Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30882
Hints and tips by Falcon
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** – Enjoyment ****
Greetings from Ottawa, where the weatherman says we are in store for a mixed bag over the coming week – a bit of rain, a bit of snow, a bit of sun, and a bit of cloud with temperatures hovering around the freezing point. The weather may be cool, but the political temperature is heating up. Yesterday, our new Prime Minister not only called a federal election but announced he would run in the riding where I live.
I started off on a tear with today’s puzzle but soon found it became a bit chewier. All in all a very enjoyable solve from our new double punning setter. Last week, X-Type promised to return soon but I would surmise this is not one of his.
In the hints below, underlining identifies precise definitions and cryptic definitions, FODDER is capitalized, and indicators are italicized. The answers will be revealed by clicking on the ANSWER buttons.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought of the puzzle.
Across
1a Sit up and study sign (4,6)
TAKE NOTICE — to study (a subject at school) and a sign or poster; it might also be interpreted as follows
6a What’s in tank under various houses? (4)
DERV — a hidden word clue in which the two word phrase following the definition contains (houses) the lurker
9a Detective conceals sexy item of clothing (5)
DHOTI — an abbreviated police detective contains (conceals) a colloquial term for sexy
10a Wild lion and emus surrounding one car (9)
LIMOUSINE — an anagram (wild) of LION plus (and) EMUS
12a Manager is upset about group’s underhand tactics (5,8)
SMEAR CAMPAIGN — an anagram (upset) of the first two words of the clue containing (about) a group supporting a common cause
14a What might be paid when late? (8)
RESPECTS — a cryptic definition of what might be due the dearly departed
15a Trade in? Think again! (6)
REDEEM — combine a prefix added to a word to denote repetition and another word for think or judge
17a Forgive former copper’s prejudice at last (6)
EXCUSE — link a prefix denoting former, the chemical symbol for copper, the possessive S from the clue, and the final letter (at last) of PREJUDICE
19a Discussions succeeded – artist backed second artist (8)
SEMINARS — the genealogical notation for succeeded and a British artist who once literally aired her dirty laundry in public followed by the reversal (backed) of the symbol for second and the post-nominal initials for a member of the Royal Academy
21a Greet the first new video game (6,7)
STREET FIGHTER — an anagram (new) of the first three words of the clue
24a A Yale man? (9)
LOCKSMITH — a cryptic definition of a man in a key job
25a Changing sides, chap is ruined (5)
BROKE — in another word for chap, change the letter representing one hand for the one representing the other hand
26a Reduce intake in parliament (4)
DIET — double definition, the second denoting a legislative assembly of which one notable example is notorious for the unappetizing menu suggested by its name
27a Male only wanting car for six-footer (4,6)
STAG BEETLE — an adjective denoting an event is male only and an iconic German family car that enjoyed a record-setting 65 year production run
Down
1d Substantial order (4)
TIDY — double definition, an adjective and a verb
2d Ancient city understands we initially ignored cry for help (7)
KNOSSOS — another word for understands with the first letter (initially) of WE removed (ignored) followed by a distress call
3d See Nelson is battling empty ships in silence (13)
NOISELESSNESS — an anagram (battling) of the first three words of the clue followed by SHIPS with its interior letters removed (empty)
4d Take charge after student breaks part of foot (8)
TOLERATE — a charge or price following (after) the usual symbol for student driver inserted into (breaks) an extremity of the foot
5d Mark spotted creature in the garden? (5)
COMMA — double definition; the creature derives its name from a distinctive white marking (clearly visible in the photo)
7d Miliband maybe providing something cool for building (7)
EDIFICE — the first name of politician Miliband (the maybe indicating others may share the name), a synonym of providing or in the event that, and something cool that is gradually beginning to disappear from out waterways
8d Asian navies meet at sea (10)
VIETNAMESE — an anagram (at sea) of the words found between the definition and indicator
11d Erratic United brace for arrangement with leaders of Premier League (13)
UNPREDICTABLE — an anagram (for arrangement) of all of UNITED BRACE and the initial letters (leaders) of PREMIER LEAGUE
13d Inexperienced Liverpool winger, briefly discouraged, finally leaves (5,5)
GREEN SALAD — line up another word for inexperienced, the name of a Liverpool football player without its final letter (briefly), and the last letter (finally) of DISCOURAGED
16d A prickly sort? He would, when upset, become hot, say (8)
HEDGEHOG — a contracted form of “he would” followed by a reversal (when upset) of all of a colloquial term for become, the water tap wymbol for hot, and the Latin abbreviation denoting say or for instance
18d Craft shown by Conservative adviser (7)
CORACLE — the letter denoting Conservative and an advisor who may have once resided on a mountain in Greece
20d Perhaps John Lennon left following show (7)
AIRPORT — the nautical term for left following to show or broadcast
22d France isn’t commonly feeble (5)
FAINT — the IVR code for France and a common or colloquialor word for isn’t
23d Fair chance, did you say? (4)
FETE — sounds like (did you say) a word meaning chance or lot
I found a lot to like in today’s puzzle with the top contenders for clue of the day being 12a, 11d, 13d, and 20d. As I can’t make up my mind on a winner, I’ll let them share the honours.
