Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31189
Hints and tips by Huntsman
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BD Rating – Difficulty * Enjoyment ***/****
I thought today’s puzzle, which I assume is an Anthony Plumb production, very enjoyable & a fair bit easier than yesterday’s. As ever nicely clued throughout & with a lovely clue to finish. For any seeking another challenge the puzzle over in t’other place is pretty ‘floughie’ & also very entertaining. For some reason the puzzles app has omitted to say who the setter is but my money is on Chalicea.
As usual there is a selection of music to enjoy 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 Group’s honesty oddly absent outside court (5)
OCTET: the even letters (oddly absent) of the 2nd word in the clue go round (outside) the usual abbreviation for C[our]T.
4a Shocked American turns and runs, followed by terrible spider (9)
SURPRISED: reverse (turns) the usual two letter abbreviation for American + R[uns] (cricket) then append (followed by) an anagram (terrible) of SPIDER.
9a Abuse almost constant on X? (9)
CONSONANT: an anagram (abuse) of CONSTAN[t] ON (nearly). Not sure what Tom will make of the indicator.
10a Scrub page with egg on (5)
PURGE: P[age] + egg on/encourage.
11a Deny chances, after losing cases, to improve (7)
ENHANCE: link the first two words in the clue having removed their outside letters (losing cases).
12a Old, short glove daughter left out (7)
OMITTED: O[ld] + a truncated (short) name for a fingerless glove + D[aughter] (genealogical abbreviation).
13a The finest shed behind ancient city (6)
THEBES: THE from the wordplay + a synonym for finest less its final letter (shed behind).
15a Want rigid vessel (8)
HARDSHIP: rigid/firm + a nautical vessel.
18a Mishap this writer had, in a manner of speaking (8)
ACCIDENT: insert (in) a contraction for this writer had into a manner of speaking/enunciation.
20a Join game (6)
BRIDGE: double definition.
23a Something that’s blown cap inside out, finally (7)
TRUMPET: cap/outdo + the last letter (finally) of the 5th & 6th words in the clue.
24a A Parisian welcomes a fight in the dark (7)
UNAWARE: the French feminine indefinite article for A goes around (welcomes) A in the clue + fight/armed conflict.
26a Designs aircraft base rejected (5)
PLANS: an abbreviated term for aircraft less (rejected) E[uler’s] mathematical base.
27a Muddy huge train getting more filthy (9)
NAUGHTIER: an anagram (muddy) of HUGE TRAIN.
28a Most attractive quiet street – it’s round the bend (9)
PRETTIEST: P[iano]/musical quiet + an anagram (round the bend) of STREET IT.
29a Golfer unhappy about unfinished trap (5)
SNEAD: unhappy/melancholy goes around (about) a synonym for trap/capture less its final letter (unfinished). The golfer, known as Slammin’ Sam, was a 6 time Major winner & yes we’ve had him before in a Tuesday puzzle.
Down
1d Group of players snarled at scorer around end of match (9)
ORCHESTRA: an anagram (snarled) of AT SCORER + [matc]H (end of). A welcome return to an old friend.
2d Often chippy wraps fish (5)
TENCH: hidden (wraps).
3d Censure star occasionally that’s put on weight (7)
TROUNCE: [s]T[a]R (occasionally) + (put on) an imperial unit of weight. The definition context is meting out punishment.
4d Crew spotted touring before noon (6)
SEAMEN: spotted/eyed goes around (touring) the abbreviation of the Latin phrase meaning before midday.
5d Well-balanced horse race with new leader (8)
RATIONAL: swap out the 1st letter (new leader) of the most famous steeplechase in the world.
6d Responded about parking and told a fib (7)
REPLIED: the usual preposition for about/in respect of + P[arking] (road sign) + told porkies. I did the other week to a warden who slapped a ticket on my car the other week – fat lot of good it did me.
7d Prolonged time inside with editor (9)
STRETCHED: an informal term for a custodial sentence + the usual abbreviation for ED[itor].
8d King seized by absolute fear (5)
DREAD: an adverb synonym for absolute/utter with the Latin letter for king/R[ex] inserted (seized by).
14d Cheer North European returning with bottle (9)
ENCOURAGE: reverse (returning) N[orth] E[uropean] then append bottle/nerve.
16d Favoured match official, under pressure, made a mistake (9)
PREFERRED: the abbreviation for a match official preceded by (under/down clue) P[ressure) & followed by made a mistake/slipped up.
17d Cool attitude, for example (8)
INSTANCE: cool/fashionable + attitude/point of view.
19d Security is raised in warehouse (7)
DEPOSIT: reverse (raised/down clue) IS in the clue & place inside of a warehouse/store.
21d Comes to grief regularly with long spades (7)
REACHES: g[R]i[E]f (regularly) + long/pine for + S[pades] (card suit).
