Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Topic started by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 10:06:19 am

Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 10:06:19 am
In a similar manner to Guess the Place, whoever solves the clue correctly sets the next one.

I'll start.

Dis duck or dat? (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 10:47:59 am
Eider.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 10:50:21 am
Of course!   :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 10:54:18 am
Take the oil? I, a h-holy man? (3, 9, 8).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: finch on 19 December, 2010, 10:57:34 am
H _ _ _ _ _ _ O (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 11:02:33 am
H _ _ _ _ _ _ O (5)

Water, but you're supposed to solve one first!  :D :D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 19 December, 2010, 11:09:02 am
I imagine Wow's is an anagram of the whole clue, but I'm stuck.

And, being stuck:

Try covering it first in Three-In-One (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 11:10:01 am
I imagine Wow's is an anagram of the whole clue, but I'm stuck.

And, being stuck:

Try covering it first in Three-In-One (7)

You are right, and it's also rather dated. I have to admit to rank plagiarism as this was one of Bunthorne's from about 30 years ago. It so impressed me that I've never forgotten it.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 19 December, 2010, 12:02:39 pm
H _ _ _ _ _ _ O (5)

Water, but you're supposed to solve one first!  :D :D

Indeed  :P (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1072.msg41013#msg41013)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 12:48:51 pm
How did I miss that!  Great minds clearly  think alike.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 19 December, 2010, 05:52:47 pm
Take the oil? I, a h-holy man? (3,9,8)
I imagine Wow's is an anagram of the whole clue, but I'm stuck.
You are right, and it's also rather dated. I have to admit to rank plagiarism as this was one of Bunthorne's from about 30 years ago. It so impressed me that I've never forgotten it.

With that extra context, it's obviously THE AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI.

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 05:54:24 pm
Take the oil? I, a h-holy man? (3,9,8)
I imagine Wow's is an anagram of the whole clue, but I'm stuck.

You are right, and it's also rather dated. I have to admit to rank plagiarism as this was one of Bunthorne's from about 30 years ago. It so impressed me that I've never forgotten it.
With that extra context, it's obviously THE AYATOLLAH KHOMEINI.


Indeed.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 05:59:03 pm
I imagine Wow's is an anagram of the whole clue, but I'm stuck.

And, being stuck:

Try covering it first in Three-In-One (7)

Trinity?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 19 December, 2010, 06:10:51 pm
Try covering it first in Three-In-One (7)

Trinity?

Yes. TRY covering INIT (IT, but, first IN).

Here's another. I'm finding the Ashes a good theme.

Twenty runs, but at the crease he doesn't push through with his cuts (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 06:12:27 pm
Try covering it first in Three-In-One (7)

Trinity?

Yes. TRY covering INIT (IT, but, first IN).

Here's another. I'm finding the Ashes a good theme.

Twenty runs, but at the crease he doesn't push through with his cuts (6)

I'd have said SCORE but that's only got 5 letters...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 06:13:10 pm
So SCORER.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 06:19:57 pm
Peripherally outmoded, Dorothy, Matthew and Brian write childish letters to Her Majesty (3, 6, 7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 19 December, 2010, 06:21:28 pm
Dot Matrix Printer

But I don't have one of my own to offer, I'm afraid :-[

Didn't think it through, did I? :-\
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 December, 2010, 06:21:49 pm
Dot Matrix Printer

Quite so!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 19 December, 2010, 06:28:09 pm
OK here's another:

School for bar staff within a place of worship, we hear. (5-6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 20 December, 2010, 05:38:20 pm
Clue - These students are preparing to answer their calling..
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 05:59:59 pm
Inner Temple
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 06:00:49 pm
Three letters long.

Wolf.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 20 December, 2010, 09:57:15 pm
Stumped.

Cry?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 10:09:53 pm
First letter is 'e'.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 December, 2010, 10:10:57 pm
Eat.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 10:13:16 pm
Nope
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Deano on 20 December, 2010, 10:15:03 pm
Wolf in sheep's clothing. 

But I haven't a clue to set, so carry on.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2010, 10:15:12 pm
Is it Wolf (3) ?

I'm a bit confused by the Three Letters Long
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 10:16:10 pm
Sorry, yes, in standard crossword stylee : -

Wolf (3)

And the extra info is that the first letter is 'e'.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 December, 2010, 10:17:41 pm
Sorry, yes, in standard crossword stylee : -

Wolf (3)

And the extra info is that the first letter is 'e'.

Ebb.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2010, 10:20:20 pm
Spot on.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 December, 2010, 10:22:38 pm
He plays around under waterfalls (4, 6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 December, 2010, 11:09:29 pm
Anyone still doing this?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Jaded on 20 December, 2010, 11:13:03 pm
I tried, then got stuck into some emails, photos, a newsletter for the local football club and listening to some music inappropriate for a 50 year old.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 21 December, 2010, 07:15:34 am
He plays around under waterfalls (4, 6)

 ???  any letters !

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 21 December, 2010, 12:29:57 pm
He plays around under waterfalls (4, 6)

Rain Dancer
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 21 December, 2010, 12:32:10 pm
He plays around under waterfalls (4, 6)

Damp Golfer
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 12:38:01 pm
There's an anagram in there.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 02:21:41 pm
There's an anagram in there.

FATS WALLER, who certainly played, is an anagram of "waterfalls". [But I don't really buy "under" as an anagram indicator, while "around" is in the wrong place for one, isn't it? Am I barking up the wrong tree entirely? I'm not good on golfers.]

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 02:41:29 pm
There's an anagram in there.

FATS WALLER, who certainly played, is an anagram of "waterfalls". [But I don't really buy "under" as an anagram indicator, while "around" is in the wrong place for one, isn't it? Am I barking up the wrong tree entirely? I'm not good on golfers.]




Fats Waller it is.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 02:48:23 pm

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em tune sung in church (3,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 02:54:03 pm

Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em tune sung in church (3,5)

Ave Maria
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 03:02:57 pm
On the assumption that the above is correct:-

Two boys are followed by a youth leader in Essex. (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 21 December, 2010, 03:15:19 pm
Got it.

Am I allowed to answer without then offering another clue?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 03:15:59 pm
On the assumption that the above is correct:-
(it is)
Quote

Two boys are followed by a youth leader in Essex. (10)
Billericay
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 21 December, 2010, 03:23:53 pm
On the assumption that the above is correct:-
(it is)
Quote

Two boys are followed by a youth leader in Essex. (10)
Billericay

You're doing very well  ;)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 03:47:45 pm
Wicket, duck, wicket, bye... cricket correspondent cut short, could be infinitely prolonged. (9)

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 03:49:48 pm
Wowbagger!  ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: mike on 21 December, 2010, 03:54:23 pm
how??
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 21 December, 2010, 03:55:57 pm
Oh I got that one straight away, unusually.  Got one for us, wow?  I'm enjoying this thread, even though I only see most of them retrospectively
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 03:56:46 pm
It helps to know that Jonathan Agnew "Aggers" is the BBC's chief cricket correspondent.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 04:03:56 pm
Hans' wife follows fish for forum favourite. (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 21 December, 2010, 04:08:32 pm
Hans' wife follows fish for forum favourite. (9)

Charlotte
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 04:10:37 pm
(Haha! Does googling for people who follow fish count as cheating?)

The trumpet sounds (two notes), right, and no one shall be raised. (7)

Though Snakehips beat me to it while I was finalising my clue. Your go, Snaky.

ETA a little more of a clue, since "sounds" is obscure. But please to admire the Handel reference. So smug here.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2010, 04:11:57 pm
Isn't it Snakehips' turn?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 21 December, 2010, 04:15:34 pm
Frank had slightly more than Edith        (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2010, 07:47:58 pm
Regrets, of course. Not fond of that type of clue though, tbh. It's more general knowledge quiz than wordplay.

Here's one that I can't claim authorship of but I think it's brilliant - and is a proper cryptic crossword clue:

Eggs on toast. (6)

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 07:54:31 pm
Regrets, of course. Not fond of that type of clue though, tbh. It's more general knowledge quiz than wordplay.

Here's one that I can't claim authorship of but I think it's brilliant - and is a proper cryptic crossword clue:

Eggs on toast. (6)

d.

Cheers
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 07:55:14 pm
And now I can pearoast:



The trumpet sounds (two notes), right, and no one shall be raised. (7)


Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2010, 08:04:07 pm
Clarion, I think.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2010, 08:05:08 pm
If it's right, I'll set another shortly.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2010, 08:06:46 pm
Clarion, I think.

d.
Yes. And isn't it pleasing?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 December, 2010, 09:59:36 pm
Very good, HTFB. :thumbsup:

Outfit designers created incorporating large bust and white headpiece. (7,5)

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 22 December, 2010, 08:50:49 am
wedding dress
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 December, 2010, 08:53:05 am
wedding dress

I can see the large bust (dd) but I don't know how you get the rest of that.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2010, 09:02:22 am
Anagram of designers + W (white).

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 December, 2010, 09:06:20 am
Anagram of designers + W (white).

d.

That's really good. It didn't occur to me that designers was the anagram.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 22 December, 2010, 09:23:50 am
Well it took me a while to work out why wolf was ebb earlier even after you had answered it earlier !

How about

European King a small tome's recalled (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2010, 10:34:33 am
Well it took me a while to work out why wolf was ebb earlier even after you had answered it earlier !

OK, I'll admit it... I still haven't worked it out. But please don't tell me because I'm determined to get it myself without help!

Who's doing/done the Araucaria Christmas special from last Saturday's Guardian? After a slow start, I'm making some progress but still a long way from completion. One question for anyone who's got further than me: when he says "modern" novels, presumably he means "anything from Don Quixote onwards", right? I got the Dickens novel pretty quickly, but that's a rather narrower range to choose from.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 22 December, 2010, 10:50:00 am
European King a small tome's recalled (6)

Very nice clue, but I'll let someone else give the answer as I've just had two turns in quick succession...  :smug:

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 30 December, 2010, 10:34:17 pm
Who's doing/done the Araucaria Christmas special from last Saturday's Guardian? After a slow start, I'm making some progress but still a long way from completion. One question for anyone who's got further than me: when he says "modern" novels, presumably he means "anything from Don Quixote onwards", right? I got the Dickens novel pretty quickly, but that's a rather narrower range to choose from.

Started on Christmas Day and finished today  ::-)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 01 February, 2011, 07:56:09 am
European King a small tome's recalled (6)

 ???  Please, somebody put me out of my misery !

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2011, 08:06:04 am
SLOVAK

K = king
A = a
Vol = small tome (volume)

"recalled" ie reversed

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2011, 08:07:34 am
Sorry, that should be:

Vol = tome (volume)
S = small

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2011, 08:10:33 am
Nope, wrong again... the S would be in the wrong place... d'oh!

It's "Vol's" - the apostrophe s is to be read literally, not as a contraction.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 14 February, 2011, 04:12:10 pm
For fans of the Cryptic Crossword, the 20p 'i' newspaper from today includes a daily cryptic crossword  :thumbsup:

A clue from todays paper :

Lithe acts performed in the name of sport (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 14 February, 2011, 04:17:47 pm
Athletics
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 20 March, 2011, 07:35:21 pm
Can anyone help me out I'm stuck on a few clues from Friday's i crossword, one being ........
.......Men scorn hostels specially built for unseen tourist attraction (4,4,7) ?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 20 March, 2011, 07:44:37 pm
Loch Ness Monster?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 20 March, 2011, 08:06:13 pm
Loch Ness Monster?

Thanks
How about.....
........I weary myself, keeping up with retired people (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 20 March, 2011, 08:21:03 pm

How about.....
........I weary myself, keeping up with retired people (7)

Sounds like my audax experiences.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 22 March, 2011, 08:23:14 am

How about.....
........I weary myself, keeping up with retired people (7)

Sounds like my audax experiences.

