Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31260
Hints and tips by Falcon
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BD Rating – Difficulty * – Enjoyment ***
Greetings from my lakeside retreat near Ottawa, where I expect to spend the day relaxing in the warm sunshine following a cool, rainy weekend.
Today’s puzzle, a gentle mental exercise, eases us into our weekly solving schedule.
In the hints below, underlining identifies precise definitions and cryptic definitions, FODDER is capitalized, and indicators are italicized. The answers will be revealed by clicking on the ANSWER buttons.
Please leave a comment telling us what you thought of the puzzle.
Across
1a Broken bone starts to fuse rapidly and heal, taking time (8)
FRACTURE — the initial letters of (starts to) FUSE RAPIDLY AND followed by a synonym for heal containing (taking) the physics symbol for time
5a Married different relative (6)
MOTHER — the genealogical abbreviation for married and a word denoting different
9a Magnificent place in danger over tax, essentially (8)
IMPERIAL — a word meaning to place in danger containing (over) the middle letter (essentially) of TAX
10a King is repeatedly in predicament (6)
CRISIS — the regnal cipher of our current monarch and two instances (repeatedly) of IS
12a Speaker’s gruff command to scare away possible bringer of fortune (9)
HORSESHOE — sounds like (speaker’s) a synonym for gruff and a command to scare away
13a Additional section of flex trails (5)
EXTRA — a lurker hiding in (section of) the final two words of the clue
14a Employed American editor (4)
USED — abbreviations for American and editor
16a Progress in a tango perhaps absorbing Victor (7)
ADVANCE — the A from the clue and what tango is an example of containing (absorbing) the letter represented by Victor in the NATO phonetic alphabet
19a Paddle back alongside vessel for part of service (7)
WORSHIP — reverse (back) a synonym for paddle and place the result next to (alongside) a vessel that travels on water
21a Lamps seen regularly in alcove (4)
APSE — take an alternating sequence of letters (regularly) from the first two words of the clue
24a At no point damage nerve (5)
NEVER — an anagram (damage) of NERVE
25a In apartment, something that’s charged for rising prices (9)
INFLATION — string together IN from the clue, an apartment, and a particle that carries a charge
27a Charge into court after police officer (6)
INDICT — a shorter word for into and the map abbreviation for court bookend an abbreviated police officer
28a Incite no criminal to produce a stimulant (8)
NICOTINE — an anagram (criminal) of the first two words of the clue
29a Loosen edges of ladders’ supports (6)
EASELS — asynonym for loosen and the first and last letters (edges) of LADDERS
30a I throw mud at Sicilian, say (8)
ISLANDER — the I from the clue and throw mud at or defame
Down
1d Escape from loud match? (6)
FLIGHT — the abbreviated musical and an ignitable match
2d Praise unusual aim (6)
ASPIRE — an anagram (unusual) of PRAISE
3d Abrupt beginning to teaching Gaelic language (5)
TERSE — the initial letter of (beginning to) TEACHING and Irish Gaelic
4d Wine boxes every one got (7)
REACHED — a type of wine characterized by its colour contains (boxes) a word meaning every one (as opposed to everyone)
6d Resolve us? Resolve us! (9)
OURSELVES — an anagram (resolve) of US RESOLVE or perhaps of RESOLVE US; I leave it to the reader to resolve which resolve in the indicator and which resolve is part of the wordplay
7d Doubtful, wavering atheist receiving note (8)
HESITANT — an anagram (wavering) of ATHEIST containing (receiving) the academic footnote abbreviation for note
8d Revived a show, perhaps, that’s old after intermission (8)
RESTAGED — a synonym of old following (after) one for intermission
11d Gamble on a second classification (4)
BETA — another word for gamble precedes (on in a down clue) the A from the clue
15d Primarily smiling Prince Harry tours Morecambe, getting round (9)
SPHERICAL — the initial letters (primarily) of SMILING PRINCE and a diminutive of Harry wrap around the forename of comedian Morecambe/p>
17d A new silk could be elegant (8)
SWANLIKE — an anagram (could be) of the first three words of the clue
18d Supplies for five important days in Rome (8)
PROVIDES — link together a word that means for, the Roman numeral for five, and an important period on the Roman calendar
20d Picked up white bucket (4)
PAIL — sounds like (picked up by the ear) white or lacking colour
21d Raffia’s made into things (7)
AFFAIRS — an anagram (made into) of RAFFIAS
22d Felt sorry for Greek character on special diet (6)
PITIED — a letter of the Greek alphabet precedes (on in a down clue) an anagram (special) of DIET
23d Spend earnings retaining charm (6)
ENDEAR — a lurker in which the first two words of the clue are concealing (retaining) the answer
26d Fragrance of a European capital for its inhabitants (5)
AROMA — the A from the clue and the name by which a certain European capital is known by its inhabitants
What clue or clues stood out for you today. Let us know in the comments below.