22d Dignified Roman leader ignores us (6)
AUGUST: remove (ignores) US from the name of the founder of the Roman Emperor.
23a Refill pot, potentially? (3,2)
TOP UP: can never remember what this wordplay device is called. Anyway what you need to do with POT in a down clue, the 2nd bit being the required instruction.
25d Put up with a US president wanting Greenland essentially (5)
ABIDE: A from the clue + a recent US president without the essential/central letter of Gree[N]land. Cracking clue to finish on.
For me this puzzle saved the best clue until last with 25d my clear fav. Podium places go to 9&23a. Please let us know which clues you liked best.
Today’s Quick Crossword pun: FAN + SEA + MANN = FANCY MAN
Having watched a documentary about Wishbone Ash the other night this morning’s listening while preparing the blog has been their 1972 album, Argus, which was one of the first albums I ever bought from Virgin Records in the lower arcade in Coventry. Here’s a great track off it
I usually find Tuesdays quite straightforward but, maybe because I’ve things on my mind, today’s was not that easy for me. I had solved just eight after the first pass and these were not a great deal of help with the rest. I got there in the end but struggled somewhat. I’m, no doubt, missing the obvious but I will need the hints to explain 9a. I get the “X” bit but the rest doesn’t quite gel somehow. I tried too long to use “Ur” at 13a until the old favourite at 1d showed me the error of my ways. My COTD is the shocked American and the terrible spider at 4a.
Thank you, Professor for the puzzle. I made heavy weather of it but I don’t know why because it was clued fairly. Thank you, Hintsman for the hunts. The Toughie is by Shabbo.
The edit of my post didn’t work. The Toughie is by Shabbo, Hintsman.
No wonder I liked it so much.
Yes, I’ll look at it later. Off to friends for lunch now.
Don’t do Toughie’s often but I really recommend today’s by Shabbo, great fun and very accessible – it must be as I finished it unaided!
A gentle Tuesday puzzle. I didn’t know the golfer so had to check that one but otherwise no issues for me. I usually find Tuesday’s cryptics are easier than Monday’s for some reason.
Top picks for me were 23a, 17d, 10a and 9a.
Thanks to Huntsman and the setter.
Contrary to Huntsman, I found this trickier than yesterday. Perhaps that was because I unwisely started it at 12:30am. Got most of it into shape eventually, but stymied by the crossers at 5a and 9d. Much self-flagellation ensued after looking up the answer, as I had tentatively parsed both clues correctly but the leetle grey cells let me down on the answer itself.
Still, a highly enjoyable puzzle! **/****
Solid puzzle, a little chewier than usual in the N, with eyebrow lifting a little at 9a – not at the anagram indicator, but at the somewhat ‘relaxed’ definition. Dragged the golfer’s name from deepest recesses of memory, quite esoteric GK these days, I thought, and again a quite loose definition.
Honours to 10a, 18a & 25d. Many thanks to setter and Huntsman alike.
This was a step up in difficulty compared to yesterday’s puzzle. Similar to SC’s experience the first pass was less than fruitful, especially the across clues. However, with checkers in, I was able to complete it in a reasonable time, but this was not a crossword for me. Many thanks to the setter and hinter.
As Typically Tuesdayish as ever for me – 1.5*/4.5*
Candidates for favourite – 10a, 13a, 15a, 4d, 19d, 23d, and 25d – and the winner is 23d.
Thanks to Mr Plumb and Huntsman.
I didn’t find this quite as Tuesdayish as normal, but it was only slightly more difficult and, as always, delightfully clued and enormous fun to complete. 4a was my favourite.
Many thanks to AP and The Hintsman.
I also found this trickier than I’d expected, although I was hampered by squinting at it on my phone because my son was asleep on the sofa after our very enjoyable trip to the Jazz Cafe last night. Like Steve, I wasn’t entirely sure that 9a worked but it’s my COTD anyway on account of it being original and fun. Thanks very much to the setter and to Huntsman. Funnily enough, I picked up a copy of Argus when I was in Stratford-on-Avon a few weeks ago, that being the town where I made most of my early record purchases. I remember that Virgin shop in the recently demolished City Arcade in Cov and buying Jefferson Airplanes’s Bless It’s Pointed Little Head there.
Crikey Chris – I was blissfully unaware of that redevelopment. Had early Sat jobs in the circular Wimpy & the indoor market & well remember the thrill of getting into the Climax Snooker Club aged about 13. Used to catch the bus into town to while away hours browsing through the records in Virgin & spent everything I earned in there – until I discovered 🍺 & could get served.
The round cafe (now of the Nero variety) is still standing but the market/City Arcade/Three Tuns area has been flattened, largely for housing. To be fair, it had become very tired and the locals seem to regard it as a broadly positive step. Having worked in the city centre through the 80s, it’s strange to think that places I took completely for granted are no longer there, however much I know that nothing is permanent.
