Poor punctuation caused by poor editing.

6. Very enjoyable as always from Ray T. An anticlockwise solve that would have been the quickest completion of the week had it not been for a brief head scratch or two over 5a&6d, which were my last two in. The cricket surface for the reverse lurker at 12a was my fav – I was fortunate enough to meet SW at a charity cricket match & he was a lovely fella.
   Thanks to Ray T & to Shabbo whose review I’ll read anon – hope you get to see the waxwings.
   Ps Quite a contrast over in Toughie corner as DG is back to very wordy clues in the top half of his puzzle.

   1. Oh, is the Don back, Huntsman – the homepage here says the Toughie today is meant to be from Django?

      I do wish Don G would return to being a regular backpage setter in the DT, he was among the very best in their stable.

      1. It is Django – Dave Gorman.

         1. Ah-ha, DG2! Thanks, Huntsman

   2. Ha – I thought Warne must be a crickety person!

      1. DG

         He was a crickety person. Quite a good one.

7. Ray T in beneficient mood today with this gentle example of his mastery of cruciverbalism. Nearly complete on the first run through of the As and then Ds, with the remainder following swiftly thereafter. The usual tells, lurkers, initial letters etc; GK all basic, clues & synonyms all fair. A lovely puzzle, with for me 12a the COTD, followed by 11a (nice misdirection) and 27a.

   <2* / 3.5*

   Many thanks indeed to RayT, and also to Shabbo.

8. Hmm. A few too many chestnuts, I thought – 13a etc. And 27a just doesn’t really work for me as an all-in-one – depths aren’t oddly deep, they’re just deep. Moreover, using deep to get depths seems a tad lame. Liked 23a though. Thanks to Ray T and Shabbo, of course.

   1. Hi ALP

      I hear what you’re saying about deep. I hadn’t thought about that.

      13a is certainly having a good run out at the moment. It must be knackered!

      1. Oh Tom, you’re such a sunny fellow. I feel a bit of a heel because we all love Ray T, don’t we? But I see RD has a very pertinent quibble about 18a, too. Just not feeling the love today. I clearly need a run round the block!

         1. Firstly, a fine effort from the setter’s silk below. I’m sure Chris and his crew at Telegraph Towers feel he is well worth his £750 hourly rate.

            You’re quite right to say these things about certain clues. I’m sure the setters take them on board. Comments like ‘This crossword was rubbish/abysmal/a disgrace/the work of the devil’ don’t give the setter much to work on.

            Mentioning no names, of course.

            Ahem.

   2. ALP, 27a. I’d justify the surface read thus. An expanse of water/sea might be generally shallowish, but may contain areas (patches) of oddly (unusually/uncharacteristically) deep water – those areas would be the “depths”. Depths = areas of deep water. Best i can do!

      1. That’s typically generous of you, Jose! I remain unconvinced that depths can be shallow – those “depths” would surely be the shallows, no? And I still think that an all-in-one/&lit (call it what one will) needs a more accurate definition. But I’m just being grumpy..

         1. Eh!? Not sure how you can interpret the deepest areas in a sea as “shallows”? I think you need to read my comment again.

            1. I agree, deep patches = depths. This worked for me an indeed I highlighted it as one of my favourites!

               1. I think the oddly in the clue refers to the odd letters in deep patches, which spell depths. Straightforward clever clue.

            2. No, I see what you mean, of course. But I still think an all-in-one should encompass the whole and I don’t see, with the best will in the world, how one could describe the depths (deep sea surely by definition?) as “oddly deep patches”. If it weren’t an all-in-one it would be fine but it is. I think a fairer explanation would be to read oddly as “remarkably”. That I can just about cope with, at a pinch!

               1. I see that Shaboo agrees with you that it is an all in one, but I don’t see it like that, I think the definition is simply deep patches and the instruction is oddly – so self referencing but not all in one.
                  Well that’s how I saw it anyway…

                  1. Ha! Well Ray T certainly owes Jose that fiver. A spirited defence by him. It is, unquestionably, an all-in-one. But one of the many delights of Ray T is that he does occasionally break the rules. And I’m all for that. Certainly, no one else (I don’t think) would get away with “sweetheart”!

