Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31233
Hints and Tips by Senf
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment *****
A very good Thursday morning from Winnipeg where it is still cool, in fact cool enough for occasional fluffy white precipitation but it is melting on contact with the ground.
For me, and I stress for me© (I have to say that for Terence), once again not half of a Dream Team Thursday, Bandit on duty for their third(?) Toughie, but no doubt that this is the work of a very benevolent Master of Brevity and there is not an error in my Difficulty rating. The usual one word clues and answers in the Quickie, and appearances from the Queen and his swEetheart appearing in the back pager with an average of exactly 5 words per clue. Also, like Dada, Ray T still seems to be making occasional use of a personal thesaurus. I hope you have your Crimson Tomes at hand!
Remember that Reading the Hints before commenting can be beneficial!
Candidates for favourite – 5a, 11a, 12a, 26a, 16d, 17d, and 18d.
In the hints below, the definitions are underlined. The answers are hidden under the Click here! buttons, so don’t click if you don’t want to see them.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought.
Across
1a New missile is restricted (6)
NARROW: The single letter for New and a type of missile (‘powered’ by a bow).
5a Very large quarry for predatory bird (6)
OSPREY: The two letters that are usually used for very large in clothing and a synonym of quarry (not a source or rock or sand).
(‘Caught’ by me over The Red River a little North of Winnipeg just after it had ‘caught’ a fish.)
10a Sailors keeping quiet in canvas sheets (5)
TARPS: The four letter informal synonym for sailors containing (keeping) the letter indicating musically quiet.
11a Rubbish record by Queen before rewrite (9)
DISCREDIT: The term for a record used to ‘store’ music placed before (by) the single letter (Latin) abbreviation for Queen all placed before a synonym of rewrite.
12a Back nag, losing hard, backing tip (7)
ENDORSE: A four legged nag with the single letter for Hard deleted (losing) placed after (backing) a synonym of tip.
13a Refrain from adult in sailor’s vessel (7)
ABSTAIN: A two letter sailor with the possessive S, followed by A from the clue inserted into (in) a relatively small metallic vessel.
14a Considering sitting after drink (9)
SUPPOSING: A synonym of sitting (for an artist) placed after a three letter verbal synonym of drink.
17a Press last to decry sarcasm (5)
IRONY: A synonym of press (clothes) and the last letter of decrY.
18a Angrier love god rejected Romeo (5)
SORER: The Greek god of love (sexual desire, and procreation) reversed (rejected) then followed by the letter represented by Romeo in the Phonetic Alphabet.
19a Playing a part with rich father (9)
PATRIARCH: An anagram (playing) of A PART and (with) RICH.
21a Inundated doctor totally overwhelmed (7)
DROWNED: The two letter abbreviation for Doctor and a synonym (according to Word Hippo) of totally overwhelmed.
23a Drills using bits absorbing resistance (7)
PIERCES: A synonym of bits containing (absorbing) the single letter for (electrical) Resistance.
25a Bare or nude, and dancing (9)
UNADORNED: An anagram (dancing) of OR NUDE, AND.
26a Bikini perhaps everybody takes to! (5)
ATOLL: A definition by example (perhaps) – the usual three letter synonym of everybody contains (takes) TO from the clue.
27a Separate creed oddly accepted by diocese (6)
SECEDE: The ‘odd’ letters of CrEeD contained by a synonym of diocese.
28a Hot inside after panic (6)
LATHER: The single letter for Hot inserted into (inside) a synonym of later.
Down
2d Dry swallowing cold bitter (5)
ACRID: A synonym of dry (referring to a desert?) containing (swallowing) the single letter for Cold.
3d River rose flowing into lake (9)
RESERVOIR: An anagram (flowing) of RIVER ROSE.
4d Slice is wide over boundary (5)
WEDGE: The single letter for (crickety) Wide placed before (over) a synonym of boundary.
5d Some buffoons laugh, taking charge (9)
ONSLAUGHT: A lurker (some) found in three words in the clue.
6d Thong lifted revealing bits (5)
PARTS: Not that sort of a thong! A synonym of thong reversed (lifted).
7d Upset over a nude shot (9)
ENDEAVOUR: This was interesting; an anagram but which ‘end’ was the indicator and which ‘end’ was the definition. I trust that you will agree with me that we are looking for an anagram (upset) of OVER A NUDE.
8d Cattle drives (6)
STEERS: A double definition – the first is cattle that have lost their manhood.