 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 13 July, 2011, 09:43:28 am
Sublime effort from Puck in today's Guardian:

"Off/on, hard/soft etc. (3,2,5)"

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 13 July, 2011, 10:19:06 pm
We got that one  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 19 July, 2011, 07:59:40 am
In the 'i' paper today all the across clues are Cheese related

e.g. cheese produced by, note, Greek character (4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 19 July, 2011, 08:08:40 am
feta
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 19 July, 2011, 10:43:16 am
Here's another

Some cheese a plebeian is holding back ? (3,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 19 July, 2011, 11:46:36 am
Bel Paese.

Here's one I recall from many years ago: "Cheese that's made backwards. (4)"

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 July, 2011, 11:53:34 am
Edam.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 19 July, 2011, 12:40:19 pm
What's put in cheese that makes dog start to drool (4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tim on 19 July, 2011, 01:08:38 pm
(click to show/hide)

Not on a cheese theme, but it amused me at lunch-time:

Skinny, toothless what's-his-name (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 19 July, 2011, 09:01:34 pm
What's put in cheese that makes dog start to drool (4)

curd
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 19 July, 2011, 10:56:16 pm
(click to show/hide)

Not on a cheese theme, but it amused me at lunch-time:

Skinny, toothless what's-his-name (9)

Thingummy
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 20 July, 2011, 12:17:41 am
For fans of the Cryptic Crossword, the 20p 'i' newspaper from today includes a daily cryptic crossword  :thumbsup:

A clue from todays paper :

Lithe acts performed in the name of sport (9)

There was one very similar to that in the Guardian the other day.

Here's another of mine that I was quite pleased with:

They order "Horses for courses!" (8)

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 21 July, 2011, 08:34:19 am
Café where the OAPs gather (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mobbsy on 21 July, 2011, 08:45:19 am
I am being redundant on the 30th September  :-\....









.... I start a new (better) job on the 1st October.  ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 July, 2011, 10:03:01 am
Café where the OAPs gather (7)

Teashop
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 21 July, 2011, 10:47:30 am
For fans of the Cryptic Crossword, the 20p 'i' newspaper from today includes a daily cryptic crossword  :thumbsup:

A clue from todays paper :

Lithe acts performed in the name of sport (9)

There was one very similar to that in the Guardian the other day.

Here's another of mine that I was quite pleased with:

They order "Horses for courses!" (8)

d.

Tipsters?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 July, 2011, 12:37:39 pm
Nope.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 21 July, 2011, 01:09:12 pm
Hors d'oeuvres

EDIT : starters
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 July, 2011, 01:48:05 pm
starters

Yep!

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 22 July, 2011, 08:40:43 am
Not the quickest opening for securing a flat ? (4,8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 23 July, 2011, 12:49:21 pm
Slow puncture
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 24 July, 2011, 01:31:05 pm
Slow puncture

Yep
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 26 July, 2011, 01:10:27 am
Vegetable, say, left between doctor and worker (8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 July, 2011, 01:17:22 am
Vegetable, say, left between doctor and worker (8)

Eggplant
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 26 July, 2011, 01:20:52 am
Vegetable, say, left between doctor and worker (8)

Eggplant

Yes, that was quick !
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 01 August, 2011, 02:34:42 pm
Here's one that occurred to me yesterday:

Resort to deep salination when tides change (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 17 August, 2011, 01:37:51 am
Hydrogen, aluminium, oxygen, germanium, nitrogen ? None of these ! (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Greenbank on 17 August, 2011, 08:05:44 am
Hydrogen, aluminium, oxygen, germanium, nitrogen ? None of these ! (7)

Halogen.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 17 August, 2011, 08:00:30 pm
Hydrogen, aluminium, oxygen, germanium, nitrogen ? None of these ! (7)

Halogen.
      :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 17 August, 2011, 08:05:50 pm
Here's one that occurred to me yesterday:

Resort to deep salination when tides change (9)

No one hazard a guess at mine? :(
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 17 August, 2011, 10:44:40 pm
Here's one that occurred to me yesterday:

Resort to deep salination when tides change (9)

No one hazard a guess at mine? :(

Is it an anagram of 'when tides' ?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 17 August, 2011, 10:46:06 pm
No anagram in there
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: nicknack on 17 August, 2011, 11:04:05 pm
Seasalter

Though I might question the 'resort' bit - unless preceded by 'last' perhaps.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 August, 2011, 01:30:36 pm
I might question the 'resort' bit - unless preceded by 'last' perhaps.

Harsh but fair.  ;D

Tbh, not sure I get the clue. Could you explain, please, Clarion?

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 August, 2011, 03:55:47 pm
tides change = seas alter?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 August, 2011, 04:26:10 pm
tides change = seas alter?

 :facepalm:

Very good.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 18 August, 2011, 04:58:01 pm
I'm not sure you should have "deep salination" (presumably that's SEA SALT; I don't see the "er" in that section of the wordplay) in there as well as the changing tides. The double false anagram lead is very neat, though.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 18 August, 2011, 10:37:27 pm
Seasalter

Though I might question the 'resort' bit - unless preceded by 'last' perhaps.
Fair comment :(
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 18 August, 2011, 10:40:57 pm
I'm not sure you should have "deep salination" (presumably that's SEA SALT; I don't see the "er" in that section of the wordplay) in there as well as the changing tides. The double false anagram lead is very neat, though.
Also fair. It seemed to work at first, but you're right
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 24 August, 2011, 08:58:27 am
Gentleman's gentleman curtailed joke about First Lady. (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 24 August, 2011, 10:10:01 am
Jeeves
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 24 August, 2011, 08:24:49 pm
Pah, that was too easy!

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 24 August, 2011, 08:46:41 pm
Gentleman's gentleman's gentleman, pursues (as gentleman lady), pursued by hindparts of joker. (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 24 August, 2011, 10:11:28 pm
Wooster
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 25 August, 2011, 11:37:54 am
Gentleman's gentleman's gentleman, pursues (as gentleman lady), pursued by hindparts of joker. (7)

 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 01:52:10 am
Not strictly my turn, but try this, if you would:

Col taken away. Add one fag. (7)

And

Dry 'coon appears in south London (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 02:11:30 am
Ok, while I still can't sleep:

Premier found Yttrium in Ozarks?  That's crazy. (7)

And:

Bear mixed up with above (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 02:23:30 am
I can do you Croydon but I'm off to bed now!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 02:43:45 am
Spot on, Peter. Good night.

BTW, the other clues are all much more playful.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 10:12:48 am
Ok, Clarion, I'm up again, now, so you can have Sarkozy to be going on with!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 10:17:19 am
Guess you could have Koala, (in Oz) or Putin - Russian (aka bear) premier, pu being mixed "up"?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 12:10:56 pm
Sarkozy is correct (not often I'd say that!).

But you're looking too far afield for the bear...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 01:41:04 pm
Brown, as in Bruni?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 01:42:07 pm
No, no 5 letters, so it's bruin?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 05:14:13 pm
You've got it star about face.  Bruin, yes, for the bear, but mixed up gives us Bruni, who, with a second meaning for 'mixed up', fits with Sarkozy.

The fourth clue should also give you a topical person.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 05:34:11 pm
Gaddafi, then innit?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 29 August, 2011, 06:42:05 pm
Yeah.    Did you like that one? :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 07:30:13 pm
I liked them all - especially the ones with multiple choice! :)  I'll sort something out for the thread soon.  Cheers!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 29 August, 2011, 09:56:11 pm
Not my turn, but a couple of easy ones for tonight !!!


Be direct with regard to trendy project ? (5,4,3,3)

Top player securing University Cricket Club's win (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 August, 2011, 11:26:38 pm
Shoot from the hip (good one!)

I'll have athink about the other one!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 August, 2011, 12:25:08 am
Top player securing University Cricket Club's win (7)

SUCCEED
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 30 August, 2011, 07:28:17 am
Top player securing University Cricket Club's win (7)

SUCCEED

Shoot from the hip (good one!)

Yes both correct  ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 30 August, 2011, 01:46:52 pm
French shout across US city on call for parishioner (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 05 September, 2011, 09:27:47 pm
French shout across US city on call for parishioner (7)

Clarion, I think may be you should have a go at this, since there are no other takers!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2011, 02:16:33 pm
French shout across US city on call for parishioner (7)

Clarion

I don't think the setter should be allowed to solve their own clue. ;)

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2011, 02:17:51 pm
Here's one that came to me this morning:

"French leader goes to summer fete. (8)"

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 September, 2011, 02:43:38 pm
That's an odd clue in that F (french leader) and ete (summer - OK, with accents omitted) make up fete (again, accent omitted).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2011, 02:46:28 pm
Good spot. I had it as "fair" originally, but I thought "fete" sounded better. Maybe I also noticed it subconsciously.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 September, 2011, 02:48:24 pm
So presumably it's festival - for the same reason.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2011, 03:06:52 pm
Bingo.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2011, 03:08:09 pm
French shout across US city on call for parishioner (7)

Clarion

I don't think the setter should be allowed to solve their own clue. ;)

d.

It was just taking sooooooo  looooong.....! :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2011, 03:34:47 pm
Sorry, I hadn't looked in on the thread for a few days.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 06 September, 2011, 03:39:08 pm
French shout across US city on call for parishioner (7)

Clarion

I don't think the setter should be allowed to solve their own clue. ;)

d.

It was just taking sooooooo  looooong.....! :)

:facepalm: :-[
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 September, 2011, 10:44:02 pm
It's Clarion. I guessed that this morning but couldn't work out why.

LA, cri on.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 07 September, 2011, 01:16:11 am
It's Clarion. I guessed that this morning but couldn't work out why.

LA, cri on.

The French shout (cri) is across the US city (LA), so  C  LA  RI, then ON
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 September, 2011, 09:10:35 pm
Conductor linked to sulphur, sodium and potassium eventually injects poison (11).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 08 September, 2011, 09:14:22 pm
Rattlesnake
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 08 September, 2011, 09:15:47 pm
Rattlesnake.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 08 September, 2011, 09:16:07 pm
Bugger :-)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 08 September, 2011, 09:17:03 pm
No, I think you'll find it really is rattlesnake! :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 24 September, 2011, 07:01:50 pm
Material made by bee, say, in mini conflagration (5,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 25 September, 2011, 11:32:22 pm
Sorry to post another one before yours is answered Pingu, but I couldn't resist.

Places in which clients must not be rubbed up the wrong way (7,8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 September, 2011, 11:34:49 pm
I'd guess that that's MASSAGE PARLOURS.

I had a think about Pingu's last night but haven't got any ideas yet.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 26 September, 2011, 12:05:05 am
I'd guess that that's MASSAGE PARLOURS.

 :thumbsup:   it made me chuckle !!!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 September, 2011, 12:09:55 am
Sorry to post another one before yours is answered Pingu, but I couldn't resist.

Places in which clients must not be rubbed up the wrong way (7,8)

Massage Parlours?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 September, 2011, 12:11:05 am
Sorry, didn't see Wow's!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 September, 2011, 12:19:04 am
Material made by bee, say, in mini conflagration (5,5)

One of the words is denim?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 September, 2011, 09:50:07 am
Material made by bee, say, in mini conflagration (5,5)

One of the words is denim?

No.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 26 September, 2011, 10:00:39 am
One of the words is fibre, but I can't get the other.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Gareth Rees on 26 September, 2011, 10:08:37 am
Material made by bee, say, in mini conflagration (5,5)

MICRO FIBRE

(You could omit the "say", since "bee" already clues B.)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 26 September, 2011, 10:11:06 am
Obvious now you've said it, Gareth.  That's been doing my head in.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 September, 2011, 10:24:43 am
Material made by bee, say, in mini conflagration (5,5)

MICRO FIBRE

(You could omit the "say", since "bee" already clues B.)

