Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3271 (Hints)
Hints and tips by Senf
A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where we are having a long weekend to celebrate the 157th birthday of Canada or, for those with a particular view on colonialism, the acknowledgement of the 157th anniversary of the enactment of the first British North America Act.
I trust that all of you on the 11a type of roll in yesterday’s SPP will complete your civic duty on Thursday – remember that if you don’t you can’t complain about the result!
For me, and I stress for me, a Monday puzzle on a Sunday, with four long uns and four almost long uns, six anagrams (three partials), two lurkers, and one homophone all in a symmetric 28 clues; with 14 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid, you should be able to get the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues. And, remember, the Naughty Step is OPEN!
Candidates for favourite – 1a, 19a, 23a, 27a (an oldie but goodie), 2d, 5d, and 21d.
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 Possible cause of ignition for rocket scientist? (6,5)
An informal two word term to describe a (clever) rocket scientist?
9a Beardless gent I dressed up describing a jacket (6-8)
An anagram (dressed up) BEARDLESS GENT I.
11a Tug reaching northern settlement (4)
A synonym of tug placed before (reaching) the single letter for Northern.
17a Newspaper reported a bloomer (6)
A homophone (reported) of a type of a newspaper and A from the clue.
23a Old man has requirement for break (5)
A two letter familiar synonym of old man and a three letter term equivalent to has requirement for.
27a Present leg? (8,6)
An oldie but goodie – a double definition(?) the first could be a ‘supplementary’ present in approximately 6 months time.
28a In cold manner? That’s about right! (11)
A 10 letter adverb(?) which could be equivalent to in cold (environment) containing (about) the single letter for Right – I think, but I am open to suitable suggestions.
Down
2d Halt protest, standing at end of street (7,7)
A synonym of protest, and a synonym of standing (as in position in life?) placed after (at end of) a synonym of street.
4d Actor, drama ultimately in the turn (8)
The last letter (ultimately) of dramA inserted into (in) THE from the clue and a synonym of turn.
7d Alloy seen, a little bendy, three seconds to break it? (9,5)
An anagram (bendy) of SEEN, A LITTLE with three of the single letter for Seconds (of time) inserted consecutively into the result of the anagram (to break it).
8d Common maiden when shattered grabbing a kip (1,4,1,5)
An anagram (when shattered) of MAIDEN containing (grabbing) A from the clue and a four letter synonym of kip.
10d Staple on first of contracts in facility – that should hold the documents (7,4)
A verbal synonym of staple placed before (on) the first letter of Contracts inserted into a synonym of facility.
21d Speculation about name for German composer (6)
A type of (financial) speculation about the outcome of an event containing (about) the single letter for Name.
26d Something positive in case of prodigal American (4)
The outer letters (case) of ProdigaL and the two letters for American.
Quick Crossword Pun:
MOLLY + CUDDLING = MOLLYCODDLING
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As it is the Canada Day holiday weekend, Canada’s and Winnipeg’s own Neil Young with his own hit composition from 1971 being performed at a live concert, in 1985, to support America’s ‘family’ farmers and ranchers:
Not overly taxing today though a few took a bit of pondering. Enjoyable and I found 27 particularly delightful 😊 and 28a very clever
I got there in the end. Glad it was at the Monday end of the spectrum. Thank you setter and Senf.
A brilliant crossword at just the right difficulty for me. I don’t normally mind Americanisms but 8d was too much for my liking. 27a my favourite and generally many to enjoy. Thanks to setter and blogger
My first thought on 8d was Americanism. However, I was surprised to find that there is no indication of that in the BRB; not even for the four letter word in the answer which is derived from French or Latin.
A typical Dada in that I began slowly, sped up in the middle only to crawl to the finish line. Just the right amount of pondering needed for a satisfying solve and another stab at The Mythical. I was nearly derailed by 26d because I had a plausible answer using two cases. When I solved 28a I saw the error of my ways. I liked halting the street protest at 2d and the setter with the lolling tongue at 19 but my COTD is the blooming newspaper at 17a because mine aren’t.
Thank you, Dada for a good Sunday workout. Thank you, Senf for the hints.
Tackling the moss today on a slightly cold and dull day here in The Marches.
For me, and I stress for me, Dada on top form today, but sadly, like the setter’s tasty snack, a couple of quick mouthfuls and it was gone. Lots of cracking clues; I actually found myself liking the 24a theme in spite of not being a fan of GK in cryptic crosswords (or 21d!), and there was even a rare ‘engineering’ clue, though three seconds was about right! Many contenders for COTD… 1a, 2d, 10d, 15d and 23a (last in) but my prize goes to 27a for the ‘doh’ moment.
Thanks to Dada for a brief ray of sunshine when the world seems to be going to pot. Also, to Senf for the blog – I agree with you, we do all need to vote on Thursday, but let’s try to elect some honest politicians for a change!