               2. I thought the ‘oddly’ referred to the odd letters in ‘deep patches’. Which spell depths. Hence the use of deep and depths. Where’s the complication? Simple, clever clue.
                  Many thanks to setter and blogger.

                  1. Hea, hear

                  2. BM. But with your (and others) theory the clue would be all word-play and no definition, which isn’t a standard clue “type”. So, the whole clue surface must be the definion and it also contains the said word-play – making it an all-in-one.

                  3. *The discussion isn’t about the word-play (that is quite apparent), it’s about what “type” of clue it is.

      2. PS, 27a. The whole clue/surface is a reasonable (somewhat cryptic) definition of the answer. Separately, the contained word-play also leads to the answer. I’d say it’s a very good all-in-one clue.

         *That’s another fiver you owe me, Ray T! :-)

   3. Well I’m clearly very shallow because I just didn’t give it a great deal of thought.

      1. Not shallow at all, just commendably sensible. I clearly need to get out more!

         1. I never dare to criticise any clues cos I think it is just all so clever, but I did wonder today if anyone ever said 9d. Would you say a tree was leafed? Leafy yes. I await a firing squad ( sorry Ray – just a thought🫢)

            1. Oh leaf it out will yer!

               I agree with you, Day Zee. I know the expression broad-leafed and ‘I leafed through the brochure, browsing’ but RayT’s synonym isn’t one that I would have gone with. But, it, of course, makes it a great surface.

            2. After a wonderful spell of Spring weather the trees were exceedingly well leafed

               I say more in hope than expectation

               1. Hmm, my broad-leafed effort and your well-leafed are hyphenated.

                  We need to think of an example where leafed is a stand-alone adjective, describing foliage, as opposed to the verb, ie when you browse.

                  I’m not convinced it can be an adjective on its Jack Jones. So, maybe you’re right, Day Zee Gee.

                  Saying that, I’m sure RayT had one in mind.

                  Onwards!

                  1. TDS65. According to Collins online, the adjective meaning “having leafs” is “leaved” in English and “leafed” in American. Chambers (which is well-known, at least to me, for its lack of accuracy when ascribing Americanisms) however gives both spellings regardless of geography. That said, like you, I can’t imagine any non-American actually using “leafed”.

                     1. Thanks for that, Ardy.

                        A word becomes an entry in a dictionary when it is in common parlance. But, I just can’t see it.

                        Who am I to question these word wizards.

                        I’ll get back to my nonsense gobbledeegook.

                        Bring on tomorrow’s ‘Tasmanian Devil’ challenge.

                        Grrrrrrrrrrr!

                        1. One might also say that the flood plains of Hertford are Lea-fed 😁

                           1. Like it, AB(C). Like it. 👏👏

                              Get back to compiling crosswords for Nookie Corner, will yer, as you love it!

                           2. I got banned from Nookie Corner since I showed my 1 down in public 😂

                           3. Also, cows grazing in meadows are lea-fed.

                           4. Nice shout, Jose, but AB gets the cred.

                              Talking of which…..wey hey!

                              I’m offski, comrades.

                              Sweet dreams.

   4. ‘Depths’ are arguably ‘deep patches’?

9. As others have said, no doubt about the author of this puzzle. By his standards this was certainly very light, but as enjoyable as ever with my rating coming out as 1.5*/4,5*.

   One mini-qualm – the first three letters of the answer to 18a appearing as the first word of the clue was a bit of a giveaway.

   Far more difficult than the crossword itself was picking a favourite. In the end I have settled for a podium selection of 11a, 5d & 23d.

   Many thanks to RayT and to Shabbo.

10. An enjoyable outing – thanks to RayT and Shabbo.
    Top clues for me were 11a, 12a, 5d and 22d.

    If you’re imprisoned indoors by the Arctic weather and looking for more stimulation may I recommend the Django Toughie which is entertaining and reasonably gentle for a Thursday.

    1. Thanks for the tip, Gazza. It is a brilliant puzzle.

    2. I agree, another cracking puzzle. I am loving this week!

11. Ray T in exceptionally benevolent mood today I thought. My coffee didn’t go cold. Enjoyable throughout with the airborne soldier at 19a being my favourite today. I especially like charade type clues. Podium places for 11a and 8d. Thanks to Ray T and Shabbo.