Close to my answer - 2nd word is correct. The answer is bike related.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 September, 2011, 10:27:51 am
Just realised that I can't count - it should've been (6,5)  :-[
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 September, 2011, 10:32:17 am
Carbon Fibre
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 26 September, 2011, 10:35:08 am
I don't get that.  ???
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 September, 2011, 10:36:58 am
Carbon Fibre

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 September, 2011, 10:37:27 am
I don't get that.  ???

Car (mini)    b in bonfire
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 26 September, 2011, 10:50:46 am
Thanks.  I'd got a b in fire, but not bonfire.  Good one. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 26 September, 2011, 04:16:43 pm
Sorry for jumping in out of turn, but this just came to me...

Damn shells! (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 September, 2011, 05:09:32 pm
Blasts?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Gareth Rees on 26 September, 2011, 06:36:55 pm
Damn shells! (6)

SNAILS

[OED: Snails, int. Obs. An abbreviation of God's nails, used as a petty oath or exclamation.]
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 26 September, 2011, 09:35:51 pm
No and no. Though both good answers.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 27 September, 2011, 09:15:33 pm
Shucks
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 27 September, 2011, 09:25:45 pm
Yup!

d.
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 October, 2011, 08:04:25 am
If no one else wants to pick up the baton, here's another I just came up with…

"Musical number performed by foe or twat." (3,3,3)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 October, 2011, 09:32:41 am
Eat for two? Eat for two?

And then it dawned on me.  ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 October, 2011, 10:16:54 am
I think you've got it.  ;D

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 05 October, 2011, 11:54:07 am
I remember one of those very old Auraucaria double puzzles - at least 30 years ago - when the answer was "Indian Ocean" but we got very hung up on "Indian Canoe" as a possible answer.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 05 October, 2011, 12:30:08 pm
My favourite wrong 'right answer' was also from the Guardian.  I don't remember the exact clue, but it was along the lines of:  Work by gay

We had:

B_GG_R_ / _P_R_

One of our number was insistent that the answer was 'Buggery Sport'. ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 19 October, 2011, 12:39:04 am
A clue from todays i that has me puzzled !!!

Plastic train from US (8,7)

any ideas ?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 19 October, 2011, 10:12:51 am
American Express?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 19 October, 2011, 07:44:12 pm
American Express?

 :thumbsup:
Amazing, once you see it you kick yourself.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 02 December, 2011, 03:42:45 am
Finally finished a Cryptic from the 'i' paper today  ;D
No. 252 by DAC ( although l haven't attempted them all
)

A clue from the crossword......

Gentleman showing hesitation in fancy bow tie store (6,7)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: PeeJay on 02 December, 2011, 08:47:54 am
Bertie Wooster ??

Sent from my BlackBerry 9780 using Tapatalk
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: PeeJay on 02 December, 2011, 12:35:01 pm
Here's one I liked from a Guardian Quiptic a couple of weeks ago:

Garfunkel recording that's seen in gallery? (4,2,3)



Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 02 December, 2011, 01:20:46 pm
Here's one I liked from a Guardian Quiptic a couple of weeks ago:

Garfunkel recording that's seen in gallery? (4,2,3)

Work of Art
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 December, 2011, 02:56:52 pm
CERN result's no big "Gosh!", possibly? (5,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 13 December, 2011, 03:47:36 pm
Topical  :thumbsup:

(That's not the answer BTW  ;) )
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Bartonflyer on 13 December, 2011, 05:18:21 pm
CERN result's no big "Gosh!", possibly? (5,5)

Higgs Boson - have they found it yet?

One of my all time favourites:

Smuggle grain in Cheshire (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 13 December, 2011, 09:23:34 pm
Runcorn

ETA

On same lines:-

Sounds like a thin drink at charter site  (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Bartonflyer on 13 December, 2011, 09:55:32 pm
Runnymede

Not one of mine, but from today's Indie - short & succint

Elementary clue? (4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 13 December, 2011, 10:05:46 pm
Lead?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 13 December, 2011, 10:10:49 pm
Lead?
Very good.

I was torn between neon and iron. Neither seemed quite right.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Bartonflyer on 13 December, 2011, 10:36:38 pm
Lead it is - the best cryptic clues are the shortest (IMO)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wonky on 13 December, 2011, 11:53:12 pm
Lead it is - the best cryptic clues are the shortest (IMO)

O (8,6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 13 December, 2011, 11:57:26 pm
Circular letter?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 14 December, 2011, 11:23:56 am
Have we had

E (13)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wonky on 14 December, 2011, 05:58:50 pm
Circular letter?
Correct.

Not to be confused with;

0 (5,6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 December, 2011, 06:07:01 pm
Round number
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Bartonflyer on 14 December, 2011, 06:49:10 pm
Have we had

E (13)

Have to confess to having seen this before --
(click to show/hide)

can't think of any more good ones at the moment
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 14 December, 2011, 06:59:12 pm
Her majesty’s angry outburst is highly irregular. (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 14 December, 2011, 08:42:44 pm
Errant
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 14 December, 2011, 09:05:50 pm
Errant

Of course!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 08 March, 2012, 08:09:52 am
This shows the way to personalise letters ( 8 )
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 08 March, 2012, 08:16:31 am
Signpost?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 08 March, 2012, 08:49:02 am
Signpost?

Yep   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 08 March, 2012, 11:25:07 pm
A ruler lied, for a change? (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 09 March, 2012, 06:41:38 am
DERAILLEUR

Btw, android phone owners, there's a new Guardian crossword app that they're giving away as a free trial at the moment.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/crossword-blog/2012/mar/08/android-crossword-app-launch

No iPhone version yet...

d.

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 09 March, 2012, 09:32:04 am
DERAILLEUR

Yes :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 25 March, 2012, 11:53:17 pm
Flier accommodates expected argument (5,7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Gareth Rees on 29 March, 2012, 12:31:58 pm
Flier accommodates expected argument (5,7)

HOUSE SPARROW
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 29 March, 2012, 09:50:24 pm
YACF, in confusion expanding "cycling" into fervent religion, becomes body of teachers. (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 March, 2012, 09:59:58 pm
Faculty
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 02 April, 2012, 02:14:50 pm
Bear topped;car tailed;unknown.  Might he eat you?  (4,6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 04 April, 2012, 08:29:27 pm
OK, here's another clue with the same answer:-

He crossed the Alps, unaspirated and curly-headed.  (4,6)

Neither clue has a definition (nor should need one on this forum).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 05 April, 2012, 02:52:30 pm
Eddy Merkyx
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 05 April, 2012, 04:17:26 pm
'Merckx' isn't it ?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 05 April, 2012, 04:37:27 pm
I think the clue only gives us Eddy Merkx

Unless I'm missing something :(
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 05 April, 2012, 05:01:40 pm
Bear topped;car tailed;unknown.  Might he eat you?  (4,6)
Bear topped = (T)eddy
Car = Merc
Tailed = k
Unknown = x
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 05 April, 2012, 05:07:56 pm
Why is tailed 'k'?  I don't know that one.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 05 April, 2012, 07:05:39 pm
Here's how the first one works (or doesn't, as the case may be!).

Bear topped:  Teddy decapitated gives Eddy

Car tailed:  Mercedes with no tail gives merc.....

Oh, my goodness, you're right!  NO k!!!!  x was the unknown, certainly.

So, let's try the second one:-

He crossed the Alps, unaspirated and curly-headed


Hannibal crossed the Alps.  Unaspirated (no h) he becomes annibal; curly-headed gives c at the front (primary school teachers will be familiar with "curly ku" for c, "kicking ku" for k), so we get cannibal, which was Eddy's nickname.  He crossed the Alps rather more frequently than Hannibal!

Sorry for the mistake - I made it up in bed, which is where I do a lot of imagining!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 05 April, 2012, 08:04:39 pm
That second one is probably too oblique for the conventions: you aren't usually allowed wordplay (hannibal->cannibal) in the definition where it doesn't make it into the final answer. You could put it backwards:

Breathing roughly, previous bloke loses his head---he made it across the Alps though. (8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 05 April, 2012, 08:14:34 pm
OK, perhaps I do more oblique crosswords, sometimes, and am not aware of the conventions, but I agree, it is a tricky one, though others may differ!

Your clue would still be missing a "c", I think?

Edit whoops! just realised the roughly gives c, but "the previous bloke"?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 April, 2012, 01:05:52 pm
I wasn't sure at first but I think it's actually a valid clue within the "rules" - too clever for me though!

At first glance, the "definition" is missing, but it's actually an &lit - the whole clue is the definition. "Curly-headed" is slightly tenuous but works.

d.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 06 April, 2012, 01:59:18 pm
I wasn't sure at first but I think it's actually a valid clue within the "rules" - too clever for me though!

At first glance, the "definition" is missing, but it's actually an &lit - the whole clue is the definition. "Curly-headed" is slightly tenuous but works.

d.

Thanks D!  Over to someone else while I continue with my rehabilitation!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 07 April, 2012, 07:13:44 pm
Phone for Peter's error: on road going the wrong way (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 07 April, 2012, 09:43:47 pm
Nokia - nice one, Pingu!

Feel free to dive in, anyone, while I think of one.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tewdric on 07 April, 2012, 09:49:31 pm
A financial scamster's advantage? (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 25 July, 2012, 01:10:20 am
Just remembered this thread!  Are we talking about a particular financial scamster?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 28 July, 2012, 12:53:24 am
Here's one to be getting on with ..........

Qualification achieved by sending back French translation of 'the bicycle' (1,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 28 July, 2012, 01:16:32 am
l'eleve ?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 28 July, 2012, 01:29:37 am
l'eleve ?

Nope
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 28 July, 2012, 01:42:11 am
O Level.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 28 July, 2012, 03:23:07 am
O Level.

Yes, here's another ...........

One throwing mud in the middle of golf tournament, suggesting where drugs are used  (5,3)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 28 July, 2012, 09:32:30 am
Opium den?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Dinamo on 28 July, 2012, 06:46:52 pm
Opium den?

Correct   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 August, 2012, 09:24:46 am
Bar of soap (6,6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Gareth Rees on 10 August, 2012, 09:50:54 am
Bar of soap (6,6)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 10 August, 2012, 09:58:19 am
Correct!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 12 January, 2013, 11:13:28 pm
BBC News - Araucaria crossword setter gives cancer clue (http://bbc.in/WzEEUX)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/crosswords/cryptic/25842
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 January, 2013, 11:22:05 pm
That's sad.

He is to crosswords what Muhammad Ali was to boxing.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: nicknack on 12 January, 2013, 11:55:24 pm
Back in the days when I used to buy the Grauniad he was always my favourite crossword compiler.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 13 January, 2013, 12:05:25 am
He's the favourite in our house, too.  A quick look at the clue indicates that it is a particularly pernicious one.  Here's hoping he beats it.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 19 January, 2013, 02:11:02 pm
Navigator's instrument, under sea not each is still in existence (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 January, 2013, 02:17:15 pm
Sextant?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 19 January, 2013, 02:19:59 pm
Yes. Sea (missing ea.), followed by extant. Hurrah! Probably a down clue.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 19 January, 2013, 02:42:30 pm
How funny that a word I've not previously seen on the forum should appear twice in the same day in threads on the same board.

Sextant.

See also here (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=67588.0).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 January, 2013, 02:46:53 pm
I suspect that one thing inspired another.

