Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30605 (Hints)
The Saturday Crossword Club (hosted by crypticsue)
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A glorious sunny morning, a friendly and very enjoyable Saturday Prize Puzzle to solve and review and a £100 win on the Premium Bonds – what more could anyone want? I have a fairly good idea who set this crossword – I wonder if anyone will agree with me?
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.
Across
1a Flier to pick up in Southern Ocean? (10)
Pick up by listening inserted between the abbreviation for Southern and something like an ocean
9a Poet, author in ship: Queen Elizabeth (7)
A verb meaning to author inserted into an abbreviated ship, the result followed by the regnal cipher of our late Queen
10a Monarchy shows intelligence installing IT (7)
A synonym for intelligence ‘installing’ IT (from the clue)
14a Young bird shaking leg covered in down (6)
An anagram (shaking) of LEG ‘covered’ in a verb meaning to down or consume
17a The like of 6 & 9, do we hear? (8)
Say the solutions of 6a and 9a out loud (do we hear) to hear what they are an example of
25a Something fragrant? Drink wine! (3,4)
An everyday drink and a type of wine
27a Great series in dismal summer? (10)
One of over twenty-four definitions of dismal and a summer
Down
1d Band in big hit denied million? (4)
A hit which can be either a strike with force of a big hit without (denied) the abbreviation for Million
2d London tabloid still popular – good quality (7,8)
A synonym for still, the usual two-letter popular, the abbreviation for good and a grade or quality
4d Gold used by artist inspiring Golden Dawn (6)
The chemical symbol for gold and an abbreviated artist ‘inspiring’ the heraldic term for gold
5d Proud leader in Eastern Mediterranean (8)
A leader inserted between the abbreviation for Eastern and an informal way of referring to the Mediterranean
13d Expert contracted to come around had issue (10)
Contracted in the sense of got smaller to ‘come around’ an abbreviated expert
16d Intimate friend embracing Charles, Andrew or Edward? (8)
An informal friend ‘embracing’ a way of describing one of the three Princes in the clue
23d Put up with English entering pub (4)
The abbreviation for English ‘entering’ a pub
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The Quick Crossword pun: WAIST + CROWNED = WASTE GROUND
This was harder than the usual Saturday challenge and an enjoyable one. The south took a bit of teasing out.
I do need to brush up on my knowledge of all things avian; I really do. 1a is another one to add to my list I need to learn. Very gettable though.
Lots of excellent anagrams and the 6a/9a was good fun.
My podium is 2d, 7d and 16d (I love how the setter has used the three boys to parse letters 2 to 6)
Many thanks to the setter and CS, especially posting it way before 11. (I have a fairly good idea who it was Sue. So, I guess that means I agree with you?)
3*/4*
I usually schedule the Saturday Hints for about 1045 but it is so lovely outside, I wanted to get out while the sun lasts as I think we are due showers again (just for a change – not!) this afternoon. I’ve also got to go and pick a lovely lot of asparagus for lunch
You are a human dynamo, Sue.
We all know a damehood is a matter of time.
Our asparagus bed is now 17 years old so I better start thinking about planting a new one. Nothing like fresh spears dipped in mayonnaise. 😊
I haven’t scrolled down but it is possible that 1a will be added to The List.
I reckon not as twitcher Jane knows it so I’m guessing it’s not that rare.
Further to your Rutlish comment, I assume that John Major-Ball (as he was known then) who is 80 was too young to be at the school at the same time as your brother?
2.5*/3.5*. Three quarters of this enjoyable SPP fell into place smoothly but the SW corner proved really tough for reasons that I don’t understand with hindsight.
I think 25a is ambiguous. I confidently entered the wrong drink for the first word to give a plausible but wrong answer which only came to light when I was struggling with a couple of the crossing clues.
16d was my favourite.
Many thanks to the setter and to CS.
I suspect we had the same wrong drink and it made a mess of the SE corner too but an enjoyable tussle nevertheless 1a was my favourite today as They are delightful little things I have been privileged to see
Thanks to Setter and Sue DBE
Although I like the right drink, I prefer the wrong one!
Way out of my league, even the hints are too cryptic for me. Shame as it has been a good week for puzzles ruined by this.
Good luck to everyone.
Sorry Guys, I have been away with v spotty WiFi, thx to all who replied. Mea Culpa.
I read that as v spotty wife!
Welcome back Brian! In future, please advise if you’re going to be absent. You need the appropriate paperwork before any absences.
Good to see you and your spotty wife back, Brian! 👍
We all missed you!
Brian, missed you. I’m with you on this puzzle. I think my brain has left my body….
Very enjoyable friendly SPP. Had to confirm 15a with Mr G. and having read what it is I’m still none the wiser! Laughed out loud when penny dropped for 17a my LOI. Also on the podium are 12a and 16d
Thanks to our Saturday setter and to the tireless CS.
