Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31297
Hints and tips by Huntsman
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty * Enjoyment ***/****
A ‘typically Tuesdayish’ & perfectly enjoyable Anthony Plumb puzzle that I’d rate on a par with yesterday’s offering in terms of difficulty.
Though I haven’t had a chance to look at it yet I see Hudson is on duty over in t’other place so that’ll be a puzzle guaranteed to be a good ‘un & well worth checking out if seeking a further challenge. Don’t let the Toughie title put you off as generally the Tuesday offerings are no more difficult than the back-pagers near the end of the week.
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 More carefree bloke all but leader (7)
LIGHTER: remove the initial letter (all but leader) from a synonym for bloke or fellow – the term is nowadays probably more associated with a description of someone who is disliked.
5a Expression of defiance from drunkard in this place (2,5)
SO THERE: split your answer 3,4 linking a term for a drunkard with an adverb for ‘in this place’.
9a Identical thing potential Oxford student fills in? (7)
UNIFORM: again split your answer 3,4 giving you something an applicant for a place at a further education establishment might have to fill in. The definition synonym is a tad loose arguably.
10a Scotch tape dad adjusted (7)
ADAPTED: an anagram (scotch) of TAPE DAD.
11a Sexy, naked and broody, dear? (9)
EXPENSIVE: [s]EX[y] (remove outer letters/naked) + an adjective meaning broody.
12a Box holding legionary’s second weapon (5)
SPEAR: insert (holding) the 2nd letter of the clue’s 3rd word into a verb meaning to box/have fisticuffs.
13a Flower pot’s bottom split (5)
TRENT: [po]T (last letter/bottom) + a synonym for split/fissure. The definition context of flower is a cryptic favourite & nowt to do with flora.
15a Find dance music jolly (9)
DISCOVERY: link a popular form of dance music with a synonym for jolly in the context of extremely/highly.
17a You might hit this snag, almost, with racehorse (5,4)
SNARE DRUM: use SNA[g] (almost) from the clue then link with probably the most well-known horse of all time & winner of the Grand National an unprecedented three times in the 70s.
19a Swiss archer’s orders (5)
TELLS: William’s surname + the possessive.
22a Benefit from dog scratching bishop (5)
ASSET: remove the chess piece abbreviation (scratching B[ishop]) from a dog breed.
23a Tom may go in this vehicle that moves earth and rubbish (3,6)
CAT LITTER: link an abbreviated term for a piece of heavy-duty construction machinery with a synonym for rubbish.
25a Fat bear is regularly wanting supplies of food (7)
LARDERS: the semi-solid white fat product obtained from a pig + the alternate letters (regularly wanting) of the 2nd & 3rd words in the clue.
26a This writer is against a certain course of action (7)
MEASURE: link a personal pronoun for ‘this writer’ with A from the clue & a synonym for certain.
27a Law they broke getting rich (7)
WEALTHY: an anagram (broke) of LAW THEY.
28a Moving screen – unknown actors stand in front of this (7)
SCENERY: an anagram (moving) of SCREEN then append a mathematical unknown.
Down
1d Most flamboyant ruffian hugging some Parisian (7)
LOUDEST: a term for a ruffian/yob goes around (hugging) the French for ‘some’.
2d Look good with simple changes (7)
GLIMPSE: the single letter for G[ood] + an anagram (changes) of SIMPLE.
3d Spike Milligan’s conclusion supporting Norse god (5)
THORN: the last letter (conclusion) of Milliga[N] goes beneath (supporting/down clue) the hammer-wielding god in Norse mythology.
4d Name rider developing balance (9)
REMAINDER: an anagram (developing) of NAME RIDER.
5d Milky drink Arab leader picked up (5)
SHAKE: a homophone of a term for an Arab leader.
6d Ship rehearses leaving current harbour (9)
TRANSPORT: remove (leaving) the letter representing electric current in physics from a synonym for rehearses then append another word for harbour.
7d Radical former lover Mike found in plane (7)
EXTREME: start with the usual for a former lover then insert M[ike] (NATO alphabet) into ‘plane’ – in this instance not airborne but rather firmly rooted to the ground.
