DT 30965 (Hints) – Big Dave's Crossword Blog
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DT 30965 (Hints)

by crypticsue  

Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 30965 (Hints)

The Saturday Crossword Club (hosted by crypticsue)

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The NY Doorknob has given us a Saturday Prize Puzzle  where I think most of the trickiness comes from the three  multi-light clues.  Not only that, but this week the solver has to concentrate as for the second and third of them, the positions of the parts of the solution are reversed.

I will be out at the local Church fete from 1130 to about 5pm (the Grand Draw apparently can’t run without my friend and I),  I hope that everyone will behave themselves in my absence and obey the Red Instructions, as the last thing I will want to do after a long afternoon in the sun, is to have go through all the comments to redact some parts of them.

Please ask for help if you are stuck on clues I haven’t hinted, but before doing so, please read the comments that appear before yours, so that you are not duplicating questions,  and make sure you obey both THE INSTRUCTIONS IN RED at the end of the Hints and the blog’s  Comment Etiquette – Big Dave’s Crossword Blog)

Most of the terms used in these hints are explained in the Glossary and examples are available by clicking on the entry under “See also”. Where the hint describes a construct as “usual” this means that more help can be found in The Usual Suspects, which gives a number of the elements commonly used in the wordplay. Another useful page is Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, which features words with meanings that are not always immediately obvious.

A full review of this puzzle will be published after the closing date for submissions.

Across

1a/5a     10’s burden a loathsome fiend one escapes somehow (3,3,2,3,3)
One definition of burden is  the main theme of anything.  A 16a/19a can be obtained from an anagram (somehow) of A LOATHSOME FiEND without the I (one escapes)

9a           Fervidly hot local astride Romeo (8)
What the weather is going to be in the next few days – Relating to current affairs (local) goes ‘astride’ the letter represented by Romeo in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet

10a/12a  Fabled 16 in his boat, islander adrift (6,3,6)
An anagram (adrift) of HIS BOAT ISLANDER

13a         Projecting lip, blow like Moby-Dick? (5)
A projecting lip for discharging liquid from a container, or blow like a whale (Moby Dick)

19a/16a     A name, note, in certain Rime, condemned? (7,7)
If, like me, you studied this for English Lit A-Level, the word Rime will have meant that you just wrote in the solution but, as I’m providing the hint, I had better tell you it is an anagram (condemned) of CERTAIN RIME and A (from the clue) and the abbreviations for Name and Note.  If reciting the Rime counts as an ear worm, then that is what I now have!

25a/24a   One in unsuitable situation to effect maritime rescue? (4,3,2,5)
A person in an unsuitable situation which might make them feel ill at ease.  Or, literally, what you would do to effect a maritime rescue

30a         Corrupt books seen after ten years (8)
Some abbreviated Books of the Bible seen after a period of ten years

Down

1d           Pieces of eight? (6)
Compositions (pieces) for eight people

6d           Top setter? (9)
A cryptic definition of something used to set the covering of your ‘top’

8d           Concerned with hearing German car run in sport (8)
A German car and the cricket abbreviation for Run inserted into a verb meaning to sport or play with in an idle manner

15d         Small fruit, perfect flavour (9)
The abbreviation for Small, a type of fruit and in perfect condition

17d         Put rubbish in sack (3,5)
Sack here is a verb.   A synonym for put and some rubbish

22d         How aerobics begins to create divine figure? (6)
How you might describe the beginning (or first two letters) of aerobics

26a         Nothing on Titanic for Greek character (5)
Here the capital T in titanic is there to mislead.   The letter used to represent nothing goes on very big or unusually large (titanic)

 

As this is a Prize crossword, please don’t put any ANSWERS, whether WHOLE, PARTIAL or INCORRECT, or any ALTERNATIVE CLUES in your comment. If in doubt, leave it out

Please read these instructions carefully – they are not subject to debate or discussion. Offending comments may be redacted or, in extreme cases, deleted. In all cases the administrator’s decision is final.

If you don’t understand, or don’t wish to comply with, the conventions for commenting on weekend prize puzzles then please don’t leave a comment.

