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DT 30998

by Gazza  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30998
Hints and Tips by Gazza

+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +

BD Rating – Difficulty **  Enjoyment ***

A fairly gentle and enjoyable Wednesday outing with nothing to frighten the horses – thanks to our setter.

In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and indicator words (e.g. anagram indicators) are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons.

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Across

1a Eh? US celeb ordered English Stilton? (4,6)
BLUE CHEESE: an anagram (ordered) of EH US CELEB followed by an abbreviation for English.

6a Hands over in exchange (4)
SWAP: reverse (over) an informal word for a person’s hands.

9a Golfer Rory admits mistake (5)
ERROR: hidden (admits) in the clue.
10a Bird‘s left-wing part that provides white meat? (9)
REDBREAST: the colour associated with left-wing politics and the part of a chicken say from which we get white meat.

12a Doctor agrees: enough sulphur, methane perhaps (10,3)
GREENHOUSE GAS: an anagram (doctor) of AGREES ENOUGH followed by the chemical symbol for sulphur.

14a Eton rejected lawsuit, quids in here! (8)
NOTECASE: reverse (rejected) ETON and add a synonym of lawsuit.
15a Nice cake, grand cha, gold cups (6)
GATEAU: start with the abbreviation for grand and add what cha is an informal word for contained in (cups) the chemical symbol for gold.

17a Globetrotters here regularly sampled grilled ham sandwiches (6)
HARLEM: HAM contains (sandwiches) the even (regularly) letters of ‘grilled’.
19a Finally hiring our dad – flipping good security asset (5,3)
GUARD DOG: string together the final letter of hiring, an anagram (flipping) of OUR DAD and the abbreviation for good.
21a Commendations awarded for chocolate cake on The Great British Bake Off? (7,6)
BROWNIE POINTS: cryptic definition.

24a PM’s period following goalless draw – breaking news (9)
AFTERNOON: a synonym of ‘following’ then what looks like the result of a goalless draw inside (breaking) two occurrences of the abbreviation for new.

25a That man, arrested by laid-back policeman, is a wild creature (5)
CHIMP: a pronoun meaning ‘that man’ is contained (arrested) inside the reversal (laid-back) of the abbreviation for a police officer.

26a Reported limit – limit on the work of the pavement artist? (4)
KERB:  this sounds like (reported) a verb to limit or restrain.

27a Ordered heiress two flowers (5,5)
WHITE ROSES: an anagram (ordered) of HEIRESS TWO.

Down

1d Typical joint complaint (4)
BEEF: double definition, the first a traditional joint roasted for Sunday lunch.
2d Leading Conservative is habitually honourable (7)
UPRIGHT: an adverb meaning leading and an adjective used to describe a Conservative.

3d One removing stains from koi and so on with less fat (6,7)
CARPET CLEANER: assemble the type of fish that koi is, an abbreviation meaning ‘and so on’ and a comparative meaning ‘with less fat’.

4d See Merino, Messi without any kit? Very strange state! (8)
EERINESS: without any kit tells us to remove the clothing (i.e. the outer letters) of the first three words of the clue.

5d Unsociable person periodically deserting island – adios! (5)
SADDO: remove (deserting) the odd letters of the last two words leaving the answer.

7d Peevish dispute: wife called, left message finally (7)
WRANGLE: assemble the genealogical abbreviation for wife, a verb meaning called (on the phone), the abbreviation for left and the final letter of message.

8d Steel City actor Brad’s served up hot food (10)
PITTSBURGH: famous actor Brad’s surname with the ‘S is followed by the reversal of the tap abbreviation for hot and an informal word for food.
11d Where those training get buffeted? (10,3)
RESTAURANT CAR: cryptic definition. We have to read ‘training’ as ‘riding on a train’.

13d Student behind the counter’s engaged, trading profitably (2,3,5)
IN THE BLACK: our usual abbreviation for a student is contained (engaged) in a phrase (2,3,4) meaning ‘behind the counter’ or not interacting with customers.

16d Often no Budweiser bottles – revolting drink (8)
DUBONNET: hidden (bottles) and reversed (revolting).

18d Roll-call of names includes “Old Cock” (7)
ROOSTER: a roll-call of names includes the abbreviation for old.
20d Badmouth female teacher, which could mean sack (7)
DISMISS: join together a slang verb to badmouth or disrespect and what a female teacher is traditionally called.

22d Manage to get over hard time (5)
EPOCH: reverse (to get over) a verb to manage or make do and append the pencil abbreviation for hard.

23d Drink up following conclusion of video work (4)
OPUS: reverse (up, in a down clue) a verb to drink after the concluding letter of video.

The clues I liked best were 21a, 1d and 4d. Which one(s) made your highlights reel?