Top line:: LETTUCE + PREY= LET US PRAY
Bottom line:: DEAF + LEOPARD= DEF LEPPARD
On this day …
… in 1958, 23 year old Elvis Presley was sworn in as a private for a two year hitch in the US army. Accompanied by his parents and newspaper reporters from all over the world, Elvis answered an onslaught of nonsensical questions before summing up his feelings: “I simply want to be treated like all the other fellows.” During his period of service, Presley released several records that had been recorded either prior to the start of his service or during periods of leave. The first of these, “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck” (released on April 7, 1958), is notable primarily for ending Elvis’ string of ten consecutive Number One hits. Of the records released during his stint in the army, two went to Number One in the UK and two in the US (but not the same ones). By the way, five out of six went to Number One in Canada. Here is one of the UK Number One hits.
An enjoyable puzzle although it took me a while to get into it.
Lots of smiles but I wonder if 9a will make The List.
Top picks for me were 20d, 5d, 18d, 24a and 4d.
Thanks to Falcon and the setter.
This was perfect for a Monday.
I have circled almost every clue for its surface so I have to give it full marks.
3d is a hilarious word that none of us have ever used or heard.
It is futile to pick a pody but I’ll go with 12a, 14a and 13d.
Many, many thanks to the super setter and Falcs.
2*/5*
Definitely quite ‘chewy’ for a Monday – 2.5*/3.5*
I know nothing about what video games are available but, with checkers, 21a was easy enough to unscramble into something that sounded reasonable. Does anyone still use the 6a term?
Candidates for favourite – 9a, 24a, 25a, and 20d – and the winner is 9a.
Thanks to whomsoever and Falcon.
I found this distinctly chewy but, surprisingly rather enjoyable. That may be because I like to find a few General Kknowledge based clues in my cryptic crossword. The GK in rhis guzzle civered a range of aubjects from football to art to ancient history and video games. I confess, I checked my answer to the latter with Mr Google. I likefD the 11d and 8d anagrams, together with the 3d and 27a Lego clues. Many thanks to Falcon for the hints and to the compiler.
For me, this fantastic puzzle was not very Mondayish and I struggled through the top half, picking up speed as I went. Some of the parsing took a little longer than it should have and there were one or two loud clangs as the proverbial coin fell. 9a is a word that, amazingly, has stayed with me from previous crosswords. I didn’t know the video game but that’s where anagrams come into their own! Favourite today was 20d with it’s clever misdirection. Podium places for 14a and 27a. Thanks to our setter and Senf, whatever weather surprise you get.
Sorry, Falcon – senior moment!
Excellent puzzle & very enjoyable. Agree it was maybe a tad chewier than is the norm for a Monday but other than a head scratch with go=become with the prickly critter it went in smoothly enough. From a host of podium contenders I’ll plump for 12a plus 2&13d.
Thanks to the setter & to Falcon.
Does not feel like a Monday puzzle with some distinctly difficult and obscure answers upping the difficulty somewhat. Very enjoyable nonetheless. Will go with 12a and 13d as favourites.
21a is one of the most popular video games ever made, although I am wondering how many of our bloggers have heard of it?
3*/5*
Thanks to Falcon and Setter.
Quite tricky for a Monday but still very enjoyable. 9a new to me but I was pleased that my memory banks remembered 6a. I had 13d as my favourite but there were many others.
