Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31081
Hints and tips by Huntsman
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BD Rating – Difficulty */** Enjoyment ****
It looks like there will be some prospect of a dry(ish) day in these parts after yesterday’s downpours & with more in the forecast for tomorrow. The Algarve is looking more enticing by the day.
I thought today’s Anthony Plumb production very enjoyable indeed. Not too tricky but with maybe one or two things to keep us on our toes. As ever elegantly & precisely clued with some neat witty surfaces.
It remains to be seen if the hints are error free & there are the usual selection of tunes to listen to or ignore.
In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED & the crossword technique “indicator words” are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons. Please leave a comment below telling us what you thought & how you got on with the puzzle.
Across
1a Get ready before army chaplain loses heart (7)
PREPARE: a preposition for before + a term for a military chaplain minus the middle letter (loses heart). Father Mulcahy in M*A*S*H sprang to mind but couldn’t find any good clips.
5a Exclamation of disgust about writer’s chances (7)
HAPPENS: reverse (about) an onomatopoeic interjection used to express contempt or disbelief then append a synonym for writers.
9a Seems dad rejected fruit (7)
APPEARS: reverse (rejected) another informal term for dad then choose some fruit.
10a Be in charge of following page, editor begged (7)
PLEADED: fit a verb meaning to be in charge of/command between the literary single letter for Page & the usual abbreviation for EDitor.
11a A group one daughter deserted (9)
ABANDONED: link the following – A from the clue + a synonym for group/gang + ONE from the clue + the genealogical letter for Daughter.
12a Perfect goal – Pele’s third (5)
IDEAL: a synonym for goal/objective followed by PeLe’s (third letter). You can watch 10 of them in this clip.
13a Pale brown energy drink (5)
TANGO: a pale brown colour + energy/pep.
15a Moved one mile then flattened (9)
IMPRESSED: the letter for one + Mile followed by a synonym for flattened or ironed.
17a Guys from Idaho I caught breaking rules (9)
RIDICULES: insert (breaking) the 2 letter state abbreviation for IDaho + I from the clue + Caught (cricket) inside of RULES from the clue. AP has used guy/s so many times the definition context should not come as a surprise.
19a River boat initially stuck in bank (5)
TIBER: Boat (initially) inside (stuck in) of bank/row.
22a Fizzy drinks enthralling eastern religious leaders (5)
POPES: a plural term for fizzy drinks goes round Eastern. Hopkins & Pryce played 2 of ‘em in a fine 2019 film adaptation of Anthony McCarten’s play.
23a Change the elders kept safe (9)
SHELTERED: an anagram (change) of THE ELDERS.
25a Empty rifle shop put back (7)
RESTORE: RiflE (empty) + another word for a shop.
26a Place is awfully significant (7)
SPECIAL: an anagram (awfully) of PLACE IS. A brilliant song but don’t play if profanity offends.
27a Meet perhaps without heads of the international sales force (7)
SATISFY: place a synonym for perhaps/posit something around (without) the initial letters (heads of) the last 4 words of the clue. Without in this instance means outside of as in the green hill far away without a city wall.
28a Among nudes, I restrained longings (7)
DESIRES: hidden (among) in the 3 words between indicator & definition.
Down
1d Country fellow each summer primarily wears short underwear (7)
PEASANT: an abridged (short) item of underwear goes round (wears) the abbreviation for EAch & Summer (primarily).
2d Describe me? Not married, cross and bald (7)
EXPLAIN: this one took a moment to twig – mE (remove/not the single letter for Married) + the letter that can signify a cross/multiplication + a synonym of bald/unadorned.
3d A sketch picked up prize (5)
AWARD: A from the clue + a reversal (up in a down clue) of a verb for sketch.
4d All-important titanium and aluminium found south of German city (9)
ESSENTIAL: the two chemical symbols go beneath (south of in a down clue) our usual city on the Ruhr.