The Quick Crossword pun:  GOAL  +  DENY    =   GOLDENEYE

68 comments on “DT 30998”

  1. I’m afraid I was simply not on wavelength today. It was an excellent puzzle but my mind seems to be elsewhere at the moment. However, I did like the commendations in 21a and that is my COTD.

    I did like the Quickie pun.

    Thank you, setter but I simply could not do your offering justice. I’m having an off day, I think. Thank you, Gazza for the hints, which I will now look at for explanations.

  2. I thought this was great fun although I needed two attempts at 6A when the checkers proved my first guess to be incorrect. I liked the surfaces apart from 15A which, for me, jarred and Ifelt a different synonym for cha would have worked better.
    COTD 18A as it made me smile. An honourable mention to 4A which was very cleverly constructed.
    Thanks for the hints and to the setter.

  3. Like Ste e, I was not on the compiler’s wavelengrh and I resorted to guessing the abswers, after working out what the d3finitiob was. Only afterwards was I able to parse the wordplay retrospectively. My favourite was the gegraphical Lego clue at 8d. It helped that I went out to dinner wuth relatives from 8d last night, by happy coincidence. I also liked the 12a anagram ans the 21a cryptic definition. Thanks to the compuler and to Gazza for the hints.

  4. An absolute beaut to go with yesterday’s hits the back of the net. Such an enjoyable solve from…..hmm….Hudson? My guesses suck at the moment but whoever it was needs to take a bow.

    1a was an outstanding effort at making an anagram and it flowed from there.

    My podium is 24a (because I love ‘goalless draw breaking news’), 8d (it’s ridiculous how good-looking he is), and 22d (neat).

    MT to the super setter and Gazzeroony.

    2*/5*

  5. It took me far too long to spot the 16d lurker but otherwise no difficulties.
    Top picks for me were 24a, 3d, 21a and 6a.

    I also liked the Quickie pun.

    Thanks to Gazza and the setter.

  6. Strange one today. Like Steve, I felt I was never quite on the setter’s wavelength and struggled badly at the first pass. But with a few checkers things soon gathered pace and I ended up finishing rather tidily. Ta to the setter and Gazza

  7. A gentle romp through a Wednesday back pager doesn’t happen very often but here is one and it was very enjoyable – 1.5*/4.5*

    Candidates for favourite – 21a, 3d, and 11d – and the winner is 11d, although I suspect there are not many of those around these days except on those expensive excursion specials.

    Thanks to whomsoever and Gazza.

  8. Found this a breeze but immensely enjoyable. It’s funny how some people struggle (usually me) whilst others find it simple. I’m prepared for a backlash tomorrow as Thursdays are my nemesis.

    As for today – so much to like but top prize goes to 21a.

    Thanks to the setter and to Gazza for the hints which I shall now enjoy – especially the cartoons!

  9. Completing this was no problem today. Parsing it however was a different matter and I found myself anxiously awaiting Gazza’s hints in order to understand (e.g. 6a and some others).
    Personally, I think the reversal indicator in 16d is doing double duty – because the definition should be “revolting drink”. (There should be a smiley here, but they don’t work).
    With thanks to the setter and, of course, to Gazza for the elucidation and the entertainment.

    2. Lovely accurate surface of 16d; revolting drink indeed! QQ: if the Quickie answer to 19a is Badders, surely it is a 3 day event? Just asking…

  10. I found this tougher than usual. It started quickly enough in the top left but then it was a struggle.

  11. I do the crossword in the bath. I’m slow. Today, for once, I didn’t need to add any extra hot water.

    1. That implies that you bath in the morning when there’s no time for a soak. . I think baths are for nighttime then you can linger with a chocolate and maybe a 16d.

      1. After my morning dip in the English Channel, a wash is needed. Can’t do the crossword in the shower :)

  12. This was a swift completion for me, with no obscure answers. Well, except that I didn’t know 8d was Steel City — if I heard that round here, I’d presume the speaker meant Sheffield.

    My favourite clue was the clever 3d Lego, where the short words in “koi and so on” initially had me think their letters would be significant and had me looking for an anagram or a lurker. I also enjoyed the Nice cake in 15a, the handover in 6a, and the joint complaint in 1d. Thank you to the setter for the entertainment, and Gazza for the cartoons — I particularly liked the 19a security asset.

      1. Well they do have an NFL franchise called the “Steelers” ☺
        Very nice city to visit at the confluence of three rivers. The trip in from the airport into the tunnel and then the view of the city as you exit is stunning. The only problem (for me) is that supermarkets and 7-11’s etc. can’t sell alcohol due to the quaker origins of Pennsylvania, which means you have to visit a state liquor store that will only be open for about 10 nanoseconds every blue moon!!!!