Hippo go baa for fear of cold weather and its henchmen. (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 19 January, 2013, 02:49:22 pm
Something ..phobia.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 19 January, 2013, 02:52:50 pm
pagophobia
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 January, 2013, 02:58:33 pm
Yes. Isn't "hippo go baa" a lovely anagram?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 19 January, 2013, 05:55:34 pm
It is!  They are not that docile off the page!  I'll see if I can come up with something soon.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 22 January, 2013, 05:41:15 pm
In the meantime, here's one that came to me on the train this morning...

Poisonous, tailless parasite swallows bullock. (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 22 January, 2013, 05:48:43 pm
Poisonous, tailless parasite swallows bullock. (5)

toxic
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 22 January, 2013, 07:05:35 pm
Yup. Not difficult but a neat surface, I thought.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 September, 2013, 06:54:00 pm
Poetical scene has surprisingly chaste Lord Archer vegetating (3, 3, 8, 12)

Shamelessly nicked, but so brilliant I had to share it. Please have a go before googling.

Edit: it's one of Araucaria's.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 22 September, 2013, 07:15:23 pm
I'm afraid I had to Google. 
Just as well I did, as I'm afraid the solution meant nothing to me at all.
*shamed*
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 23 September, 2013, 07:53:29 am
Poetical scene has surprisingly chaste Lord Archer vegetating (3, 3, 8, 12)

Shamelessly nicked, but so brilliant I had to share it. Please have a go before googling.

Edit: it's one of Araucaria's.
Some, it may be, can get in touch
With Nature there, or Earth, or such;
And clever modern men have seen
A Faun a-peeping through the green
And felt the Classics were not dead
To glimpse a naiad's reedy head
Or hear the Goat-Foot piping low:
But these are things I do not know.
I only know that one may lie
Day-long, and watch the Cambridge sky,
And, flower-lulled in sleepy grass,
Hear the cool lapse of hours pass,
Until the centuries blend and blur...

No googling needed. As you say, a perfect clue.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 September, 2013, 10:48:45 am
Another of Araucaria's, whilst not quite so perfect from a purist's point of view, is nonetheless a sign of sheer genius. It's from a Christmas puzzle.

O hark the herald angels sing the boy’s descent which lifted up the world. (5, 9, 7, 5, 6, 2, 5, 3, 6, 2, 3, 6)

Edit: the whole thing is an anagram.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 23 September, 2013, 12:41:20 pm
Poetical scene has surprisingly chaste Lord Archer vegetating (3, 3, 8, 12)

Shamelessly nicked, but so brilliant I had to share it. Please have a go before googling.

Edit: it's one of Araucaria's.

An oldie but still a goodie.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 29 September, 2013, 09:11:08 am
This belongs here too:
Just been reminded of a bit from Geoff Scarr, a Yorkshire (hmm mmaybe not yorkshire thinking about it) comedian I had the pleasure to see many years ago, resulting in buying his LP http://www.discogs.com/Geoff-Scarr-Cumalot-And-Other-Bawdy-Ballads/release/4914630

Anyone else remember him?

Anyway, he came up with what was probably the best crossword clue ever:

Clue:

Hearken to a sexual deviation, 5 2 4 4

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 10 December, 2013, 07:58:48 pm
Unconventional to give the answer first, then the clue, but I think this works:
twat in a white audi
(click to show/hide)

Twat! You heard: where it should be white, lacking "Vorsprung", and unspecified "Technik". Goes without saying? (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 10 December, 2013, 10:11:22 pm
;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 15 December, 2013, 07:07:20 am
Solvent from distilled pine? Nutter! (10) (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=78570.msg1610946#msg1610946)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 December, 2013, 07:21:32 am
Turpentine.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 December, 2013, 07:35:10 am
Mayor is tuned to One Direction in W8 (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 15 December, 2013, 07:45:37 am
Kensington


Bean-counters so circumspect for a large bird? (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 15 December, 2013, 07:51:48 am
Indeed, which is where I am off to shortly.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 15 December, 2013, 12:50:55 pm
Cassowary

(Also, I've just worked out how Wow's clue works. Tuned "in G", very nice.)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 15 December, 2013, 03:58:05 pm
Thanks for the explanation.  I'd got the rest, but couldn't manage that bit.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 20 December, 2013, 07:56:08 am
Let's get these in early:

Gift Mary's missing: frankincense's third, and second, signifier of a king, rhodium. (5)

Scrooge's attitude, say, during the Christmas story. (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 December, 2013, 08:37:04 am
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 20 December, 2013, 08:51:22 am
(click to show/hide)
Yup.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 07:52:12 pm
Did anyone notice that today is the 100th anniversary of the first ever crossword, in the New York Times, 21/12/1913?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 07:57:59 pm
Anyone fancy the Gaun cryptic Christmas puzzle?

(http://static.guim.co.uk/ni/1387370480499/Prize-crossword-26,137.pdf)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 08:08:37 pm
I seem to be unable to print it without the left-hand column of squares disappearing.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 21 December, 2013, 08:08:54 pm
Wow, I haven't seen this year's (our neighbour usually passes the paper on no a Sunday).  Is it a double? Did Araucaria leave us a farewell present?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 09:00:05 pm
It's by Maskerade, of whom I have never heard, and it' the monstrosity I embedded above.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 21 December, 2013, 09:11:54 pm
Ah!  Can't find anything embedded, or otherwise!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 09:36:58 pm
Nothing in Reply #287?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 21 December, 2013, 10:29:47 pm
http://static.guim.co.uk/ni/1387370480499/Prize-crossword-26,137.pdf
Now divested of its [img] tags. The link is correct. I've only got a couple of clues, and the long made-up quotation around the edge, left on the Private Eye crossword, so bear with me.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 21 December, 2013, 11:42:14 pm
Did anyone notice that today is the 100th anniversary of the first ever crossword, in the New York Times, 21/12/1913?

How many letters?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 21 December, 2013, 11:45:37 pm
Did anyone notice that today is the 100th anniversary of the first ever crossword, in the New York Times, 21/12/1913?

How many letters?
3,6,6,4,5,2,3,5,11,2,3,5,4,9,2,3,3,4,5,2/2/4.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 22 December, 2013, 12:18:43 am
Managed to find it now, Wow, thanks.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 December, 2013, 10:45:08 am
The Christmas double seemed ok to me, though I've still got one to get, I think.  Did you notice the self-reference?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 26 December, 2013, 12:21:51 pm
Did anyone notice that today is the 100th anniversary of the first ever crossword, in the New York Times, 21/12/1913?

Diamond Geezer certainly did!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 December, 2013, 12:40:20 pm
Did anyone notice that today is the 100th anniversary of the first ever crossword, in the New York Times, 21/12/1913?

Diamond Geezer certainly did!

http://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/cryptic/26135
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 27 December, 2013, 02:59:38 pm
Scrooge's attitude, say, during the Christmas story. (10)
No attempts? Answer to this one is
(click to show/hide)

Two days into Christmas, fighting robin. (6,3)

Danish great-grandmother imprisoned by an evil wizard. (7) (NB: Google Translate may help non-Danes here.)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 December, 2013, 08:31:57 pm
Boxing Day

I'll keep thinking about the other.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 December, 2013, 08:36:54 pm
Oldemor
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 December, 2013, 08:43:17 pm
Felines elevated? You've got a sauce! (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 27 December, 2013, 09:36:54 pm
Catsup is, etymologically, an early form of KETCHUP; but it's hardly Ximenean.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 February, 2014, 12:12:57 am
Preserve area, we hear, in the West Indies (7).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: jsabine on 10 February, 2014, 12:57:32 am
I got that very quickly (rare for me - I don't normally grok cryptic clues at all), but it took me ten times as long to work out how 'area, we hear' worked.

Groan ...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 11 February, 2014, 09:23:09 pm
Reserve after Junior admits alias, in the East Indies (7).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 12 February, 2014, 02:31:09 pm
My wife's gone to the East Indies.
-----?
No, she went by paddle steamer.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 12 February, 2014, 02:32:48 pm
Jakarta
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 March, 2014, 08:13:37 pm
About turn! Left! About turn! Right! About turn! Rock! (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 13 March, 2014, 08:53:50 pm
Uluru (aka Ayer's Rock)

I'll try and come up with one soon!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 14 March, 2014, 12:24:45 am
Typical British weather (eastern) - topical  (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 25 March, 2014, 02:38:00 pm
Nice theme in today's Grauniad cryptic  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 25 March, 2014, 02:45:59 pm
Answer the question!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 25 March, 2014, 03:54:43 pm
Nice theme in today's Grauniad cryptic  :thumbsup:

 :thumbsup:

(Sorry, Peter, haven't worked yours out yet. But Pingu is right. Lovely.)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 25 March, 2014, 03:58:18 pm
Ah, I only see The Guardian at the weekend.  I'll have a look on line.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 25 March, 2014, 06:29:32 pm
Answer the question!
UK-rain-E. But "topical" is a bit unximenean for my taste.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 25 March, 2014, 07:04:50 pm
A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 25 March, 2014, 07:34:56 pm
Answer the question!
UK-rain-E. But "topical" is a bit unximenean for my taste.

How do you mean?  In the sense that it is a clue that won't last?  If so, fair enough - only I wasn't expecting it to take this long!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 25 March, 2014, 10:54:35 pm
More because "topical", though it's a word applicable to Ukraine at the moment, doesn't in any way define it.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 26 March, 2014, 12:10:52 am
You're right, H, bit sloppy, that!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 June, 2014, 01:00:34 pm
Professorship after a Masters? Lewis's grass. (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 01 June, 2014, 06:46:12 pm
Machair
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 June, 2014, 07:21:52 pm
Indeed. How's the conk?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 01 June, 2014, 08:38:34 pm
Better. Shoulder's still a bit sore.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 01 June, 2014, 09:50:46 pm
How many letters?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Rich XAB on 01 June, 2014, 09:57:31 pm


(2,6)   (4,1,5)

 :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Rich XAB on 01 June, 2014, 10:04:08 pm
Sorry; jumped the gun, didn't realise you had to answer one first.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 02 June, 2014, 01:03:04 am
No ------ (5) would give "clues" - Just a blank?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 02 June, 2014, 09:43:33 am
Sorry; jumped the gun, didn't realise you had to answer one first.
After the first exuberant rush on this thread some years ago, that stricture serves no purpose at all. Any clues are welcome. I, for one, welcome our... drat, no solver? (3, 3, 9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 02 June, 2014, 01:19:57 pm
Half a crown?



(2,6)   (4,1,5)

 :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Rich XAB on 02 June, 2014, 02:09:22 pm
Top of the class, Pingu.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 03 June, 2014, 12:10:07 am
Very neat!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 06 June, 2014, 01:08:02 pm
A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)

I wrote this one for HTFB if that's any help.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 09 June, 2014, 12:09:31 pm
A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)

I wrote this one for HTFB if that's any help.
UNE and an anagram of ANNE, around MIX upwards.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 10 June, 2014, 11:04:25 am
A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)

I wrote this one for HTFB if that's any help.
UNE and an anagram of ANNE, around MIX upwards.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 June, 2014, 10:51:23 pm
A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)

I wrote this one for HTFB if that's any help.
UNE and an anagram of ANNE, around MIX upwards.

I still can't work out the answer...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: clarion on 11 June, 2014, 12:06:11 pm
I'm glad I'm not alone in that.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 26 August, 2014, 06:07:04 pm
Within seven days, Union's "historic name": Alex Salmond (3,3)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2014, 06:34:26 pm
Wee Eck.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2014, 06:52:35 pm
Ill, he dances not, ruptured. (8, 6)

Edit: I couldn't count and have revised the number of letters.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 26 August, 2014, 06:57:15 pm
Wee Eck.
Yup. Must remember to tweet that again in a fortnight or so.