The Quick Crossword pun:  DONKEY + HOE + TAY = DON QUIXOTE

 

78 comments on “DT 30965 (Hints)”

  1. I struggled with this but got there in the end. I’m afraid the linked clues defeated me this week. As I’ve mentioned before getting a linked clue at 1a always makes my heart sink. Still, leave them alone until the checkers arrive but, even then, I couldn’t work them out. Putting the answer to 28a into 30a messed things up further so no Mythical for me. Despite all the aforementioned, there was plenty of fun to be had. My COTD is the very neat and tidy setter at 6d.

    Thank you, NYDK for the guzzle. Thank you, CS for the hints.

    Now back to mowing the grass before the heat arrives in The Marches.

    1. You’re lucky to have grass Steve, mines all been reduced to a brown fuzz, puts me in mind of 1976, fingers crossed it’ll grow back though….

      1. Grass is one of nature’s survivors, TC. It can shrivel to nothing in the heat but a good downpour and it’s green again as if by magic.

        1. .. heat if only … raining here again .. which is very appropriate for today’s watery themed puzzled. So with my crossbow, after taking the Albatross down, I’m about to shoot my offering to Telegraph Towers in search of the mythical pen .. although I don’t expect the same luck as Captain Ahab.

  2. Brilliant puzzle, fiendishly clever, with a bit of everything for good measure, literature, general knowledge, sayings, the lot!

    My favourite today was my last one in, 22d, best clue in ages.

    Many thanks to our setter today, a masterpiece.

  3. A sterner test than of recent Saturday offerings from NYDK I felt. A dnf unaided for me this week as I had to confirm a couple via Mr G. Still I enjoyed the test and the theme in the linked clues. Cotd for me is the clever aerobics at 22d. Thanks to NYDK and CS whose hints I’m going to look at for the couple where I’m struggling with the parsing.

  4. I will add my vote for 22d too, æ divine clue indeed. Not quite so familiar as Sue, with the classics, so at least I avoided the earworm. The policy of coming back to the linked clues when checkers arrived certainly helped today.
    Thanks to Donnybrook and Cryptic Sue.

  5. Echoing all the above this was tough because of the multilight clues. I needed a bit of help with 1a but the the others (slowly) came to mind. COD 21a for its simplicity and the unexpected (to me) location of the county. Great fun all the same and thanks to setter and CS.

  6. Started with the Downs and the deep S because those parts had nothing to do with the silliness elsewhere in the Acrosses.

    That made the whole thing pretty straightforward and I was pleased not to have to resort to the Setter’s doubtless clever wordplay, and could then write in the answers to 1/5, 10/12, and 25/24. Overall an accessible and straightforward solve.

    COTD the sublime 22a followed by 6d & 30a.

    Thank you NYDK and Sue.

    1. Hi MG

      I know you absolutely hate SMDs (strewn multi-word doiberries) with a passion but you need to find another noun as silliness is insulting.

      You have a superb depth of vocabulary. So, I’m sure you can find an alternative.

      PS I hope this doesn’t get redacted as his comment is worse than mine.

    2. I concur with the “silliness”… although I would call them aggravating perhaps.

      1. Yep, that’s a far better word along with expressions like ‘not enjoyable’, ‘not for me’, ‘can’t stand multi-worders’, ‘fills me with dread’ that all pass muster.

  7. I woke up at 3 am and, being wide awake started on a crossword that was a waking nightmare. Four linked -word and additional cross-referencing between them made the top half of the puzzle really hatd to get into . I left them till last but that was difficult, as they occupied a large portion of the upper .part of the grid. Suffice itto say I didn’t find this guzzle enjoyable but stuck with it and was gladto finish and go back to sleep . I thought the Lego clues at 18d and 21d were good, however. Thanks to rhe compiler; I’m sure it took a lot of time and effort toset such a puzzle. Thanks to CS for the hints too.

  8. Have to say I didn’t enjoy that solve at all but numerous linked clues do try my patience of which I am short anyway. However somehow stuck to it and got there. IMHO 6d is too clever by half. Let’s see what Sunday brings cruciverbally. Thank you NYDK and CS.