Quickie pun:: KANT + HERB + BRIE + TAILS = CANTERBURY TALES
On This Day …
… in 1969, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts visited Brian Jones at his home in Cotchford Farm to discuss his future in the group. The Stones later issued a press statement saying that Brian was leaving The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones’ first hit following his departure was “Honky Tonk Women”. Released on July 4, 1969—just one day after Jones’ tragic death—the single became a massive global smash. It topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks starting in July and reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August but peaked at No. 2 in Canada.
There is a distinct chill in the air this morning, not at all what we might expect in June…the veg patch and fruit trees don’t seem to be suffering but the roses and hanging baskets aren’t enjoying it at all.
I find the daily crossword a bit like the garden….everyday is different, some parts go well while others are a problem and require a little help.
It’s Monday and I didn’t need any help today – a great mix of clues that were for the most part very straightforward – seven anagrams, straightforward lurkers and a few homophones presented plenty to think about but nothing too obscure.
My COTD was 12a with 15d as a close runner up
Many thanks to the setter and Falcon
A straightforward start to the week that didn’t cause any hiccups.
My podium is 10a, 27a and the clever 6d.
MTT Falcs and…..hmm…her, on a Monday, perhaps?
2*/3*
Good call, Tom. Heron has claimed ownership on Bluesky.
Get in! I’m on fire at the moment. I’ll enjoy the moment as the run will end soon.
I felt that some of the clues were her sort of constructions.
I didn’t find this guzzle as gentle as Falcon. It was a bit of a curate’s egg for me, with the clever lego clue at 15d being my COTD and the wily anagram at 4d being the runner up. Thanks to the compiler and to Falcon for the hints
Whilst I agree with Falcon I did look at his hints for which many thanks to fully comprehend 9,10 and 27d. The 5 anagrams and three lurkers helped a quick solve and my two favourites were 6 and 8 down. Thanks to our setter.
Oh, by the way, thank you for the dishwasher advice last week. The advice was followed and it worked. We now have a dishwasher functioning in a normal fashion. So, hooray for that.
Also hooray because I didn’t need any help today; thus a guzzle at my level.
A further hooray – three days until the World Cup. Lots of hoorays.
British people today: “Oh, will this rain never stop?!”
British people next weekend: “Oh, I can’t bear this heat. We need some rain, if only for the poor farmers.”
Thanks to the setter and The Bird Of Prey.
Congrats on the dishwasher, all the best for the rest of the kitchen!
Lovely crossword to brighten a damp Glos morning. 12a LOI and COTD
Many thanks to the setter and Falcon
Very gentle start to the week and lots of great clues. Particularly liked 19a and 6d with my clue of the day being 12a
I didn’t spot the anagram in 2d which slowed me up and then the big pile of pennies dropped.
I did enjoy this one
Thanks all
Definitely a Monday puzzle with mostly R&W, but 12a had me scratching the crumpet until I had all the checkers. 15d was the best of a fine bunch of clues and the aforementioned gruff command at 12a close behind.