Many thanks to the setter and to Falcon for the hints
I agree with those who found this a bit trickier than we’re used to on a Monday but it’s very enjoyable. Thanks to our setter and Falcon.
Top clues for me were 24a, 4d and 20d.
What a brilliant way to kick off the week. Absolutely first class from beginning to end, making the selection of a favourite somewhat superfluous, but I will go for 13d.
Many thanks to our Monday setter for a terrific challenge, and to Senf.
Not me!
3*/4*. I agree with those who found this much tougher than Monday norm, but it was certainly very enjoyable.
Re 16d, even though it is one of the many meanings for “go” in the BRB, I am not convinced that it is synonymous with “become”.
My favourite is a toss-up between 24a & 16d.
Many thanks to the setter and to Falcon.
Oops! What I meant to say is: My favourite is a toss-up between 24a & 20d.
RD, 26d. If embarrassed, someone may go/become red-faced. Seems OK to me.
A super puzzle. Never heard of 6a but I am always on the lookout for words like houses or clothes etc that indicate a lurker!
Thank you to the setter and for the hints which I shall now read – after that I will try my first ‘Rookie’
I thought this one a bit tough for a Monday but got there eventually but I couldn’t parse 16d.
I’m wondering if today’s setter is a scouser?
Cotd was 2d as I was convinced that the usual crossword land ancient city was in the mix! D’oh.
Thanks to Falcon for the hints and Wack the setter.
Or should that be D’ur !
My knowledge of video games probably begins and ends with Sonic the Hedgehog so 21a was solved courtesy of anagram fodder and checkers whilst 3d is one of those non-words that are probably only ever used by crossword setters! Elsewhere, there were some really good clues to be found and I handed out rosettes to 12a plus 11&13d.
Thanks to our mystery Monday man and to Falcon for the review – at least Mark Carney has the bearing of a statesman, you’re lucky to have him.
Definitely quite chewy for a Monday, but that seems to be the way of things now. I wondered if it was a Tumbledown production but what do I know.
The parsing of 16D completely parsed me by, I just entered one of my favourite wild animals. I agree that 6A is a term you rarely see these days.
Nothing really floated my boat today.
Thanks to the setter and Falcon.
You could be right about the setter, if he thinks right I think left.
A lot of fun, somewhat quirky and as most others have said, a little more chewy than the norm for a Monday. A generous dollop of anagrams kept the momentum going. Had vaguely heard of the video game, and thought 13d rather unsporting for people who have no interest in football – fortunately the answer was clear without that knowledge – but otherwise a cracker of a puzzle.
Honours to 19a, 24a & 11d
Many thanks setter, also to Falcon
I found that tough, although I’m tired and not at my sharpest. Nevertheless, as others have said, it was a very cleverly clued puzzle with lots of podium contenders and a few new words, although all gettable without the gk. Special mentions for 1d, 13d and 23d, although there plenty of other gems. Thanks very much to the setter and to Falcon, whose help with parsing was definitely needed a few times today.
Trickier than a normal Monday puzzle it seemed this week.
Several new words for me in the NW.
2.5*/3.5*
Favourites 1a, 10a, 14a, 24a &1 6d — with winner 24a
Smiles for 24a as well as 16d & 23d
Thanks to setter & Falcon
I’d have to agree with all those concluding this to be a little more difficult than a usual Monday. Needed the hints to confirm a few parsings and favourite was 6a. That’s twice in a few days, I’ve plumped for a lurker – I think because in this case it just blended into the excellent surface so well and held me up!
Thanks to setter and Falcon for the parsings.
I found this harder-going than I expected, so I was glad I wasn’t hinting today — thank you to Falcon for swapping with me. (The swap was arrange for unrelated reasons in advance, not because I wussed out of hinting a harder puzzle!) My initial impression was getting bogged down by anagrams. It was definitely worth it though, with a flurry of potential favourites among the clues that baffled me the longest: 19a’s two artists, 25a’s ruined chap, 1d’s order, 18d’s craft. I liked John Lennon in 20d best. Thank you to our new double-punning setter.
The 9a clothing, 26a parliament, and 2d ancient city were unknown to me. And will probably remain so. The video game though was one of the few I’d heard of (though I’ve never played it, nor even seen it).
You will not believe this, but just as I looked at 24a the phone rang and a voice said the locksmith will be with you in 10 minutes! Spooky!
