Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31340
Hints and Tips by Deansleigh
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BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****
Good morning everyone, and welcome to the midweek back-pager blog. For me, this was the hardest puzzle of the week so far, but not too tricky for a Wednesday. Amongst my favourite clues today were 9a, 12a and 20d, but first place goes to the Northampton cobblers in 8d. Many thanks to our setter.
In the hints below the definition element of each clue has been underlined, anagrams are CAPITALISED and indicator words (e.g. anagram indicators) are in brackets. The answers are concealed under the Click Here buttons.
Across clues
1a Dicky gave somebody a shiner, we hear (5,3)
BLACK TIE: This term for formal neckwear is a homophone (we hear) of a phrase split (7,3) that could mean ‘gave somebody a shiner’.
5a France against trapping a large bird of prey (6)
FALCON: The International Vehicle Registration code for France and a synonym of ‘against’ (as in pro and ***) are around (trapping) ‘a’ from the clue and the abbreviation for ‘large’.
9a Pest controller visiting ristorante at Ercolano? (8)
ANTEATER: Hidden (visiting) in the last three words of the clue.
10a Head doctor stops to grieve (6)
BEMOAN: The abbreviation for ‘medical officer’ is inside (stops) an informal word for a head.
12a Paris: dire, ramshackle state of dilapidation (9)
DISREPAIR: An anagram (ramshackle) of PARIS DIRE.
13a Fruit marked with spots after peeling (5)
APPLE: A word meaning ‘marked with spots’ without its first and last letters (after peeling).
14a Duke, most eminent, ignores King (4)
FIST: Take a word meaning ‘most eminent’ and remove the abbreviation for Rex (ignores King) to reveal a body part for which ‘duke’ is an informal synonym.
16a Camden group regularly dances during religious service (7)
MADNESS: The alternate letters (regularly) of ‘dances’ inside a church service. This ska/pop band formed in Camden Town in 1976.
19a Temporary sleeping accommodation affected teaching grad (4-3)
CAMP BED: A synonym of ‘affected’ (i.e. theatrical or exaggerated) and the abbreviation for a Bachelor of Education.
21a Retired dull Welsh versifier (4)
BARD: A synonym of ‘dull’, spelt backwards (retired).
24a Load front of container ship skippered by Jason (5)
CARGO: The first letter (front) of ‘container’, and the name of a ship in Greek mythology.
25a It hinders cricketer getting run in a defeat (9)
ALBATROSS: A word that can mean a cricketer (as in opening ***) and the cricketing abbreviation for ‘run’ are inside ‘a’ from the clue and a synonym of ‘defeat’.
27a Broke edges of lace undergarment (6)
BUSTLE: A synonym of ‘broke’ and the outer letters (edges) of ‘lace’.
28a Languedoc serf Lafarge sent back outside in the fresh air (8)
ALFRESCO: Reversed (sent back) and hidden in the first three words of the clue.
29a Dog commercial featured in TV programme (6)
SHADOW: An informal word for a commercial or advertisement inside a word that can mean a TV programme.
30a Gut feeling mum ignored in Main Street in Connecticut (8)
INSTINCT: Remove an informal word for ‘mum’ from ‘main’ (mum ignored), then add the abbreviation of ‘street’, ‘in’ from the clue, and the abbreviation for Connecticut.
Down clues
1d Trademark Yankee spirit (6)
BRANDY: A synonym of ‘trademark’, and the letter represented by Yankee in the NATO phonetic alphabet.
2d Discharged arrogant trial witness (6)
ATTEST: The outer letters (discharged) of ‘arrogant’, and another word for a trial or exam.
3d Jack the serving-boy (5)
KNAVE: A double definition. ‘Jack’ here is a playing card.
4d Nice tax breaks? That’s not quite true (7)
INEXACT: An anagram (breaks) of NICE TAX.
6d Typically bitter Times article on the German leader (9)
ALEXANDER: A drink of which ‘bitter’ is a typical example, the symbol for ‘times’ (i.e. ‘multiplied by’) in maths, and the indefinite article are followed by (on, in a down clue) a German word for ‘the’.
7d One dishing out chips at the table? (8)
CROUPIER: A cryptic definition. The table is in a casino.
8d New import started by leading couple of Northampton cobblers (8)
NONSENSE: Begin with the abbreviation for ‘new’, add a synonym for import/meaning, then put the first two letters (leading couple) of ‘Northampton’ at the beginning (started by).