8d Old tree duly reduced by 50 per cent (7)
ELDERLY: a species of tree + [du]LY (reduced by 50%). Bit of a shame maybe that one directly follows the previous clue.
14d Celebration on hospital department after male’s medical care (9)
TREATMENT: not the first synonym to spring to mind for celebration followed by the M[ale] & the usual hospital department for upstairs issues.
16d Occasionally so meek, oddly, on X (9)
SOMETIMES: link SO from the wordplay with the alternate letters (oddly) of M[e]E[k] followed by (on/above in a down clue) a synonym for X in a mathematical context.
17d Wife enthralled by yellowish bird (7)
SWALLOW: an adjective meaning yellowish or unhealthily pale goes around (enthralled by) the single letter for W[ife] in genealogy.
18d Gold ridge somewhere in Central Europe (7)
AUSTRIA: the chemical element for gold + a synonym for ridge that I was unfamiliar with – contexts can include geology, anatomy & architecture.
20d Large boat nearly capsized by rear of the iceberg? (7)
LETTUCE: kick off with the single letter for L[arge] then add a truncated reversal (nearly/capsized in a down clue) of nautical vessel & end with the last letter (rear) of [th]E. The question mark indicates definition by example.
21d Guys are dancing around Romeo? Not a thing you normally get in theatre (7)
SURGERY: insert (around) R[omeo] (NATO alphabet) into an anagram (dancing) of GUYS [a]RE (not A).
23d Copper sitting on throw is comfortable (5)
CUSHY: the chemical element symbol for copper + a synonym for throw – think coconuts.
24d Weasel inside that is foaming at he mouth (5)
IRATE: insert a synonym for weasel in the context of a derogatory term for an untrustworthy individual or sneak between the usual two letter abbreviation for ‘that is’.
Pick of the clues for me today is the neat surface at 20d & I’ll award podium places to 17&23a. I also liked the Quickie pun which took me an embarrassingly long time to peg.
Today’s Quick crossword pun: JOB + IDE + ERNE = JOE BIDEN
For whatever reason I don’t seem to listen to the Rolling Stones that often but I’ve been working my way through my pretty extensive playlist of late having been mightily impressed with the recent release of their 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues. Here’s one of the many terrific tunes off the album featuring Macca on bass – who says 80 yr olds can’t rock though I doubt they can still do the splits like our Daisy.
Another smashing Tuesday offering from the professor. For some weird and wonderful reason, I put an extra “H” in the answer to 27a and this held up Devon and Cornwall for a time. The sexy, naked dear at 11a was suitably smile inducing and the legionary’s second weapon was very neat. With ticks all over the paper it’s difficult to choose a one for the top spot but I will go for where Tom goes at 23a.
Thank you, AP for a nicely pitched puzzle for a Tuesday. Thank you, Hintsman for the hunts and thanks for the heads up on Hudson. 👍
I couldn’t, for the life of me, get the Quickie pun.
Good morning, comrade.
May I ask how the ‘scopy’s went yesterday?
Talking of which, I saw this online over the weekend…
Yes I knew those, Tom being in the medical profession and we use a number of these for root canal treatment – pulpectomy, pulpotomy etc.
I wasn’t going to say anything but, as you have asked, I have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Now the whole whirlwind of appointments and scans will take place. However, I am quite upbeat about it and life goes on. I will be at the bash on Saturday so long as I have not been called in. 👍😊
Sorry to hear that, Steve. Glad you’re upbeat and up for the fight! All the best and see you on Saturday, I hope.
Thanks, AP and, yes, I will be there unless I am called in.
I hesitated before asking as you hadn’t said anything. Please accept my apologies for putting you in a predicament. I should know better.
I am so sorry to hear the news. Let’s hope it’s been caught early enough.
I’ll be thinking of you…..a lot.
It’s not a problem, Tom. I’m not hiding it from my friends and workmates so you didn’t put me in a predicament at all. I should have had the investigation about two years ago but my wife, Lesley, was terminally ill and bed ridden.
