DT 30797 (Hints) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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DT 30797 (Hints)

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30797 (Hints)

The Saturday Crossword Club (hosted by crypticsue)

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Another enjoyable Saturday Prize Puzzle from the NY Doorknob – at least this week his anagram spread over a couple of clues wasn’t too difficult to work out.

Please ask for help if you are stuck on clues I haven’t hinted, but before doing so, please read the comments that appear before yours, so that you are not duplicating questions,  and make sure you obey both the instructions in red at the end of the Hints and the blog’s  Comment Etiquette – Big Dave’s Crossword Blog)

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/24a    Attractive secretary and PA put it differently (6,2,1,7)
An anagram (differently) of SECRETARY PA PUT IT

11a         Organ damage on vicar’s insides (9)
A verb  meaning to damage, ON (from the clue) and the ‘insides’ of vICAr

14a/13a    It is what it is (8,7)
A cryptic definition of what it is grammatically

27a         Occasional butt from goat chasing girl (5,4)
An objective of ridicule (goat) chasing or going after a girl’s name

28a/21a    Plain refusal from the dedicated watercolourist? (2,3,8)
A statement from a dedicated watercolourist as to what they would refuse to create

30a         Scribbler’s book likely to be steamy? (9)
A producer of books given the same name as they are usually written more  with regard to saleability and often of an erotic nature (steamy)

Down

1d           Persuasive leader spotted parking in wharf (4,5)
Spotted or in various colours and a wharf into which is inserted the abbreviation for Parking

5d           British sport fitting screens without warning (6)
An adjective meaning fitting ‘screens’ the abbreviations for British and a type of sport

9d           Floor very very old in state (6)
An abbreviated way of saying floor or make unconscious, an adverb meaning very and abbreviations for Very and Old

17d         One taking the lead in spiritual band? (3,6)
Something to which a lead can be attached or a ecclesiastical (spiritual) band

23d         Compensate rabble discontented with putsch (6)
The outside (discontented) letters of RabblE with a putsch

26d         Lower and lower going into small lake? (5)
Lower or glare in a threatening manner.  An animal that lows going between  the abbreviations for Small and Lake

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 please don’t leave a comment.

The Quick Crossword pun: BISHOP + SKATE = BISHOPSGATE

64 comments on “DT 30797 (Hints)
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  1. I found this an enjoyable struggle. I vaguely recall 29a but I did check with Mr G after I’d entered it. I liked the one taking the lead at 17d but my COTD goes to the vicar’s insides at 11a because it raised a smile.

    Thank you, Portal Furnishing from New York for the fun challenge. Thank you, CS for the hints.

  2. 2*/4*. Nice fun to brighten a dank morning in London.

    I ought not to like 27a but I’ll forgive it this once thanks to the amusing surface.

    14/13 was my favourite but there were a lot more clues which came into contention.

    Many thanks to NYDK, I assume, and to CS

  3. Very gentle and fun themed fare today, with lots of enjoyable clues. I liked the linked 14-13a, 27a, and 26d raised a grin, but my personal COTD goes to 23d for the ‘groan’ moment when the penny dropped. Thanks to NYKD and Sue. The weather looks great for a stroll across the Fens this morning so I think that’s next on the agenda.

  4. I must have been on the setter’s wavelength today as I managed to finish before the sun crept over the horizon.

    Favourites for me are the 1d persuasive leader and the 17d spiritual band.

    Off to get some photos of mushrooms and toadstools before the sun disappears again. What a fun guy I am. 😄

    Thanks to Mr Doorknob and CS

  5. An obscure literary work from reference to an even more obscure Asian poet! The List™ committee ought to be called even if they get time and a half on a Saturday!
    I loved the rest, Thanks to the Colonial Ironmongery and Cryptic Sue
    I am away to the Cheese Shop for something Blue for my Christmas Cheese Board but will probably buy more than I ought too

    1. I belong to the Fen Farm Dairy Cheese Club (makers of Baron Bigot, my favourite). Every quarter they send me a 250gm BB wheel, plus four guest cheeses – have yet to be disappointed and love the variety, with little cards telling you all about the artisan cheese. I leave my BB out of the fridge for 5 days before eating, absolute heaven

      1. Fellstone (like Wensleydale but softer)
        Yoredale Blue
        St James’ a softie washed rind goat
        Doddington – Cheddary
        And as always some Mrs Kirkhams Lancashire
        And don’t tell Terence but they have a bakery on site now and a very nice crusty sourdough sneaked into our basket along with a 10 yr old vintage Port

          1. Forgot all of Mrs Temple’s cheeses 8 miles away. Her Binham Blue to die for. Will look out for the others listed above – thanks for recommending.