11d Hastily study introduction to computer memory (4)
CRAM: The first letter of (introduction to) ‘computer’, and the acronym for random access memory in computing.
15d Running oil rig with Mob complicated business (9)
IMBROGLIO: An anagram (running) of OIL RIG MOB.
17d Want to get on the rocks? You’ll need these (3,5)
ICE CUBES: A cryptic definition of an accompaniment to an alcoholic drink.
18d In the morning, brothers served up first-class delicious food (8)
AMBROSIA: The abbreviation for ‘ante meridiem’ (in the morning), the abbreviation for ‘brothers’, and a term for first class (with a digit changed to a letter) spelt backwards (served up, in a down clue).
20d Clubs backing out of transfer agreement (4)
DEAL: The abbreviation for ‘clubs’ in cards is removed from (backing out of) another word for a transfer or sticker.
21d Little ‘un, alone, exposed in the old city (7)
BABYLON: A word for a very young child, and the word ‘alone’ with its outer letters removed (exposed).
22d Firm employing no good family member (6)
COUSIN: An abbreviation of another word for a firm, and a synonym of ’employing’ without the abbreviation for ‘good’.
23d Guard key soldiers back in Aldershot (6)
ESCORT: The key at the top left of a computer keyboard, the usual abbreviation for soldiers/other ranks, and the last letter of (back in) ‘Aldershot’.
26d Sailor unloaded outermost deck (5)
TAROT: One of the usual synonyms for a sailor, and the first and last letters (unloaded) of ‘outermost’.
Which clues did you like best? Let us know in the comments below.
The Quick Crossword pun: FILLY + PINOT = FILIPINO
Sufficient chewiness for a Wednesday but very doable. The Lego homophone at 1a was neat and I didn’t know the 16a group came from Camden, although clear from the wordplay, but my COTD is the 6d leader.
Many thanks to the setter and Ade English
1*/3*
1* for a chewy crossword, CD?
I presume it’s a 1* for a Wednesday as opposed to in general?
A relatively mild but very enjoyable challenge. I tied myself in knots in the S.W. by bunging in the wrong type of temporary sleeping arrangement and then a mode of transport on frozen water but soon realised the error of my ways. I thought 25A was an excellent clue but I have awarded COTD to 15A which is brilliant and I would be very surprised if I’m the only contributor to think so. Thanks as always to Deansleigh for the hints and to the setter.
Thai corner.
Crocs and flip flops everywhere.
It is considered rude to enter a house with outdoor shoes on and this stretches to other places as well, such as clinics and some restaurants that model themselves on traditional Thai houses. You will therefore be met at the door by a stack of slip on footwear to change into. You will also find a similar stack at the toilet door as most Thai toilets are also a wet-room so you would trail soggy footprints through the property if you didn’t change from your indoor shoes to your toilet slippers. Another difference is that for some reason I’ve never been able to fathom most toilets in domestic properties have a urinal as well as a w.c.
What a great Thai corner! I love that the host supplies two pairs of indoor footwear.
I can guarantee that you will be the only contributor to have 15a as their COTD.
I’m so childish.
Childish? You? I would never have thought so. 😊
Whatever next!
Welcome to a wet Wednesday and a step up the ladder.
The first pause came when I came across the 10a Head doctor, and the placement of the word ‘stops’. I have assumed that it applied to a synonym of head.
The second pause at 15d turned into a stop until all of the checkers were in place and I had a consultation with the BRB.
I was not familiar with the slang 14a Duke although the solution was gettable from the clue.
Putting these hiccups to one side there were three clues that will share my top honours – the 25a hindered cricketer; a 30a gut feeling and the 6d bitter times. They all required multiple slow reads before the grey cell figured out what to do but each in its own way was a great clue.
My thanks to today’s setter and Deansleigh for the hints.
I bunged in ‘rigmarole’ for 15d, despite ‘rig’ being part of the anagram fodder. Oh well, Tippex again!
Tippex, PS? Good to see that you are keeping its company Bic in business.
I loved that stuff when I was at school.
I’ve been using the Tipp-Ex pens for ages. Much better than the small pots with a brush – they dry up and you always end up throwing half of it away.
Another one? I’m impressed.
The only time I write, these days, is solving the crossy and putting together the weekly shop. Being a numbers man, I was never a nice writer. So, it’s no bad thing.