I’m not going to burden the blog with it because this is a happy, extremely friendly place to visit every day and I have no wish to dampen that spirit. 😊
….or should that be ‘damp that spirit’.
A good attitude from you as is to be expected. You’re a top man.
No, Tom spirits are always watered but if you are a Scot the only thing that is permissible to add to scotch is another scotch. 😊
I was having a bit of fun with yesterday’s answer.
Not my best, admittedly.
Steve, I wish you all the very best, your positive approach to life will have you dancing in the streets in time for the rains arriving. GP
Try and stop me!! 🤣
Sorry to hear that Steve. Take care of yourself and know that your ‘family’ here are thinking of you.
Thank you, Madflower.
At the risk of offending, I will be remembering you in my prayers. Does it help? I like to think so. 🥰
It does, DG and I am not in the least bit offended. 🌹
Oh golly Steve, have just read this string, as Madflower said above, ‘this family’ is thinking of you. Talk to Hudson, I’m sure he’s a great listener
Thank you, Manders and I know the “family” will be with me. This blog is more than just about crosswords.
I had the same diagnosis in 2018 and I’m glad to say after I had two operations I have been well ever since. I must say I had the best treatment by everyone in the hospital so I hope you will find the same. I will be thinking of you.
Thank you, Bijou and I’m pleased you are now clear. Hopefully, I will be saying the same thing in the not too distant future. 👍
That’s great to read, Bijou. I’m sure you’ve been on a journey.
As a fellow crossword solver, health professional (former pharmacist) and bellringer, I send you best wishes. My partner has recently been declared clear of lower bowel cancer, albeit with three-monthly follow-ups. It can be beaten, especially with your positive attitude.
Thanks, Phil – I developed my pragmatic attitude to these things when I went into liver failure 27 years ago. I decided I would take whatever they put me through in order to get it sorted. My liver transplant is now 26 years old.
very best wishes from me too Steve.
Thank you, banksie. 👍
Knew something was afoot when my emails showed 60 comments.
Very sorry to hear your news Steve. Trust & hope that you receive the prompt treatment that delivers the right outcome. No need to say chin up fella as your attitude to this latest ordeal speaks volumes.
Sorry I won’t get to see you in Brum – I’m on starter duties at the member comp for spots in the following week’s pro-am that precedes the PIF Ladies tournament.
Thank you, Andy. Sorry you won’t be there on Saturday but we’ll catch up in London early next year.
Gosh SC sorry to hear that. I wish you all the best with procedures and treatments. Whilst most of us don’t know each other in real life , our shared interest is a bond – ‘family’ someone else said. So don’t worry about saying what’s going on with you here.
So sorry to hear your news, but as everyone has said, with modern medical intervention and a positive attitude it can be beaten. Look forward to meeting you on Saturday.
Thank you, CD. I will definitely be there on Saturday so look forward to meeting you as well. 👍
Thank you, Jenny m. 😊
Thinking of you and sending best wishes for successful and speedy treatment
Thank you, MTF. the colorectal nurse has rung me already. She tells me she is going to be with me for the next five years!
So sorry to hear that Steve. You are in my thoughts.
Andy
Thank you, Andy. I really am touched by all the messages.
Best wishes and good luck from me too, Steve, as a bowel cancer survivor.
Thank you, SarahBS – I’m pleased to hear you came through it. I intend doing so myself once all the information has been gathered and I can see the way forward. 👍
I am a relative newbie in here and you all have made me feel very welcome so no hesitation in adding my best wishes to everyone else’s. As has been said we may not know one another irl but the community spirit is strong
Thank you, SC and I’m so pleased you are settling in to the blog. Some of us do know each other because we meet at the get togethers such as the one in Birmingham this Saturday. You are right about the community spirit and there is absolutely no other blog that can compare with Big Dave. You should come along to one of them because they are fun and, while we don’t know each other personally on the blog, we soon realise that everyone is just as friendly in person.
Best wishes from me too Steve. You’ve been a stalwart on this blog for years and I’m sure it will continue for years more. You’re a good man.
