Daily Telegraph Cryptic No 31323
Hints and Tips by Gazza
+ – + – + – + – + – + – + – +
BD Rating – Difficulty ** Enjoyment ****
There’s nothing very obscure here (I assume that you all know the names of our cabinet ministers!) and I found it very enjoyable. Thanks to today’s 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.
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Across
1a Trust rotter to maintain right payment method (6,4)
CREDIT CARD: a verb to trust or believe and a dated informal word for a rotter containing (to maintain) the abbreviation for right.
6a Article in favour of advancing king’s hairstyle (4)
AFRO: one of our indefinite articles followed by a preposition meaning ‘in favour of’ with the abbreviation for king advanced one place to the left.
10a Letters on tombstone raised tear (3,2)
RIP UP: the abbreviation used on gravestones and an adverb meaning raised.
11a Great number from Beach Boys ultimately beyond you once (9)
THOUSANDS: a synonym of beach and the ultimate letter of Boys follow (beyond) an old word for ‘you’. Very neat!
12a She occasionally fixes locks (7)
SECURES: occasional letters from ‘she’ (not too tricky!) and a verb meaning fixes or remedies.
13a Canine bridge that is essentially implant (7)
SPANIEL: assemble a verb to bridge or cross, the usual abbreviation for ‘that is’ and the essential (central) letter of implant.
14a Problem for Murphy in top boat at sea by dawn (6,6)
POTATO BLIGHT: the falsely-capitalised murphy is an informal word for a common vegetable. We need an anagram (at sea) of TOP BOAT followed by a synonym of dawn (often preceded by ‘first’).
18a Shop hoarding silver opening place to keep things (7,5)
STORAGE SPACE: another word for a shop contains the chemical symbol for silver. Add a synonym of an opening or gap.
21a Moving swiftly on (7)
RUNNING: double definition, the second meaning ‘in operation’ .
23a Bar cryptic indication of “huts” (4,3)
SHUT OUT: this is a reverse anagram where the fodder and the indicator are in the answer rather than in the clue. If you take the answer as fodder followed by indicator and solve the anagram you should end up with HUTS.
24a When the news is on daughter introduces Dec’s partner and companion (9)
ATTENDANT: start with when the nightly TV news is on (2,3) and add the genealogical abbreviation for daughter and Dec’s partner.
25a Wedge shot at Royal Birkdale? (5)
SLICE: double definition. The first is a wedge or piece (of cake or cheese perhaps). The second is a wayward shot on a golf course (Royal Birkdale for example) which might end up in the rough.
26a Hi-tech ornithology protecting parrot (4)
ECHO: the first two words contain (protecting) a verb to parrot.
27a After undergoing surgery, prettiness should be lasting (10)
PERSISTENT: an anagram (after undergoing surgery) of PRETTINESS.
Down
1d Worries over son’s pet (6)
CARESS: in the surface pet is a noun but as the definition it’s a verb. A synonym of worries or anxieties precedes (over, in a down clue) the genealogical abbreviation for son.
2d Assume old court is boxing gym (6)
EXPECT: a prefix meaning old or former and the map abbreviation for court contain (is boxing) the abbreviation for gym in school.
3d Parodies of one’s individual deeds liberating Conservative (14)
IMPERSONATIONS: start with the contracted form of ‘one is’ from the viewpoint of the setter and add a synonym of individual or human being and another word for deeds without (liberating) the single-letter abbreviation for Conservative.
4d Static yet moving in Monaco? (4-5)
CITY-STATE: an anagram (moving) of STATIC YET. The question mark indicates that Monaco is just an example of the answer.
5d Beginnings of tracks broadcast (5)
ROOTS: a homophone (broadcast) of tracks or ways.
7d Results of loud noise enveloping popular centre for youngsters (8)
FINDINGS: the musical abbreviation for loud and an unpleasant noise contain (enveloping) an adjective meaning popular or trendy. Finish with the central letters of youngsters.
8d Only time to wear gong that’s out of date (8)
OBSOLETE: a synonym of only and the physics abbreviation for time are contained in (wear) one of the gongs handed out twice a year.