**/****
I didn’t find this that easy, and needed google a couple of times for confirmation.
Thanks to the setter and to CS. 4*/2* for me.
I think I read the other day that your son was getting interested in cryptic crosswords and thought he might be interested in the Graun’s new Quick Cryptic specially designed to help beginners understand the mystic arts of the cryptic crossword. This week’s puzzle is here:
https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick-cryptic/5
There’s also a very useful blog on 15sq, again designed to assist beginners. This week’s is here:
Experienced solvers should note that neither the crossword or its blog is aimed at them. Comments from old hands along the lines of “it took me two minutes while standing on my head in a darkened room” will be deleted immediately as they won’t encourage anyone at all.
Hi Sue
Thanks for the link.
His enthusiasm is a little sporadic, but then again he is 18….
I am having a hard time getting him ready for his grade 8 piano this year, and his driving theory, and his final pre-university exams etc etc Looks like the crosswords will have to wait.
Also the girlfriend is the boss, not me!
Sounds like a typical 18 year old 😊.
A curious mix of the brilliant and the downright infuriating. Some really brilliant clues and a couple of toothsuckers.
Hi, Tilsit. Good to see you. 👍
Hopw you are in good health Tilsit. Nice to hear ffrom you.
Not easy but I made it in the end. Like TDS65 I also need to brush up on our feathered friends. I’m not sure I have the correct ending for 8d but I submitted anyway. After all, the pen is a myth. 😊
Thank you to the setter for the challenge. Thank you CS for the hints and congratulations on your win. Puts my £15 on a scratch card to shame!
A myth?, it could be a mister🤪. Ok I’ll go back under my rock.
Or a Mythter? 😆
Strangely, while as an ‘out of the UK’ solver I could not submit from the ‘Superior Old Site,’ the new site did allow me to submit – I wonder . . .
Come on boys. I am living proof that it is no myth. (Three times – oh how I love rubbing it in)
Ditto, although it has taken me nearly 40 years!
This was right up my street, a tad more difficult than recent Saturdays, but with brilliant clueing and humour throughout. I didn’t even mind the anagrams because the clues were so cleverly constructed, especially 12a and 7d. The amusing 17a, 16d and 27a with its topical misdirection share the podium today. Thanks to our setter and crypticsue.
Found this difficult and as Brian said the hints didn’t help much , and that isn’t a criticism of the hinter. 5 left to do but I’m admitting defeat and calling it a day. Thanks to all.
I’m with Tilsit, good to ‘see’ you by the way – brilliant and infuriating.
Smiles for 6a, 17a, and 16d.
Thanks to whomsoever and CS.
P.S. I think I have discovered something worse than the print issues with the new web site. On the ‘Superior Old Site’ puzzles were available nano-seconds after midnight UK time, 6:00pm the evening before in Manitoba. With the New web site the puzzles are 20 minutes late!
That’s another 20 minutes I’ll never have again
Brilliant for me too.
The clues are so accurate, and with the provision of something extra, shall we call it, through use of 6, 9 and 17 across, there’s no doubt for me who Mr Ron is for today. Ultimately, and like Mhids, I might have to go for 27A if only for its anticipation of another ruinous time under the dodgy jet stream, but it’s hard to get a fag paper between most of these well-wrought clues.
Thanks to CS for the hints, and also to Gazza for looking me up the other day. Have a good w/e all.
Always up for a few of our feathered friends so 1a made up for a pet hate at 27a and the ‘comic’ actor whom I always found nothing but stupid. Smiled at the 6/9 combo and thought 16d was nicely constructed.
Thanks to our setter – NYDK? and to CS for the hints.
I missed the combo at 6/9. Well spotted, Jane.
How did you manage 17a without it?
You obviously also missed my hint for 17a!
Not sure I agree with CS that this was friendly, but it did have some interesting stuff. For me 19a and 16d stand out, with 26d taking the honours.
Had to cheat for 25a, didn’t know, or had forgotten.
But the most fun was refreshing my memory of ancient history. The princess was obvious, but Tyrian? A real refresher course in ancient geography! Funnily enough, contrary to the clue, the princess seems to have done more than her rival in the do-nothing stakes, the Emperor Caligula, who Clerihew has doing nothing in partigular, excepting of course, making a consul of his horse.
Thanks to the setter for opening the gates to memory lane, and to CS for taking time away from the fine weather, hope you enjoyed your luncheon sparrowgrass!
Ooops! 16d not 26d, of course. Sorry.
I enjoyed today’s puzzle with just the right amount of brain teasing involved.
Top picks for me were 17a, 16d and 1a.
A trickier than normal Saturday puzzle this week. NW last area completed. Several words that were uncommon.