My thanks to the setter and Falcon
1*/3*
A very gentle and pleasant puzzle to start the week – thanks to our setter and Falcon.
My podium selections are 9a, 12a and 15d.
The Rookie Corner puzzle by Wilman is fairly gentle and well worth a go.
12a&15d my pick of the clues in this one but unlike Croye Dave I’d have the double homophone as clear favourite. All over a bit too quickly really & nowt over in t’other place to tackle while the rain falls down.
Thanks to the setter & to Falcon
Nice and gentle start to the week. Much to like, but my cotd goes to 15d. Thanks to compiler and Falcon.
A relatively easy start to the week with a great variety of clues. Only one that I struggled with was the parsing of 15d. Realised what the answer was but couldn’t parse the ‘al’ ending. Thanks Falcon for explaining it. Even so it was one of my favourite clues, sharing the podium with 18d and 25a. Unsure of the setter, so will look in later to see if anyone claims ownership. Anyway, thanks to whoever did set this gem of a puzzle and to Falcon for the useful hints (enjoyed the cartoons!).
A fine example of a Monday puzzle – 1.5*/4.5*
Candidates for favourite – 19a, 29a, 6d, and 20d – and the winner is 20d.
Thanks to whomsoever and Falcon.
A very straightforward solve but with some very well crafted clues. I agree with Huntsman that it was over a bit too quickly but I’ve struggled hugely on days when other contributors have made the same comment so setting is obviously extremely subjective. 29A and 30A seem to be in vogue at the moment as well as 21A which appears to be a go to for a lot of setters. It’s the rainy season here, so we had our 30 minute thunderstorm along with the 5 minute powercut which stopped the air conditioning battling the 35 degree heat. My vote for COTD goes to 15D. Thanks to Falcon for the hints and to the setter.
Thai corner.
It’s my 3 year anniversary of my eastern adventure this month which prompted a review of some of the photos I have taken along the way. This one taken a shopping mall restaurant in my first week here amused me when I looked back at it.
Is that mistranslation, or just a refreshingly honest description? I’m reminded of Yes, Minister’s “emulsified high-fat offal tube” for sausages
It’s a refreshingly honest description. Which means I have never tried the dish in the three years I have been here.
This was pleasant enough without being overly taxing. The NW was the last quadrant to fall, with my final three to solve encased therein. My favourite was 18d.
My thanks to our Monday setter and Falcon.
1*/4*. This was light and fun – just right to brighten up a miserable and damp Monday in London.
I had ticks aplenty and I’ll just mention a few of those: 10a, 12a, 27a, 6d,15d & 18d.
Many thanks to the mystery setter and to Falcon.
I thought the expression R and W was banned here. A nice Crossword for a Monday. The Monday to Friday progression is one of the great things about DT Xwords, and is the best form of encouragement for those recently taking up the habit/hobby, and those for whom maybe a Friday is step too far but completing or nearly completing one from earlier in the week is an achievement to be proud of.
Our beloved founder had a very low opinion of that expression, including its abbreviated form, and if not banned its use was most strongly discouraged. There appears to be only one commenter using it on a regular basis at the moment.
Oh, apologies if I have broken the rules. I would only have learnt it here, but to my way of thinking it is descriptive of solving at the simpler end of the spectrum
Hi CD
I understand why it’s not encouraged as some people will never read and write a crossword.
So, writing R&W reminds them of that.
Point taken. I shall desist.
Good man.
A lovely puzzle with lots of great cluing.
The NW corner held out the longest.
Top picks for me were 15d, 12a, 18d and 6d.
Thanks to Falcon and the setter.
Decent Monday puzzle. Struggled with 17d as I couldn’t get “swankier” out of my head despite the fact it obviously doesn’t work. 1.5*/3.5*
P.S. I think the clue for 12a is a little off. The wordplay stops at “away” and is a homophone (“speaker’s”) of hoarse shoo.