5d Work inside the man had planned (5)
HOPED: place the usual two letters for work inside of a possible contraction for the man had.
6d Parking hotel guest’s Ford? (9)
PRESIDENT: the single letter Parking symbol + the term for a hotel guest. Neat clue & nowt to do with the valet parking of an Escort.
7d Numerous sand eels at sea adult avoided (7)
ENDLESS: an anagram (at sea) of SaND EELS (Adult avoided).
8d What horse was, possibly – small and confused (7)
SADDLED: Small + a synonym for confused.
14d So is Cognac unfortunately no good for social events? (9)
OCCASIONS: an anagram (unfortunately) of SO IS COgNAC (no Good).
16d Had gangs used university’s shed? (9)
POSSESSED: a synonym for gangs/mobs + uSED (University shed/deleted).
17d Rumours about pet turning up (7)
REPORTS: the usual preposition for about/regarding + a reversal (turning up in a down clue) of a synonym for a pet. Nowt to do with Fido coming home.
The clue prompted the playing of the album while completing the blog.
18d Put down spades I discovered in storehouse (7)
DEPOSIT: insert (discovered in) Spades (card suit) & I from the clue into a storage facility.
20d Black bird first to leave fence (7)
BARRIER: Black + a bird of prey minus the initial letter (first to leave).
21d Cryptic puzzles idlers do almost cracked (7)
RIDDLES: an anagram (cracked) of IDLERS Do (almost).
23d Disreputable tennis player maybe touching lady’s rear (5)
SEEDY: the tournament status of a tennis player maybe or other competitors highly ranked + (touching) the last letter of ladY’s (rear).
24d The Beano’s regularly chosen for adolescents (5)
TEENS: hidden in the alternate letters (regular chosen).
I had ticks against 17,27&28a along with 2,4&6d. Please tell us which clues ticked your boxes.
Today’s Quick Crossword pun: WAR + TUM + ILLS = WATER MILLS
I’m very much looking forward to seeing Curtis Harding tomorrow night at the Empire in Shepherds Bush. Haven’t been there for a good few years but remember it as an excellent medium sized venue with great acoustics. I’ve an idea of the likely setlist & this one (some profanity) will certainly feature.
Good to see you got Stevie Nicks in today (twice) I managed to solve this before lights out and it is as typically tuesdayish as they come.
Thanks to Andy and Anthony
Good morning. This was almost a read and fill from the get go. However, the SW required more effort. Liked 11a, 15a and 25a especially. On the whole, a nice quick finish and not too demanding. Thanks to setter and reviewer.
A very approachable puzzle which I enjoyed doing, the west being more straightforward than the east..17 a was a well- misdirected lego clue, 29a a good geographical clue and rhere was clever wordpplay in 6d. Thanks to the co.piler and to Huntsman for the hints
I spent too long working out where the E went in 13a (nowhere) but otherwise a light and typically good-humoured puzzle. 27a edged ahead to win my COTD trophy. Thanks very much to AP and to Huntsman for the tunes and clips. My youngest thinks that III is the best Zeppelin album, an opinion with which I tend to concur. He also wants me to buy some dodgy resale Radiohead tickets, but I’m less keen on that proposition.
Straightforward, but plenty of fun.
I convinced myself that 15a was an anagram until it wasn’t. Lovely misdirection.
Ticks for the rule breakers at 17a, the grumpy old bloke at 2d, the cognac at 14d, the birds of prey at 20d and the comic at 24d.
Loved the music at 17d – the soundtrack to my student days.
I also loved the highlights of Pele. Surely the greatest ever to have played the game. How good would he have been on the immaculate grass surfaces that they play on these days?
Thanks to our setter and Huntsman.
Must go – I am filling in on Toughie blogging duty for Whybird today.
Pele is by far and away the best. Forwards are so well protected these days. It beggars belief to think how good Viv and Beefy would have been in The IPL.