A most enjoyable offering peppered with a number of head scratchers. For example, the hinderance at 25a took some working out. Like CD, I thought the homophone at 1a was clever and I loved the dog at 29a. The one that really tickled me and is awarded COTD is the little ‘un at 21d.
Thank you, setter for a great challenge. Thank you, Gashed Line for the hints.
Feels more like a Denis Helga production to me.
Lovey stuff, gents.
This is what I have. Let me know if there are any more (not anymore). I didn’t note down who came out with the splendid Nigel Hades which is on my podium. Any ideas?
Sheila Deng (SC)
Hal Seeding (SC)
Ashlee Ding (SC)
Danish Glee (SC)
Gilda Sheen (SC)
Lain Hedges (SC)
Nil Hagseed (SC)
Gashed Line (SC)
Lena Sighed (Deansleigh)
Adele Singh (Mr Tumble)
Nigel Hades (??)
G! Headlines (Tommy boy)
Dashing Lee (Tommy boy)
Single head (Tommy boy)
She aligned (Alfie Pops)
Ed Leashing (Jose)
Helda Denis (Jose)
Helda Denis is not an anagram. Tom. 😊
It was Helga Denis, the famous Norwegian setter. (One of mine).
Lena’s brother Alen Sighed
I’ll take it, Clicks, and apologies, gents.
Tom, it was I together with today’s Ade English.
Cheers CD
Thank you, CD. It is a top one.
If I may offer for consideration name of an occasional setter in the Indian Times – Else Ghandi
Duly noted gents
I lay claim to Gandhi’s Eel
A good example of how it is becoming more difficult to distinguish Wednesdays from Mondays and Tuesdays. Nevertheless, an enjoyable puzzle – */****
Candidates for favourite – 1a, 27a, 11d, 18d, 21d, and an HM for the Pun – and the winner is 21d.
Considering the Pun, I always find it curious that the resident of the ‘PH’ country begins with an ‘F’ – does anyone know why?
Thanks to the Setter and Deansleigh.
According to AI, which is of course unimpeachable:
The spelling difference exists because “Filipino” is borrowed directly from Spanish, while “Philippines” is an English translation. Spelling it “Philippino” would incorrectly mix English and Spanish spelling conventions.
1. The Spanish Roots (Why the “F”)
In 1543, Spanish explorer Ruy López de Villalobos named the islands Las Islas Filipinas in honour of King Philip II of Spain. Because the King’s name in Spanish is Felipe, the country name was spelled with an F. In Spanish, the people born in the islands were naturally called Filipinos. Spanish maintains perfect consistency: Filipinas (country) and Filipino (people) both start with an F.
2. The English Translation (Why the “Ph”)
When the British and Americans interacted with the archipelago, they anglicised the Spanish name Filipinas. Because the monarch’s name in English is Philip (spelled with a “Ph”), the islands became the Philippines.
Thanks Jose.
A mild midweek puzzle, enjoyable whilst it lasted. I’ve ticked a few and will go for 8d as my favourite today – I’m sure the setter chose Northampton because it is historically considered the captital of British shoemaking. 2*/3*.
From my MRB:
On road safety: Speed has never killed anyone. Suddenly becoming stationary … that’s what gets you. (Jeremy Clarkson).
I really didn’t enjoy this one. I found the clues contrived and the whole thing lacking in wit. Looking at the other comments, this seems to be a “me issue” that may – possibly – be related to my ongoing head cold! **/**
No, you’re not alone. To be honest, I wasn’t particularly enamoured by this one.
A little tricky in places, but perfect for a Wednesday.
16a was my favourite, as I liked their music when I was younger.
I have never spoken the answer to 15d, but listening to the pronunciation on google, I would have been completely incorrect and pronounced the silent g.
Thanks to the setter and to Deansleigh.
I’ve been pronouncing that silent G for the past 60 years or so!
Me too.
An enjoyable midweek puzzle which is, quite rightly, a step up in difficulty from the previous two days – thanks to our setter and Deansleigh.
I liked the clever homophone at 1a, the ‘pest controller’ at 9a and 6d.
Well now look here, This guzzle was more challenging than necessary due to my scheme to listen to the Test Match whilst unravelling it. With wickets falling faster than Prince Harry’s reputation, I found myself distracted, continually. As a result I intend to complain to the English Cricket Board, with copies forwarded to Mr Lancaster, Mike Brearley, and Joe Root.
64 for 6 as I type this.
Thanks to the setting person, and Single Head
I enjoyed this puzzle from Hudson (30a, to me, gives it away)
I have to give a nod to him for getting a rekrul out of 28a and I thought ‘discharged’ was very clever.