9d Parts of meal covered by batter, they could be tough to finish (7,7)
ASSAULT COURSES: parts of a meal (e.g. starter or main) are preceded by (covered by, in a down clue) a verb to batter or whack.
15d Faces without appeal – apparently, they attract (9)
OPPOSITES: a verb meaning faces or defies contains (without, in the sense of outside) a short informal word for sex appeal.
16d Sure agitated European guy lying over ID (8)
USERNAME: an anagram (agitated) of SURE is followed by the reversal (lying over) of an abbreviation for European and a synonym of guy.
17d Excellent score after revolutionary snooker shot (3-5)
TOP-NOTCH: a synonym of a score or nick follows the reversal (revolutionary) of a successful snooker shot.
19d What’s given when quitting job as spy (6)
NOTICE: double definition, the first what you hand in when quitting your job.
20d Labour cabinet minister not in good way (6)
STREET: the surname of a Labour cabinet minister (currently Secretary of State for Defence) without (not) IN and the abbreviation for good.
22d Threatening head of Green party (5)
GRAVE: the first letter (head) of green and a loud and lively party.
I liked 11a, 24a, 15d and 17d. Which one(s) came up to the mark for you?
The Quick Crossword pun: JAW + WRIT + RILES = JURY TRIALS
11a was my winner this morning from this very nicely clued and enjoyable romp through a still bone dry crosswordland. It’s all around us but nothing yet. Perhaps they should appoint a minister for drought as they did in 1976 which produced almost immediate results.
Thanks to our Thursday setter and Gazza.
Fed up with all this flippin’ rain! We never get any sunshine in this country.
☺️
Relatively straightforward for a Thursday with plenty of amusing diversions. The canine at 13a and Murphy’s problem at 14a brought smiles.
Many thanks to the setter and Gazza.
1.5*/3*
A very enjoyable Thursday challenge. I liked 14a and 16d, especially after I followed the clue’s instructions having stared at it for some while. My podium comprises 1a, 24a and 9d. Thanks to compiler and Gazza.
This made for a fairly gentle stroll through crosswordland with no real hiccups on a friendly grid.
I liked ‘after undergoing surgery’ as an anagram indicator. I’ve decided to call a dubious anagram indicator an anagrrrrram indicator.
My picks are 21a (an expression I use a lot), 2d and 17d.
Many thanks to the setter (no ideas) and G.
2*/4*
I flew out of the traps this morning but then slowed down as I travelled south, rather like the rain (almost none so far here in Herts). 21 and 23a were my favourites. I wasn’t convinced that 14a was in the best possible taste. Thanks very much to the setter and to Gazza.
A great Thursday offering with superb surfaces and some very clever clueing. Lots of smiles and baht drop moments. 7D was the LOI as I wanted the definition to be the loud noise and with the checkers there was an obvious noise that fitted. 24A gets awarded second place for COTD with 11A on the podium. Thanks to Gazza for the hints as I needed assistance with some of the parsing and to the setter for an enjoyable challenge.
Thai corner.
We have become the owners of a smart T.V. I have ignored the box in the corner here for the last 3 years as my linguistic skills are not up to the challenge but they are sufficient to realise that Thai programming on free channels is awful. As a result I wasn’t aware that Smart T.V.s were a thing and also how cheap they are. As with most purchases of household goods the delivery comes with a free installation service. This proved to be quite a challenge as the installers although technically profficient weren’t able to set up the system using the menu in English. My wife then became the translator and although her English is advanced her technical knowledge is not. Once we established that not all email providers are Google and that Google is not a generic term for all things internet we made progress. Although the session became quite tense we are now however able to watch more media than it is possible to do in many lifetimes. My source of news and entertainment for the last three years has been online so this morning felt a bit nostalgic with Sky News in the backgound as I consumed breakfast After 45 minutes of coverage of the Harry and Megan return saga with the same thing being said repeatedly and no insight into anything important I returned to the laptop and realised at least in news coverage I had missed nothing.
Thankfully(?), we have the ongoing ‘Tariff War’ with the Orange One swamping all other news.
Disappointed that today’s guzzle was constructed without mentioning any further members of The Clash, however we had Brian Wilson’s dreamlike harmony fellows instead.