I’ve struggled with AP puzzles over the last few weeks so, before starting today’s, I gave myself a good talking too and, lo, it worked. This positively flew in off the pen. I even knew the golfer at 29a. I had ticks against 22a, 13a and 17d, but cotd goes to 9a. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
* / ***
Found this easier than yesterday and very ‘Tuesday-ish’. Liked the 15a rigid vessel, the 21d grief regularly and 23d pot refill. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
Tip of the hat to Hintsman for the clever Style Council reference.
I found this tricky to get going, but once I had a few checkers I was up and away. How lovely to welcome back 1d after it has been on its holidays for a week or two. Much missed. Let’s hope for Serengeti tomorrow.
Another welcome back to the golfer. Readers over 120 years old may remember seeing him play in his pomp.
Chelsea play Paris Saint-Germain F.C. tonight. We only need to overcome a 5-2 deficit. What could possibly go wrong?
Thanks to the setter and Andy On The First Tee
This was on the money with the prof in fine form. A joy to solve.
4a is having an excellent run out at the moment and good to see old faithful popping in (1d).
The jury is out with muddy as an anagram indicator. I think I’ll allow it….just.
Whenever I see 22d as an adjective, I always think of the other three words that have a different meaning and pronunciation when the first letter is capitalised: Nice, Polish and Job. Are there any others out there, I wonder?
The prof couldn’t get enough of dropping letters today with ten using that technique.
My podium is 16d, 25d and the truly brilliant 9a that is a candidate for the best clue of 2026.
MTTTA and Hoots!
1*/5*
If Nice is OK how about reading/Reading?
Nice work, J.
It’s been added to the list.
From Wiki:
The poem “Job’s Job” from Richard Lederer’s The Word Circus[1] is an example of the use of capitonyms:
In August, an august patriarch
Was reading an ad in Reading, Mass.
Long-suffering Job secured a job
To polish piles of Polish brass.
Mobile (Alabama) and mobile (even with the American pronunciation of mobile!).
Very good!
Ah, Wishbone Ash – one of the great progressive rock bands and still going strong and touring after 57 years or so. Pioneers of the twin lead guitars format. I bought their first eponymous LP in early 1970 and literally wore it out. Still listen to it regularly in the car on CD. My Tuesday back-pager hasn’t shown up yet so here’s WA playing live at the BBC in 1971:
Another terrific Tuesday puzzle – thanks to our setter and Huntsman.
I ticked 3d, 7d and 23d with my favourite being the outstanding 9a.
A typical Tuesday puzzle for me this week.
1.5*/3.5*
Favourites 13a, 18a, 20a, 27a, 2d & 7d — with winner 27a
Smiles for 18a, 20a & 2d
Thanks to AP & Huntsman
Without doubt my favourite was 25d; a very true surface! The answer leapt off the page, but my first thought was to shoehorn the wrong president (Abe) into the answer.
Thanks to the setter and to Huntsman.
1*/3.5*. Although this was largely TT, I thought there were two slightly weak clues: 9a where the anagram fodder barely needs adjusting to arrive at the answer; and 7d which for me was a bit same-sidey.
Nevertheless, it was light and good fun.
Many thanks to AP and to Hintsman.
I am in the ‘more difficult than usual for a Tuesday’ camp. I made some early progress below the equator and moved slowly northward. I don’t know anything about golf, but I’m pretty sure that name has cropped up in a puzzle before.
Thanks to AP for the head scratch and Huntsman for the entertainment.
[Redacted – not least because this page is for comments on the Cryptic Crossword, not for comments, advere or otherwise, on the possible setter of today’s Toughie]
You’re quite right Phil – it’s not a Chalicea production. However I couldn’t disagree with you more in respect the puzzle lacking elegance, refinement & smoothness – it has all 3 in abundance & I’m pretty confident those leaving comment on it will endorse that view, as I’m sure Chalicea would too.
Some very clever and amusing surfaces from today’s setter.
Very difficult to pick a favourite …
… so my joint winners are: 4a the terrible spider one and, of course, 25d … US President wanting Greenland …
Scanned the puzzle earlier this morning before walking the dog and didn’t think I was going to make much of it. Sat down with a cup of coffee later and it was almost a ‘read and write’ which surprised and delighted me. COTD 4a , closely followed by 1d as couldn’t believe it could pop up again so soon in a another disguise. Surprised myself by getting 29a without having to look him up but then he made a recent appearance! Many thanks to Mr Plumb and Huntsman. Beautiful day here in the NW so lots of washing dry and some gardening.
A few hold ups but generally a fairly swift completion and very enjoyable with some lovely surfaces. 9a took me a while to fathom. It’s turned into a beautiful day here.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints.