12. For once, we were in the right place at the right time to see the waxwings today. A flock of 30 had attracted quite a lot of interest. Stunning birds and perfect light. Hopefully I have attached a photo taken by the current Mrs Shabbo…..

    

    1. Nice photo – a flock of twitchers will be there soon

       1. I’m puzzling over the collective noun for a multitude of twitchers.

          How about “an anorak of twitchers”, or “a descent of twitchers”?

          On the other hand it should really suggest the largely male nature of the company and the visual aids they use, so how about a “manocular of twitchers”?

          1. An irritation of twitchers?

             1. On a related subject, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to show you this.

                

                1. That’s quite brilliant!

                   I think some property/land-owners on being descended upon by twitchers would certainly agree with DG’s collective noun.

                2. Now, that was funny!

    2. Lovely sight on a cold winter’s day…

    3. Our huge Rowan tree attracted loads of waxwings every year so we enjoyed our own private view of them. Sadly the tree died literally overnight a few years ago so no more waxwings.

13. RayT taking it easy today, I rattled this off after an early start as Mama Bee has broken a tooth and requires an emergency trip to the dentist this aft.
    I did have a self inflicted problem with 17a – Ibunged in S and a pill for a while. (if you have ever tried to snap a pill in half for a puppy or child unable to take the full dose you’ll know how hard they are)
    Checkers put me right eventually
    Thanks to Shabbo and Ray
    I will save the Django for the dentists waiting room

    1. Does anyone remember in the dim and distant past having an aspirin crushed in a spoonful of jam? It was disgusting.

    2. Then you need one of these – a pill ‘guillotine’ or is it an ‘iron maiden’? The ‘orangey’ object is one of my several daily pills and is around 5mm in diameter and my dosage is half of one pill per day. The device is very accurate.

       

       1. Could have done with that back in the day, the dog got his pills broken in two by Dad along with anything else under his fingernails

       2. The GP has given me one of these. I had no idea they existed and always tried to break tablets with my fingers until I told him.

14. Ray T days are the highlight of my crossword week even when they’re a breeze which is how I found this one.
    Hard to isolate a top three from so many goodies but I eventually settled for 11&19a plus 5d.

    Devotions of course to Mr T and thanks to Shabbo for the review – pleased to see that you struck lucky with the waxwings!

15. I found I was using a scattergun approach today, as some clues in different areas fell easily into place. It was then a matter of filling in the others, with more thought required. For me, this was not the hardest Thursday puzzle, but we all know what comes before a fall.
    The sun shines brightly on the grazing sheep and all’s well with my world. Perhaps it’s best not to look beyond it.

16. Well we have been treated very generously this week with another cracking puzzle. No hold ups for me and I thought so many of the surface clues were really top notch (12a, 14a, 7d and really many others).
    In 25a I have not previously come across this as a description for a person but the meaning was clear.
    Special mention to 27a but my favourite was 14a
    Thanks to Ray T and to Shaboo

17. Another excellent puzzle from Ray T, although I didn’t find it as easy as some did. Great clues, a middling challenge and a very enjoyable solve. Favourite, the elegantly succinct 5d. 2.5*/4.5*.

18. As Daisygirl said earlier this week,
    In terms of difficulty, each week
    Is like a packet of Liquorice Allsorts or
    Was it Cadbury’s Roses?
    This week is no exception.
    Found today’s easier than
    Monday’s.
    As always, RayT’’s surfaces are excellent.
    Only one quibble, on Sunday
    I am having Baked Beef and
    Yorkshire Pudding, as in 10a.
    Thanks RayT and Shabbo.

    1. Quality Street. Other brands are available.

19. I rather enjoyed this jolly guzzle. It was a bit-by-bit, solve one, get a checking letter or two, move on affair.

    In the dim past I was a rather young assistant director on the video shoot for Karma 25a. At the time Top Of The Pops and MTV viewers assumed it had been filmed on the Mississippi, but in fact we shot it in on the Thames near Weybridge. It was a memorable day; the paddle steamer broke down and arrived very late; everyone was freezing; George was in a tetchy mood and not speaking to Jon Moss. We plonked George on top of the tarpaulin to stop it flapping in the wind. It was covering up all of the camera boxes and various costume trunks. What larks!