That is kind of you,Taylor – thank you. 😊
A friend of mine is having treatment at the moment and all is going well. Hope all goes well for you, too. Stay positive. All best wishes.
Thank you, JT. When it comes to these things, I do stay positive. To not do so is tantamount to admitting defeat. 👍
Wishing you the very best Steve, and I truly believe that your positive attitude will really help you come out the other side free and clear. Wish I could be there on Saturday to give you a hug. I am sure Leslie is looking down on you and pulling some strings on your behalf.
Thank you, BL and I would love a hug from you. I will content myself with the lovely watercolour you did of my cottage, which hangs on the kitchen wall opposite where I sit.
Sending you best wishes , Steve and hope your treatment goes well
Thank you, Tyro.
A pleasant and not too challenging solve with the percussion at 17a my favourite. Thanks very much to the setter and to Huntsman for the tunes etc. That Stones track is surprisingly good and may cause me to depart from my usual stance regarding Stones albums featuring Ronnie Wood (not that I have anything against him, just the material). They were brilliant in Hyde Park a few years ago.
A most excellent puzzle from Il professore who, in my eyes, is the master of surfaces as he rarely constructs a duff one (great word ‘duff’)
I didn’t know that 1a can mean a run of the mill geezer as opposed to a Terry-Thomas and I didn’t know the ridge in 18d..
ELO’s keyboardist, Richard Tandy, put a hyphen between the two words of their album called 15a as he felt it was too influenced by the Bee Gees genre.
I’ve been known to do a number one against trees and fences on my way home from various battleship cruisers over the years but never in a 23a.
I’ve always liked that ‘the law’ is an anagram of 27a without the last letter. So, I enjoyed that one.
My picks are 17a, 5d (getting the racehorse and Mr Milligan in answers is brilliant) and 20d which was nicely thought out.
MTTTA and Hoots (great clips, as always)
1*/5*
As usual for a Tuesday, this was a swift and entertaining solve, with 17a my favourite from an impressively wide selection.
Many thanks to both AP and The Hintsman.
Always enjoy the professor’s offerings and this was good fun. Lots to trip up on but no calamitous falls. My favourite was 23 across although I did not know of the abbreviation. Just one spelling mistake but it was not a checker so did not hold up the solve.
Many thanks all round.
Good puzzle today with no hold ups so could finish in bed with my cuppa (pity the milk was off!). No particular favourites but lovely concise cluing. Quite chilly here but I am not complaining. I know we are not meant to be political but am astonished at the cost of Mrs Burnham’s dress by Victoria Beckham, I thought it was positively frumpish and didn’t seem to fit. The M & S one the day before was much nicer!
I have never tried fitting into a Victoria Beckham dress, and it isn’t on my bucket list, but I feel that I too, like Mrs Burnham, would struggle for a good fit.
This was a groovy guzzle. Glever glueing. Most enjoyable to solve it.
Thanks to Plumb Bob and Andy On The First Tee
Terence, I think you would have to be a stick insect to fit into a VB dress and that is certainly not me!
A slight step up in difficulty from yesterday but very entertaining – thanks to our setter and Huntsman.
Top clues for me were 11a, 23a and 20d.
An excellent puzzle. Totally stumped by 20d !! For 16d, I think it is the whole of the second word (so) from the clue plus the alternate letters of the third word ……
An excellent puzzle. Totally stumped by 20d !! For 16d, I think it is the whole of the second word (so) from the clue plus the alternate letters of the third word ……
Of course it is Mike. Thanks – now amended.
Think I was thinking more about the music clip I was going to attach rather than what I was ✍️.
Probably Typically Tuesdayish but difficult to judge as, once again, I proved that multi-tasking is a most inefficient way of accomplishing anything! This time, I was solving and trying to watch University Challenge which some kind person uploads to YouTube an hour or two after it has been aired on BBC2. So an estimate of the assessment – 1.5*/4.5*
Candidates for favourite – 5a, 11a, 13a, 17a, 20d, and 21d – and the winner is 11a.
Thanks to Mr Plumb and Huntsman.