      1. No, not me, definitely CS for the blog prepared before she went to the Church Fete. I was just welcoming a new blogger (in Comment 12).

  9. I got everything except for 3d and 22d and they still escape me. I’ll have to wait for the answers.

  10. This was on the money for a Saturday challenge with all the expected fare from NYPD Blue.

    I liked the maritime theme with 1a kicking things off nicely. I didn’t know that this expression meant something was a burden.

    I’ll go against the grain and say that 22d isn’t that great a clue as it’s virtually impossible to work out, i.e I reckon a huge majority of us biffed it and said afterwards ‘Oh, I see’. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s a brilliant spot by him.

    My podium is 9a (hilarious), 21a and 6d.

    MT to the aforementioned and she of the crypt.

    2*/4*

  11. My heart sank as soon as I saw the linked clues and I nearly left it, but I am attempting it now,although I only have 4 answers so far.

    1. Like you, DaveG, as I have said in 8a above my initial reaction at all the linked clues was antagonistic but I gritted my teeth and eventually made it so I wish you the same good fortune.

  12. Thank you crypticsue. I found this challenging today and wouldn’t have been able to complete it without your assistance.

  13. A bit of a head scratcher, and that doesn’t include the multis which were quite friendly.

    Candidates for favourite – 9a, 28a, 6d, and 22d – and the winner is 22d.

    Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  14. 22d my last one in and very clever – we had a similar clue the other day which was also excellent. Cloudy but very warm here. On Wednesday evening we went out to Blakeney Point on the Wheelyboat – fantastic evening and surrounded by thousands and thousands of white butterflies, goodness knows where they came from. Madflower asked if we had seen them and oh yes we did. Wonderful sunset to follow. Eat your heart out Huntsman, would be interested to know what eateries you found up here in case we have missed one. Thanks to CS and the setter which I did struggle with at the beginning.

    1. I watched an episode of Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out last night and it featured an inside tour of Cley Windmill – what a fascinating place to stay for a holiday.

      1. Rats Jane! I gave up when she was doing high kicks in the theatre on Cromer Pier, or low kicks in her case. I shall have watch again. We’ve been to a few functions in the Mill. Did you recognize my avatar?

  15. I usually get along fine with this setter’s multi-light clues in puzzles but this one didn’t really appeal. Not to worry, it’s a rare occurrence and I was very much taken by 21a.

    Thanks to NYDK and to CS for the hints.

  16. Apologies for starting with ‘me, me, me’
    I will be away for over a month (USA) with an eight hour time difference, so, as with last time, may not have the opportunity to post here
    Sometimes, people worry if a contributor disappears so that is why I am posting this.

    Really Tricky McTricky guzzle – needed Super Sue’s help.

    Thanks to NYDK and PC Security (anag)

    1. We’ll miss your comments, I think you will have to chair THE LIST committee for a big session as soon as you get home. I am sure we will have many Finno-hungaric languages to consider as well as the usual suspects from Japanese dress and our old friends in the Hanseatic League.

    2. I’m five hours behind anyway Terence. And during a recent trip to Europe I had no access to a printer for 12 days so used a DT crossword book instead (do they even still make those?). But the joy is, I could print up those 12 cryptics when we got home, and now have them stashed for possible post hurricane/power outage days. Or perhaps today? 😊.

      I guess you are going to be over on the West Coast somewhere – have fun and enjoy your holiday.

      1. They certainly do have DT crossword books, BL. I’m working my way through one at the moment.

  17. A bit tougher than is usual for a SPP, I enjoyed this one. I too started in the south which ensured the theme in the connected clues became apparent from the intersections in 19a.
    22d was the standout clue with 28a a close second.
    Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  18. Well I’ve got an answer to 22d having 3 checkers, but I still cant parse it even with hints.
    I enjoyed the rest though despite being iffy about linked clues.
    Thanks all

    1. If you have the correct answer, read the 6 letters aloud as 1,4,1 for the wordplay.
      Does that help

  19. Not quite as amusing as last Saturday’s but still fun. Quite a few cases of seeing the answer then fitting it to the clue especially on the themed ones. Done in one sitting bar 15d which leapt out at me as soon as came back to it. Only clue with a circle around its number is 3d where I can’t yet see where “setter’s” becomes the two letters required.