9d It’s smelly and dark beneath street (6)
STINKY: A synonym of dark (based on writing fluid) placed after beneath the two letter abbreviation for STreet.
15d Punch from copper for a tearaway (9)
PERFORATE: A lurker (from) found in four words in the clue.
16d Rashness scratching right cheek (9)
IMPUDENCE: A synonym of rashness with the deletion (scratching) of the single letter for Right.
17d One can fulminate about sweetheart wandering (9)
ITINERANT: The Roman numeral for one, a nounal synonym of can, and a synonym of fulminate containing (about) Ray T’s swEetheart.
18d Element of sadism firstly with loathing (6)
SODIUM: The first letter of Sadism and (with) a synonym of loathing.
20d Trouble seeing hearty around ship (6)
HASSLE: A synonym of hearty, that is often used in conjunction with hearty, containing (about) the two letters for a (large) ship.
22d Beak welcomes old hangman’s rope (5)
NOOSE: A jocular synonym of a facial feature contains (welcomes) the single letter for Old.
23d Reportedly sell bike (5)
PEDAL: A homophone (reportedly) of a synonym of sell.
24d Copy, largely or nearly exact, initially (5)
CLONE: One of Ray T’s ‘signature’ clues to finish – the initial letters of five words in the clue.
Quick Crossword Pun:
WARM + HUNGER = WARMONGER – I wonder if Ray T was thinking of anyone in particular when he created this pun.
This was a lot of fun. Great clues from the off, the bird of prey at 5a, 11a, the consideration at 14a, 23 and 26a. And that’s just the across clues. 5a is my COTD but there are so many contenders for the gold medal. Many thanks to the setter and Senf
Well, this one was a breeze. Darting randomly over the grid, I couldn’t keep up with myself as I slapped in my solutions with gusto. All the Ray T trademarks were there: brevity and clarity; a sweetheart and Her Majesty; elastic synonyms; and a smirk or two at the Carry On psyche of our esteemed setter.
Hugely enjoyable – and record solving time for me. Shame we only get this here once a fortnight.
Lovely light puzzle, over far too soon – although that’s probably no bad thing given how much else I have to do today. Plenty of archetypal RayT risqué humour and two nudes on the same page won’t bother many people these days! If only 6d & 7d had been connected with ellipses then verily the cup would have runneth over, even if Ray included no supports this time out.
Many thanks indeed to RayT and to Senf.
An absolute gem. A total joy to solve. It was elegant and witty in equal measure. Sure it may go down as a relatively easy Ray T offering, but so what. I liked the bird of prey and the sadistic element but have to award cotd to the last nag at 12a. Thanks to Ray T and Senf.
1*/5*. An absolute cracker of a puzzle from the master of brevity. Yes, it was very light but who cares when it’s this much fun?
My podium comprises 5a, 11a & 18d but many others came into contention.
Many thanks to RayT and to Senf.
I found this to be a lovely puzzle to solve, although relatively easy there were a few challenges to stop it being a read and write. The humour and crafting of the surfaces made up for the relative simplicity.
I loved 23D but COTD goes to 16D for packing in so many elements into four words.
Thai corner. Like Yogi Bear the Thais like their pick er nicks.
The Thai language doesn’t really combine consonants. Where they are combined in a written form vowels are inserted when the words are pronounced. The word for the famous Thai massage has no vowels in its written form, ” nwd” being the closest transliteration but it it pronounced, ”noowad”. This causes a problem with English loan words which quite often have combined consonants. Your first encounter will probably be at the airport when you are asked for your, ” pass ur port”, the Thais dont feel comfortable with the,”sp”, sound and prefer to insert a vowel. At the airport you may also encounter, for the first time, the ice cream chain,Swensens, that has 400 branches in the country and is confusingly pronounced, ”Seven sons”. To confused matters further, ”ice cream”, is a loan word but pronounced, ”eye dim”, whereas cream on its own is also a loan word but is pronounced, ”kureem”.
Currently 31 degrees following a refreshing thunder and lightning storm
Thanks to setter and Senf.
So, dim and kureem are two ways to pronounce cream. Gotta luv it, Tykes.
They must have a nightmare when they see the word Knightsbridge!
Here’s one for you. Tom – A rough- coated, dough-faced, thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough; after falling into a slough he coughed and hiccoughed.
Ough?
Love it!