A couple of solutions left outstanding:

A French poor girl covers up jumble. That's against our principles (10)
UNE and an anagram of ANNE, around MIX upwards.
UNXIMENEAN (i.e., against the canonical principles of crossword-setting, as set out by Ximenes.)

I, for one, welcome our... drat, no solver? (3, 3, 9)
NEW ANT OVERLORDS ("Drat, no solver" is an anagram of "ant overlords". So the anagram indicator is in the answer, not the clue. I believe Ximenes permits this, at least with the question mark. Doesn't he? Please?)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2014, 07:09:43 pm
I suspect that my last clue may well not obey the Ximinean rules, but it is apposite.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Jaded on 26 August, 2014, 07:30:38 pm
Achilles tendon
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 August, 2014, 07:39:05 pm
Indeed. Quite proud of that anagram.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 12 September, 2014, 02:23:44 pm
Within seven days, Union's "historic name": Alex Salmond (3,3)

Quitting cherished Union six days before referendum, town setting pattern? (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 12 September, 2014, 03:08:49 pm
Paisley!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 12 September, 2014, 09:07:25 pm
Is a Paisley tie the bond that holds the union together? (That's not a clue, by the way).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 September, 2014, 10:13:24 am
Vote showing spirit about last part of joint purpose (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 September, 2014, 10:24:24 am
Referendum.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 September, 2014, 10:39:38 am
Consultation people (among which I) refer to (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 September, 2014, 12:25:52 pm
Referendum.
Yup.  An alternative clue:

Polling official cut short Union, admitting "draw" (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 September, 2014, 12:34:43 pm
My brother was sufficiently impressed to text me this just now, from today's Graun:

Gosh! Isn't the platform busy tonight! (4,5,2,3,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 September, 2014, 12:53:12 pm
VG. Busy is the anagram indicator.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 13 September, 2014, 02:23:38 pm
And another summer flies past!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 14 September, 2014, 11:16:48 am
Consultation people (among which I) refer to (10)

This one's still outstanding. Here's another:

Year for Parliament to comprehend former Union territory's leaving (9)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 September, 2014, 02:59:55 pm
I'm not ignoring this, I just haven't come up with any ideas yet.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 15 September, 2014, 06:41:12 pm
He gambles to win partner for him in (traditional!) Union? No. (6, 8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 02 October, 2014, 06:45:11 pm
Bullshitter was an answer in today's Grauniad cryptic.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 02 October, 2014, 09:18:35 pm
He gambles to win partner for him in (traditional!) Union? No. (6, 8)

sorry, just seen this

Better Together
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 24 November, 2014, 07:12:25 am
Racing driver drops 1,... 50,... 100mph. That's on the A20 and A21. (8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 24 November, 2014, 09:03:45 am
Lewisham
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 May, 2015, 01:45:43 am
International standard bra size in Kent. (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: JennyB on 17 May, 2015, 06:31:13 am
International standard bra size in Kent. (6)


Sidcup
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 May, 2015, 10:13:36 am
Indeed! That occurred to me on Thursday whild driving along the M20 and observed the letters DCUP appear on the satnav. It amused me.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 December, 2016, 10:53:27 pm
OK, help!

We have just been doing the Graun's "Quiptic" crossword with Phyllis. It only turns up on a Monday. I find it a bit irritating, to be honest, but particularly when I can't understand the answer, even when I've got it.

"Often described as wonderful, surprisingly (6)"

(click to show/hide)

but I am damned if I can see why.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 07 December, 2016, 11:14:21 pm
What is seldom is wonderful

An Irish saying

 
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 December, 2016, 11:26:30 pm
Thanks.

No less irritated!  ;)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 01 February, 2017, 05:01:21 pm
Nice one from today's Guardian:

Right-wing Mad Hatter ethic. (11)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 February, 2017, 05:09:27 pm
Nice one from today's Guardian:

Right-wing Mad Hatter ethic. (11)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 01 February, 2017, 06:41:51 pm
Took me way too long.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: ElyDave on 01 February, 2017, 06:48:27 pm
That one was fairly straightforward.  I can normally spot the anagrams, it's the obscure biblical or literary allusions I'm useless at.

With practice a few years ago I was up to about 2/3 of the Times cryptic, but sadly through lack of practice I'm now next to useless.

I think my favourite still has to be

A rag man (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 01 February, 2017, 07:34:00 pm
Ha!  Anagram - as is Teepots (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 02 February, 2017, 08:57:39 am
That episode,of "Drop The Dead Donkey" in which Henry is driven even madder than usual trying to figure out "gegs (9,4)" always made me chortle.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 02 February, 2017, 10:47:22 am
o that is vile
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 03 March, 2017, 06:35:25 pm
Following this week's brilliantly twisted episode of Inside No.9, my son has suddenly become interested in cryptic crosswords.

I just sent him the following text message:

Czech jailer fink cooked tonight's dinner. (7,8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: ElyDave on 03 March, 2017, 06:40:33 pm
just a montage of veg for me.

Yours sounds better.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 15 March, 2017, 03:08:07 pm
Accept what's offered in cash - George Best cons bar when drunk. (7,4,2,8)

(from today's Guardian)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 15 March, 2017, 06:55:20 pm
Beggars can't be choosers?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 15 March, 2017, 07:42:25 pm
:thumbsup:

Not a difficult one but neatly constructed.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 16 March, 2017, 02:07:53 am
Yes; who was it?  It's Araucaria's style but presumably not him.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2017, 03:58:02 pm
Yes; who was it?  It's Araucaria's style but presumably not him.

Tramp - one of the newer setters, although he's been around a few years now. Definitely a disciple of Araucaria but generally much easier.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: nicknack on 16 March, 2017, 04:43:52 pm
There was a nice one in The Week a few weeks ago:
Ultimately sexist ass in America (5)
Not too hard to get.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 16 March, 2017, 04:59:41 pm
There was a nice one in The Week a few weeks ago:
Ultimately sexist ass in America (5)
Not too hard to get.

 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 16 March, 2017, 05:25:23 pm
There was a nice one in The Week a few weeks ago:
Ultimately sexist ass in America (5)
Not too hard to get.

Very good.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Torslanda on 17 March, 2017, 12:03:01 am
Am I alone in NEVER being able to work out cryptic clues?  ??? <BAFFLED>  ???

What's the technique? I. Just. Don't. Get. Them.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 17 March, 2017, 12:10:51 am
Am I alone in NEVER being able to work out cryptic clues?  ??? <BAFFLED>  ???

What's the technique? I. Just. Don't. Get. Them.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/sep/12/how-to-solve-cryptic-crossword-clues


Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Torslanda on 17 March, 2017, 12:16:03 am
Still baffled . . .

Mind you, can't play chess either. Must be something to do with Asperger's?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 17 March, 2017, 12:27:43 am
A bit like explaining a joke. You frequently have to disassemble and reassemble words.

TRUMP is the answer upthread. The ultimate part is rump, which equals ass in USAnian etc...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 17 March, 2017, 08:21:58 am
And 'T' is the ultimate letter of 'sexist'.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 March, 2017, 08:25:46 am
Must be something to do with Asperger's?

I don't know the answer to that but it's a really interesting thought.

I learnt how to do cryptic crosswords by 'helping' my dad with the Guardian prize crossword on Saturdays, but have subsequently learnt a lot more from reading Don Manley's book and from following the blog at fifteensquared.net. You definitely get better with practice - it's partly down to learning the techniques and partly down to learning the standard crossword tropes (eg 'sailor' in a clue often stands for the letters = TAR or ABS).

The best clues avoid the tropes and clichés. Araucaria was always good at coming up with original and witty clues, which is one of the reasons he was so loved by progressively minded solvers, and why he was hated by the more conservative types.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 March, 2017, 08:29:33 am
TRUMP is the answer upthread. The ultimate part is rump, which equals ass in USAnian etc...

And 'T' is the ultimate letter of 'sexist'.

Also worth noting that the clue is an &lit type - where the whole clue is both the definition and the wordplay.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 March, 2017, 10:25:27 am
I think that there are quite a few aspie kids who get on very well with chess - provided it's their thing. I suppose it's fairly unlikely that they would be involved in cryptic crosswords at such a young age though, so I doubt it would be easy to set up a reasonable comparison.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 17 March, 2017, 10:29:11 am
Accept what's offered in cash - George Best cons bar when drunk. (7,4,2,8)

(from today's Guardian)

It was a football/drink/drugs themed crossword that day.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: nicknack on 17 October, 2017, 06:56:28 pm
In the Grauniad the other day:

Exhausted by current Tory tactic to stay in government? (4,2)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 October, 2017, 07:06:46 pm
Oh, that is good.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 October, 2017, 07:35:29 pm
Calvinists excite Britney Spears. (13)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 09 November, 2017, 12:43:03 pm
In today's Graun:

Quote
Brexit not a disaster? It’s very costly (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 09 November, 2017, 01:10:08 pm
In today's Graun:

Quote
Brexit not a disaster? It’s very costly (10)

Exorbitant.

It's very good now its online, it gives old retired people something to do when they are not out riding their bikes  ..... which reminds me!

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 December, 2017, 12:18:19 am
In the Grauniad the other day:

Exhausted by current Tory tactic to stay in government? (4,2)

I never did work that out. Can someone please put me out of my misery?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Legs on 01 December, 2017, 07:46:02 am
It was USED UP (use DUP), which is very droll.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: ElyDave on 01 December, 2017, 08:25:41 am
I didn't get that one either.

This is definitely a practice thing, I used to be able to get through 2/3 of the times cryptic when I bought the paper regularly.  Nowadays I'm lucky to get 1/3. 

The literary references are the trickiest I think as you either know it or don't, most of the others, once you've seen the solution you can generally work backwards to see the logic.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 December, 2017, 12:50:04 pm
It was USED UP (use DUP), which is very droll.

Thanks! It is very good.

Not cryptic as it was in today's Observer "Speedy" crossword, but included here for comedy value:

"Leather strap that forms the flexible part of a whip: excuse for underwear. (5)"
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 31 December, 2017, 04:52:59 pm
;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 May, 2018, 12:09:59 pm
OK - today's Graun quick crossword: "Insincere talk - slope" (4)

(click to show/hide)
I can see the insincere talk, but where is the slope? I've don't know of such a meaning and I can't (ha!) find that definition of the word in any dictionary.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Beardy on 17 May, 2018, 12:14:37 pm
OK - today's Graun quick crossword: "Insincere talk - slope" (4)

(click to show/hide)
I can see the insincere talk, but where is the slope? I've don't know of such a meaning and I can't (ha!) find that definition of the word in any dictionary.
I've certaianly heard it in terms of sloping ie Canted and a two second google turned up this
cant2
kant/
verb
verb: cant; 3rd person present: cants; past tense: canted; past participle: canted; gerund or present participle: canting
1.
have or cause to have a slanting or oblique position; tilt.
"he canted his head to look at the screen"
synonyms:
tilt, lean, slant, slope, incline, angle, be at an angle; More
tip, list, bank, heel
"the deck canted some twenty degrees"
(of a ship) swing round.
"the ship canted to starboard"
synonyms:
tilt, lean, slant, slope, incline, angle, be at an angle; More
tip, list, bank, heel
"the deck canted some twenty degrees"
noun
noun: cant; plural noun: cants
1.
a slope or tilt.
"the outward cant of the curving walls"
synonyms:
slope, slant, tilt, angle, inclination
"the outward cant of the curving walls"
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 17 May, 2018, 12:18:59 pm
Thanks. I didn't look far enough down the page (bloody Ipads! ;) )
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 17 May, 2018, 03:27:51 pm
"Insincere talk - slope" made me think of Alan Rickman.

To add to the definitions above, "canting arms" in heraldry include a device that reflects the bearer's name, e.g. a bell for someone called Bell, etc.