This would have been the greatest goal of all time as it is genius and years ahead of its time….
The greatest football moment of all time is this….
A brilliant cross by a superb player, an outstanding header from ‘The Man’, saved by ‘The Greatest’. In the World Cup, to boot! (excuse the pun).
The greatest sporting moment would have been if Tom had holed this. Jack called him up and said ‘What sort of putt was that???’. Tom agreed, saying it was awful. Two months shy of his 60th birthday.
What could have been….
The 2nd shot to the last was actually a tad unlucky to run through the green but the pitch back was only so so & the putt that of an 18h’capper. Remember watching it in a crowded clubhouse at Meon Valley & was nearly in tears.
Met him at Muirfield in 2013 – he is, just as you would expect, pure class.
Absolutely. Hence my name Tom Sturges (Watson).
While his second shot was airborne, he said to his caddie, Neil Oxman, ‘Perfect’ as it landed on the front of the dance floor. But, as you know, it took a massive bounce which was unlucky as most of the approaches of others landed softly.
Gutted.
I am in agreement about the Gordon Banks save but one other great sporting moments was surely ‘that try’ scored by Gareth Edwards for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at the Arms Park back in 1973?
I couldn’t agree more. It’s on the podium, if not number one.
Tom had the chance to eclipse it.
Cliff Morgan’s commentary certainly helped the cause…
‘’…and this is Gareth Edwards…..what a score! Oh, that fella Edwards.’’
Wonderful.
As Typically Tuesdayish as ever although, because of ‘outside influences,’ I tried to make it more difficult than it actually was – 1.5*/4.5*
Candidates for favourite – 11a, 27a, 4d, and 17d – and the winner is 17d.
Thanks to Mr Plumb and Huntsman.
Gentle and enjoyable.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman; nice to see my favourite album (Rumours), and after seeing Tom Waits, I now have an earworm, singing in my head “we sail tonight for Singapore..etc”.
High five to anyone who can tell me the second line of the Tom Waits song I have just mentioned (without cheating).
Knew the 2nd line but damned if I could remember the 3rd. That’s a helluva an earworm mind – reckon Miffs would have been able to recite the full lyrics – seem to recall he was a huge Waits, Morrison & Dylan fan. It’s a terrific album & there are some great covers of songs off it such as Jockey Full of Bourbon, Tango Till They’re Sore, Downtown Train, Big Black Mariah & Walking Spanish
I was introduced to his music around 40 years ago. An acquired taste, but I still listen to him occasionally.
I remember his album Heart of Saturday night was a little more ‘suave”.
A very satisfying puzzle – thanks to our setter and Huntsman.
I have loads of ticked clues on my printout including 17a, 2d and 17d.
I thought our regular Tuesday setter upped the difficulty a tad this morning with a couple of tricky parsings. Highly entertaining though, as is the default setting for these puzzles, with 20d my top clue.
Many thanks to AP and The Hintsman.
1*/4*. How can I say anything except plagiarising Senf’s Typically Tuesdayish?
Many thanks to AP and to Hintsman.
The 5a/5d duo held me up longer than should have been necessary but otherwise a gentle and enjoyable puzzle. Cotd goes to the small confused horse in 8d simply because it made me smile the most. Thanks to AP and Huntsman
Another excellent, concise, approachable crossword hits the back of the net from Il Professore. He is truly a master of his craft.
2d would describe some of the solvers when they take on one of Friday’s fiends that Heath Robinson would be proud of.
It’s all kicking off at the base of the podium but I’ll go with 17a, 1d and 2d.
MT to the aforementioned and Hoots!
1*/5*
‘A very approachable puzzle’ <- perfectly described by dear ChrisCross. I enjoyed tackling this one very much.
Oh you always say that when you complete a guzzle without help. You are so predictable!
Well that’s true but I always celebrate the absence of ‘The Hanseatic League’ or ‘clytemnestra’ and all of their chums.