  6. A pleasant puzzle with an assortment of goodies to enjoy.

    It’s always nice to pick up some obscure knowledge from a gettable clue (gettable is such an ugly word. How dare I). Conversely, 7d is a great expression and so satisfying to say. The noun lower in this context was a new one on me.

    8d took forever and I was about to throw in the towel with 30a but managed to get 23d to help me get over the line.

    NYPD Blue is clearly alienating people with the number of his split multi-word answers clues which is a shame coz I love ’em. I know I am a mere mortal and have no right to advice someone who sits atop Mount Olympus but, if I were him, I would do, say, one biggie every crossword, as he needs to keep his Saturday trademark going.

    My podium is 11a, 14a/13a and 22d.

    Many thanks to the aforementioned and CS.

    2*/4*

  7. Brilliant puzzle from NYKD today … not too challenging but definitely 5* entertainment.

    My favourites: The (1a + 24a) & (28a + 21a) combo plus the old chestnut @22d.

  8. Great fun from NYDK today
    3*/4*
    Had to check 29a
    Favourites 11a 9d 17d and 27a
    Lots of penny drop moments
    Thanks to Sue for the hints

  9. Another fine NYDK fashion statement, for me, and I really like the easy and amusing style.

    One or two of my colleagues out here who use the app have had a small moan about the multi-light cues, but it seems not to be a problem with the puzzles per se, so I too hope the signature format can be preserved. It appears to be more annoying for those who use a phone when solving. I always try to get the tree-derived materials whenever possible.

    Faves today include the antonymous phrases and the unfortunate vicar, but (so to speak) I will award the gong to 27A for the funny surface.

    Thanks NYDK and Sue.

    1. You are spot on re the difficulty of solving it on the puzzles app using the phone making it very tricky with multi word answers. I gave up on the 1st tee this morning & waited until I could use the iPad.

  10. Good Saturday entertainment and looks as though I’m the only one who needed to check on putsch – not to worry, I can take the ridicule of my more knowledgeable blog pals. Slightly surprised to see our setter digging out the old chestnut at 22d but I suppose he was confronted by rather unhelpful checkers.
    Top marks here went to 11a plus 1&17d.

    Thanks to NYDK & to CS for the hints.

  11. It seems that my brain stopped working yesterday evening as, on completion and surveying the filled grid, I had to ask myself why did that take so long? Nevertheless, the challenge was enjoyable.

    Candidates for favourite – 11a, 19a, 8d, and 20d – and the winner is 11a.

    Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  12. Really looking forward to Saturdays now because of the chance of another linked clue puzzle, and certainly not disappointed today.

    Nowt to scare the equines today, a pretty straightforward solve, but fun nonetheless.

    Don’t understand why 29a works, so will see the hint (if it’s there), but the answer can’t be much else.

    My two of the day were 14a, and 20d. Great fun.

  13. I’m in the camp if those who find the multiple linked clues unappealing but have found a way round it by ignoring them. When I have filled in rhe remaining clues, the linked ones become more approachable. I liked 1d, 7d and 17d. Thanks to NYDK and to CS for the hints

    1. Same here re the way to handle linked clues, ignore them for as long as possible. Except for 1a which jumped off the page at me.

  14. Isn’t there a difference between linked clues and longer anagrams? Surely a linked clue requires you to work out another clue’s answer to help solve the current clue – plenty of examples over the last few Saturdays, but none today, just expanded anagrams.
    However, semantics apart, I thoroughly enjoyed today’s workout, hadn’t heard of 29a before but simple enough and luckily we had 30a answer a few weeks ago which, surprisingly I remembered!
    ***/****

  15. Welcome to 29a. You have been elected on to THE LIST again. A triumphant return. Despite being released on parole you have offended again and you must sit there alongside ‘The Hanseatic League’ and ‘festal’.

    Intriguing guzzle. I struggled to get going and solved it glue by glue, but thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

    Meanwhile, I am traumatised and intend to book myself into The Priory.
    H and The Youngster take responsibilty for the supermarket delivery each week and today…. FAILED TO ORDER ANY BREAD! It is a catastrophe and a disaster. Good quality bread is one of my joys in life. I don’t ask for much. Simple access to a cob or a farmhouse is all I need. But no! I am denied. I shall be intherapy for years. What is to become of me?