P.S. For me, etc©, Hudson very enjoyable but quite challenging for the first Toughie of the week.
Cross with myself for looking for an obscure alternative term for an iceberg( of the type found in water) Apropos 22a I live in town whose name includes Bassett ; the local nursery is called All Sorts and has the familiar sweet character on the sign.
There was a very tricky Bertie Bassett question on Only Connect last night, you not only had to know what different allsorts were called but where they appeared on Bertie’s anatomy
Love the nursery name, LH!
An enjoyable and gentle puzzle on a par with yesterday’s offering. I’d never seen the Terence Trent D’Arby video before , and it made feel quite sad. I am mixed race – my Dad was from Barbados coming to UK to serve in the RAF during the war. He was a big activist on many counts including race relations , attaining an MBE for which I am proud , and I know he would be disappointed with the state of the nation if he were alive today….The Dance of the knights cheered me up though. I do love to see men in tights ! Thanks to Anthony Plumb and Huntsman.
What a wonderful story, Jenny. You have every right to be proud of your Dad. 👍
Now, where are my tights?
An MBE? Go dad!
Respect.
Thanks SC and TDS. Tights maybe a bit hot for today😀
1*/5*. Possibly my all-time favourite AP back-pager.
With ticks aplenty, 11a, 13a, 15a, 23a & 21d are my top picks.
Many thanks to AP and to Hintsman.
* / *****
Lovely puzzle, fantastically clued and a fair dollop of humour thrown in. Its was over very quickly but that didn’t spoil it. Podium places went to the defiant drunkard at 5a, the jolly dance found at 15 an and my COTD, Tom’s doings at 23a! A special mention to the naked sexy dear at 11a too.
Many thanks to the Professor and Huntsman.
A lovely Tuesday puzzle with an abundance of great clues. I didn’t know the ridge but it had to be that.
Top picks for me were 23a, 20d, 22a, 3d and 7d.
Thanks to Huntsman and Mr Plumb.
I’d agree with Huntsman, this was on a par with yesterday. The only problems today were at 1a where I had to check that the full word was indeed an old fashioned description of a “bloke” and 18d, I was OK with Gold, guessed the rest and was surprised to find it in the dictionary – not a word I was familiar with.
COTD – where the cat goes 23a.
Thanks to AP, another setter that I am beginning to recognise and enjoy. Thanks also to Huntsman for the hints.
On a totally different topic but still puzzle related. Does anyone else think the words in Wordle are becoming more and more bizarre?
Yes I do Steve, more Americanisms. I did it in 5 today but was lucky and looked in the dictionary to see if it was a real word!
5 for me, also, Manders and that was by pure fluke. Never heard of the word.
Nor me ended my streak😥
I agree, Steve. Spoils the daily enjoyment.
I managed to save my streak with a 5 and that was after getting to SKILL in 3. Having already eliminated P and T. SWILL went in at 4, but needed the BRB to find the only other contender. Dastardly NYT curator.
You are absolutely right, odder and odder. Just when I think “well it can’t be that, it is”. I don’t think they are all Americanisms though, or I have missed them in the 44 years we have lived here.
I have my book group coming at 2 and have been scrubbing up for them even making scones do non chance of guzzling until later. But I’ve just popped in to have Terencian rant about the Wordle word today. Who has ever heard of it? I’ve lost my long streak. I cannot be the only one. ☹️ I seek solace in discussing my book which is the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers!
Lord knows what Tracy (no e *) Bennett is thinking at the moment.
Her low point was assay last year. But, she was running out of words. Now that she is repeating them, there’s no need for pshaw, butte and today’s nonsense.
I’m guessing her argument is that she wants to educate people. Wordle isn’t the place for that as she’ll lose people, especially those whose vocabulary isn’t the broadest. Wordle should hook people into the world of words. That’s it.
She needs to be careful lest she gets the Spanish archer (El bow).
* I sound like Steve Wright
Solved in between various jobs and excursions which didn’t help the concentration, but got there in the end. 5d gets cotd for the smile factor alone. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
Didn’t seem to be a Typical Tuesday puzzle for me today … trickier than a usual AP offering I thought
2*/3*
Favourites 19a, 22a, 23a, 3d & 16d — with winner 22a
Thanks to AP & Huntsman
Great guzzle today. Lots of favourites
Thanks to both setter and hinter.