A friend of mine once found a book called "The London Cant", which was a 19th-century dictionary of thieves' jargon.  I dearly wanted to pinch it when he wasn't around.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 May, 2018, 06:02:46 pm
"Insincere talk - slope" made me think of Alan Rickman.

Great reference! Probably the best thing he ever did, I reckon.

I wonder if that was a deliberate bit of wordplay by Trollope? Seems plausible.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 17 May, 2018, 10:06:08 pm
In the Torygraph yesterday (or maybe the day before).

Coats, bras, pants, jumpers.

(click to show/hide)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 May, 2018, 11:10:19 pm
Pants? Really?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 17 May, 2018, 11:21:50 pm
Breathless rather than garment?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 18 May, 2018, 07:56:52 am
"Insincere talk - slope" made me think of Alan Rickman.

Great reference! Probably the best thing he ever did, I reckon.

I wonder if that was a deliberate bit of wordplay by Trollope? Seems plausible.

That's a nice thought.  He did go in for canting names, didn't he? Quiverful etc.

BTW, I googled "Quiverful" to check the L-coefficient and found this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quiverfull

And not a mention of Trollope or irony.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 18 May, 2018, 09:42:36 pm
Pants? Really?
Given it's the Torygraph I was quite surprised at that usage, but it's not the first time in the last month or so.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 May, 2018, 10:51:44 pm
Pants? Really?
Given it's the Torygraph I was quite surprised at that usage, but it's not the first time in the last month or so.

Pants as an anagram indicator is decidedly non-Ximenean.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pickled Onion on 18 May, 2018, 11:40:33 pm
OK, I don't care about the ridicule, how does one spot an anagram indicator (Ximenean or non-Ximenean)?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 19 May, 2018, 09:26:14 am
OK, I don't care about the ridicule, how does one spot an anagram indicator (Ximenean or non-Ximenean)?
Ooooo. Where to start ?
Try here - http://cryptics.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_anagram_indicators
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 19 May, 2018, 01:34:07 pm
OK, I don't care about the ridicule, how does one spot an anagram indicator (Ximenean or non-Ximenean)?

Look for any word or phrase that suggests change, revolution, agitation, turmoil, confusion...

It also has to be immediately next to a word or group of words that add up to the right number of letters (it would have helped if hatler had given the number of letters when quoting the clue)

The Chambers Crossword Dictionary lists six pages of anagram indicators, four columns per page. The only limit is the setter's imagination. For me, pants doesn't work as an anagram indicator because it's not grammatical - 'pants' can mean rubbish or nonsense, but the clue lacks a verb.

Ximenes was very strict about adhering to the rules - the principle being that you've got to give solvers a chance. Others are prepared to allow more liberties, especially for the sake of a witty or superficially amusing clue. Here's a famous example of a non-Ximenean anagram clue that I admire:
Poetical scene with surprisingly chaste Lord Archer vegetating (3, 3, 8, 12)

"Poetical scene" is the definition, "surprisingly" is the anagram indicator.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 May, 2018, 09:36:18 pm
I liken Ximenes to Bach, Araucaria to Mozart.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 20 May, 2018, 09:21:44 am
Araucaria sounds like a dental problem.

Returning to this:

In the Torygraph yesterday (or maybe the day before).

Coats, bras, pants, jumpers.

(click to show/hide)

How do you get rid of the extra S?  Sacrobats might be acrobats that land on their arses.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 20 May, 2018, 02:25:41 pm
Woops. Good spot. Sorry. I was doing it from memory. It would have been 'coat', not 'coats'.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 20 May, 2018, 04:08:16 pm
Gotcha. Ta.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 August, 2018, 11:39:43 pm
You learn something every day.

Phyllis and I were doing a 4-year-old Graun quick crossword a few minutes ago (we do two crosswords a day - the current one at coffee time and, ever since P moved in with us in 2016, we have gone backwards through the archive. Anyway:

6 down: Relating to birth or the buttocks (5)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 14 August, 2018, 12:07:04 am
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 14 August, 2018, 01:38:56 pm
Could also be called "builder's smile" but I just made that up!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 August, 2018, 01:48:58 pm
Could also be called "builder's smile" but I just made that up!

The term "builder's cleavage" has long been in use in this house. See also "callipygous".
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 18 September, 2018, 10:21:56 pm
H2G2 themed Graun cryptic today  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 23 January, 2019, 11:41:55 pm
I basically only use FB these days to share Brexit-themed clues. 

Dominic Raab incompetent, as might be seen, streakily, when a good Brexit is achieved? (6,5)

Brexiteer, twisted demagogue leers "No EU! No deal!" (4-4)

Commons' veto sees Gove fulminate incoherently about 'No.' (10,4)

Prime Minister maintains position ahead of border chaos. (6)

And the pièce de résistance:

Article 50 Prime Minister left incomplete: she went off the cliff-edge. (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2019, 11:24:34 am
Brexiteer, twisted demagogue leers "No EU! No deal!" (4-4)

*Like*
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Torslanda on 24 January, 2019, 11:27:57 am
I can build a bike from the frame up. True wheels, service bearings, even index gears.

I can write acceptable blog posts, even hold a reasonable conversation.

But for the life of me I cannot get cryptic crossword clues.

You're all weirdos . . .
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 January, 2019, 12:05:50 pm
Brexiteer, twisted demagogue leers "No EU! No deal!" (4-4)

*Like*

That’s the one I Haven got yet. *thinks*

Edit:  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2019, 01:47:20 pm
Tbh, I got that one from 'Brexiteer' and '(4-4)' then worked backwards.

Likewise 'commons veto' - then noticed when I checked it that there's a spare letter.

Still haven't got the last one yet...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 24 January, 2019, 03:35:20 pm
Likewise 'commons veto' - then noticed when I checked it that there's a spare letter.
No is just cluing "N", obviously. Does that help?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 24 January, 2019, 03:50:17 pm
No is just cluing "N", obviously. Does that help?

Ah! Yes, thanks.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 24 January, 2019, 04:01:09 pm
Here's another one.

Brexit scenario sees Dover approaching sandwich. (2,4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Kim on 24 January, 2019, 04:01:52 pm
I can build a bike from the frame up. True wheels, service bearings, even index gears.

I can write acceptable blog posts, even hold a reasonable conversation.

But for the life of me I cannot get cryptic crossword clues.

You're all weirdos . . .

+1
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Torslanda on 24 January, 2019, 11:30:15 pm
Not just me then...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 25 January, 2019, 07:27:06 am
Article 50 Prime Minister left incomplete: she went off the cliff-edge. (6)

The penny has just dropped on this one. Very good.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Legs on 25 January, 2019, 08:23:04 am
Agreed!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 25 January, 2019, 08:52:09 pm
Here's another one.

Brexit scenario sees Dover approaching sandwich. (2,4)
That’s excellent. Thanks, HTFB.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 January, 2019, 02:35:34 pm
I still haven’t got the Dominic Raab one. Can someone put me out of my misery please?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 31 January, 2019, 02:41:30 pm
I still haven’t got the Dominic Raab one. Can someone put me out of my misery please?

Something to do with flying pigs I think.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 31 January, 2019, 02:47:44 pm
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 31 January, 2019, 02:56:23 pm
(click to show/hide)

That's what I thought.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 January, 2019, 04:44:06 pm
Thanks. I got the pig meat reference but couldn't make a sensible anagram of the remaining letters and form a viable expression. I see it now, but I've never heard of the expression in the solution, and neither had my pal Penny, a veteran of Times crosswords for many years. Good anagram though!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 31 January, 2019, 06:20:12 pm
The world clearly needs a joke about Raab combining that anagram, pigs flying, and Brexit. If you can make a better one, you do it with my blessing.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 01 February, 2019, 03:58:48 am
As political anagrams go, that one is right up there with Virginia Bottomley.  You, Sir, are to be congratulated in the strongest possible terms.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 01 February, 2019, 10:41:23 am
As political anagrams go, that one is right up there with Virginia Bottomley.  You, Sir, are to be congratulated in the strongest possible terms.
Oooooo. I'd quite forgotten that one. Thank you.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 01 February, 2019, 10:45:56 am
The world clearly needs a joke about Raab combining that anagram, pigs flying, and Brexit. If you can make a better one, you do it with my blessing.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm sure the deficiencies are all mine. My life is too short for cryptic crosswords (I wasted much of it becoming moderately bad at chess) and the brain mechanisms required are not properly lubricated.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 March, 2019, 11:24:06 pm
When doing crosswords with Phyllis, every so often I give supplementary terrible-joke-style clues if she's struggling with a solution. I felt quite smug with one of my efforts this evening. The clue was

1. Position of special prominence (5, 2, 5).

My supplementary was "What you get if you cross lions with flatfish."

OK, I know that the word for flatfish isn't spelt the same way, but that doesn't really matter when you are trying to jog someones brain. Phyllis appreciated it, anyway.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 08 March, 2019, 12:22:07 am
Probably not original but I came up with this earlier...

Those who put stitches in drainpipes. (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 08 March, 2019, 12:23:12 am
My supplementary was "What you get if you cross lions with flatfish."

I like it.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 08 March, 2019, 04:27:03 pm
My supplementary was "What you get if you cross lions with flatfish."

I like it.

Sounds like a name for a chippie...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Legs on 09 March, 2019, 08:45:34 am
I always thought Sole Trader would be a good name for a chippie.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 April, 2019, 09:43:48 am
An especially prominent howler in today’s Graun quick crossword.

Ecstasy (7).

Jan had already suggested RAPTURE, which the software declared to be incorrect. We solved all the other clues which left us with R-P-U-E. I tried RAPTURE again just in case I had mistyped it previously. Still wrong.

Knowing that these quick crosswords are put together very rapidly, almost certainly by computer, and that the checking is pretty crap, I tried, on a whim, RUPTURE. “Congrats! You solved it!” Said the IPad, in the manner of an enthusiastic child that has just been given a conjuring set for its birthday.

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 23 April, 2019, 01:27:16 pm
You think that's bad.

How about this from Sunday's Everyman?

'Rising sun soon heated coastal resort (8-2-3)' where the answer is a place that exists, as far as I am aware, only in your imagination.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 April, 2019, 06:07:31 pm
Nagasaki On Sea?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: HTFB on 13 June, 2019, 08:25:05 am
Conservative leadership battle.

1. Tory leadership found inside devious schemer - very not right. (6,5)
2. Chap dropping Charlie for £1000. (4)
3. Get hair more tangled than Johnson (4,7)
4. Resistance with Tory "addled waster" leader moving to far right. (4,7)
5. May after hesitation departs, and Johnson's leader. (3,3)
6. No leader as mad? Wrong. (6,7)
7. Midair bacon crashed. (7,4) [bonus question for regulars]
8. Chase after Corbyn! (6,4)
9. Stooge. Known for his pluck? (4,6)
10. Bullshit gets Trump partisan into ruinous Number Ten. (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 June, 2019, 10:48:13 pm
I'll put this in spoilers and work on it.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 12 September, 2019, 07:33:50 pm
Today's Grauniad cryptic crossword solution  :)

(http://www.fifteensquared.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/cryptic27924grid.png) (http://www.fifteensquared.net/2019/09/12/guardian-cryptic-27924-by-philistine/)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 12 September, 2019, 08:17:36 pm
:-)

Brilliant. We didn't get round to the Grauniad cryptic today. Natch.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 06 October, 2019, 01:44:20 pm
Nothing especially cryptic about these clues, just comment about my failings, and those of the Graun.