Hi Anorak,
By the clear light of day, I thoroughly agree with your analysis (the hint has been amended accordingly). It’s amazing how much better the brain works after a good night’s sleep than it did at midnight the evening before.
* / ****
Very enjoyable and very quick. The only holdup was the NW, where I put “rallied” for 4d, which I think parses fine but prevented 9a and 12a going in for a short while.COTD went to the 25 rising prices as I like that kind of lego.
Many thanks to the setter and Falcon.
A PS to Saturday’ s “verbing” discussion with TDS65 that I didn’t have a chance to post. I have heard various sports people or TV presenters say things like “they ‘podiumed’” or “they ‘medalled’”. Let’s not get started on “winningest” and “three-peat”!!! Horrible, all of them!!
But ‘irregardless’, isn’t language a wonderful thing!! So now having caught the TDS65 etymology bug …
From Mr G: “While “podium” has historically been a noun, it began being used informally as a verb—primarily in the US”.
Even more from Mr G to completely blow me out of the water: “The noun “podium” officially became a verb in the 1940s, when journalists and writers began using it.”
1948 The OED and linguistic historians note the first recorded use of “podium” as a verb in the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine), where a writer stated, “I podiumed as I had never podiumed before”.
1992 The verb gained mainstream traction during the Winter Olympics. Australian aerial skier Kirstie Marshall used the term “podiumed” while providing television commentary, which caused quite a stir in newspapers like The Sydney Morning Herald.
2026 Over the decades, “to podium” became heavily entrenched in sports terminology. Lexicographers at Cambridge Dictionary now formally define it as meaning to come in first, second, or third in a sports competition.
Thank you for this, co-etymologist.
For some inexplicable reason, I’m okay with three-peat and medalled but not podiumed. Winningest, like irregardless, the adverb super and the exclamation pants, will never pass my lips.
“Rallied.” Likewise.
I also saw ‘rallied’ and really wanted to put it in. I agree with Alfiepops that the wordplay parses for it, but I couldn’t manage to think of how it could mean ‘got’, so fortunately I didn’t enter it.
Can one of you give me a sentence where ‘every’ and ‘all’ are synonymous as I’m sure you have one up your sleeve?
Impossible? Every means each one while all means everyone.
That’s what I thought.
Thank you, squire.
Fair point. They felt like synonyms, but I see they aren’t actually interchangeable. Well, except in something like:
“This is the pen for {every/all} unsheared sheep.”
… but that’s cheating, because it wouldn’t work with goats!
I can’t quite do that but “I rallied the troops” and “I got the troops” is close although I agree would not be common parlance.
Wouldn’t ‘got’ need to be followed by ‘together’?
I would have thought so otherwise “I got the troops” could well be a medical condition. 😊
Love it.
A great post to finish today’s proceedings.
A demain!
As others have said, a very enjoyable start to the week although the NW proved a tough nut to crack until 9a arrived. I thought the desperate pleas at 6d were very clever as was the different relative at 5a. I had the wrong second part of 12a for a while and that further held up the NW. My COTD is the broken bone at 1a.
Thank you, setter for a great start to the week. Thank you, Falcon for the hints.
Sunny but windy in The Marches today.
Seemed a little trickier this Monday, but maybe it’s me.
Lots to like. Took me until the end of the puzzle to tackle and finish the NW area.
2*/3.5*
Favourites 16a, 19a, 1d, 15d, 21d & 22d — with co-winners 16a & 15d
Smiles for 19a, 24a, 20d & 22d
Thanks to setter & Falcon
A fun Monday puzzle. Thank you to Heron, and to Falcon. My top few were the 12a gruff command, being charged for rising prices in 25a, the 30a mud-thrower, and the 26d capital for its inhabitants.
We had good fortunate this weekend in escaping forecast rain at times we were outside: Lightning Seeds performing at Ilkley Tennis Club on Friday evening and swimming in Ingleton Pool yesterday afternoon — on both occasions we expected rain but were spared it.