Our back door lock had broken and last night we went to bed with the ironing board leaning up against the door! 10 minutes and £295 later a nice young Rumanian gentleman had fixed the lock. But I digress. Very smooth start to the week except for the video game, never ‘erd of it. Or any other I dare say. I liked 14,27a, thought 3d was a useless word, and under the circumstances have to choose the student from Yale as favourite. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Falcon. Liked 1a in the quickie! The old ones are the best.
Totally agree re 3d. One of the words I dislike, along with all the “ality” now ended to words such as practical.
Sorry to hear of your break-in, Daisygirl.
Though I like that you mention an ironing-board and then a smooth start to the week …
😊 Can’t stop, must press on.
I’m glad others found this tricky, too. Needed Falcon’s hints to confirm a couple of answers, one of which I was on completely the wrong track. Cotd for me is 2d. Thanks to compiler and Falcon.
Yes, definitely much much chewier than a normal Monday – so much so, I’m worried about my fillings! 20d was a real PDM for me; not into video games so that didn’t help – 24a my favourite. Thanks to the setter and Falcon for some the needed explanations.
Well if this is the gentlest of the week, I am in for a bumpy ride. Lots of sad faces in the margin – what do I know about video games? Only ever played pac man😊. We used to have lots of 27a when I was a teenager and walking home from school was a nightmare in May when the flying ones buzzed all around and I was terrified of getting one caught in my hair. Totally forgot the old word for diesel at 6a. So a pathetic attempt from me today. Thanks to setter and Falcon.
For me (etc.) this was definitely harder than the past few Mondays. I did manage to finish it without Falcon’s help, but not without some electronic assistance.
I had heard of 6d, and the 9a clothing (although I didn’t remember it until I put the lego clue together). The one that completely mystified me was the garden visitor in in 5d. I knew, of course, the “mark” but I had never heard of the creature, so had to wait for Falcon to tell me what it was…
Hoping for an easier Tuesday…
With thanks to the setter and to Falcon.
Very enjoyable with 20d as my favourite, always forget that naming mtribute to an icon who would have had so much to say today. Thank you compiler and Falcon
Your heard his investment advice on bathroom fittings?
Honestly, I gave up with this one – which is not something I often would say on a Monday – a bit overly complex and just didn’t hit my wavelength at all. I try and stick with the more chewy ones if I actually enjoy them but not this one I am afraid!
Surprised myself by eventually completing this tougher than usual Monday challenge but admittedly only thanks to a little electronic help. Stupidly last in as was 18d as was working on creative craft rather than vessel. Look forward hopefully to a smoother Tuesday ride. Thank you setter and Falcon.
I really struggled to finish this! No complaints (apart from the video game, obscure for me) but definitely not a gentle start to the week….
Almost completed without help but needed the hints for a couple, Got 21a solely because its an anagram as don’t know any video games. I think perhaps I’m a bit overtired so today’s offering has left me a bit deflated. Many thanks to the setter and Falcon.
Took a while to get started but once I got a toehold it came together fine 2* / 4*. Couldn’t quite parse the prickly one or spell the ancient city ! Favourites 13d and 20d
Thanks to setter and Falcon
Very enjoyable. Getting used to the new style Monday challenger. Took me far tooo long to get 20d…….singer? artist? guitarist? lyricist? Scouser? Liverpool college pupil? Airport!! Doh!
Unfortunately, DNF: needed 1d help for 1a, 12a,14a,19a and 20d. Thought some of the legos combined with the GK and synonyms in some clues were too convoluted and am a little disappointed after completing a fair few recent puzzles. As is often the case, I solved some of the clues other people thought were difficult but could not solve some easy ones. Thought last Friday was far easier. Still a relative newcomer though so I should expect days like this – and after this puzzle I am sure I will get them. Once I got the hints, I thought 20d was COTD for its Lego and misdirection. Thanks to setter and Falcon for the hints, which I definitely needed today. *****/**
An escaped toughie for me, I nearly gave up several times but persevered, I’m not sure it was worth it. This does not bode well for the rest of the week. As I can’t find anything positive to say I’ll leave it there. Thanks to the setter anyway and Falcon.
3*/3* ….
liked 7D “Milliband maybe providing something cool for building (7)”