Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30877
Hints and tips by Huntsman
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** Enjoyment ***/****
A beautiful sunny start to the day here in Harpenden & having been bitterly cold on the golf course yesterday I’m hoping the promised warmer weather arrives over the next couple of days as I plan to get the sticks out again.
Thoroughly enjoyed today’s puzzle, which I assume to be an Anthony Plumb production. As ever elegantly & concisely clued throughout I found it about on a par with Monday’s puzzle so it ought not to present too much difficulty.
In the following hints, definitions are underlined, indicators are mostly in parentheses, and answers are revealed by clicking where shown as usual. Please leave a comment below on how you got on with the puzzle.
Across
1a Cop’s memoir involved give and take (10)
COMPROMISE: a nice gentle anagram (involved) to kick off with – COP’S MEMOIR.
6a Painter unknown in part of India (4)
GOYA: insert one of the mathematical unknowns into a coastal state in southwest India.
10a Sailors initially select oar (5)
SCULL: Sailors (initially) + a synonym of select from a large quantity/variety of sources.
11a Bears ought to be fresh, regularly scrubbed (9)
SHOULDERS: a synonym for ought to with the alternate letters (regularly) of bE fReSh appended.
12a Reading dusty novel in middle of the night (8)
STUDYING: an anagram (novel) of DUSTY + IN from the wordplay + niGht (middle of).
13a Student, with skill, rotated comb (5)
TRAWL: link the usual letter for a student + the single letter for With + a nounal synonym for skill/knack reading from right to left (rotated/in reverse).
15a Stunning, mythical bird beside Charles? (7)
ROCKING: the enormous legendary bird of prey in Middle Eastern mythology + the title Charles holds.
17a Coachman possibly prepared outside right vehicle (7)
SERVANT: place another word for prepared/readied around (outside) Right + a commercial vehicle.
19a Lieutenant enters perfect place of refuge (7)
SHELTER: insert (enters) the two letter abbreviation for lieutenant into an adjectival synonym for perfect/utter.
21a Details are about Lima’s military leader (7)
GENERAL: a Latin plural for details/genre or category Not for the first time ignore my twaddle. An informal term for details + a reversal (about) of ARE + Lima (NATO phonetic alphabet). Thanks Falcon.
22a Old person partly fractured leg on the way back (5)
ELDER: hidden in reverse (partly/on the way back).
24a Turns south before boats (8)
SKETCHES: South + a type of two-masted sailing boats.
27a Stirs up social functions (9)
OCCASIONS: a double definition – the first in the sense of causes.
28a Vulgar bloke pinching wife’s rear (5)
CHEAP: insert (pinching) wifE’s (rear) into another word for bloke.
29a Eat nothing quickly (4)
FAST: double definition.
30a Has red meat contaminated big cheese in school? (10)
HEADMASTER: an anagram (contaminated) – HAS RED MEAT. There’s been some good ones in film but the great Chic Murray in Gregory’s Girl is my favourite.
Down
1d Value first bit of sleep in bed (4)
COST: insert Sleep (first bit of) into an infant bed.
2d Maiden touches a drunk’s facial hair (9)
MOUSTACHE: Maiden (cricket abbreviation) + an anagram (drunk) of TOUCHES A.
3d Embarrassed about half of tail getting hacked off (5)
RILED: a synonym for embarrassed surrounds (about) 50% (half of) taIL.
4d Concealing son in building (7)
MASKING: insert Son (genealogical abbreviation) into a synonym of building/creating.
5d Lakes in Ireland below small ditches (7)
SLOUGHS: an Irish term for a loch preceded by (below/down clue) Small.
7d Old, great Greek character (5)
OMEGA: Old + another word for great.
8d Quite tight, a lousy belt (10)
ABSOLUTELY: an anagram (tight) – A LOUSY BELT.
9d Boring golf club clothing could be decreased with this? (8)
FLATIRON: link a synonym for boring/dull with a type of golf club.