2.5*/3*
Favourites include 10a, 15a, 19a, 2d & 21d — with winner with a laugh 19a.
I liked the 6a/9a when the penny finally dropped too.
I concur with Senf the new site does not release the puzzles until almost 30 minutes past midnight UK time … just another minor annoyance.
Thanks to setter & CS for hints/tips.
I began my crossword career with Ximenes in the Observer magazine in the 1960s. He followed strict rules (and all his extremely difficult answers were to be found in Chambers’ dictionary). He would be horrified at 27a.
The heavy javelin used by Roman foot soldiers would certainly be Ximenean
Wasn’t it Tesco’s founder Jack Cohen, who said pile ’em high and sell ’em cheap?
Thought of you and Mama Bee this week. I was in Harrogate and had breakfast at Betty’s.
Ha we went to Harrogate too but the queue outside Betty’s was too big so we just had a cuppa in the Valley Gardens
Don’t you mean ‘Pilum high’, Sloops? (love your DBE shout further up 👏👏)
Forgive me if I’m up the wrong tree, Pilum, but are you referring to the word ‘great’ as I don’t think I’ve ever seen a setter give an opinion before?
I never saw the series as him saying ‘’You’re as wily as a wily fox from Wily University in Wilingtonshire’ ‘ didn’t do it for me. It’s not clever.
There’s no doubt that he has a comical face but he’s not up there with the biggies.
Controversial, I admit.
I’m also one of those who hasn’t seen Star Wars.
Sci-fi Schmi-fi….pah!
It is forbidden to say that on Star Wars Day…
May the fourth be with you
Good shout,
I like Pi Day being March 14th
This is a cool way to learn Pi to six digital dooberries.
The number of letters in each word represents a digit…
How I wish I could calculate Pi 3.141592
Simples!
I enjoyed this but not as much as yesterday’s which was superb. I timed myself and this took almost three times as long as yesterday. Of course I could complain that yesterday was over too quickly. I thought I might need help with the last few but after a brief pause they came to me, 1a being the last in. The others were 15a even though I got the misdirection. I’d not heard of it. Following on from another comment I’m wondering if I have the ending right for 8d. Favourites 9 17 19 25 and 27a.
Very tricky until some checkers went in at which points the clues began to make sense. I liked the 8d anagram and 1a avian clue and rhe 27a lego clue . I’m using the telegraph app puzzles on my phone, which works quite well except for filling the letters in across inatead of doown and vice versa .Thanks to The compiket and to CS for the hints it’s a glorious day in South Oxfordshire an Jim and I are sitting in rhe sunshine in the bwautiful grounds of his care hone
Excellent.
I wish I could tempt DD1 out onto their balcony (no question of her leaving the unit) but she will not set foot outside. She could do with the fresh air and sunshine.
We have purchased a wheelchair for Jim. Hepropels it by hand,wheeling until he gets tired, then one of us pushes. His 90 minutes in the sunny gardens was much enjoyed and he floppped back into bed, when we came in, snoring contentedly in minutes! I’m so glad he’s getting out afterc14 weeks bedbound in hospital
I, too, have conceded defeat with eight clues remaining. Certainly a tougher test than recent Saturday offerings. I’m going to file this one under experience and make a mental note to look at the review next week. Thanks to compiler and to CS for the hints even with which I’m still unfinished.
Well this was enjoyable, some very nice clues- thank you CS for confirming 1a for me. And I can think of one or two people I shall now refer to as Tyrian princesses! 7d was a nice piece of misdirection, I liked the 6,9,17 connection and cannot make my mind up over 5d or 16d as favourite. Sorry Kath! I’ll be bold and say 16d. Glorious sunshine here in Cambridge, very welcome after yesterday. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Sue, enjoy the Harspar-ragus. I have two stems left in the old bed and let it grow up to use with flowers!
Hello Daisy, I think I saw in a post the other day that you went to school in Wimbledon. Did you go to Wimbledon Girls’ High? I didn’t but I went to another GPDST school. I am looking forward to Big Dave Birthday Bash in January and hope that many of us are fit and well enough to attend.
I have come to this late after a long walk and lunch out, but I was very impressed by the quality and enjoyment of this excellent puzzle. It probably needed a little more thought and head-scratching than usual but it was all the better for it. 16d was my favourite of many.
Thanks to our Saturday setter and Sue.
Good to hear from Tilsit again. I hope all is well with him.
Like most we made hard work of the SW with 13d being the key to unlocking it, straightforward after that. Favourite was 20d. Thanks to the setter and CS.
