Sunday Telegraph Cryptic No 3364 (Hints)
Hints and tips by Senf
A very good Sunday morning from Winnipeg where yesterday we enjoyed a double digit (positive) temperature, for the first time since 23rd November of last year, of plus 11 degrees (plenty of double digit (negative) temperatures in the meantime).
For me, and I stress for me,© Dada quirkily friendly again – four longish ‘uns (only one an anagram), five anagrams (two partials), two lurkers (one reversed), and no homophones in a symmetric 32 clues; with 16 hints ‘sprinkled’ throughout the grid you should/might be able to get some of the checkers to enable the solving of the unhinted clues. I hope you have your Crimson Tomes at hand!
Remember that Reading the Hints before commenting can be beneficial!
If it is some time since you read, or if you have never read the instructions in RED below the hints then please consider doing so before commenting today as my electronic blue pencil is at the ready and the Naughty Step is OPEN!
Candidates for favourite – 12a, 17a, 25a, 29a, 5d, 8d, 22d, and 27d plus an HM for the Pun.
As is usual for the weekend prize crosswords, a number of the what I very subjectively perceive to be the more difficult clues have been selected and hints provided for them.
Most of the terms used in these hints are explained in the Glossary and examples are available by clicking on the entry under “See also”. Where the hint describes a construct as “usual” this means that more help can be found in The Usual Suspects, which gives a number of the elements commonly used in the wordplay. Another useful page is Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, which features words with meanings that are not always immediately obvious.
A full review of this puzzle will be published after the closing date for submissions.
Some hints follow:
Across
1a Leave empty venue in which a mouser resides (6)
VenuE with the interior letters deleted (empty) containing (in which . . . resides) A from the clue and a household pet known for its mousing ability.
10a Remarkable man joins band, shortly (8)
One of two men, on a board of 64 squares, placed after (joins) a synonym of band with the last letter deleted (shortly).
12a Logs cut, fine bark (4)
A generic term for logs, not the mathematical tables, and the single letter for Fine.
17a Coming together, instruments clashing (7,5)
A double definition, a ‘?’ at the end of the clue might have been appropriate – the first might refer to engaging in a dispute or argument.
20a Is man on battlefield drawing on literary work? (12)
All of IS from the clue and a synonym of man (on a board of 64 squares) placed after (on) a synonym of battlefield (at the line of engagement?).
25a Bet placed, nothing originally pocketed … (4)
The first letter (originally) of Nothing contained (pocketed) by a synonym of placed.
29a Einstein I observed in rank below family (6)
I from the clue inserted into (observed in) the (biological taxonomic) rank below family.
31a Rule about ammunition ultimately for big gun (6)
An ecclesiastical rule containing (about) the last letter (ultimately) of ammunitioN.
Down
1d Certainly in the pink (4,4)
A double definition – the second might be used in a discussion about one’s health.
3d Before winner at the death, draw level (4)
This caused a considerable pause for thought, and this is what I came up with – a synonym of draw (as in a sports match between two teams) placed before the last letter (at the death) of winneR – if you can come up with something better, I am sure that Gazza would want to have a discussion with you about joining the blogging team.
5d Just around the corner – as is setting sun? (2,3,7)
A double definition – the first might indicate the proximity in time of a future event.
8d Player in concert, leader of orchestra, look! (6)
A slang synonym of concert, the first letter (leader) of Orchestra, and an archaic synonym of look.
15d Sign initial on banknotes in Turkish currency (5)
The first letter of (initial on) Banknotes inserted into (in) the unit of Turkish (monetary) currency.
19d Plane is not broken up for scrap (8)
A (flying) synonym of plane followed by an anagram (broken up) of IS NOT.
21d Next post filled by company (6)
A verbal synonym of post (a letter?) containing (filled by) the two letter abbreviation of company.
27d Head of mammoth in particular on a mammoth! (4)
The first letter (head) of (the first) Mammoth and the two letter Latin based abbreviation that can be used for in particular (as in for example) placed before (on) A from the clue.