  13. Thanks to the Setter and Gazza for the hints. We solved this fairly quickly but had to resort to one hint as needed to get on with our day. Gary and Val

  14. Almost a read and write but enjoyable nonetheless.3 and 23 favourites.Many thanks to all.

  15. Didn’t find this a particularly difficult solve but enjoyment varied widely from clue to clue. Tops for me were 21&26a along with the Quickie pun.

    Thanks to our setter and to Gazza for the review and always enjoyable cartoon selection – the hapless golfer made me smile broadly!

  16. Pretty much read and write and may share 8d with a good friend who lives in Steel City to show him how cryptics work!

    After my brain fog of yesterday (given everyone else’s comments), it was a relief to be on the wavelength today.

    Really enjoyable, COD was the 3d stain removal. Thanks to the setter and Gazza.

  17. Always enjoy a Gazza review for the cartoons. Today’s were brilliantly apposite and all made me chuckle. You must have a huge collection stored away Gazza! Thanks for sharing them with us.
    Very gentle crossword for a Wednesday with only a couple in the SW giving pause for thought. Podium places for 19, 24a and 11d. Shame they don’t do those great Pullman breakfasts anymore!
    Many thanks to our compiler and to Gazza of course

  18. No particular problems with today’s most enjoyable offering. My only hold up was parsing 13d, which took forever. And then the penny dropped from a great height!
    V many thanks to the setter and to Gazza (for confirming my parsing of 13d!)

  19. Despite still overcoming a sense of tipsy turbo (© Daisy) I found this an enjoyable romp.

    The lady of the house has made a catastrophic error in failing to add sufficient cans of Pepsi Max to the supermarket delivery. The Youngster, who audits the order, repeatedly, before editing it in favour of healthy and inedible products, also missed the opportunity to ensure I had a plentiful supply of my summer refreshment of choice.
    I feel badly let down and, consequently, I shall have to make an unscheduled visit to a supermarket this afternoon, in order to right this terrible wrong.
    I’m sure many will sympathise with the terrible standards with which I have to live. I shall make my views known with considerable force.

    Thanks to the setter and the former Gansu Tianma midfielder.

  20. A corker. Cotd must be 6a my last one in, but a real gem. That said cotd could have been many others so honorable mentions go to 1a, 21a, 3d and 20d. A doff of the cap to the compiler and to Gazza for the hints.

  21. 1*/3.5* Similar standard to yesterday with plenty of amusing and clever clueing. Favourites include 3d stain remover, buffeted 11d and the little exchange 6a
    Many thanks to Gazza and setter

  22. I found this Wednesday puzzle easier than most Wednesday offerings.
    No strange words and parsing for the most part gettable.

    1.5*/4.5*

    Favourites 1a, 12a, 21a, 11d & 20d — with winner 11d
    Smiles for 1a, 6a, 21a & 1d

    Thanks to setter & Gazza

  23. Ticks all over the place today. I haven’t chuckled as much for a while. Too many super clues but I’ll go for 21a as COTD. Thanks to setter and Gazza.

  24. Ok, you’ve shamed me into it!
    Been a DT crossword addict for years. Love the blog, the hints are wonderfully helpful but never added a comment. Shame is all mine????. Huge thanks to the writers of said hints, especially given the early rises it must entail.
    A really fun grid today. 21 and 24 across particularly made
    me smile.

    1. Welcome to the blog, Pam.
      Now that you’ve de-lurked I hope that we’ll hear from you on a regular basis.

        1. Welcome, Pam.
          I’m in the blogging chair tomorrow and it would be great to see you commenting again.

    2. Welcome, Pam W! No shame at all. It’s good to have you with us so please do keep commenting.

  25. We seemed to make heaven weather of this although it all came together in our self imposed lunch hour. G had a U3A committee meeting this morning, I did the ironing then worked with the picket rocket in the garden and this afternoon have an Almshouse Trustee meeting when all I want to do is go to sleep. Yesterday I went to the care home to say goodbye to friends being moved north by their family. I met two carers one of whom facilitated the interview I did with 3 old ladies for VE Day article in village magazine. She told her friend that I could do the splits at 91. Never! she said. Shrinking violet that I am I had to show her then and there and within seconds I was surrounded by staff, a stretcher was being fetched and talk of an ambulance! Hilarious. I refused all attempts to help me up and got up on my own. I was then asked to repeat the process for a photograph but resisted the temptation to show off and I retired with dignity. Many thanks to Messrs Setter & Gazza. 11d was my favourite but I did (and do) like the rekrul.

    1. That’s hilarious! You should wait until there’s a shift change then go back in and do the splits again, to scare a different bunch of staff …

  26. Finished in record time for me, most clues went in straightaway, apart from 21a. Can’t believe I didn’t instantly get the chocolate cake. Therefore it’s a **/**** today. Favourites are 1a, 19a and 8d. Many thanks to Gazza and the setter.