I’ve never heard of the synonym for ‘transfer’ and it was nice to see our biweekly/bimonthly (take your pick) Monday blogger getting a name check.
My picks are the aptness (a clumsy word) of 14a, 4d (neat) and 8d (Northampton cobblers is brilliant).
MTTTA and Adele Singh.
3*/4*
Scooted through the west only to be held up in the east. It didn’t help by being distracted by trying to get my fire cube streamer to play ball and sort out the TV. It seems to have updated itself and thereby gone to hell in a handcart. Can’t get it to work properly, so have given up. The crossword is more entertaining anyway.
Cotd is 6d. Thanks to compiler and Deansleigh.
A gentle but enjoyable puzzle.
I liked 16a as I saw them earlier this year and it brought back good memories.
LOI was 10a.
Top picks for me were 20d, 22d, 23d and 26d.
Thanks to Deansleigh and the setter.
There were a few clues which made me stop and think – 14a, 29a and 30a, but all in all a delightful puzzle.
I feel sorry for “the serving boy” being called this in 3d.
Thanks to setter and Farmer Giles de Han for his hints. (Apologies to J.R.R.)
You’re on fire!
The farmer has been added.
Helen Gadis has just rung to claim she was today’s blogger!
It wasn’t Huntsman, I know that. Nevertheless, “H is a legend”.
*See what I did there?
Very good! x 2
I found this tricky and nearly threw in the towel before the informal synonym for head popped into my noggin.
1a and 29a favourites in an otherwise challenging but fun solve.
17d didn’t seem very cryptic to my me but I can see where the setter is going with it.
Thanks to Hudson and Dean.
My least favourite puzzle of the week so far.
3*/2.5*
Favourites 1a, 5a, 9a, 27a, 11d & 17d — with winner 17d
Thanks to setter & Deansleigh
2* / 3.5* A step up in difficulty as it should be, with reverse engineering required on a few answers.
Best if the day include 1a shiner, fresh air at 28a and the hindering 25a
Thanks to Deansleigh and compiler
2*/4* …
liked the firm with a questionable employment policy in 22D ….
puzzled by the parsing in 20D ???
I had to look up the meaning of **c**, as I didn’t know the word.
🙂
I agree that it was a bit chewy but I am somewhat disgruntled as G has been ‘helping’ me declutter by starting to turn out a drawer. He threw away a lot of useful stuff, complained that I had three sets of opera glasses and rearranged the drawer so that they were at the front of the drawer and the things I access most at the back! I got quite cross. Came back to the guzzle and attacked it – the RHS seemed harder to me. I spent ages looking for a Welsh poet and finally had a big smile when the penny dropped. I liked the gut feeling and the complicated business as it is such a lovely word. Many thanks to our Setter and to Deansleigh – poor man, with so many noms de plume!
2*/4*. A most enjoyable midweek puzzle with 1d my favourite, just beating 1a & 30a to the finishing post.
“Leader” seems to me to be a rather vague definition for 6d, almost analogous to a vague boy or girl.
Many thanks to the setter (Hudson?) and to D.
** / ****
Not sure of the difficulty as I was not concentrating but still ran through pretty quickly. Hence it could be just 1*. Really enjoyed it though. Didn’t know the group were from Camden but then they were never my cup of tea anyway. Favourite clues were 17d rocks and 23d Guard because for once I thought immediately of the correct sort of key!
Have I missed something important in life: why is the word “Welsh” in 21a? I get the Eisteddfod connection but it still works as a clue without doesn’t it?
Many thanks to the setter and She Aligned.
I enjoyed this puzzle and it was definitely a step up from the last two. I also kept seeing rigmarole for 15d, but managed to work out the anagram which was a new word for me. I didn’t know 16a were from Camden , and I didn’t know the word for duke at 14a . Best of all for the first time ever I got the parsing for ‘key’ straightaway at 23d – hooray ! 6d was a great clue. Very neat. Thanks to the setter and Deansleigh.
Mainly enjoyable but needed Deansleigh’s help with a couple ***/*** 🤔 Thanks to the Compiler and to Deansleigh of course 👍 Hudson I am led to believe? Favourites are 1a and 7d
All going well so far this week though not impressed by any of the three . One of our granddaughters is with us for the week so able to look at the crossword in the car while she chats with Liz. It also keeps me from the garden which was becoming something of a burden to keep up with.