We are having two bathrooms and the kitchen remodelled shortly (so expect lots of grouchiness about that), so I undertook yet another trip to the municipal tip yesterday and a miracle happened. I nearly regained my lapsed faith.
It was chucking it down with rain when I left home (a ten minute drive to the tip) and I was expecting a soaking.
As I arrived, the clouds parted and gentle sun rays twinkled down upon me. I bunged all of the ‘stuff’ into the appropriate skips and got back in the car. The clouds reappeared and the storm recommenced as I drove away. A miracle I tell ye!
Thanks to the setter and Andy Dreaming Of Eighteen Holes In The Algarve
A gentle and enjoyable solve for a Tuesday. I think I’ve finally got the other word for ‘guys’ cemented in my brain now having seen it a few times in clues, but never in my life heard anyone say it. Nice to see an old favourite back at 1d . I did for a moment try to think of a country beginning with P that fitted. Thanks to the setter and Huntsman.
A little lovely puzzle as ever from this setter. Lots of humour and some super surfaces.
Thanks to them and a big shout out to Huntsman for some fantastic music picks
Thanks to AP and Huntsman. Appropriate level for Tuesday. Found it quite easy with no hold ups. COTD 20d. LOI 5a.
Good to hear some Tom Waits played.
* / ***
Nicely flowing puzzle with just two at the end to double check the parsing of. For 27a, I didn’t factor in the ‘t’ of ‘the’ and for 17d, I wasn’t aware of the synonym of ‘pet’. Answers had to be what they were though. For me © etc. this was the easier end of the professorial spectrum. COTD went to the 5a chances – love the word for expression of disgust (reminds me of Rowan Atkinson saying it).
Thanks to AP and Huntsman
Super puzzle. Was going to comment ages ago but a stray dog came into the garden . Owner now found. So an exciting morning even without the puzzle. Favourite was 4 down. Learning the Periodic table occasionally has its uses. How many ways can I down be clued ?It has almost become a test in itself for setters. Thanks to AP and Huntsman
All the humour we’ve come to expect on a Tuesday and I can’t see beyond 2d for the top spot – still making me giggle.
Thanks to Professor Plumb and also to Huntsman for the review – always appreciate a clip from Butch and Sundance.
It has been a miserable morning so the crossword was a very cheering puzzle to solve with the usual humour and interesting clueing. Managed all by myself which was important to the good feeling.
My thanks to Tally Ho and the Professor.
Lovely guzzle with some brilliant wordplay starting with 1a. Dashing off to a board meeting of a wonderful charity which gives money to schools within a 7mile radius of our church. We just distribute the interest on £2000 left to the village in the 1600’s. How nice is that? Originally a prize for best boy carpenter and best girl stitcher! Many thanks to the Very Clever Setter and the Hintsman.
Love the charity prize story. Carpentry at least would probably be a good skill these days. We know of two young English lads who have recently qualified as a farrier and a thatcher. Probably quite smart, as they certainly won’t be replaced by AI 😊.
Late on parade and first this week as currently staying in Sennen Cove. This was for some reason a write in for me which isn’t usual! Flowed very well from top to bottom. Nothing stood out for me but all very enjoyable. Thanks Huntsman and today’s setter.
1.5*/ 4* Took a little while to get a start, but all went smoothly from the SW. Many excellent clues to choose from including 17a guys, 22a religious leaders and the 1d yokel
Thanks to setter and Huntsman
A Typically Tuesday puzzle for me this week, although a few clues with a few parsings I had trouble figuring out.
2.5*/3*
Favourites 11a, 26a, 6d, 7d & 21d — with winner 21d
Thanks to AP & Huntsman
My cup runneth over, another lovely confidence boosting puzzle. Almost a complete DIY, but I just couldn’t fathom out how 17a fits the definition. It has to be from the checkers though. Thanks very much to the Professor and Huntsman. Fingers crossed for a hat trick tomorrow.