A friend was recently approached by a canvasser who asked which party he intended to vote for. He replied, “I don’t know yet. I will decide when I have worked out which of you is lying the least”.
You should come over here to N Ireland, it’s easier – we don’t have the burden of selecting between the ‘big party beasts’ ,Labour? Tory? Who they? We have our very own selection of ‘representatives’ … some of them creationists !!
Nice! Sadly, also true. When our politicians rate lower than lawyers and estate agents you know there’s definitely something wrong with the system.
My father always said you could tell when a politician is lying as you can see his lips moving.
Aha, here in America we have the GOAT liars, we beat you by a country mile, so there!!
Before things get too political, please remember Comment Etiquette No 8
Lemon and rhubarb glutton-free scones for the offenders…
Lovely puzzle today and we appreciated the pseudo-American clues.
Mr & Mrs T
“Glutton-free”? Hooray for an American supporter!
2*/4.5*. Not too difficult and Dada on top form today with the possible exception of 15d, which had a repetitious element.
27a was my favourite.
Many thanks to Dada and to Senf.
PS. I meant to mention that Mrs RD and I are off to South Wales for a holiday so I’ll be maintaining radio silence on the blog for a few days. Be good!
Good fun from Dada today – thanks to him and Senf.
My podium boasts 1a,19a and 2d.
Nothing too tricky today. My only pause for thought was to check the dictionary re the nounal definition of halt.
Many thanks to Dada for a most enjoyable puzzle – 2*/4.5*
Solid Sunday fare, an enjoyable early morning exercise to awaken the LGCs. Highlights were 1a, 17a & 27a.
2 / 3
Many thanks to setter and Senf alike.
A brilliant crossword unfortunately let down by 28a which just a poor clue and 8d which is a horrible Americanism. My favs were 2d and the best of all 19a which was definitely a LOL clue.
Almost perfect but not quite which is a pity.
Thx to all.
***/**** or ***/***** if you ignore the two poor clues.
For 8d, see my response to Slowcoach at Comment 3.
At first I thought 28a was poor as well, but then I twigged the full meaning and saw how clever it was.
28a Was my last one in and a penny drop moment. A very clever clue I thought.
Nice Sunday stuff. Particularly enjoyed 17, 19, and 28 a, and the winner is 17a!
Many thanks to the setter (Dada?) and Senf.
All completed with 27a my favourite. As usual it took a while to get into it and then eventually it all fell into place, I needed the hints for 28a despite having the checkers.
Many thanks to Dada and to Senf for the hints.
Completion extended well into ** time but thankfully no repeat of last Sunday’s struggles. 27a may be an oldie but not one I’ve come across before so I’ll give it top billing, award podium places to 1&19a & put ticks against 2,7&8d. Missed the why at 28a which slightly took the shine off an enjoyable solve.
Many thanks to D & S – love the Neil Young song though the clip his best rendition of it.
should have not his best
Not being an expert at searching old blogs for repeated occurrences, I believe that, over a number of years, there have been at least 6 or 7 times that 27a has ‘appeared’ in Sunday puzzles alone, albeit with different cluing.
Like T I can barely remember yesterday so not surprising I’d forgotten’em
Agree with Senf, Monday level cryptic. Mostly read & write…
Hadn’t seen “present leg” before, but an enjoyable clue and an excellent illustration. COTD for me.
2d was a bit too “Lego” like. Had to solve first, then explain afterwards.
Credits to all.
This took me longer than it should have due, I suspect, to a late night following a trip to see a production of Madam Butterfly then a drive home. That said, this was our regular Sunday setter on top form with plenty of excellent clues. My particular favourite was 27a, chestnut or not. Great stuff.
Many thanks to Dada and Senf.
Had a spot of bother getting onto or setter’s wavelength at first but, once I did, this was fairly plain sailing. Podium places going to 1&17a plus 21d.
Thanks to Dada and to Senf for the hints and music – I read that Neil Young was reportedly expelled from school for riding a motor cycle through the school hall – definitely not an exemplary student it would seem!
For me, and I stress for me (™ Senf) this guzzle was relatively friendly. I bunged in a few of the four letter answers which in turn helped with the long ‘uns. 27a is my glue of the day. I suspect it may have appeared before but I barely recall what I did yesterday, never mind a glue that may have popped up six months ago.
Lovely meal out last night, celebrating a birthday, at Piccolino in Virginia Water where they always look after us splendidly. The team there managed to remain chirpy and cheery despite Italy’s Euro result an hour or two earlier. Meanwhile – Come On England!
Thanks to Da-doo-ron-ron and The Man From Manitoba
Your birthday?
Another cracker, two in a row yet!
Not hard by any means but great fun nonetheless.
Favourites today were 1a and the very clever 28a.