Picked out about half a dozen of the more obvious answers before I went out for a round of golf. Upon my return, picked up from where I left off and the remainder flowed quite nicely. For me definitely easier than yesterday and more enjoyable with the shocked American at 4A, the US president at 25d and the 29a golfer to fill my podium. LOI was 14d, because like others I had attempted to fit the 2 letter ancient city into 13a before it hit me.
Many thanks to AP and Huntsman
1*/3.5*
Well we have been given a treat today, with both the back-pager and the Toughie being of a very high standard indeed. I found this straightforward, but also very clever. I’m with Gazza in praising 9a. I was also very taken with 13a (a lovely image) and 25d (very clever). No issues for me with “muddy” as an anagram indicator – I think it’s a good ‘un and something a little different.
Thanks to our setter, and Huntsman for the blog. For once, I’m aware of all of the musical choices, although I really should make an effort to listen to more Wishbone Ash.
Huntsman, how do post a piece of music on the blog? You are very successful at it but then I take it you are still a lad with that techy ability. Anyone else welcome to offer their help. Thanks in advance. Corky.
Trust me Corky nothing could be further from the truth – I am inept & then some. Reckon I’m the only blogger who writes the clues out because he can’t get the hang of cutting & pasting them from the puzzles app. I think I drove poor Gazza potty trying to get the hang of this blogging malarkey & still haven’t a clue what I’m doing really.
It’s actually very straightforward – underneath the you tube clip press the share/copy button & you’ll get a linked to the clipboard message then go to your post & press paste at the foot of it & it appears.
I look up the music clip on Youtube and there is an option to “share” at the bottom. Click on then copy the link that copes up. Paste that into your post.
Flippin spellchecker! “Piece” and “crops”
Again, the edit function did not work.
Now he’s techy but then he’s a young ‘un so to be expected
1* / 3.5* Excellent Tuesday puzzle, lots to like with plenty of wit.
Favourites include the clever 9a, put up with 25d and the more filthy 27a ( really liked muddy anagram indicator)
Thanks to setter and Huntsman
Ps Liked seeing the Elvis video again
read your ps & thought but I picked the Doobie Brothers instead of Elvis at 27a then remembered Costello. I thought muddy a great indicator too.
Top quality entertainment from the Prof. 25A the obvious stand out, but I very much liked 23D as well. VMT to Huntsman also.
Add me to the list of contributors who found this anything but straightforward. Wrong wavelength I suppose as on completion I couldn’t really see why. 27a didn’t work as a synonym for me but at least it was an anagram. On the plus side I had heard of the golfer, I don’t know why as I’ve never played a round in life. I’m putting it down to accidentally acquired knowledge. No real favourite but if pushed I’d go for 9a. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
Blimey this was going do well at lunch time, and so very Tuesday-like … until the last four clues. I had to consult the Chambers on 29D (LOI) and 14D, part of a pesky trio with 13A and 26A.
Pody picks go to the touché 25D, 23D’s smart up clue, and Xmarks the spot of my favourite, 9A.
Thanks to Huntsman and to setter – still can’t believe how much I struggled on those last four! ⭐️
Meant to add – Huntsman, that Style Council song reminds me of getting into music in early 1984 when I was 7. Happy days with all that music to discover, who knew I’d be talking about it in a crossword blog 40+ years later 🙂🎵
Most unusual for me it was motoring along and gave the impression that it would just be a read and write until I hit the buffers with 9 across and 5 down. Went off to the hairdressers as one does when feeling the need of some encouragement. Then an exercise class and still the last 2 clues would not yield. Took revenge on the lawn by getting the mower out. Still nothing. Turned to Huntsman in my hour of need. To sum it up it was too easy and then it was too hard. Nevertheless I look forward to tomorrow’s challenge.
Great fun from PP but sadly no time for the toughie today. I have printed a copy, just in case.
23d and 25d favourites today.
I’m in the 9a doesn’t quite work camp
2*/4.5*
Thanks to all
Better late than never, a typically Tuesdayish puzzle I really enjoyed. 9a and 25d my favourites too. I will enjoy the music on my commute tomorrow.
I have just been chatting with Twm about his Sunday Toughie in the light of Len Deighton’s passing.
Author Deighton’s visiting Omsk, busy Russian city (8)
Utterly dominate game, Chelsea full backs ultimately making mistakes (3,5)
Now Chelsea’s backs are getting a pasting in Paris,
Maybe loyal group of Rowling readers occasionally fear the end for Cormoran Strike (3,4)
If I was JK Rowling, I would be sweating now.
If Twm gets any more powers of second sight he will attract the attention of The Witchfinder General!
Disappointingly unTuesdayish with yet more strained AIs. 9a too broad and 13a iffy. And so to bed ….!
Thanks AP and Hintsman.
2*/4* …
liked 24A “A Parisian welcomes a fight in the dark (7)”