14d Sad Serb could be this irritated (7,3)
BRASSED OFF: Sad Serb is the fodder (could be). Append a suitable indicator to give you a definition description.
16d Attentiveness in exam covering religious education (8)
INTEREST: IN from the clue + a word for an exam into which you insert (covering) the abbreviation for Religious Education.
18d American fellows inside welcome harmony (9)
AGREEMENT: American + a synonym for welcome into which fellows/males are inserted (inside). This lot clearly didn’t.
20d Return order, oddly leaving shop (7)
RESTORE: the even letters (oddly leaving) of oRdEr + shop/retail outlet.
21a Predicted invitee on the radio (7)
GUESSED: a homophone (on the radio) of a synonym of invitee which I’m confidently predicting can’t surely cause as much discussion yesterday’s big bird’s bum.
23d Cricketers try to avoid these skirts (5)
DUCKS: well not all of ‘em do – the bowlers & fielders do their best to ensure those batting succumb to them without scoring. The definition context is in the sense of avoids.
25d Commanding Officer twice seen with a drink (5)
COCOA: the usual abbreviation for Commanding Officer x 2 + A from the clue. Ghastly stuff.
26d Base removed from extra box (4)
SPAR: remove the letter for Euler’s mathematical base from a synonym for extra.
14d bags the top spot for me today with podium places for 9&23d. Please let us know which clues ticked your boxes.
Today’s Quick crossword pun: WAR + TAP + HUMPS = WATER PUMPS
This morning’s listening whilst preparing the blog has been Dylan LeBlanc’s rather wonderful self produced album Coyote. The title track about US border crossing probably isn’t on The Donald’s playlist
Another Typically Tuesdayish puzzle from Anthony Plumb, according to the Quickie grid – **/****
Candidates for favourite – 13a, 21a, 24a, 18d, and 23d – and the winner is 24a.
Thanks to Mr Plumb and Huntsman.
P.S. A delightful Floughie Toughie from Chalicea – highly recommended! But, beware when printing, the last clue in the Downs sneaks onto a second sheet.
I couldn’t have written anything better, I agree with your favourites and the boat clue is right in Sloops wheelhouse too
In agreement with the delights of Chalicea in the other place too.
Thanks to AP and Huntsman whose links are going straight onto my playlist
Thanks, printed and set aside as solace for the next OTT day.
I enjoyed today’s puzzle and was sad when it was all over.
Top picks for me were 24a, 4d and 14d.
Thanks to Huntsman for being there if needed and to the setter.
A distinct feeling of déjà vu with 6a, 30a and 7d today, only so many words to go round I suppose?
I found this tougher than most Tuesdays, and still can’t quite see how 27a works so will see the hint (I’m guessing stirs up might mean bring about but we’ll see).
Brilliant sunshine in Sandhurst today, so the hardtop might be taken off the car later on and put in the loft until October rolls around again.
Intrigued to see who set this one, but many thanks to him whoever he may be.
I had slips for ducks to begin with.
Another solid puzzle from the prof hits the back of the net.
What’s the term for the technique used in 14d as I do enjoy them?
It’s nice to see one of the rare pronunciations for ‘ough’ in 5d (there are nine)
My podium is 12a, 2d and 14d.
Many thanks to The Prof and Hoots!
2*/4*
14d is a ‘reverse anagram’ – the clue includes the ‘answer’ then the solver works backwards to come up with the anagram indicator and associated material.
I was going to call it that but can never seem to remember for sure – knew it was more succinct than an identify the fodder & think of an appropriate indicator clue. AP has kicked off with one a few times – mashed potato rings a bell
There was also one on Sunday and I made a bit of a mess of the hint.
Thanks Senf. I’m a huge fan of them.
I thought of one a while back but I’m not sure it works as ‘hidden’ is doing double duty:
Clue – Hidden talent? (6)
Answer – Latent
Wotcha fink?
I agree, ‘hidden’ is doing double duty so no.
Fairy nuff
The fairy on the top of our Christmas tree has always been called “Nuff”.
Our kids are now 40 and 38 and have only just twigged it.