Quick Crossword Pun:
SELECT + TIFF + EARRING = SELECTIVE HEARING – during the time that I was married, I was often told that I had this problem to which I would respond that I did not have the problem but I did occasionally have a problem with my listening!
Sunday Quiz!
On Thursday, in the blog for DT 31209, I used the illustration below for ’27a Soldier in red gear, changing (9)’ – an anagram (changing) of IN RED GEAR – answer Grenadier. There are five Regiments in the Guards Division and each Regiment has different ‘identifying’ uniform elements. What two visible uniform elements identify him as a Grenadier? I will buy the first person to answer correctly an appropriate libation at BB 18 in The Bridge House on 30th January, 2027 (is that the correct date SJB?) assuming that both they and I are in attendance.
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Remember that my objective is to entertain and annoy in equal measure! American musician, songwriter and musical archivist Herbert Butros Khaury, known professionally as Tiny Tim, was born on this day in 1932. He is especially known for his 1968 hit recording of Tiptoe Through the Tulips, which reached number 8 in the UK charts, what were we thinking, a cover of the popular song from the 1929 musical Gold Diggers of Broadway. Fortunately, in this video, it only lasts for 70 seconds:
I found Dada quite straightforward today apart from 20a, which took an age to work out. I had the man but not the battlefield. I liked to home of the mouser at 1a, which was my first in. The setting sun at 5d raised a smile but my COTD is the blunted skate at 2d.
Thank you, Dada for a fun Sunday solve. Thank you, Colonel for the hints.
I was definitely not on Dada’s wavelength today. I had to leave the NW and try to build up a few checkers elsewhere before working my way bck to the t. However,, thhere were some clever clues. I liked the doubletdefinitions at 17a and 5d, the long a agram at 11d. There were some great lego clues too, notably the player at 8d, my COTD 20a and the scrap at 19d. Thanks to Dada for a thoroughly absorbing guzzle a d to Senf for the hints
1*/4*. This was good fun and, for me, it was Dada at his friendliest today.
20a was my favourite with 1a, 1d, 3d & 8d jostling for the other podium positions.
Many thanks to Dada and to Senf.
Fairly straightforward except for 20a which almost resulted in a DNF until I twigged the synonyms for battlefield and man.
19d favourite today.
Thanks to Dada and Senf
I will certainly see you at The Bridge House on the 30th Jan next year, and I won’t be changing the date to fit in with Listener’s or Magpie events this time. I hope that Network Rail don’t close any of the mainline stations again!
I think one of the indicating factors of household regiments is the grouping of buttons, but I don’t remember the details. I thought the other identifier was the colour of the cockade, but as I can’t quite see that bit of the bearskin, I am doubting myself. I will match your offer of a libation for anyone who wishes to attend the Mid Year version I am arranging for the 25th July here;
All are welcome and it should be a good time
As Madflower would say, chewy in places! Came together quite slowly and puzzled for ages over 3d. Some great clues though. Thanks to Steve for kindly passing on his lurgy – got my voice sort of back but with awful cold and headache. Also thanks to Dada and Senf.
Sorry for passing it on, Manders. 😳
I did indeed think it chewy in places!
I think the indications that the soldier is a Grenadier has something to do with the insignia on the collar. 🤔
I didn’t find this straightforward but it was still enjoyable.
I liked the Quickie pun too.
Top picks for me were 8d, 2d, 17a and 30a.
Thanks to Senf and Dada.
I wasn’t tuned in to today’s offering and it took me a lot longer than is the norm. 20a was very frustrating because if I had focussed on the last four words of the clue and worried about parsing later I would have saved myself many minutes! There was some very clever clues that had me looking in the wrong direction but overall I thought 8d and 17a were worthy of a special mention.
Thank you Senf and the setter.