Found this a lot tougher than usual for a Saturday, but really as it should be for a prize puzzle. Sadly, I couldn’t even understand half the hints, and I was never going to get the bird. Just pleased that I got the poet, it being my favourite subject. Also never liked 27a but did watch with Peter as he enjoyed it a lot. Suspect above my pay grade, but might try to finish later if I can see my way through the fog. Thanks to setter and CS.
Still struggling with the SW corner. I’d never have got 27a without the picture
I was waaay off wavelength with this one. I did quite well in the East, with ehelp from time to time, eg anagram solver for 15a, never heard of it. I did know the bird at 1a, it’s in one of my fave books, The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico. Okay, okay, so I’m dated, but it has its advantages sometimes. I also knew 27a but don’t think I’ve ever watched it. I needed copious help from our Sue, plus ehelp, to finish this one. Not my finest hour.
Thank you setter, and, of course, CrypticSue, without you I would still have holes all over my grid.
15a and 7d on my reduced podium today. Thanks to CS and the mystery setter. Good to see Tilsit back again and hope he becomes a regular visitor. Today I am celebrating the directors and Chairmen of Huddersfield Town over the last 25 years for not having any idea about running a football club. If the present lot stay in post we will be in League 2 and then who know where. Next season I will get a season ticket for Pickering Town and hope to see them beat Huddersfield before I join the choir invisible..
I also found this tricky in parts. 1 14 and 25a were easiest. 13d held me up for a while and I didn’t care for 27a either, I didn’t find it at all amusing! The weather up here in Cheshire is cold and grey but the pollen count is giving all hayfever sufferers, like me lots of problems!
Thanks to the setter and the invaluable hints Sue.
Slow start but things picked up once we got some of the long ones. SE took a while but everything fell into place eventually.
Still p*ss*d off at being bounced into using the new puzzle site.
Terrific guzzle today and my favourite was 16d, very clever. Cley mentioned twice in today’s DT – having just returned from a walk to the little harbour can confirm there are a shedload of tourists for the Bank Holiday so the High Street is in mayhem. How wonderful to have your own asparagus bed CS, I tried on my allotment and failed some years ago. Plenty of farms round here selling it though so we pig out when we can. Roll on the samphire season next month. Thanks to the setter and CS.
I love samphire and well remember trips to Cley (where we nearly bought a house) from near Bury St. Edmunds to collect regular supplies and we even considered starting a pickled version business (not the same as fresh though).
Angelov, you should have bought a house here, away from the High Street it’s very peaceful and a lovely community
I hate the new DT site.
Found this SPP quite hard.
Thanks to all involves.
involved.
The 6,917a treble would be my pick of a super puzzle. The definition context at 15a only became apparent once I’d arranged the fodder & checked the word post solve but found it fairly straightforward otherwise.
Thanks to the setter (Donny methinks) & to Sue
should read 6,9&17a.
Seems it was a wavelength issue today. Didn’t get single clue. Even with toughies, I will get one or more clues.
Kudos to those that could get anywhere today.
Mr. Google and I found this a bit of a slog and not particularly enjoyable. First read through yielded just one answer (11d). Enough said but here’s to better things tomorrow. Thank you setter and CS for giving me a much-needed lead on one or two.
I really struggled to get started, only 1 clue on first parse. I persisted and after a long time and a couple of visits here to see that I was not alone I did finally finish. The 6,9, 17 combo was great. I needed to confirm several of my guesses with e help as I had not heard of them eg 1a. I do now feel pleased to have managed to finish.
Many thanks to the setter and to CS for the hints.
Well I finished it. My synonym radar is not what it used to be. I could not think of a trader for 15 a. Got it in the end, after filling in 13d. Sorry to say that CS didn’t help on this occasion as the hints were a reiteration of the clue. Some nice clues, not too difficult except for the SW. As far as 15a is concerned I didn’t get passed, Electron, Proton and a similar word during physics. The Electron, negative charge, balanced the protons and the atomic weight was the sum of the protons and similar word. We didn’t get as far as the answer.
Thanks to your comment, I finally managed to work out 15a and finish this crossword!
I usually manage to finish every week, but this was a particular head scratcher.
Really enjoyed it though and hats off to everyone who can complete them on the day, particularly CS who amazes me every week. Thanks to all the setters too who give the old grey cells such good workouts.
It was me. Thanks to all for the above, and CS for the gas.
Cheers
NYDK
I was so confident it was you, I’d already included your name in my draft review
This was harder than for many a Sat, but managed to finish it (using a couple of hints too) after sleeping on it overnight. Some very playful humour in these puzzles from NYDK. Keep em coming!
Wonderful how the overnight rest overcomes a few blocks ! I had the wrong drink for the fragrant clue so that held me up for ages – thank you NYDK and CS
I can’t believe I missed 17 across. What a brain fart! Otherwise all good.
4*/4* ….
liked 11D “Bar popular with ghosts occasionally (5)”