  27. Steady solve and only had to refer to the hints for one clue, 4d; had identified the means of getting the answer but had not included the first word in my calculation. Also an unforgivable spelling mistake at 26a. What happens when you rush.
    Stand out clues for me today were 15a and 21a.
    Thank you to the setter and to Gazza for the hints.

  28. Very gentle and very enjoyable.
    I was convinced 10a was redstart until it didn’t fit.
    Ticks for 21a, 3d, 11d and the Quickie Pun.
    Many thanks to our setter and Gazza.

  29. Another crossword finished which is very heartening these days. 21a a clear winner for CotD for me. Thanks to Gazza for the entertaining blog and to the setter.

  30. I was on wavelength with this – it felt more like a Tuesday , so completed without any holdups and with much enjoyment too. Earlier I had (finally) completed Saturday’s GCHQ offering , which I at first thought I had no chance with, but zoned out and picked them off slowly and steadily, and without needing a hint. I felt really pleased to have done it , but it was a real brain strain . I fear dementia as I previously have mentioned and which my Dad had , but feel reassured that it’s not on its way yet . Anyway for today thanks to the setter and to Gazza.

  31. A nice puzzle today – although two flowers may not be quite enough if you are trying to get an heiress’s attention -27A.

  32. A pleasant Wednesday surprise. An enjoyable, steady solve and just what I needed today as we need to get off and out soon. LI was 21a as I am pretty sure that is an Americanism, at least I never heard it before we arrived on this side of the pond. But all good fun and no complaints. Thanks to setter and Gazza.

  33. Most of it wrote itself in until it didn’t. Missed the lurker at 16d. Loved the two word answers especially 21a being a life long Girl Guide. My 12 year old grandson told me what sort of fad I needed for 12a. Thanks Setter and Hinter. I have been enjoying the day in sunny St Mawes although the sun has left us now

  34. Wrestled with this crozzie on and off throughout the afternoon and eventually finished without assistance so very satisfying although afterwards I needed to check the hints for some (or all) of the parsing of 8d, 13d and 24a. Quite liked 7d for the construction and surface. Thanks to setter and Gazza. **/***

  35. Some great clues in here. I doubt Mikel Merino does the DT Crossword, but he’d be v flattered to be in the same clue as Lionel Messi. Tie for my COTD between 3D and 11D. VMT to Setter & Gaza.

  36. Back from a glorious day of golf at lovely Stoke Park – shame the quality of my play didn’t do justice to either the course or the magnificent setting. Thoroughly enjoyed today’s puzzle. Raced through the upper reaches then slowed up down south which took the solve just into my ** time. Enjoyed all 4 of the long ‘uns – the baking plaudits just edging shake ‘n’ vac as my pick of ‘em.11d reminded me of the ruse when travelling up to Scotland on GNER in days gone by – if you didn’t want to stump up for first class plonk yourself in it for the entire journey.Does anybody still drink 16d?
    Thanks to the setter & to Gazza

    1. Sounds like a lovely day at Stoke Park.
      Loved your story about using the dining car on GNER back in the day. I used to do that all the time on my frequent rail journeys to the NE and got away with it. I got to know the serving staff well, who were quite happy to turn a blind eye to it! They were well tipped!

  37. North was nearly R&W but struggled a bit in bottom half. 3d took while to dawn. Joint Favs 31a and 11d. 17a and 8d will come easily to our transatlantic friends but both foxed me. Thank you setter and Gazza.

  38. Enjoyable and manageable solve today, with no hints required for a change, although I enjoyed reading them & the cartoons. Favourites for me were 4d and 16d. Many thanks to setter and Gazza

  39. Good evening

    Excellent crozzie again today; I particularly enjoyed the clueing and have listed no fewer than four runners up for COTD, viz 15a (my last to fall); 4, 11, & 16d, and the winner, 21a, which kept me guessing until almost the very end.

    Many thanks to our setter and to Gazza.

  40. I’m pleased I wasn’t alone in finding this a tad tricky. Once I had a foothold the job got easier. I warmed to this crossword as I went on, there were some absolutely cracking clues which makes picking a favourite difficult but 11d just shades it. Thanks to the setter and Gazza. I suspect the toughie is going to be a dnf.

  41. Spot on for a Wednesday I thought
    24a my fav, followed by the cryptic definitions
    2*/4.5*
    Thanks to our setter and Gazza

  42. Quite a few not able to tune in their radios today. ????
    Found this easier than yesterday, but with enough clues still to make you think.
    Thanks to all.

  43. An excellent puzzle which I only just got round to. I rather liked 8d.

    Many thanks to the setter and to Gazza for the hints

  44. A very enjoyable puzzle with a colourful theme. I counted six colours.
    Many thanks to the setter, and to Gazza for the cartoons

  45. 2*/3* …
    liked 11D “Where those training get buffeted ? (10,3)” …
    appreciated the cartoons.

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