Like the rest of the country I am beyond excited that Harry and Meghan are blessing us with their presence once again. The United Kingdom has felt empty without them among us.Great guzzle. Thanks to the excellent setter and the former midfielder for Gansu Tianma.
Wait until you see my ‘destructive’ video choice on Sunday!
Maybe Harry and Megan could be esconced with Uncle Andrew in a large mansion somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Thry could call it: Leper Colony.
You’re very welcome to them. After all they have said and done, how they have the hubris to return beats me.
I know we should not discuss such things on here, BL but I do agree with you wholeheartedly.
I found this a 3* for difficulty. Perhaps that has something to do with my fall and crack on the head. Got there in the end although I did have to check synonyms for “wedge”. I don’t know if checking synonyms is allowed ? Just taking things easy this week.
For 7 down the word tinnitus kept banging in my ear. The bottom left hand corner was obdurate but the brilliant 23 across got me there. Favourite though was those beach boys of 11 across. I’m sure Steve will have enjoyed canine bridge of 13 across.
Much fun and equal gratitude to Gazza and our setter
A bit of a slog for me and not much fun. I was pleased that it is my ‘week off’ from Thursday blogging. 3*/2.5*
I did have to e-confirm the Labour cabinet minister before modification. I don’t think that I can name any of Prime Minister Carney’s cabinet!
Smiles for 10a, 23a, and 17d.
Thanks to the setter and Gazza.
Needed help with some parsings in this lovely crossword. Liked it a lot.
Favourite 23a.
Last in 20d….could not think of the names of any ministers until the penny dropped. Shows how well I am keeping up with current affairs.
Thanks to Gazza and to the setter.
Lots of rain here last night. Grass is finally turning at least green-er.
This was a very interesting cryptic puzzle with some brilliant clues which took a while to work out but then made you smile, eg 11a and 14a, my favourite. I did slow myself down by being unable to stop my brain putting marks for the second word in 17d, which made the across clues impossible. In my head it made perfect sense.
Many thanks to the setter and to Gazza for the hints.
Well, I’m going to buck the trend here because I didn’t get on with this at all. I needed far too many of Gazza’s excellent hints to get over the line so not only a DNF but I didn’t enjoy it much. However, as Dyslex says I did enjoy the canine bridge at 13a.
Thank you, setter for your hard work but it completely bamboozled me. I put it down to having had a poor night’s sleep. Thank you, Gazza for the hints, which were needed today.
There has been rain in The Marches!!! Not enough but it’s a start. 🌦️🌦️
It’s raining again in The Marches leaving a wonderful scent of petrichor.
I’ll join you in bucking the trend. I know it is above my pay grade when I don’t even understand some of the hints, 3d for example. Plodded on for a bit, but the lure of the ironing board proved too great ☺️.
I’m sorry you don’t understand some of my hints, BusyLizzie. I’ll try to expand on the hint for 3d:
Start with “one is” (one’s) how the setter would say it – “I’M” (i.e. I am).
Follow with a synonym of individual PERSON
Finish with a synonym of deeds ACTIONS – now take out the abbreviation for Conservative C leaving ATIONS.
Sticking the bits together gives is IM PERSON ATIONS.
I hope that helps. Which other hints didn’t you understand?
A fine Thursday offering that I received early for a change. Good, mostly pretty concise, clues provided a mildish challenge and plenty of enjoyment. Some ticks and we have a dead heat today: 1a and 21a. 2*/3.5*
From my MRB:
In my teens, and even now, I had a lot of trouble with these two, so they went in pronto.
PERJORATIVE: Derogatory; insulting.
PREROGATIVE: Choice; right.
Hi J
MRB…..hmm…My Red Book?
See DT 31321 at comment 18.
Ah, gotcha.
So we have: El Tel’s ‘List’, your MRB and Tyke’s Thai Titbits.
We love it!