For me, and I stress for me (© Senf), I’m pleased to report that I don’t need to send the nib from the biro, to The Winnipeg Wonder, when I win the star prize this week, as (for once) I didn’t need his help with this guzzle.
Yesterday, I went, with family, to Twickenham to watch the Women’s Six Nations match – England v Ireland. Very entertaining and so lovely that all the supporters mixed in together. No trouble and a smashing atmosphere.
Note to Twickenham – turn down the PA volume please, and calm down the various people who were yelling through it. “Let’s Make Some Noise!”
Let’s not.
Shortly, orf to Stamford Bridge to watch The Mighty Chelsea take on Manchester City. What could possibly go wrong, again?
Thanks to Da-doo-ron-ron and The Man From Manitoba.
Fairly gentle but quirky enough – thanks to Dada and Senf,
The clues I liked best were 10a and 20a.
I took ‘clashing’ to be the definition for 17a with a charade of ‘coming together’ and ‘instruments’ for the wordplay.
Just to say I’m finding the Toughie by proXimal quite approachable. Worth having a look if you don’t normally tackle Toughies. 👍
I agree, helped by not having to trawl dictionaries for words that don’t exist, and a Spooner that came to mind readily
Right taking you at your word, going to try today’s toughie
Come on in the water’s lovely, and we even have a “cycling” clue
Rather late in the day but still have 2 left in the Toughie! So dnf for me!
Absolutely splendiferous puzzle. Just what I needed to distract me from the results of one-glass-too-many last night. 20a was my stand-out favourite.
I could have finished in a much quicker time had I not spent an age trying to fit the 26th letter of the not-actually-a-pangram in 18d. Felt very silly given it’s a pretty straightforward clue! **/*****
A reasonably benign offering from Dada today albeit that the east took longer to complete than the west. I thought 1a and 12a were a hoot. I enjoyed 29a too and wonder whether it’s an oldie, but it is definitely a goodie. Chosen from a number of contenders, 2d is cotd. Close run in though. Thanks to Dada and Senf.
I didn’t find this as straightforward as some of the earlier commenters, but it was still fairly friendly and very nicely clued. I will happily join those who liked 20a the best.
My thanks to Dada and Senf.
Well this certainly was a relatively friendly Dada puzzle to solve. It was definitely a lot better than the Saturday offering.
Some quirky areas as well as his personal thesaurus use … it was well dusted off this week.
2.5*/3.5*
Favourites 12a, 28a, 30a, 2d, 5d & 11d — with winner 2d
Smiles for 1a, 12a, 30a & 19d
Thanks to Dada & Senf
1*/3.5* It didn’t seem to be so straightforward whilst completing this puzzle, but the clock doesn’t lie.
Lots of quirk and humour, favourites include the hard to see bird at 26d, the 12a bark and the excellent literary cover at 20a
Thanks to compiler and Senf
From the off this was a very enjoyable prize puzzle with several well crafted clues to keep me thinking. I particularly liked the player at 6d and the coming together at 17a, but my COTD is the man in the battlefield at 20a.
Thank you Dada for a fair Sunday workout and Senf for his unused hints
2*/3*
Very enjoyable and not too tricky for a prize puzzle. I parsed 3d as Senf did. Favourites for me were 8d, and yet another vote for 20a, with 2d coming a close third as my daughter used to skate.
Thank you to Dada and Senf.
Re quiz – Collar insignia and tunic button spacing
Re crossword … wasn’t in tune today .. but I did manage ti finish eventually.
I needed the hint to “correct” 3d.
My cotd was 6d … as I was pleased to remember a cricket term … a game which passes me by!
I won’t send in my offering today as I didn’t finish it correctly myself … Good Luck Steve.