    Thanks to the setter and Super Sue (Who I bet always keeps her house fully stocked with bread. Or Daisy. If I was married to Daisy I’m sure she would ensure there was bread in the house. I just know it)

    1. Having read about the Priory in today’s Telegraph magazine, I don’t think you should go anywhere near.

      Of course I have bread, including two Taste the Difference Walnut Loaves which were still warm when I picked them up from the in-store bakery first thing this morning

    2. Oh Terence, Terence. If only I were 40 years younger and had met you in a different life. H & G would have got on well together with their nice little walks and we, we could have scaled the heights together. On a more practical note I would recommend a bread maker. I have used one for years and my bread, together with almost everything else I do, is superb. 🥰

      1. I use a breadmaker too DG – always comes out fantastically and you know exactly what is in it, no horrid preservatives!

        1. Since lockdown I’ve been making my own sourdough. Not difficult but takes place over three days so some planning involved!

          I’m getting to like these multiple-clued puzzles (says he to avoid the ‘linked’ debate). In pedantic mode re 14+13a, I’m not sure that “it” from the clue fits precisely with the answer but I can’t say more without risking the naughty step …

          Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  16. Another very enjoyable multi-worder. A problem free solve other than a failure to peg chasing for going after at 27a. Top two for me were 15&20d with plenty of ticks elsewhere.
    Thanks to Donny & Sue

  17. Nice prize puzzle, definitely trickier than a usual Saturday. I thought 17d was quite lovely.

    Not totally comvinced by the hint to 30a. I think “steamy” refers to a literal interpretation of the answer, not the nature of the books. ***/****

    1. Forgive me if I misunderstand you, Karina, but steamy is referring to both, i.e the surface read and the answer producing steam.

  18. My heart sank when I saw yet more linked clues on a Saturday but I got there in the end. I liked the persuasive leader and gym guru. Thanks to setter and cryptic Sue for hints.

  19. A lovely puzzle to attempt over lunch. I’m with Terence for 29a but it couldn’t have been much else.
    Top picks for me were 11a, 14/13a and 22d.

    Thanks to CrypticSue and the setter.

  20. Really struggled to get on the right wavelength today, but got there in the end. 22d the clear favourite.

    Thanks to CS and NYDK.

  21. I don’t recommend trying to sort out a tricky puzzle while watching rugby on the box. It meant I didn’t really concentrate on either, but I did get across the line in the end. My final entry was 9d, my favourite of many contenders was 1d.

    My thanks to Donny and Sue.

  22. I liked this NYDK puzzle for this Saturday. Not easy in many areas, but a fun solve. One new word and one person I did not know.

    2.5*/3.5*

    Favourites 1/24a, 6a, 11a, 14.13a, 28/21a & 22d – with winner 28/21a
    Smiles for 1d & 17d too.

    Thanks to NYDK & CS for blog/hints

  23. I am stuck on 9d as well and, such is the way of life, no hint. However the rest of the guzzle went in smoothly and I did it all on my lonesome as G is at Hertford watching rugby. Maybe if I walk away and then come back to it inspiration will strike. Many thanks to NYDJ and the indefatigable Seesue. I think the vicar’s organ was my favourite.

  24. Not a walk in the park but a most enjoyable tussle. Liked the occasional butt and the spiritual band and 1d got me off to a merry start. We are so lucky to have such entertainment.

  25. With a lot of help from Mrs T I eventually finished this puzzle but once more good manners prevents me from an accurate description of the puzzle. No idea who the setter is but for me one to avoid in the future.
    Thx for the hints.
    *****/0

  26. After getting 1a/24a I foolishly thought I would be on wavelength today. Probably wishful thinking as I am usually in dire need of a friendly puzzle after my abysmal Friday attempts. But no such luck today as I could only solve slightly less than half of my own today. Perhaps I’ll give it another shot later, or perhaps not. Thanks for NYDK and to CS.

  27. Just about right for a prize puzzle, thoroughly enjoyed it, some lovely misdirections. Thanks to CS and today’s setter.

  28. I made heavy weather of this latest NYDK offering and had to resort to online help to finish. So a definite dnf for me. I’m still struggling with the parsing of a few so will resort to the review mid week. I will award cotd to 22d. It may be old, but it raised a smile. Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  29. I have now finished with help from the hints and some e help, I did not know 29a and would not have got 30a. I did enjoy the rest and enjoyed the long anagrams.

    Many thanks to NYDK and to CS for the hints

  30. This was not for me. Definitely not on the wavelength. For the first time ever used the hints. I liked the Vicar’s organ which was the first I got in. (No pun intended). Reminded me of the old joke about the Vicar who remembered where he had left his bike when preaching about the Ten Commandments

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