There’s one more add to this crazy list for ‘ough’….Lough (Neagh)
The sound ij can be spelt nine ways though sandwich is debatable…
bridge
college
digit
fidget
knowledge
manage
marriage
sandwich
vestige
Help!
A really enjoyable puzzle. I was unsure of the owned part of 21a but Senf has looked that up for me!
Top picks for me were 12a, 15d, 18d and 11a.
Thanks to Senf (liked the osprey photo,they are such lovely birds to see) and Ray T.
Thanks on the photo. I like the underwing pattern/colouring – quite dramatic. I did see it ‘catch’ the fish but I was a little too far away to ‘catch’ it on my camera – I need a ‘longer’ long lens!
When we visit the Cairngorms in Scotland we go to a Loch where we know they breed each year. Once however we saw one unexpectedly at a different Loch and watched it deftly catch a huge fish. We had our lunch on one side of the Loch and it devoured it’s lunch on the opposite side!
My partner is a wildlife photographer, mainly birds, so I understand the comment about needing an even longer lens 😀
My only complaint about this excellent puzzle is that the solve was over too quickly. Each clue was an absolute gem with the Master’s stamp all over it. Being somewhat spoiled for choice I finally decided on 11a as my choice for a favourite.
Many thanks to Ray T and Senf.
Nice to see RayT back again this week for his fortnightly backpager drop in. As always his brevity and succinctness dominate along with the appearance of his sweetheart as well as the Queen. All nice to see.
A very enjoyable and relatively straightforward solve for me.
Senf, I see the revealed answer in 9d is missing the first 2 letters … FYI
1.5*/4.5* for me
Favourites include 14a, 25a, 26a, 6d, 8d & 18d — with co-winners 14a & 26a
Smiles and a laughs for 5a, 26a, 6d, 8d & 23d
Is it any wonder I enjoy these RayT fortnightly puzzles?
Thanks to RayT & Senf
Thanks on the 9d ‘error’ – now fixed. Would you believe that I did it deliberately to see if anyone would notice
For me, and I stress for me (© Senf), this was right at my level. Hooray!
I am going to draw the curtains and hide, as I fear a visit from Miss Abinger may be imminent. She has left several telephone messages about the ‘salacious content’ of today’s guzzle. It has been hard enough to explain to her, over the years, that the Barclay Brothers were not directly responsible for the guzzles page. She once protested, armed with a placard, outside Barclay’s Bank in Guildford, until the police moved her on.
I have tried to update her regarding the change of ownership – Axel Springer, and CEO Mathias Döpfner, but she still believes the editor used to be married to Billie Piper.
Thanks to RayTee and The Man From Manitoba.
I came away almost empty handed at first run through on the across clues, then the downs opened it up.
A good solve nevertheless despite using the App (I was too late for a copy of dead tree version today), you can’t beat a real newspaper.
Last in 21a, which was a bung in and I remain unconvinced after reading about hints.
Cotd 9d.
Thanks to setter and Senf.
Good to see Steve back on duty.
Hi. I see have the usual ‘over too soon’ etc comments. Those who say this forget about the thousands all over the globe who don’t comment on Big Dave but take great pleasure in thinking that, at last, a Thursday crossie that they can finish. I expect tomorrow will be a typical Friday self-esteem destroyer…
You make a really good point Alasdair. We’ve all been there, but we forget. I hope this blog is also helpful.
Thank you, Jenny. I usually (five times a week more or less) manage to finish, and often find it a useful way of exercising the brain but I think of the years it took me to get to this point. I am grateful to the contributors to Big Dave who suggested the Guardian Quick Crytic as a step froward for my Spanish daughter who has become obsessed with the concept of Crosswords but finds even Mondays’ Telegraph Cryptic one step too far. Re the blog I wish more people who find even Mondays a struggle would write in and say so.
Hi AL
Forgive me if I misunderstand you but I think it’s fine for someone to say that a crossword was easy or hard. They could lengthen them by saying ‘not too challenging’ and ‘took a bit of work’ but it’s fairly apparent to the other solvers when they see the subsequent difficulty ratings of 1* and 5*.
Lurkers and newbies shouldn’t get too disheartened with the regular posters’ comments as many of them are seasoned pros. I’ve been doing cryptics for almost 50 years and am still learning.
Rookies like your Spanish daughter need to know that mastering a cryptic takes many years. By the way, huge respect to her for taking on a puzzle in a language that isn’t her mother tongue. That is awesome!