I first mentioned it back in 2023 in a thread of comments about Terence’s list of words:
Jose
January 4, 2023 at 1:26 pm
My LIST started in 1970 and comprises a good quality hardbacked A5 page-a-day diary, purchased specially for the purpose of helping with solving cryptic crosswords. It contains many hundreds of words/synonyms, phrases, quotes, snippets of GK, tables of info, etc. I still add to it regularly even now. Trouble is, it’s all rather random – sometimes it can take ages to find a bit of info I know is in there somewhere.
Steve Cowling
January 4, 2023 at 1:28 pm
You need a secretary, Jose!
Jose
January 4, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Indeed. It’s not my little black book but my “medium sized red book” and I’d never give it up. But now I have a laptop it’s often easier just to use Google.
Great stuff!
You should put all the info into a nicely-bound book to be displayed on your bookshelf.
It’s bonkers how many times I hear people pronounce prerogative as perogative. It’s up there with mischievious and grievious.
People can’t get enough of throwing in an i.
Very enjoyable workout during my coffee break rather than at lunchtime
as I’m about to go out. Ia went straight in which always is a good start and I even managed to sort out the sporty ones. I thought the problem for Murphy was great (I wish the park and ride bus voice into Cambridge would not announce the next stop as “Marie’s” Lane. It is Maris after the potato,) and 24a , 1&2d also got daisies. Many thanks to both Setter and Gazza.
An enjoyable Thursday cryptic. I agree with his ratings and liked the same clues as he did
Thanks to him and the setter
I’m sat with my sou’wester and wellies to hand – there’s an impending deluge (apparently).
It may be just my opinion, but I found today’s offering one of the most interesting and enjoyable I have encountered for a long time. It was not easy and took me almost twice as long as usual with quite a few of the clues needing extra thought, dissection and reconstruction before revealing a solution.
Misdirection in 11a and 9d and the clever wordplay at 24a, 3d, and 16d kept the grey cells busy for quite some time.
I liked 25a and 20d, both caused much head scratching until many coins dropped but my COTD is the quite brilliant 23a
Many thanks to today’s setter and xxx for the hints.
I was so pleased with the outcome that I scooted off to Waitrose and stocked up on vin rouge with 25% off (other stores, wines and discounts may be available)
No idea what happened to this – it disappeared without trace then suddenly reappears just after I repost.
I’m sat with my sou’wester and wellies to hand – there’s an impending deluge (apparently).
It may be just my opinion, but I found today’s offering one of the most interesting and enjoyable I have encountered for a long time. It was not easy and took me almost twice as long as usual with quite a few of the clues needing extra thought, dissection and reconstruction before revealing a solution.
Misdirection in 11a and 9d and the clever wordplay at 24a, 3d, and 16d kept the grey cells busy for quite some time.
I liked 25a and 20d, both caused much head scratching until many coins dropped but my COTD is the quite brilliant 23a
Many thanks to today’s setter and Gazza for the hints.
I was so pleased with the outcome that I scooted off to Waitrose and stocked up on vin rouge with 25% off (other stores, wines and discounts may be available)
Enjoyed that.
Some very clever surface readings and parsing.
Found the Quickie hard going this morning and didn’t think much of the quickie pun. The pronunciation of those first two words is too far away from the pronunciation of ‘jury’
Hi JS
I think the pun works okay if it’s said by Geoffrey Boycott.
Hello! I am K from Switzerland and am one of those who use the site often but never comment. I came across it 10 years ago after a New Year’s resolution to learn how to “do” cryptic crosswords & it has been invaluable. Thank you so much to all the setters and Big Dave bloggers 🙏❤️
You’ve commented in the past as Banz, Banzy, Swissy and Kate. You’re welcome whichever alias you use.
How did you get on with today’s puzzle?
Good to hear from you, K.
Switzerland – what a place.
I’m well jel.
Keep on posting!
All rather sedate for a Thursday. Favourites were the excellent cartoons on Gazzas blog.
Still await this long promised deluge – not a drop so far!
Like a few others, I had real trouble with this very cleverly clued crossword. Perhaps like Dyslex, I can blame it on hitting my head The doctor did say the symptoms might take at least 12 weeks to abate. I found the parsing particularly tricky. I especially liked the geographical angram at 4d, The inteicate Legio cloe at 7d, the historic Irish disaster in cryptic form at 14a and the cryptic physical herks at 9d. Rhank you to the compiler for a chllenging but satisfying guzzle and to Gazza for the hints which I will now read.