    Thanks to Raighty and Shabba-dabba-doo (big shout out to the waxwings!)

    1. That paddle steamer, Terence, still goes up and down between Henley Bridge and Temple Island at every regatta!

       1. :good:

          I have seen it regularly near Runnymede, too!

          1. Me and Mrs TC went on the one at Runnymede, great fun. Paddle was just for show though, not functional.

20. Very straightforward for a Thursday Ray T guzzle but no less enjoyable for that. It was the NE that held me up, strangely, for the fourth day running. I liked tthe 14a anagram, 19a lego clue and the lurker at 3d. The temperature here in rural South Oxfordshire was -7C feels like -9 C at 6am today, with heavy frost. Thanks to Ray T and Shabbo.

21. After all the comments previously about dreading what was to come. Ray T must have read these and thought he would spike their forecasts. Today’s crossword was his response and even I managed it unaided with my own little brain. Never thought it was possible but it is probably the only time.

    Honourable mentions for 11 and 19a, and 7 and 8d. My thanks to Shabbo and Ray T.

22. A very, very gentle RayT, if indeed it is one of his. Very enjoyable with lots to like and plenty of chuckles along the way. 23d was one that made me smile, as did 8d. I’m struggling to pick an outright winner, as there were a lot of fun clues, but I’ll go for 5d, purely because it had me barking up the wrong tree – I had originally been playing with the thought that ‘shipmates’ was going to be the answer. Thanks to setter and Shabbo

23. I couldn’t believe my luck when the answers went in one after the other until I got stuck on 7d. What a week we have had, green triangles and purple nutty ones all the way. Daisies on 11,19&21a and 8d, didn’t care for 9d but it was all good fun. My lavatory bowl is not frozen but the seat is flipping cold. Decidedly 28a. I wonder what Friday will bring?

    1. Daisy, I had a new word in my book last night and thought I must share:
       “Absquatulate”
       I’m trying to think how I can casually use it in conversation!

       1. I must not tarry- I must absquatulate!

          1. Just think of the mess I could make of typing rhat😏

             1. You would give the blog some new words. CC! 😊😊

24. I always find Ray T puzzles challenging and today was no different. I have finally finished unaided but not without a tussle. Some clues leapt in but others took a while to see, as ever I am amazed how that is possible with so few words to choose from! 5d was my favourite.

    Many thanks to Ray T and to Shabbo for the hints, which I used to clarify a couple.

    1. So I started this in a freezing bell tower as we had visitors ringing a quarter peal – I am tower captain by default for the time being. Considering the possible distractions and the chill I managed to finish all but 4 clues before they finished the peal. Got totally stumped by 11a – did not know the word at all , and got lucky by going through the alphabet . I ve just seen the hint – guy – brilliant !
       Question. Does 1* difficulty mean 1 hour ?
       Thanks to Ray T , an enjoyable solve and Shabbo .

       1. Hi Jenny
          The star system is there largely to avoid people crowing about how quickly they solved the puzzle. 1* means it was easy and 5* means it was hard. It does not relate to any specific measurement of time. The same system is also used to score enjoyment, which, of course, is very subjective.
          I hope this helps.

          1. Thanks yes that is helpful. I wondered as some people say it was almost a 1* but ..blah blah blah was a 2* so wondered if there was a specific measurement. I had thought initially maybe it was subjective, and totally get the thing about crowing ! The blog has a nice feel to it and the last thing you want is for it to get competitive and to lose people who feel intimidated.

             1. Hi from an erstwhile tower captain. 😁

                What was the method?

                1. Hi SC. I saw you were a captain too the other day. 😀 So I have no idea what method as I’m a relatively newcomer , and not even mastered plain hunt. 😳The previous captain who by that time was quite elderly never did any method ringing with us , so my skills are limited to the basics. Good for weddings etc. I have no desire to move it on further.

                   1. Oh, you should, Jenny! It’s a great pastime and all the equipment that is needed is free to use all over the land. There’s nothing quite like the feeling when you have rung your first course Bob Doubles. I used to help at The Hereford Ringing Course and I would recommend it as a very friendly way to discover the wonderful world of bell ringing. It caters for all levels of abilities from novice to expert.