She shouldn’t get too down if she doesn’t solve a single clue in the first, say, 10 minutes. It’s very normal. For example, I don’t know how experienced Big Eck is but they said (above) that they got off to a very slow start. I consider myself a fairly decent solver but, only last week, I had no answers after reading 10 clues. But, there are usually two or three gimmes to get you going.
Keep powering through, hija!
I echo all of that! And the beauty of BD is that 5/7 days we get a breakdown of how the clue is formed which is how we learn the wrinkles. And speaking of wrinkles, TDS is nobutt a lad- 50 years! Ha. I never look at the star ratings, I take each guzzle at face value. I cannot imagine life without them – huuuge thanks to the compilers🥰❤️👏
How many years…..75?
Thanks
It has to be remembered that all opinions, including ‘star’ ratings from bloggers, are personal and very subjective and expressions such as R(ead) & W(rite) are frowned upon, or they used to be. Indeed, us bloggers are not given any instructions/guidance on how to rate a puzzle. I have developed my own system over the years but, as it is based on my solving time, it must remain a closely guarded secret (unless someone buys me enough beer at a Birthday Bash to loosen my tongue).
Are you going to the summer one? I’ll take my credit card.
I did say ‘Birthday Bash’ in my comment, not ‘Summer Bash’ or whatever SJB is calling it
And thanks to all the bloggers. I try to avoid the actual hints, even if I can’t finish the crossie, but I enjoy the humour, the suggested music, the cartoons and glimpses into your private lives.
AL – IMO the Tuesday puzzle is almost always more accessible than Monday’s, and might be an option for your daughter? My own theory is that the Monday and Saturday puzzles are written to be more challenging because there is no additional Toughie on those days.
Congratulations to her on the obsession, though. Like Tom I’ve been doing cryptics for decades – and still much less time than many here – and am still very much learning, courtesy mainly of this wonderful site. I hope she continues to get the same satisfaction and pleasure from the challenge as we all do, and for many years to come!
Re your last point . I lurked for quite a while feeling a little intimidated to comment. It wasn’t until I felt reasonably competent that I came out of the closet so to speak. Blogging in itself can also be intimidating – the internet , social media and all that , ‘putting it out there’. I guess it’s just human nature that prevents. I am pleased to hear that your daughter has an interest , and hope she persists despite the steep learning curve as it’s a wonderful way to pass the time and get a mental workout as I’m sure you know.
It is hard to explain just how close we all became during lockdown – hence all the personal comments which might seem
OTT to people joining the group.
I’ve been doing these since the dark ages, and still I sometimes struggle. I’ve learnt to not pay too much attention to the early comments as obviously they are from the very clever folk who perhaps should be tackling the Toughie instead. I agree that a “too easy” comment can be disheartening when you have spent too much time pondering, and I’m sure quite off putting for anyone new to the DT Cryptic. A “too hard” comment, on the other hand, makes you feel not so bad if you haven’t finished unaided.
And I am quite sure there are a number who say they have finished, but only by use of Mr G and other nefarious means! This gives the impression it was even easier and makes newcomers feel more disheartened.
I find some of these comments a little strange. A newcomer to crosswords should not compare his or her performance to that of someone who has being doing them for quite some time. I learned to do them as a 12 year old along with my siblings, from my parents. That is the guts of 50 years ago. I do the DT, FT, IT and the Observer’s Everyman, that’s 24 Cryptics a week. At family gatherings, we can complete a puzzle in double quick time. This is not a boast, it is a fact of life.
I would hazard a guess that there are others on this blog who do more than just the Telegraph. Over time, solving time is greatly reduced. Occasionally, a clue can leave one stumped. Such is life.
I don’t doubt the scores of colleagues who play off scratch at golf. Similarly, I am not shocked when I see someone complete a puzzle in 10, 15 or 20 minutes. As such, patience should be learned, expectations reduced and in a some cases, necks……………! Let’s all play nice🙏😊
I am intrigued, RB.
What makes you think a few people say they have finished but only because they had outside help?
Some commenters have said i had to resort to outside help to finish.
I am in Alasdair’s field in that there are usually a couple that defeat me each week.
Maybe you need to do a poll to review the completion rate of those that finish it each day without outside assistance. 👨🏻🎓
Conor’s comment about believing those who are scratch at golf is interesting. A low handicap for some is a thing of status so only submitting your best rounds for scoring can artificially lower your handicap!