Last week, I was looking at the Graun quick crossword, which we still try to do each day in honour of Phyllis's memory. I got stuck on the following:

Large wallflower (5). I got the letters H_P_ _ and couldn't think of anything which fitted. Then, right at the end of the crossword, I revisited the clue because it was one of the last two that I solved. Quite incredibly, the clue had changed to "Large wallower". I think I had imagined the extra -fl-.

However, moving onto today's Observer "Speedy" crossword, I got quite stuck on a clue: Winess (5). I had no clue what a winess was, and neither did Jan,  so we cheated. The solution indicated strongly that the clue should have been Witness (6).

I'm now beginning to wonder whether the -fl- had been there all along, the crossword had been corrected and then my iPad had downloaded a later version of the clues. On the other hand, I could just be going senile.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 06 October, 2019, 08:36:59 pm
My paper version has Winess. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 08 October, 2019, 11:08:00 pm
Arf.

I had an accident with nail gun in the groin ( 8 )
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 26 October, 2019, 05:51:13 pm
From today's Grauniad prize crossword:

Quote
Effin' Jeffrey Archer novel? (4,2,3,5)

 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 November, 2019, 01:37:19 am
From today's Grauniad prize crossword:

Quote
Effin' Jeffrey Archer novel? (4,2,3,5)

 ;D

Very good! I had to cheat though.

Heretics fled crooked Derbyshire town. (12)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hellymedic on 07 November, 2019, 03:13:31 pm
That one's so easy even I got it!
Paddi Pads!
Roman traces...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 07 November, 2019, 04:07:20 pm
That one's so easy even I got it!
Paddi Pads!
Roman traces...

Yes, I doctored it a bit. It was in the quick crossword a few days ago but I thought that HERETICS FLED was a lovely anagram. I "cryptified" it with "crooked", which seemed very appropriate as an anagram signifier in this case.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 06 December, 2019, 09:33:24 am
'How was Jesus crucified?' I don't know how many letters it is, but it's 2 across.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 18 March, 2020, 07:31:06 pm
Liked the theme in today's Grauniad cryptic  :thumbsup: Here's a flavour:

Painter of British water? (5)
First lady wears clothes of satin - they were magnificent in the film (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 March, 2020, 07:43:47 pm
Liked the theme in today's Grauniad cryptic  :thumbsup: Here's a flavour:

Painter of British water? (5)
First lady wears clothes of satin - they were magnificent in the film (5)

Will have a look at that. I've worked out the second of those.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 04 April, 2020, 06:39:18 pm
One in today's Graun prize crossword amused me

Anyhow, organ like nothing? (5-5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Kim on 04 April, 2020, 06:41:20 pm
Ah, this seems like the right thread.

Hullish slur.  5 letters.  Starts with 'K'

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/mass-bike-ride-lockdown-backlash-4019575
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 05 April, 2020, 09:47:21 am
Can't settle to crosswords just now. I need my bike.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 23 May, 2020, 12:51:31 pm
With apologies...

Clumsy yacfer performed painful sex act. (3-6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Basil on 23 May, 2020, 01:49:52 pm
Only took me a couple of seconds to get that.  :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 16 July, 2020, 11:03:31 pm
In today's Grauniad.

Quote from: Paul
Timely indicators of Trump's inadequacy? (6,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 July, 2020, 11:39:57 pm
In today's Grauniad.

Quote from: Paul
Timely indicators of Trump's inadequacy? (6,5)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 July, 2020, 08:20:53 am
That is brilliant. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: JennyB on 17 July, 2020, 08:48:58 am
In today's Grauniad.

Quote from: Paul
Timely indicators of Trump's inadequacy? (6,5)


I would have said ‘hourly indicators’.  :P
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 17 July, 2020, 08:51:22 am
In today's Grauniad.

Quote from: Paul
Timely indicators of Trump's inadequacy? (6,5)

 ;D :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 29 July, 2020, 09:50:50 pm
Another from the Graun.

Quote from: Vlad
That man's failing, mate — but he's still in office (4,7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: nicknack on 29 July, 2020, 10:26:47 pm
Another from the Graun.

Quote from: Vlad
That man's failing, mate — but he's still in office (4,7)
And from the same crossword:
Quote
Big deal, right? Won't work - like government's contact-tracing app. (5-7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 July, 2020, 08:15:57 am
I might quibble about "work" in the second, but both amusing none the less.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 15 August, 2020, 09:24:06 pm
The Graun cryptic on Tuesday was chemistry themed, but it also had this:

Quote from: Brummie
Fancy doorbell, but not a respectable place (8 )

I obviously studied at the wrong university.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 October, 2020, 07:27:38 pm
Not the cryptic crossword, but today's Graun quick crossord had the following words as the solutions to the first 5 across clues (the punctuation is mine):

SOFT JOYSTICK? OUCH! ADULTERY? SOCK IT TO ME!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 08 November, 2020, 03:00:38 pm
About fifty doubly love Trump now (4, 5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 20 February, 2021, 06:20:33 pm
Today's Graun prize crossword is one for Wowbagger  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 22 February, 2021, 05:32:47 pm
Today's Graun prize crossword is one for Wowbagger  :thumbsup:

Thanks - I'll have a look but it might take me a while. I haven't attempted a cryptic crossword for some time...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 05 March, 2021, 01:29:53 pm
Just completed this month's Guardian Genius crossword - a most rewarding puzzle and its subsequent connected teaser - not that I knew about such fascinating magic when I started. Only taken 5 days and the clues weren't that hard! Time for a ride now :)

Did need a few gentle hints from the kindly folks at crosswordsolver.org

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2021/02/27/Genius_213v2.pdf
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 14 March, 2021, 07:56:54 am
Today's Graun prize crossword is one for Wowbagger  :thumbsup:

That was utterly beyond me. Either they are getting harder or I am getting more stupid. Possibly both.

The only clues I got were BOARD, BISHOP and GAME.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 14 March, 2021, 08:30:24 am
Today's Graun prize crossword is one for Wowbagger  :thumbsup:

That was utterly beyond me. Either they are getting harder or I am getting more stupid. Possibly both.

The only clues I got were BOARD, BISHOP and GAME.

My crossword fu has gone out the window since our first lockdown began last March: I can't sink into them the way I could the last couple of years. Or it could be dementia setting in.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 14 March, 2021, 10:16:40 am
We used to have a huddle every day at work to get the Torygraph's cryptic done. I really miss that.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 14 March, 2021, 12:09:20 pm
Today's Graun prize crossword is one for Wowbagger  :thumbsup:

That was utterly beyond me. Either they are getting harder or I am getting more stupid. Possibly both.

The only clues I got were BOARD, BISHOP and GAME.

Those were all part of the chess theme.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 03 April, 2021, 08:28:09 pm
I just had a conversation with my good pal Frank, who was Head Teacher at Temple Sutton Primary School for very many years (our kids went there and I was vice chair of governors for the best part of 10 years). I haven't spoken to him for over a year - we used to meet fairly regularly at a monthly local concert series on Friday evenings, but of course they have gone by the wayside.

We nattered for quite a time and the subject came round to cryptic crosswords. Frank is a great solver, and he told me that when he was 60, his wife paid Araucaria (Rev. John Graham) to compile a crossword specially for Frank. It cost her about £30. Frank's verdict on Araucaria: "He was a lovely man."
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 04 April, 2021, 12:33:14 am
...We nattered for quite a time and the subject came round to cryptic crosswords. Frank is a great solver, and he told me that when he was 60, his wife paid Araucaria (Rev. John Graham) to compile a crossword specially for Frank. It cost her about £30. Frank's verdict on Araucaria: "He was a lovely man."

Aw  :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 25 April, 2021, 11:16:27 pm
From yesterday's Graun: Cycling gear's allure: ride when excited (10)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 April, 2021, 12:02:52 am
Bethany (10): “De Gendt” ent got enuff letters!
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 May, 2021, 07:16:16 am
In today’s Guardian:

Cyclist of note about to sell his pants. (4,9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 21 May, 2021, 02:45:37 pm
In today’s Guardian:

Cyclist of note about to sell his pants. (4,9)

 :thumbsup: Brilliant - and the three other gospels linked round the perimeter 
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 28 June, 2021, 12:44:34 pm
Today's Guardian cryptic is set by Dave Gorman, working under the pseudonym Fed - https://twitter.com/DaveGorman/status/1409412645120323585?s=20

Some good work there - not the hardest to solve, but all neatly constructed.

Apparently, he also sets cryptics for the Independent as Bluth.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 August, 2021, 12:11:43 pm
Not from a cryptic crossword, but a couple of recent rather good anagrams from the Graun Quick:

Late lamb! (anag) (8 )

One old fort now (anag) (5,2,6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 September, 2021, 08:52:37 pm
I've been dabbling in putting together my own cryptic crosswords - here's one I've finished:

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:6c3edd09-7af5-4889-a83c-85b11e5a20c2

File is a simple pdf (not interactive, unfortunately, so if you want to have a go, you'll have to print it). Download at your own risk. That aside, I make no promises as to the quality of the content, but would welcome any comments - positive, constructively critical, or even just tell me it's shit if you like. I have a few thoughts of my own re what's good and what isn't, but won't share them just yet - don't want to influence opinion.

Given how long it has taken me to finish this one, I don't think I'll be giving up the day job to become the new Araucaria just yet.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 05 September, 2021, 09:25:07 pm
Downloaded and will have a go tomorrow :thumbsup:

AZED was a bit simple today, so unlike the usual few days working on that, I'm well up for entertainment of a Monday :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 September, 2021, 09:40:00 pm
Downloaded and will have a go tomorrow :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:


Quote
AZED was a bit simple today

:o

If that’s your level, mine won’t take you long.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2021, 11:03:00 am
Haven't the technology to print the grid, so am just solving as is, at the moment.  I especially like 10 acc.!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2021, 12:03:27 pm
I especially like 10 acc.!

 :thumbsup:

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 06 September, 2021, 03:29:15 pm
^ Like the simplicity of 4d - made me smile too :thumbsup:

18a was a new one on me - perhaps it ought to have a US indicator?

Still struggling with the NW corner :-[

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2021, 04:15:18 pm
^ Like the simplicity of 4d - made me smile too :thumbsup:

Oh good! That's one I wasn't sure about myself.

Quote
18a was a new one on me - perhaps it ought to have a US indicator?


Yes, fair point.

Quote
Still struggling with the NW corner :-[

I have to admit I'm pushing my luck with some elements in that corner, especially the definition for 9a.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 06 September, 2021, 04:51:03 pm
(click to show/hide)

I think you've mad a really good fist of this.

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 September, 2021, 06:34:05 pm
Ta!

That play sounds lovely. I'll have to keep an ear out for it on 4extra.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 10 September, 2021, 10:11:28 am
And here's one from today's Guardian cryptic that amused me...

Trump to take five women home before date. (5,4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 28 October, 2021, 10:00:07 pm
Since sharing my previous attempt at creating a whole crossword, I have discovered mycrossword.co.uk, and so I've put up a few more of my amateur cruciverbal dabblings, if anyone is interested...

My most recent effort:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/204

An earlier one - I'm very pleased with some of the clues here, but there are several that really need polishing:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/183

The one I shared here before was created from scratch, and I wasn't able to publish it on mycrossword.co.uk in its original form, but I did re-use some of the clues as a starting point in compiling this one:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/174

I've also had a go at a 'quick cryptic' style - I like the discipline of trying to create clues that are easier but still sound...
https://mycrossword.co.uk/quick/14
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: cygnet on 28 October, 2021, 10:25:38 pm
15A cluing is a bit poor.
Though I suppose it could be considered revenge for the arcane shortcuts used by many setters
I'm only novice but if I can get closer to completion...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 28 October, 2021, 11:26:54 pm
15A cluing is a bit poor.
Though I suppose it could be considered revenge for the arcane shortcuts used by many setters

It’s funny. I had what I thought was a nice idea for that one but struggled to make it into a workable clue. And yet it has had positive comments over there.