17a one of guys definitions is the answer
A very enjoyable puzzle with lots to enjoy, but 2d was my favourite for the picture it painted.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints.
Another little battle for me and got there in the end without assistance but afterwards, as usual, I had to check the hints to fully understand the parsing of two clues: 5a and 26d. COTD 2d for the parsing and the surface. Thanks to Prof P and Huntsman. */****
Lovely work from the Prof, and VMT also to Huntsman. I’m joining the fans of 2D for COTD – still laughing now.
Late to the party today since it was elderly gentleman’s football this morning. A minute’s silence being held around the centre circle at 11 am, quite dignified if I say so myself.
A straightforward solve without the need for any external reference, so feeling a little smug, although as is normal, that feeling will be wiped away as the week goes by.
No real stand out clues for me today but as always thank you to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints.
A good solve though frustratingly I had to do it in two halves as Christmas shopping intervened. I was delayed with 6d as kept thinking of cars and fords! I’m never too sure when the word ‘parking’ is used whether it can mean something else other than just using the letter P. I have just checked on FAQ’s but not found anything to say otherwise. A very satisfying start to the week. Many thanks to the setter and Huntsman.
Good evening
I’ll go along with “typically Tuesdayish” – an enjoyable solve with some good examples of misdirection. I too looked for somewhere to put an E in 13a; 15a was always going to be an anagram, until it wasn’t; and, of course, I fell into the trap of looking for ways to fit TAC or GOD into my last to fall, 17d. Wrong sort of pet!
COTD is 16d.
Many thanks to the Prof and to Huntsman.
Why is it that, when you have to lie still, your nose starts to itch? Anyway, I had the echocardiogram and they sent the results to my GP immediately. He has just messaged me to say all is well and I don’t have aortic stenosis. He wants me to have a 24 hour ECG because they found a slight irregular heart beat. I’m not too worried about this because they’ve been telling me that since I was a teenager! Thank you all, once again, for the good wishes.
Fantastic puzzle from the professor with the usual humour and great clues. I had ticks next to so many that it is difficult to choose one for the podium but I will go for 2d – very clever.
Thank you, Professor in the library for another fun puzzle. Thank you, Hintsman for the hunts.
That’s good news Steve, a weight off your mind, I’m sure.
you beat me to it Moonraker – was midway through ordering a ludicrously pricey Dualit toaster as mine has finally seen better day after 22 years.
No excuses tomorrow Steven – 1st cab off the rank.
Great news.
Thanks, Hintsman but I have to drive for the community car service tomorrow so I won’t be first cab off the ranks until Thursday. 😊
Great news Steve, I had a go at being 1st cab today and it isn’t easy. Today’s cryptic is quite straightforward too and didn’t last as long as Andy’s Toaster.
So pleased to hear your news, Steve, and yes, I agree about the itchy nose syndrome!
Brilliant news Steve, so happy for you. Glad you got a chance to do this very friendly puzzle today.
Laughing also, as doctors have been telling Peter that about his heart since he was a young lad also – and despite that, and being 2 years older than me, and on zero blood pressure medicine, his numbers are fantastic.
Thanks everyone. It is, as you can imagine, a huge weight off my mind.
Well blow me, 17d, eh, what? No, new synonym on me, new completely!
I am somewhat mystified by 5a. I understand how ‘exclamation’ and ‘writers’ is parsed (hope that is the correct term!) but not how ‘disgust’ fits in. I do not associate the relevant exclamation with that of disgust. Am i missing something? (although clearly I am!) As usual I managed 3/4 before needing a sneaky look at the hints. I am improving all the time as I wrangle my old brain around these lovely daily puzzles. EDIT — Oh! Just got it!!! The Rowan Atkinson ref above enlightened me!
17a Every day is a school day! “Guys” who knew? (Everyone except me haha)