Most people state DNF if they didn’t finish. I do, though this really only happens on a Saturday, for whatever reason. I am not ashamed of this fact, nor do I begrudge those who completed said puzzle or found it relatively easy. We are all different. More importantly, I am not going to question someone’s honesty. I know what my completion rates are and my average time. I also know that there are members who are significantly faster than me. That doesn’t detract from my enjoyment nor am I jealous.
Of course there are shysters on a golf course as there are in any pursuit I choose my company carefully . The people who contribute here are united in their fondness of x words. I don’t see any blatant nor subtle showing off on the blog. If you are a newcomer to the world of cryptic crosswords, then I wish you nothing but the best of success and enjoyment in this pastime. If a comment irks you, skip over it, ignore it. But don’t suggest that said member is bluffing. I am guilty of having broken a few rules in the early days of my commenting; I am still a relatively new member, 8 months , if that. To err, is human.
Your first comment says that people say they have finished but don’t admit to getting help which misleads the rookies. Your second one says they do admit it.
I’m curious to know what you are basing your first comment on as it looks like speculation to me?
Also, ‘nefarious’ isn’t the best choice of words, even though it was probably said in jest.
Who knows what percentage finish unaided and, quite frankly, who cares. As long as people are open about it and don’t brag (99% don’t) then all is well.
My sentiments exactly.
A few months ago, someone castigated a long standing member for always posting first. I was shocked and saddened. I like good natured banter and friendly competition but the barbed comment detracted from my joy of reading the blog. I decided to hold back from posting first because I thought it better to let said gentleman post first as I enjoy reading his “take”. Given some of the comments on this thread, I am going to post considerably later.
I don’t need Google, sometimes I need the hints to parse a solution and sometimes help to solve it. . Moreover, my real interest is reading what others think of a specific clue or clues. I certainly don’t doubt the veracity of people ‘s effort.
Nicely said, C.
I too was disappointed to see that comment a few months ago.
If you haven’t got anything good to say…
Perfection from fortnightly Fred with all his trademarks on display.
I love MG’s suggestion to have an ellipsis for 6d & 7d. It was also nice to see that 6d is an anagram of 10a.
The excellent lurker in 15d didn’t quite get on the podium which is 11a, 21a (superb) and 6d.
MTTTA and the Manitoban mountie.
2*/5*
A mild puzzle from Ray T which I received promptly so I assume my goddaughter is on a rare early shift today. Fine clues, though very benign with quite a number of R+Ws which isn’t customary for this setter or a Thursday. But since he’s my favouite compiler I’ll let him off this time. I have a few ticks and I will pick, somewhat randomly, 12a as my favourite. 1.5*/3.5*.
*Would-be Rookie Corner compilers should study this crossword and try to emulate the concise clueing, accessible parsing and user-friendliness of this puzzle.
This was a great puzzle and was almost a personal best for me until my last two in the SE that gave me pause for thought 17d and 28a. I had not heard of the Bikini Atoll either , and thought that was a wonderful clue. Thanks to Ray T and Senf.
Gentle but great fun – particularly liked the lurkers & the risqué surface reads, 5* enjoyment here too.
Thanks to Ray & to Senf
1.5*/3.5* Found this a bit trickier than most, but nonetheless an enjoyable solve and way easier than yesterday’s.
Favourites today are 28d element, the 5a bird of prey and the sarcastic 17d
Thanks to compiler and Senf
* / *****
Another superb RayT and totally suited to my ‘wavelength’. I agree with Mustafa G and TDS65 that connecting 6d and 7d with an ellipsis would have raised the puzzle to even greater heights – if that were possible. Maybe the editor wouldn’t allow it? Surprised there’s been no mention of the unindicated Americanism in 10a, both my on-line dictionaries state the answer as American. That’s really splitting hairs though.
Thanks to Senf for checking the second part of 21a, the answer had to be what it was but that synonym would never have occurred to me. The 12a Back nag and the 18d Element were on the podium but 6d has to be the winner.
Thanks to RayT and again to Senf.
No indication for Americanism of 10a in the Big Red Book, Collins on-line indicates ‘mainly US’, and RD didn’t comment!
My Apple Mac dictionary app says informal North American English and my mobile Chambers says (US)! But of course I noted that RD didn’t say anything so I totally stand down, withdraw my remark and go and hide in a dark corner! ☺
Hi A-Pop
I’ve heard the term mentioned on these shores for a few years now.