Thanks to AP and Huntsman. Back after taking a break from doing the crossword. Good to get the brain cells working again! COTD 9a. LOI 20d.
Pedantry brought me to comment today … the Swiss gentleman in 19a was an arbalist not an archer!
However, in light of Steve’s comments and diagnosis above it all pales into insignificance.
… been for investigation myself not particularly pleasant but pleased to get an all clear.
Keep on commenting Steve.
You bet! 👍
That’s for imparting that pearl of wisdom, BE. I now know what an arbalist is.
Having done a bit of research, I see that it derives from the Latin arcus (like archer) and the Greek ballo, meaning to throw. So, I’m not sure why they felt the need to call someone using it a different name to archer.
I suppose AP felt that using the word arbalist would throw people, so to speak. Setters are always allowed a bit of latitude when cluing.
Thank you again.
… not to the pedant!🤣
Good shout.
Have you dipped your toe in that world or are you a logophile?
The usual Tuesday quality with the Oxford student as a great clue. All best wishes to Steve for a fast recovery, and thank you compiler and Huntsman
Now to comment on the puzzle having completed it a round of golf ago. A really enjoyable offering from AP with some LOL moments, particularly the place Tom goes and the snagged racehorse. I took a punt on the second part of 18d, but it couldn’t really be anything else.
Very many thanks to AP and Huntsman.
2*/4*
A very entertaining Tuesday puzzle with 23a my favourite and 20d my last in but then I had to laugh at how slow I had been.
Many thanks to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints
Got there in the end without the need to resort to the hints or any other reference after having got bogged down by a couple in the SE corner, Tom’s facility and the Iceberg. As usual a moment’s inspiration and the final letters slotted into place.
Favourites today were 11a, 13, 17a and my COTD 20d.
Thank you to the setter and to Huntsman for the hints.
Lovely puzzle, with the iceberg at 20D my favourite. VMT to the Prof and the Huntsman.
Very enjoyable Tuesday fare a couple of trickier ( for me) clues in the SE corner the 20d iceberg and 26a course of action
Having finished the puzzle I think the tricky 20d is my COTD
I am sat up in our gin terrace and all I can hear are sheep baaing (is that a word) and the odd tractor sound. I think this good weather is about to end for us in Yorkshire.
Thanks all
An excellent puzzle which I found a fair bit knottier than usual. I’m giving my prize to 11a, but it’s only one of a good crop. And with Hudson’s beauty on the inside pages, we’ve been royally spoilt today.
Thanks to our Setter and Huntsman. I was nowhere near guessing the tunes, although I was on the right lines for 17a’s illustration.
Thoroughly enjoyed this Tuesday masterpiece. Having returned from this morning’s upper endoscopy slightly dozy I was more than surprised to be able to finish almost on my own. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
I’m in the ‘not so straightforward camp’ due to the excellent misdirection, many had me barking up the wrong tree, and that quite a few synonyms were not the first to spring to mind. An enjoyable if tricky solve. Numerous contenders for favourite but I’ll go with 23a. Thanks to AP and Huntsman.
1.5* / 4.5* A terrific Tuesday puzzle. Favourites the ornithological 17d, one of my favourite countries at 18d and the 15a find
Best wishes to Steve, and thanks to Huntsman and compiler,
Was hoping today’s puzzle would see me home on the train from The Oval but all done and dusted by halfway! Thanks to both.
Not on the wavelength at all today. Two passes and only had a couple that i have put the checkers in for.
Bizarre that a * can be impenetrable for some.
Thanks to all.
Loving the song choices as always.
The early clues didn’t hit home, had more success in NE via the downers, then the rest quickly followed. I needed to check the ridge definition of 18D, not a word I’m that familiar with.
Pody choices are 11A’s Lego, 25A’s foodie bear and the simplicity of 2D.
Thanks to setter and Huntsman ⭐️