                      1. Honestly I’m really not that keen on ringing so taking a back seat more now as I have some health issues also. I have some new ringers who just want to ring for weddings etc too , so trying to get them all up to speed on that – I just got home from practice night ! I’m going to be more a non exec captain going forward which I am very happy with.

25. Time for a Ray T puzzle today and I found this one quite approachable and very do-able with clear parsing.
    There were a couple that required some head scratching and the NW was last area finished.

    1.5*/3.5*

    Favourites include 14a, 19a, 25a, 16d, 18d & 23d — with winner 19a.

    Thanks to Ray T & Shabbo for blog/hints

26. It seems to be a week of lovely puzzles so far so fingers crossed for tomorrow’s one.
    Lots to like on this one but no real favourites.
    Thanks to Ray T and Shabbo. Glad to hear you saw the waxwings, such lovely birds.

27. My fears were assuaged, a super puzzle within my solving capabilities. Ray T at his most benign.
    My favs were 19a and 17d.
    Thx to all concerned.
    **/****

28. Good afternoon

    Pen down after another tussle with the Mighty Mr T – one which, I’m pleased to say, I won despite myself! How so? Well: first of all, I rattled through the LHS, thinking “Crikey, this isn’t too bad this afty”, and then surveyed the almost barren lands of the RHS, and re-evaluated! Then I entered STRINGENT at 17d, thereby giving myself an almighty headache trying to figure out 28a, which was the last to fall.

    Made it in the end, though. Joint COTD: 11a and 23a, and a special mention for 19a.

    Many thanks to the Mighty Mr T and to Shabbo.

29. I must be on RayT’s wavelength at long last, I found this streets easier than yesterday, with lots of smiles to boot and all unaided. It’s really hard to choose a fave, so much good stuff here, perhaps I’ll go with 11a, but so many more qualify for top spot.
    Thank you RayT for the fun, and Shabbo for the hints and pics.

30. Most enjoyable and finished eventually. Plenty of teasing clues along with a few write-em-ins. Sharpening the head of the blunt tool at 8d raised a smile and I liked 21a – such a great word. I couldn’t get “spaceship” out of my head for ages at 5d. It gets like that occasionally when the wrong answer sticks in the brain and refuses to let anything else in despite it not parsing. My COTD is the airborne soldier in American gear at 19a.

    Many thanks, Ray T for the fun. Thank you, Shabbo for hints and I hope you saw the Waxwings.

31. I agree with Steve about a wrong answer getting stuck in the brain. It is so annoying. Best thing for me is to put the puzzle down and go off to do something else. My memory was never good so on coming back that false word may have been forgotten or at least faded. Great puzzle but like many 9 d jarred. Lots to like but was glad to see 9a as we are near enough to Kent to see lots of them. Many thanks to Shabbo and Ray T. Difficulty rating **

32. Lovely witty uncomplicated puzzle 😃 ***/**** Favourites 1 & 11a and 3d Thanks to Shabbo and MrT👍

33. Rayt at his best and most benevolent. All the usual trademark clues were there including a smattering of toilet humour, what’s not to like? Hard to pick a favourite but I did rather like 23a there were numerous contenders. Thanks to Rayt and Shabbo.

34. If you have clear skies get out and have a look at the Moon Jupiter conjunction (and cover the windscreen while your at it or you will need a chisel tomorrow)

35. Yes indeed we were let off lightly again today. In fact recently the Cryptic exercises recently have been rather more lenient helped in part by a superfluity of anagrams. Anyway I enjoyed this starting with a smooth ride in the West. 5d ‘in’ passed me by so this was a bung-in and I agree with our worthy hinter that 18d parsing would ring more bells across the Atlantic. Thank you RayT and Shabbo.

36. 2*/3* …
    liked 14A “Free help with great paper”

37. Feeling very smug until I reached NE corner.
    As already mentioned by others, if the (not always obvious) synonyms don’t immediately spring to mind from a simple clue, it can hold things up.
    Am I the only one who would never in a million years come up with the synonym for ‘pet’ in 13a?
    Favourite clue 11a – which I had for ages before entering into the grid. . . . Thanks to RayT & Shabbo – and for all the amazing comments.

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