So, I don’t think it needs an indicator.
For me, it brings on another US expression: “it really grinds my gears”, don’t know why, it just does!
Being a fan of shortening things, I, of course, love it.
I always think of thanking Pauline when I hear the full version of it.
I think it has mostly been said. Great guzzle, refined (despite Miss Abinger’s salacious mind) although I just don’t like the word at 18a – it seems a clumsy word. I’ve had a funny old week guzzlewise, a funeral, and a smart lunch in the magnificent Tudor Madingley Hall, blah blah all upset my routine and I did not do yesterday’s Xword until about 11pm – I must just say what a magnificent 1a anagram ! It just jumped out at me. All glory, laud and honour to all Setters and Hinters. 25a favourite today.
On driving duties again this morning so only just finished the puzzle. Another enjoyable RayTeaser with all the usual trademarks and amusement. The surface of 3d is superb together with a very subtle anagram indicator. The lurker at 15d was well hidden and this almost became my favourite but I have awarded COTD to the element of sadistic loathing at 18d.
Thank you, RayT for another fun challenge. I wish they came around more often. Thank you, Colonel for the hints.
I’m going to have to plant out my runner beans soon before they climb around the kitchen! 🌱
Brilliant, very enjoyable Thursday puzzle that I managed to complete in fairly short order very early this morning.
I then headed off to the great city of Birmingham where I delivered in the region of 500 pairs of used spectacles that I, and others, have collected over the past few months. The current Mrs offered to accompany me which meant a not very cost-effective diversion to John Lewis in Solihull on the way home!
After yesterday’s introduction to The Crimson Tome, I used it to full advantage today when my LLI (last letter in) was the opener to 27a. My education did not stretch to derivatives of Latin words.
A number of excellent clues, my favourite being – 11a
Many thanks to the setter and Senf for the hints.
Excellent though straightforward. */****
Of more interest today, I would say, are the fun and games over at the Guardian Cryptic. They are celebrating their 30,000th puzzle and there’s a trail of breadcrumbs leading from a nina in the quickie, to an acrostic in an editorial, to a multi-crossword nina spanning the last 30 cryptic crosswords which were prime numbers. Remarkable – this has been in the works for over a year! Worth a trip to fifteensquared.net to read how it played out in the comment section.
This was a lovely puzzle (I would say that as I completed it) in that it had so many entertaining clues with the usual trademarks and brevity. The lurkers were excellent, so good I nearly missed them. I needed the hints to parse 21a.
Many thanks to RayT and to Senf for the hints
Thanks to RayT and Senf. Probably the easiest and quickest solve we have had in a long time. Nevertheless it is well clued and was enjoyable. COTD 15d. LOI 27a.
A delightfully quick solve this morning when I ought to be leaving a Brighton cafe to go to work, and I thought ‘ok I’ll have a look and put in 5 clues before I go’ … and got the whole thing done.
Wasn’t aware of the hearty synonym in 20D, though easily solved. LOI was 17D which I only got by thinking of a word that fit the checkers, then I parsed it (enjoyed the Lego), wouldn’t have known the direct synonym.
Pody places go to 11D’s Queen record, 15D’s lurker which I enjoyed clocking (not punching) and 26A’s popular Bikini.
Many thanks to Ray T, always impressed by your compilation style, and to Senf ⭐️
Evening all. Many thanks to Senf for the review and to all who commented.
RayT
This is getting boring – thank you once again for a puzzle that was very enjoyable to solve and blog!
RayT, I don’t comment often, but have enjoyed/struggled with your crosswords for years. I am in awe of your talents! Many thanks for another cracker.
Yes at the lower end for difficulty but definitely at the high end for enjoyment. Plenty of schoolboy humour in evidence with a couple of nudes thrown in for good measure. As usual hard to pick a favourite but I’ll go with 18d. Thanks to Rayt and Senf.
Yes, a lot of fun today. Only real hold-up was in NW mainly due to not identifying 10a Americanism which hampered 8d. At least no obtuse anagram indicators. 21a bunged in as I couldn’t parse. Don’t really think of content of 13a strictly as vessel. Thank you RayT and Senf.
Really enjoyed this despite making hard work of it in the south.
Even a mild RayT is satisfying to solve unaided.
Thanks to all.
Very un-Thursday, but lots to like nonetheless.
Cotd has to be 11a as the first 4 words accurately describe the offerings of said band.
Thanks to all.