I do enjoy reading the comments on articles in the DT which in general show how many nutcases read the paper. Quite a difference from 70 odd years ago when my Calvinist aunt used to read it tuttutted over the reporting of racy lives.
Wednesdays are becoming more cruciverbally lenient. SE was last to fall and then only after a prompt or two e.g. with. 8d, 20d and 23d plus 14a. 25a was an unparsed bung-in. Fav was 17d – d’oh those rocks! Thank you setter and Deansleigh.
Enjoyed this one, it quickly seemed a familiar style that I know I enjoy, including many good surfaces and agreeable clue constructions.
I was pleased to unlock 23D’s key type swiftly, however I’d forgotten the Duke of 14D – LOI as a result.
Why does 9A end with a ? And how is bat (not batter) = cricketer in 25A?
Thanks to Hudson and Deansleigh ⭐️
Forgot to add pody awards! Will go 6D’s neat surface, 16A’s Camden nutty boys, and the splendid word of 15D, one of my faves!
Hi Wriggles
Cricketers often ask each other ‘Are you a bat or a bowl?’ when they first meet.
I see, thanks Tom 🏏
Tom, you and I must live on different planets. I have been playing cricket continuously for 72 years at school, at university, at various clubs, and now county seniors, and I have never ever heard anyone say “are you a bat or a bowl?”
“Do you bat or bowl?” would be the usual enquiry.
Hi RD
It’s certainly an age thing.
I’ve used it for as long as I can remember.
That could be construed as rude, but I don’t imagine that was your intention.
It certainly isn’t “an age thing”! The team I play for at weekends is a club side comprising players in their 20s, 30s & 40s as well as a couple of colts. They bat and bowl, but they are certainly not bats or bowls!
No problem Dave.
‘Generation thing’ would have been a better choice.
I have no ideas why you haven’t heard it then.
I guess you’ve heard the term ‘opening bat’ in Deansleigh’s example below that he showed Simon?
Yes, but only in that specific context, and never ever using bowl as a noun meaning bowler.
I’ve got a 90 minute drive now to play cricket and I’ll pay special attention today to the changing room and on field banter.😉
Onwards!
Simon, here’s an example of ‘bat’ being used as a synonym for ‘batter’ (ugh) or ‘batsman’:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/66821513
Last word from me tonight:
DEANSLEIGH,
SEND LEIGH A
SIGNAL. HEED!
ELSE GANDHI
HIDES ANGEL
IN GALE SHED!
Urghh!!
A splendid day at the ficofe, Clix
For me this was more like a Friday crossword than a Wednesday and took me longer than the last two days combined. NE last in with its vague leader, import? Really and specialist knowledge of a ’70’s pop band. I don’t like the term for cricketer, it’s what he/she goes out to do. No real favourite but if pushed I’d go with 30a. Thanks to the setter and DL.
Hi – is cobblers UK slang for 9d?
Yes Brad – see the explanation here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_load_of_old_cobblers
It originated from Cockney rhyming slang.
Thanks! I love hearing about Cockney rhyming slang!
An early doors solve but late to comment as out golfing (very badly) – imbued with optimism & misguided expectation after Monday’s stellar (by my standards) round my victorious opponent today was required to 2d a score 14 shots worse than two days previously. What a stupid game……
Very much enjoyed the puzzle which I thought a decent notch up in difficulty compared to the previous two days. 3 clues were responsible for extending the solve into **time – in all cases the answer was pretty obvious but the why less so. 8d needed one or two read throughs to ensure the correct assembly of the wordplay + Mr G was called upon to tell me why the versifier was Welsh & explain what I correctly figured was the transfer synonym at 20d.
Ticks aplenty – 1,9,25&28a along with 6,8,21&26d the ones that stood out for me.
Thanks to the setter (if Hudson no wonder I liked it) & to Deansleigh
Ps Lafarge in the surface at 28a prompted the playing of a selection of Pokey’s wonderful music during the journey to the course & a reminder to book tickets for when he plays the Assembly Halls in Islington next March.
Well we have pulled up the drawbridge for the last three days as been downed by a nasty virus.
Just starting to feel more normal today and managed to complete this and the toughie so am happy my brain is defogging.
I liked 1a and 13a
Thanks all
This was completed this morning and was an excellent puzzle with a couple of head scratchers but I got there in the end. I had 1a as my favourite.
Many thanks to the setter and to Deansleigh for the hints.