Let’s see how long it takes the granddaughters…!
Love it!
1*/4*. The usual light delight, presumably from AP, with 14d my favourite.
Many thanks to the setter and to Hintsman, although I was disappointed with the cover version of one the greatest songs in the rock canon.
A pretty straightforward guzzle and very enjoyable it was too. I liked the 9d lego clue, the geographical clue at 5d and 14d Thanks to Huntsman for the hints and to the Tuesday compiller for an entertaining crossword.
And the lack of recognition for her contribution (poorly rewarded & initially uncredited I believe) to its brilliance reflected very poorly on the boys. She was pregnant at the time she was called into the studio in the middle of the night(hair in rollers & in her night attire) to wail about rape & murder & miscarried the next day. You should listen to her cover of Southern Man.
I enjoyed this puzzle. Senf’s description of typically Tuesdayish sums it up well. Most other days one doesn’t know what to expect when one opens the paper as Tuesday and Sunday would seem to be the only days left with a dedicated setter.
I parsed 21a differently using a three letter informal term for details or information, a reversal (about) of ARE from the clue and the letter represented by Lima.
… forgot to say thank you to the setter and Huntsman.
I parsed 21a in the same way.
Moi aussi.
Me too.
Quite right – I’ll amend. I thought are about didn’t fit with my version – d’oh
My last in, 24a, took me into my 2* solving time, and turned out to be my favourite clue.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman.
I agree that the very clever 14d was the highlight of an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable puzzle. I’d forgotten that the bulk of 24a is a type of boat, but I shan’t again for a while. Thanks very much to the setter and to Huntsman for the tips and the introduction to the work of Dylan LeBlanc. Re another of the embedded clips, I found myself standing next to Clare Grogan at a gig recently and had to work hard to maintain my sang froid. Oh, and for anyone else that has been struggling with Macs and the DT puzzles site, updating to OS Sequoia seems to have done the trick for me. Now there’s a word I haven’t yet encountered in a crossword…
Light and enjoyable – thanks to our setter and Huntsman.
My standout favourite is 14d.
Fun Tuesday offering from AP.
Mostly straightforward but a few head scratchers took time into 2*. 24a LOI as I couldn’t decide if the answer was a synonym of turns
2*/4*
Thanks to Huntsman – I did parse 21a differently to the hint.
I should think everyone did 😀
24a was also LOI for me. I can only conclude they are very tenuous synonyms in a theatical variety show context.
This definitely, (for me at least), was not a typical Tuesday offering. I found this on a Friday level. Maybe it is just me but just not clicking on this one.
3*/2.5*
Favourites 1a, 15a, 30a & 14d
Thanks to AP & Huntsman
I struggled with this one as well
Very enjoyable. Liked 5d, but cotd for me is the clever 14d. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
Very enjoyable and another gentle offering. For 23d, I had drops, edges and slips, so needed the checkers from 22a and 27a before nailing it. Thanks to setter and Huntsman – the parsing of 21a had been updated before I got here today ☺
B.t.w is anyone else using the Safari browser on a Mac/iPhone: I cannot get this page to remember my Name or email address and I’ve checked the cookie settings.
Unfortunately, it stopped working on all devices I think some months ago. Annoying but liveable with!
No doubt about a favourite for me this afternoon: it has to be 14d. This was a very neat, elegant and fairly straightforward puzzle from a very reliable setter, and I greatly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to AP and The Hintsman.
I agree that it was very enjoyable. I also agree with the clues marked with approval. However a gripe from George who says no oarsman would ever talk about picking up a scull. You scull with a blade. Anyway, he’s a bit of a rowing nerd so we’ll overlook him. I have two 9ds painted black which we use as doorstops – very handy because you can move them by putting your foot in the handle – no bending! Off now to Book Group to discuss The Maid by Nita Prose (that sounds like a pseudonym if ever there was one). which I really enjoyed. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Hintsman.
Great fun. 24a’s “turns” grew on me. Very sharp. 27a and 14d are lovely too. Many thanks to our setter and Huntsman. Cracking tunes as always.