** / ****
Missed the blog while I’ve been away. Today’s offering was a nice way back in. Got off to a flyer and had a tad more difficulty in the south-east but nothing to frighten the horses. Ticks went to the 11a Beach Boys (not a fan), the 24a news on the daughter and my COTD was the 9d meal and batter.
Many thanks to the setter and Gazza.
Welcome back, A-Pop!
I’d love to say that I’ve missed you.
Alas….
Welcome back, AP! Hope you had a great vacances.
Well as it is Ray’s day off this week for the backpager, I didn’t fare as well with this offering. Not really my cuppa for the most part.
3*/2.5*
Favourites 13a, 14a, 26a, 27a & 4d — with winner 13a
Thanks to setter & Gazza
Very nice puzzle. But is threatening a synonym of the answer in 22d – i can’t really think of a sentence where they are interchangeable? Thank you Gazza and setter as always.
Hi SC
This could be a threatening/***** situation
There is a grave risk that the wildfires will spread ?
A very satisfying solve especially when still quite sleepy, it invigorated the brain before work, a nice level of challenge. I’d feared I may have to park it when only two answers landed from a first read of half of the clues, but it gradually came together.
Is 16D really a straight swap for ID? Wondered if it warrants a ? as a form of ID.
15D – one of my earliest ever questions to the BD community circa 2011 was to explain the ‘without’ usage applied here. I still can’t explain it, but I know to look for it!
Pody picks go to 27A’s surface (and it helped me nail the SE), 9D as it was indeed tough to finish, and 15D for similar solving satisfaction.
Thanks to setter and to Gazza ⭐️
Plenty of rain here in the NW today! A very enjoyable puzzle today after a bit of a slog yesterday. Would have been faster had I spotted the anagram at 27a sooner. Favourites 24a, 25a (took me a while) and 20d – I think I’d run through the entire cabinet until the answer presented itself.
I concur with slowcoach , grave and threatening not compatible despite the examples thrown in by gazza and tom.I still put it in after lots of humming and aahing.I found this on the tough side and not really To my taste but it certainly has a goodly percentage of grade 1 clues .eg 9, 13,14,22 and 25 .I didn’t work out the first part of 9 but it was my favourite clue .I should have got 25 straightaway because I’ve done enough of them in my time, but not just with a wedge . Thanks to all
No trouble today with this very enjoyable offering. Lots to like with 13a, 14a, 1d, 9d and 15d favourites.
Thanks to Gazza and Setter.
I cant believe undergoing surgery sails over the TDS anagram bar. I was sure that one would not pass muster!
Finally some rain today in the SE.
Hi Slate
I think it’s brilliant as it clearly means that the word needs to be tinkered with.
I’m all for new anagram indicators as I love new creations. I’m just amazed that the setters sometimes get it wrong. It has to be the first definition, possibly, and only possibly, the second. That’s it. Rudely is one of the worst I’ve seen in a while.
I do love your passion for this TDS 🙂
Though while I’m here, I’ll table ‘out’ as one i’m not a fan of – as a valid jumbler and, even if it passes that bar, it’s not very exciting, though I get it’s very surface-friendly.
I agree with you, Wriggles. It’s a tad dull and not really that good an indicator whereas ‘confused’, ‘addled’, ‘at sea’ and the like make complete sense. ‘Out’ on it’s own doesn’t really.
Setters must have been chuffed when it got the all-clear as it’s such a useful word for the surface of a clue.
We should parade outside Telegraph Towers with placards saying ‘Out is out! Out is out’.
But, we know ‘out’ is very much in.
I am a newcomer to this blog, and to DT crosswords. In fact I am only just beginning to attempt crosswords seriously, and have just turned 80. I find your hints invaluable when I’m stuck (often).
Many thanks for your hard work.
I have a question – are the DT setters anonymous, can’t see their handles anywhere
Welcome to the blog Chris. – you’re just a spring chicken!
Now that you’ve de-lurked I hope that you’ll become a regular commenter. What did you think of today’s puzzle?