How did you find The Lightning Seeds? Saw them last year and was really looking forward to it but whilst loads of ‘good’ songs none really jumped out on the evening. And they often refuse to play Three Lions. Personal view was slightly underwhelming but maybe them or me was just not in the mood!! 🤷🏻♂️
Hi, Rog. I most recently saw them about a year and a half ago, and the main bonus this time was not having to leave before the end after learning one of my children was in A&E! And also that they were playing somewhere a conveniently short walk from our house.
Personally I’d prefer they didn’t play 3 Lions, because it doesn’t really feel like a Lightning Seeds song to me, more of a football chant with a separate life of its own (and I’m not into football). But obviously this close to a football world cup, they had to. Ian Brodie changed line to “sixty years of hurt”.
They played all their hits and well-known songs that I was expecting, and played them well, giving the impression that they cared about putting on a good performance and were appreciative of their fans. They finished with The Life of Riley, with great enthusiasm from the crowd and most of the band. The one exception, who looking largely nonplussed at being there and playing this anthem to an appreciative crowed, was the guitarist — one Riley Brodie, who as a baby was the subject of the song, but for some reason seemed a little awkward about now being a grown-up and standing on stage next to his dad while hundreds of strangers sang about him!
A surprise highlight was the newest song they played, Emily Smiles, which I’d forgotten about. It was co-written with Terry Hall of The Specials shortly before he died:
Glad you enjoyed. Wasn’t questioning musicianship, and agree, on reflection, Life of Riley prob my standout, with its Match of the Day links it certainly hooked me in. Riley was playing when i saw them. Hadn’t heard Emily Smiles but v reminiscent of their earlier work so thanks for introducing.
A bit trickier today than some recent Mondays but still highly enjoyable. I also had 1a as my favourite.
Many thanks to the setter and to Falcon for the hints.
A lot of fun, with COTD going to 15d. Perfect start to the week.
Many thanks to Heron and to Falcon
Going great guns until I hit a brick wall in the NE corner. Not helped by the falling into the trap at 4d, which completely messed things up. So Falcon’s hints needed to clarify where I had gone wrong.
Again, no real stand our clues but will go with 1a and 15d.
Thank you to the setter and to Falcon for the hints.
That should read the NW corner.
This was a gentle start to the week and enjoyable. I had the same word blindness as Anorak , actually checking to see if ‘swankile’ was a word – oh my days, I am going bananas! Anyway thanks so much to Heron and to Falcon .
Definitely a Monday offering but with a few thrown in to make you think and piece the clue together.
Thanks to all.
Falcon – Hope you dont mind me asking but is gental one of those random US spellings or was it just past your bedtime!!
I may have mashed together gentle and mental
You may notice that I have rephrased the sentence to fabricate the possibility of the foregoing excuse being plausible.
I agree with Jenny M a gentle start to the week. Lots to like and COTD 15d. Last corner to fall was the NW. Many thanks to the Setter and Falcon.
Absolute doddle today! Thanks for setter for an enjoyable quick solve. Only needed a pen and paper to work out 17d!
Supertramp providing today’s tunes 🎸
Good choice! Love a bit of Supertramp, Goodbye Stranger a favourite.
A lovely Monday cruise – except for getting very stuck on 12A 🙈, I’ll blame it on lunchtime haste.
Pody picks are … 12A! 6D’s resolution and 17A’s lovely word I haven’t heard before.
Will also mention 11D, I put that in my own quickie crossword draft today and wasn’t sure if it should stay, now it does 🙂
Many thanks to setter and to Falcon ⭐️
Unlike yesterday when I was early I have only just done the guzzle having had a rather dissolute day. All went well apart from the top left hand corner where 1a and 1d stumped me (note crickety term). Thanks for the clue I just needed a nudge. I don’t remember seeing 5a before although it is so simple. Many thanks to both Setter and Falcon.
2*/3* …
liked 30A “I throw mud at Sicilian, say (8)”