I’ll agree with “typically Tuesdayish”, in that I struggled with it! I ended up resorting to quite a bit of electronic assistance to get a full grid. I didn’t know the 9d term for the device, nor the Irish lakes. And I spent too long wondering if ‘spick’ could be another name for an oar.
My last in was 24a, which instantly become my favourite. Then when I read the hints, 11a took its place, with that surface reading wonderfully illustrated by Huntsman’s choice of video — thank you to him and the setter.
Delighted to find this waiting for me after my walk on a rare, South Florida, chilly 60F morning, complete with clear blue skies and birds singing. Like yesterday, I didn’t end up feeling completely stupid, and enjoyed filling in the boxes. Longest holdouts were 17a as I didn’t think of him in possible servants, and 27a which I solved but couldn’t parse. 9d was a gift as mother-in-law always used one, and had no time for the “new fangled” stuff. Thanks to setter and Huntsman.
Very enjoyable again today. My favourite was 9d. I’m just watching the tennis from Florida where it looks very pleasant. Not too warm as you say BusyLizzie! We have blue skies here but it’s freezing. Thankyou to both setter and Hunter.
Enjoyable , and populated with nice friendly old granmaas. So it’s a **/**** from me. COTD 14D. Thanks to setter and Huntsman for tips.
You’re 3 for 3 with ‘Granmaas’. Tezzer.
You love it!
Can he keep ’em coming?
The pressure is on…
Started early for me – before lunch – then after a short lunch and and a longer time cooking for later, I completed this puzzle without using the hints and in probably my fastest time yet. Thought some of the definitions were a little stretched but otherwise enjoyed it. Knew before I read the blog that most people would have found it easy. COTD 9d for the parsing. Thanks to the setter and to Huntsman (even though I didn’t need the hints) and as always, thanks for the comments. */***
For me, not as straightforward as some Tuesdays due to a few synonyms that were not immediately obvious eg 24a and 27a. I did enjoy the puzzle and the clever 14d was my favourite.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints.
Everything fell into place nicely today with plenty of good clues. Favourites 9d, 14d and the simple but effective 25d
1* / 4 *
Thanks to Huntsman and setter
This is the first time I got 23 of the clues all by myself! Plus I got 3 half filled in but couldn’t work out the rest… feel I am making progress at long last :)
Congratulations, Susie!
A completed crossie is around the corner. I can smell it…
Tom beat me to it (as he usually does).
Stick with it & us & you’ll be finishing ‘em in no time.
A lovely puzzle. 14d wins my CoD.
Thank you setter.
Thanks also to Huntsman as ever. You might need to take your sun cream on the golf course for the rest of the week!
Like others 24a was LOI as the synonym was a little tenuous to say the least and I agree with George re 10a. Those apart I enjoyed this. Favourite was 18d. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
An enjoyable Tuesday puzzle with nothing too challenging. Agree with the Deja vu moments as Tipcat mentioned . Thanks to setter for the fun and Huntsman
Being a Stevenage lad living in Benington I agree about the weather…Off to Norfolk with the sticks playing Sheringham..Cromer with the lads on Thursday..going down memory lane when I was a member at Knebworth and had away do’s..spent more time in the bar than on the links…🤣🤣
It was a nice gentle test today…very enjoyable..27 had me scratching my head for a while..Head down…And follow through..And may the greens be kind to you…xx
Lucky you – love both tracks but reckon Cromer marginally the better of the two. Hunstanton & Brancaster marvellous too. Enjoy the golf & a few scoops of Wherry
Good evening
I actually finished the crozzie on the way into work this afty. But today, some poor benighted soul has landed me as her trainer, which means I don’t get to sneak in here in work time and post; I’m busy with my new colleague.
Today’s solve was good fun and well pitched for a Tuesday. COTD is definitely the reverse anagram at 14d.
Many thanks to the Prof and to Huntsman.
3*/2* …
liked 12A “Reading dusty novel in middle of night (8)”