Yes, the DT setters of the Cryptic Crosswords are anonymous although we can recognise some from their style and others are kind enough to drop in to claim ownership.
Chris I can only identify two compilers!
Enjoyable challenge today but with the cryptic huts clue I assumed the second word was ‘off’, oh dear.
Dada because he’s on a Sunday and RayT because he’s every other Thursday? 😊😊
Welcome and keep posting your views
Welcome aboard Chris, After dabbling with the DT crossword for some years I started, just over a year ago, to use it as my regular grey cell exercise (age is no barrier, I’m older than your good self!). Finding and reading this blog made a huge difference to my capability. Read the hints every day, I guarantee you’ll soon get into the swing of things and, when you do get stuck, just ask for help – everyone is very friendly.
Welcome, Chris to this merry throng. Stick with the blog and you will soon improve. I solved only a few when I joined the blog. I now manage to solve most days and have even completed a few Toughies. Just remember, there is no such thing as a silly question so, if there’s something you don’t understand, just ask. I do hope you will become a regular contributor. 😊👍
The second series of Ludwig (A crossword compiler) begins tonight. Don’t know about anyone else but I quite like it.
John and I have been looking forward to it. Enjoy !
Completion extended deep into **time at silly o’clock early this morning & made much harder work of it than the level of difficulty probably merited. Enjoyed the solve with lots to like – 14a edged out 13a as my pick of the clues.
Thanks to the setter & to Gazza
2* / 3.5* Found the clues quite quirky today, but they all fell into place eventually.
Favourites today the 14a spud problem, the tough to finish 9d and the attractive 15d
Thanks to compiler and Gazza
Lots of great clues, but I think I’ll opt for Wes at 20D. VMT Setter & Gazza
Good evening
While not a work day, Thursdays are nevertheless very busy with other commitments, and I don’t always get the chance to attempt the crozzie, because it has to wait until after tea.
When I picked up today’s guzzle, I almost had the sponge hoyed in – I really didn’t know where to start and it took ages to make inroads. So it is with a sense of great relief that I put away my Lucky Green Pen and sit back, while looking at a finished grid.
COTD – I’m going to plump – if, as they used to say on Call My Bluff, plumping is allowed – for poor old Murphy and his problems at 14a.
Many thanks to our setter (nope, no idea, I’m a hopeless setter-getter unless it’s Ray T!) and to Gazza.
Banging ones head seems to have become quite popular on this blog of late. I don’t like to be the harbinger of bad news but I was stood on a chair and fell off backwards banging my head almost two years ago and I’m still suffering the consequences, so 12 weeks sounds a little optimistic to me. Any road up to the crossword. An entertaining diversion with just the right amount of difficulty and deviousness. Favourite was 13a. Thanks to the setter and Gazza.
TG! I’m so sorry to hear of your accident. I do hope your recovery comes speedily. Good to see you have a pal with you. Our canine companions are so faithful.
I found this very hard, especially the NE corner. A dnf because I looked up batter in in my Thesaurus. Then getting 9d enabled the rest of the NE to be solved in short order.
Thanks to all.
The minister 20d did for me. I don’t follow politics. The rest was good fun
Slow plod today. My method (not that you asked) is to work my way down all the As then return to the top and do the Ds not allowing myself any checker fun until I’ve completed those two passes. I was at the four letter 26A before I completed anything. Not a promising start. The long’uns took their time. Must admit, I didn’t see/agree with the parsing of the Murphy clue. My mind leapt straight to Ireland where the solution was most impactful in the 19th century.
I did like 21A. Succinctly smart.
I’m one of the lurkers – so, hello! I’m grateful for all the hard work of the BD team, thank you to you all! I became a DT Cryptic (& therefore BD) regular a year or so ago, after years of just the occasional dabble – I’ve had to update my skills considerably! Average solve time is gradually coming down but is always spread over several sessions.
I found this puzzle a polarised combination of straightforward or baffling. On 3 occasions, I got half a clue but could not complete it without your hints.
Favourite clue today is 9d
Hello, Smidgesmum. The more you practise solving puzzles the better you’ll get. Do keep us informed of your progress and if you don’t understand something do ask.