Off to watch loads of sport now, the Assen Motogp, then the Austrian GP, and finally the footie, we’re still favourites to win the tournament, but for the life of me can’t see why after the first three grim displays!
Lots of fun. 1a my fav. Thanks for the h.
Well, for this Dada puzzle, I’d say he moved to the trickier end of his spectrum. Didn’t find it hard but took some lateral thinking for many of the clues. Dada seemed to use his personal thesaurus in this puzzle with soupçon of quirkiness thrown in too.
1.5*/4.5* for me today.
Favourites 19a, 24a, 27a, 8d, 25d & 26d — with winner 8d
Smiles from many but top ones for me 1a, 12a, 17a & 21d
Overall a fun and enjoyable solve today.
Thanks to Dada & Senf for blog/hints
Another vote for the winningest 8d!
Have a nice day y’all.
Mr & Mrs T (in our “Ayt Lain Tar” accent)
Pretty straightforward with some needing a bit of thinking about only adding to the enjoyment. As with others favourite was 27a. Thanks to Dada and Senf.
A lovely puzzle with some of the clues giving pause for thought. Loved 27a and hadn’t come across it before. LOI was the clever 28a.
Top picks for me were 17a, 27a and 21d.
Thanks to Senf and Dada.
27a may be an oldie but I like it
Easier than a usual Sunday. Huge fun nevertheless. **/****
The clue for 26d is incorrect. The two sets of double letters are consecutive, not an insertion.
So they are; I was confused by the ‘in’ in the clue and vino collapso – actually a very nice Spanish blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and three others.
Hint revised.
I didn’t find it a walk in the park, but they don’t call me “tiny brain” for nothim’. Loads of fun though, so many grinners. I’ll single out 27a and 8d as special, at the risk of omitting other well-earned clues. Oh, I’ve just tumbled to 28a, isn’t that clever?
Thank you Dada, and Senf for explaining quite a few, 2d e.g.!
Not as hard as the last few Sundays, certainly not for me anyway.
I managed to get myself into all kinds of trouble with the answers at the bottom of the crossword – both across and downs without going into details – can’t be bothered to explain.
I got 17a immediately and then screwed it up by spelling it wrong!
I did like 1 and 19a and 5 and 21d. My favourite was 16d – or any of the others!!
With thanks to Dada and to Senf.
Just remembered something that made me laugh in a junk shop recently – a sign advertising 7d sinks – someone had written ‘of course it does’!!
OK – I’m off . . .
Was hoping for three in a row, but was not to be. Like Steve Cowling, I started slowly, sped up in the middle and inched my way to the finishing line. I got totally stuck on some wrong answers and brain just wouldn’t let go of them. Thanks to Dada and Senf.
That was delightful stress-free Sunday fare to enjoy in the sunshine. Took while to fully parse 2d. I really do feel 8d Americanism is inappropriate for UK puzzle. So many good clues from which my podium contains 27a, 28a and 10d. Thanks as always to the 4-letter duo.
Good puzzle.
A great Dada puzzle that is more enjoyable than watching the England performance. I was somewhat surprised by 8d’s lack of an American identifier. Cotd is the amusing 27a. Thanks to Dada and Senf.
See comment 3
Another enjoyable puzzle. I got off to a good start answering many of the shorter clues before getting stuck in. Pondered over 27a and 28a was my last one in. The penny was slow to drop! Many thanks to Dada and Senf.
Good stuff as always on a Sunday from Mr D 👍 – thoroughly enjoyable!
Thanks, as always to Senf for the blog ‘n hints.
Cheers!
Good evening
A bit of a struggle, especially in the bottom half. I had to deploy the time-honoured tactic of going away and doing other things while my subconscious got to work. Eventually this paid off. Most head-scratchingly tricky clue was 28a, which was my last to fall, and my COTD.
Many thanks to Dada and Senf.
Struggled a bit today, so needed the hints, thanks to Senf.
Am now in Canada to see family and avoid the election and the football!
Bleh, the worst that I’ve done at a Dada puzzle in ages! I agree with Senf that this felt like a Monday crossword, if he means a Campbell-style backpager, because I was hopeless at those as well.
The grid doesn’t help, split along the NE–SW diagonal, with very few connections between them. I have all the half which is the top-left triangle (though I needed Senf’s hints for several of those, including the long entries at 1a and 27a), but many empty spaces in intersection answers in the bottom-right half — mostly unhinted clues, but I’ve even managed to fail at 23a and 8d with the hints.
Much harder for me than, say, Friday’s proXimal backpager, which I finished in one sitting. I’ve now spent much longer on this one, including leaving it overnight to percolate, to only get to about three-quarters of the answers.
Thank you to Dada and Senf, and sorry I wasn’t up to the challenge. My favourite (so far?) is 6d (“Madrid”).
3*4* …..
liked 19A “Setter with lolling tongue, say, sees snack (3,3)”