Thanks to setter and Senf
We have a winner. Full details are:
The five Regiments of foot guards are most often seen in full dress uniform, comprising navy trousers, scarlet tunic and bearskin cap. From a distance they appear identical, but there are ways to distinguish between the Regiments:
The colour of the plume, and which side of the bearskin it is worn on
The spacing of the tunic buttons (an indication of the seniority of the Regiment)
The badge worn on the collar
The badge worn on the shoulder
Regiment/ Plume/ Plume colour/ Button spacing/ Collar badge/ Shoulder badge
Grenadier Guards/ Left/ White/ Singly/ Grenade/ Royal Cypher
Coldstream Guards/ Right/ Red/ Pairs/ Garter Star/ Rose
Scots Guards/ None/ None/ Threes/ Thistle/ Thistle Star
Irish Guards/ Right/ Blue/ Fours/ Shamrock/ St Patrick Star
Welsh Guards/ Left/ White-Green-White/ Fives/ Leek/ Leek
Is Tiny Tim aka Herbert Butros Khaury any relation to the former Scottish Mountaineering Secretary General of the United Nations?
Mr Buttress Buttress Gulley
Just finished and although most of the puzzle went in very quickly I found the NW quadrant a real stumbling block. Clues that reference cricket or rugby really trip me up.
Let’s have more cycling clues.
Favourites today were 2d and 30a
* / ****
Time to complete indicates 1* difficulty but it felt harder than that. Nevertheless (won’t do it again today TDS65!), hugely enjoyable ‘almost a pangram’. My podium were all across clues: 29 Einstein, 12 Bark and the superb 20 which, as often catches me out, uses the innocent looking “Is” for much more than just surface padding.
Many thanks to Dada and Senf
I’m away from Blighty for a few days and don’t have the online version. So, I may jump on for the occasional word origin or ‘Wey hey!’ or ‘Stop it’.
I really enjoyed that. Thank you Dada.
Also thanks for the hint to 10a which I needed and the explanation for the parsing of 3d. I was about to ask for an extra hint to 6d as it was my only remaining clue but my husband has just wandered past and solved it for me. He has his uses!
Now, I need to be careful here, so as to avoid any punishment! However, I have been agonising over 3d. I struggle to accept that the last letter of ‘winneR’ supplies part of the answer. Could it be instead that the setter is asking us to find a synonym for ‘winner’. The winner or maybe leader here is the one in front of ‘Death’. This would then give a different answer to the clue. Will I sleep tonight?
I cannot find a synonym of ‘winner’ that fits with the two checkers provided by 1a and 9a and it seems to me that you are making it overly complex.
Make sure that you look at the full review of the puzzle when it is published on the 22nd.
I would agree with you on this one, and, dare I mention it, so does DanWord 😁
After rather disjointed effort today which meant I never got on wavelength so I needed help from the hints to get over the line. I found today much harder than yesterday which shows it is horses for courses. I had 1a as my favourite.
Many thanks to Dada and to Senf for the hints.
My edited comment didn’t make it on as I think we lost signal part way through.
It should have said ….A rather disjointed effort
I also said that I agreed with #24 and I had two answers to 3d both of which I can parse.
So agree Dada was being friendly today. However I struggled with 20a , and had to check the hint , which I managed to parse but was a new word for me, so something to bank for the future. Thanks to Dada and Senf.
Have to say, unlike several previous commentators, I didn’t really enjoy this quirky challenge with the longest hiccup being in the SE which I in fact dnf. Can’t fully parse 25a (I’m obviously being very thick!). Oh dear, yet another anagram indicator. Thanks to the trusty combination of Dada and Senf
I enjoyed most of this, but struggled with 15d, even with the hint, as the sign for the Turkish currency is in fact two letters and not just the one in the answer. Hope that doesn’t get me out in the naughty corner. The SW corner gave me a foothold, and it was a steady solve after that, albeit I could not have finished without Senf’s help. Thanks to him and Dada.
A day late but what the heck. 20a & 8d my top two in an enjoyable & reasonably gentle solve. The former reminded me of the break between the six stories in the Ballad of Buster Scruggs by the Coen brothers.
Thanks to D&S