    Many thanks to the setter.

    1. How else might the setter refer to him or herself. Don’t look at the apostrophe as a possessive, rather a contraction of setter is.

    1. Because, for the Weekend Prize Puzzles the policy is that hints, without hidden answers, are provided for around half of the clues which are selected at the bloggers discretion based on their (very subjective) perception of difficulty. We can’t make it too easy!

  21. regarding my earier comm=ent about 3d KERPLUNCK! the penny has dropped resoundingly

    1. It did for me too when the acronym for a certain brand of running shoes came to mind

  22. I agree with Tom disappointingsturgess on 22d , not even close to 6d my coftheday .I don’t like too many linked clues but once the maritime connections kicked in it was to coin a phrase ” plain sailing” !
    Thanks to all

  23. 3* / 4* Just the right level for Saturday prize puzzle. I always enjoy the multi worders, it makes for a different challenge.
    Favourites 22d which I got without parsing totally, very clever, 23d launch and Mr Hyde at 28a, could have picked loads more
    Thanks to CS and NYDK

  24. I didn’t enjoy this too much although I can appreciate the cleverness. LOI was 22d which I needed CS help to parse.

    Top clues for me were 6d, 7d, 28a and 30a.

    Thanks to CrypticSue and NYDK for the challenge.

    1. My advice is to start at the bbottom, ,Dave G, as the cross-referencing of the 4 multi- word clues in the North makes it hard to get into.

  25. I’m with tipcat for this, one of NYDK’s best for me, with its possibly upward twist on the trickiness dial. No bad thing for a PP in my view.

    I enjoyed the mini-theme, all of which seemed to have a mildly &lit flavour, and 22D as mentioned above is a cracking spot. My other contenders are the amusing 9A, 28A, 6D & 26D. Classy assemblage of clues.

    I move about a bit, geographically rather than by simply fidgeting, but hereabouts we have aircon, which is currently proving mightily useful. Glad to hear old Blighty has actually produced the goods and let the sun shine through. My most recent summer in UK was like being inside a pressure cooker.

    The usual thanks to the wonderful CS, and to the setter, who clearly fancies a dip in the heat.

  26. Yet another great puzzle from NYDK, with some clever multi-word clues as well, all making for a fun Friday evening puzzle for me. Thoroughly enjoyed this solve tonight.

    2*/4.5*

    Favourites were all four of the multiword clues … for me they came very easily and I also liked 30a, 6d & 18d with winner 25/24a
    Smiles for all the rest, especially 6d

    Thanks to NYDK & CS

  28. Loved this with all the literary references. Not just that, it was down right clever. To get all the watery references to work in the grid is brilliant. Last one in was 22 d. And favourite was 6 down. Needed some success today as last night’s foray to see nightjars drew a blank.Many thanks to NYDK and CS

  29. That took me back to Grammar school. I enjoyed it, merci bien (I’m in France atm, it’s quite warmish here). Mind, I don’t know how people do these without a thesaurus and a dictionary. Maybe in a decade or two…

  30. I found this more difficult than some but once I got going and then cracked the multi words it all fell into place and I enjoyed the challenge. I could not parse 22d and needed CS to help with that. It is a special talent to be able to produce a crossword with excellent clues and a linked theme.

    Many thanks to NYDK and to CS for the hints.

  31. I found that quite tough, with the multiword ones not helping much either. 22d was my last in, and pick of the bunch when I finally got there.

    Thanks to NYDK and CS.

  32. My heart sunk when all saw the numerous linked clues. I plodded my way through, and now regret having spent too much time on this. A shame, as the rest of the puzzle had some great clues, but (for me) ruined by the multi links. I guess you either love them or hate them. Don’t think I’ll bother with Saturdays any more, depressing as they follow on from tough Fridays now. Rather doubt I will be renewing my puzzles sub. Thanks to setter but not my cup of tea, and to CS. But I can at least hope that Dada is feeling benevolent tomorrow.

  33. We rather enjoyed this because or perhaps in spite of it’s difficulty. Quite a few pdm’s, a bit of reverse engineering but who cares, a completed grid is a completed grid. Favourite was 22d but other contenders were considered. Thanks NYD and CS

  34. I can see this puzzle has split the audience once again.
    I left the three multi linked multi word related clues and just went to the south, which seemed to work for me.
    3*/3*
    Will go with 6d as favourite today
    Thanks to Sue and NYDK

  35. Brilliant puzzle from NYDK. I think it helped to start on the downs before getting stuck into those superb maritime acrosses. Must log on to my Audible account later to hear a magnificent reading of 19/16 I’ve got in my library. Many thanks to NYDK and Sue for top class Saturday afternoon entertainment.

  36. Really not a fan of today’s offering – sorry but I just thought it was a bunch of average clues hiding behind a ‘get that answer before.that one and link to that one’s whatever that style is – I’m not a fan. But as form the actual clues – I found them really poor. This is my least liked this year. Difficulty was down to the chase the answer. Enjoyment – one star

  37. I have to admit taking one look at the offering today and put the paper down.

    I have my daughter this weekend so won’t have time to attempt this level of beastie.

  38. I am definitely in the “can’t stand linked clues” club, doing my usual “leave them to the end and seeing what fits”. But this was extremely tough for me and I spend way too much time on it, although I did finish eventually. Didn’t enjoy it overall so 1* enjoyment and 4* difficulty.

    I might look at the hints later, but right now I am going to the pool because it is stinkin’ hot here again (and will be for the next three months!). And I will take my DT crossword book with me (available on Amazon here in US).

    Thanks to NYDK and CS

  39. Well that took way longer than usual for an SPP. Enjoyed the theme but the best clues in my view were to be found elsewhere. Another vote for 22d as the pick with big ✅s against 6,7,8&17d.
    Thanks to Donny & Sue

  40. I did most of this early afternoon on a coach going to Ely Cathedral. Once I got the maritime link it began to make sense. I have just finished it without looking at CeeSue’s hints so feel this might be a winner. I did think 22d was smart. Many thanks to NYDJ and to CeeSue for all your hard work. I don’t think you get thanked enough! Anyway, no one’s reading this at half past eleven! Good night!

    1. I do my crosswords in bed before lights out (as did my father- we keep our BRBs by the bed!) Then I fill in anything my tired brain missed and read the blog, with my first cup of tea. So yes, I get to read everyone’s comments even the late ones. I love the blog and all the regulars, particularly you, Daisy. Thank you everyone that contributes and hard work of setters and Big Dave’s team.

  41. Took me a while but once I got going very enjoyable. Thank you to the setter, Sue your help much appreciated and hello to fellow noggin scratchers. Also hello to any fellow insomniacs.

  42. I don’t normally comment but I have to say that I don’t understand the antagonism towards the linked clues. In my view they are definitely the best part.

  43. Was out visiting my elderly father yesterday so didn’t start this until late and only just finished, having been preparing a family bbq for this afternoon. Local supermarket packed at 10.00 am, am guessing lots of people having a similar idea.
    A tricky solve and like many others I am not so keen on these linked clues but after some inspiration they all were solved, helped by the fact of a strong nautical theme. Had to guess the penultimate letter of 13a, I think I guessed correctly. Had to rely on CS and her hints for a couple of clues, plus the BRB. In agreement that 22d was the COTD.
    As usual, thank you to the setter and CS for the hints and trusting your Church fête was a success.

  44. What a super Saturday for crosswords! This NYDK puzzle was great fun.
    I’ve been much enjoying NYDK puzzles and decided it was time I said so.
    Many delightful clues to choose from making a selection rather difficult. I shall opt for 1d, 6d, 15d, 22d and 21a and 28a.
    Big thanks to NYDK. Appreciative thanks to crypticsue for the review and lovely illustrations. I didn’t need the hints but enjoyed reading thrugh them.

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