But I agree with you rather than them. It’s definitely not my best work!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 October, 2021, 11:51:06 am
Not cryptic, but a bit of an oddity in today's Graun "Weekend" crossword. It's in the form of a knowledge quiz, some of it pretty obscure.

French expression meaning "In the know". (1,2,4)

The solution in the ipad app insisted on the grave accent over the first letter, otherwise it said it was wrong. That's rather fussy of it, and also inaccurate, as the app defaults to capitals and accents are optional extras when you are using capitals.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 31 October, 2021, 05:45:28 pm
...My most recent effort:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/204...

I finished it eventually  :) Nice work  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 31 October, 2021, 06:31:31 pm
15A cluing is a bit poor.
Though I suppose it could be considered revenge for the arcane shortcuts used by many setters

It’s funny. I had what I thought was a nice idea for that one but struggled to make it into a workable clue. And yet it has had positive comments over there.

But I agree with you rather than them. It’s definitely not my best work!


I5A led easily enough to the answer, though I see cygnet's point.  "Spotter finds crone, in short term"?  Too easy, perhaps.

Anyway, well done - I thoroughly enjoyed that!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 31 October, 2021, 06:58:05 pm
He seeks the Bird King around Switzerland.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 31 October, 2021, 07:05:55 pm
I like that!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 31 October, 2021, 09:24:15 pm
He seeks the Bird King around Switzerland.

Nice!

I5A led easily enough to the answer, though I see cygnet's point.  "Spotter finds crone, in short term"?  Too easy, perhaps.

Anyway, well done - I thoroughly enjoyed that!

Ta!

Re 15a, with hindsight, I should have just admitted defeat and come up with some different wordplay that was easier to turn into a workable clue.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 31 October, 2021, 09:34:23 pm
Nae bother.  I think we've all seen much worse.  You did a good job!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 31 October, 2021, 09:42:52 pm
Not cryptic, but a bit of an oddity in today's Graun "Weekend" crossword. It's in the form of a knowledge quiz, some of it pretty obscure.

French expression meaning "In the know". (1,2,4)

The solution in the ipad app insisted on the grave accent over the first letter, otherwise it said it was wrong. That's rather fussy of it, and also inaccurate, as the app defaults to capitals and accents are optional extras when you are using capitals.

There's a strong faction in the crosswording community (yes, there is such a thing) who say that accents should be preserved. The argument is that it often changes the meaning of the word if you omit the accent - eg if you leave the tilde off the Spanish word for 'year', it becomes the word for 'anus'. I'm ambivalent about it myself. I think I would get around the problem by avoiding using accented words.

I hardly ever do the Weekend crossword. I probably should - I love crosswords and I love a good pub quiz, and it seems to be the perfect synthesis of the two.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 01 November, 2021, 10:45:00 pm
...An earlier one - I'm very pleased with some of the clues here, but there are several that really need polishing:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/183 ...

I see you used all the letters in that one.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 02 November, 2021, 01:57:28 pm
I see you used all the letters in that one.

Well spotted!
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 02 November, 2021, 08:07:28 pm
A few gems from the excellent Tramp in today’s Guardian:

Standard partners getting off with sadists (5,3,7)

Tories’ lying has extraordinary scale: that’s what they do (4,10)

Secret Service after prince over Virginia (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 07 November, 2021, 04:54:40 pm
TV show presented by insufferable prat with ego (3,4) (https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/219#19-down)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 08 November, 2021, 10:22:54 am
TV show presented by insufferable prat with ego (3,4) (https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/219#19-down)

 ;D

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 08 November, 2021, 05:57:40 pm
TV show presented by insufferable prat with ego (3,4) (https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/219#19-down)

That is superb!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2021, 01:40:05 pm
My latest effort is a 'quick cryptic' - ie aiming to be very much towards the easier end of the spectrum...
https://mycrossword.co.uk/quick/19

What this exercise has taught me is that sometimes, it's actually much harder writing 'easy' clues than tricky ones. The late, great Rufus, who used to regularly set the 'easy' Monday puzzle in the Guardian, often came in for criticism from solvers (especially for his cryptic definitions), but when you try to do this yourself, it really brings home how good he was at what he did - not least for his ability to churn them out week after week.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 12 November, 2021, 01:41:26 pm
TV show presented by insufferable prat with ego (3,4) (https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/219#19-down)

That is superb!

As one of the commenters says:
"If you never write another clue as long as you live, you can die happy for having come up with [that one]"
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 December, 2021, 01:54:03 pm
My latest effort is now up as a guest puzzle on Alberich's website (the top crossword pro for the FT, not the Wagner character):

http://www.alberichcrosswords.com/pages/widdersbel.html

Spent a lot of time polishing this one, and I like to think it shows. For anyone who tries it, I apologise in advance for 27a (which has more going on wordplay-wise than may first meet the eye, so to speak).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 17 December, 2021, 05:06:11 pm
Downloaded and printed off for a bash at it tomorrow :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 17 December, 2021, 05:24:42 pm
Gah - no Reveal button  :(
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 18 December, 2021, 01:07:25 pm
My latest effort is now up as a guest puzzle on Alberich's website (the top crossword pro for the FT, not the Wagner character):

http://www.alberichcrosswords.com/pages/widdersbel.html

Spent a lot of time polishing this one, and I like to think it shows. For anyone who tries it, I apologise in advance for 27a (which has more going on wordplay-wise than may first meet the eye, so to speak).

Completed yesterday evening but struggling to parse 5a and 21a. Also unsure where the letters UR come from in 2d? Any hints please? They'll probably jump out at me now I've posted!

Favourites were 10a, 15a and 18a :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2021, 02:37:56 pm
Completed yesterday evening but struggling to parse 5a and 21a. Also unsure where the letters UR come from in 2d? Any hints please? They'll probably jump out at me now I've posted!

Favourites were 10a, 15a and 18a :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

5a is probably easier to break down if you ignore the punctuation marks. It has a three-word definition

21a is an Azed-style compound anagram - the solution plus extra word(s) is an anagram of another word or phrase. It’s all there in the clue!

2d it’s the sense in which it is used as a prefix in German

If you’re still stuck…
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 18 December, 2021, 03:50:28 pm
Brill, many thanks.

5a. My ignorance of Shakespeare and his many characters failing me yet again!

21a. Very good indeed - probably COD :thumbsup: - am always late to see AZEDy compound anagrams :-[

2d. Sneaky infiltrating Germanspeak! ;)

New to me were colleeen (with a small c) as a defintion - and potman, which Chambers online gives as: 1. A pot companion 2, A pot boy (and thence gleaned that a potshop is a small public house!)

Also realised I still can't parse 23d. Is vicar a synonym for pope? Or am i probably missing something quite different? Happy to add Religion to my list of ignorances along with Shakespeare and German!

Could do with a 15² blog . . .

Forgot to mention that 17d is another fave :thumbsup:
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 December, 2021, 04:18:23 pm
Also realised I still can't parse 23d. Is vicar a synonym for pope?

(click to show/hide)

I think ‘potboy’ is more common than ‘potman’, but they’re the same thing really.

I struggle with compound anagrams, which is part of the reason I was determined to include one - good way to learn how they work.

Quote
Forgot to mention that 17d is another fave :thumbsup:

Ta!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Jurek on 18 December, 2021, 04:23:51 pm
Apropos of nothing in particular, I have taken to only completing the simple as well as the cryptic crossword in the Metro every day on my way in to work.
It renders me less angry than reading the rest of the paper does.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 18 December, 2021, 04:43:05 pm
It’s PREVIOUS (former) - REV (vicar). ‘No longer’ is the deletion indicator - I was quite pleased with myself for that one!

Ooh I like that too :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 20 December, 2021, 09:10:37 pm
My latest effort is now up as a guest puzzle on Alberich's website (the top crossword pro for the FT, not the Wagner character):

http://www.alberichcrosswords.com/pages/widdersbel.html

Spent a lot of time polishing this one, and I like to think it shows. For anyone who tries it, I apologise in advance for 27a (which has more going on wordplay-wise than may first meet the eye, so to speak).

Did it this evening, ta!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 06 January, 2022, 05:09:49 pm
Today's Guardian 28,647 cryptic by Vlad had a rather dull anagrammatical clue (5,8), the answer being the American writer - Upton Sinclair. Who apparently once penned?

“adding a lane to a highway to reduce congestion is like letting out your belt to lose weight.”

 :thumbsup:

(perhaps I might consider using an anagram of of the combined letters of my real name now into - Upton Swale?)

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 January, 2022, 06:44:51 pm
Ha! That's a great line.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 06 January, 2022, 07:55:29 pm
For me, the best clue from Vlad today was:

I help part of UK initially during recession (5)

Took me far too long to spot what was going on there.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 06 January, 2022, 08:54:10 pm
The first part of 5D was quite amusing.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 09 January, 2022, 10:50:51 pm
Because reasons I'm a week behind on the Graun prize crossword, so I've just noticed the theme for last week's one  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 10 January, 2022, 09:19:26 am
Because reasons I'm a week behind on the Graun prize crossword, so I've just noticed the theme for last week's one  :thumbsup:

My enjoyment of that one was slightly marred by twerps on the internet giving the game away before I’d even looked at it. Chiz!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 13 January, 2022, 10:39:39 am
Voter knew about Johnson's party! (4,5)

from:
https://twitter.com/7upislemonade/status/1481240979738877952?s=20

 ;D

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 13 January, 2022, 12:18:41 pm
Voter knew about Johnson's party! (4,5)

from:
https://twitter.com/7upislemonade/status/1481240979738877952?s=20

 ;D

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 13 January, 2022, 02:26:24 pm
Perhaps more accurately (as well as suggesting more than one person in the country knows), plus 20th May 2020 was not the only 'gathering' -

Voters knew about Johnson's parties! (4,6)

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 13 January, 2022, 03:48:03 pm
Perhaps more accurately (as well as suggesting more than one person in the country knows), plus 20th May 2020 was not the only one -

Voters knew about Johnson's parties! (4,6)

Yes, that is even better.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 15 January, 2022, 07:10:47 pm
Fantasist, fake hair in fact. Be calm (7,9)

https://twitter.com/paulsinha/status/1482311442334367746?s=20
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 15 January, 2022, 07:59:29 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 15 January, 2022, 10:56:15 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 16 January, 2022, 02:33:17 pm
An utterly appalling error in today’s Observer “speedy” crossword.

US WWII General, later president. (8 )

The answer they wanted: ISENHOUR.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 16 January, 2022, 02:59:34 pm
WHAT ??
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 January, 2022, 10:47:17 am
It’s bloody everywhere, even in crosswords now…

Six tries to get five? It's wonderful (surprisingly) but no fun (curiously)! (6)


http://twitter.com/7upislemonade/status/1487556010336260096
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 January, 2022, 10:49:43 am
An utterly appalling error in today’s Observer “speedy” crossword.

US WWII General, later president. (8 )

The answer they wanted: ISENHOUR.

The online meltdown over that was hilarious. If you go to the offending article on the G’s website, you can see they’ve fixed it now. Kind of…

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/speedy/1372
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 January, 2022, 07:58:22 pm
I've just revisited that crossword. That edit is Orwellian.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 February, 2022, 12:22:11 pm
Fucking Grauniad! Three or four clues in today’s “speedy” crossword required specialist USAnian knowledge.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 February, 2022, 02:46:26 pm
Wikinaccurate claims that carom billiards originated in 18th century France.  Carambolage nowadays also has the meaning “multi-car pile-up”, as any fule kno ;)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 13 February, 2022, 07:40:58 pm
How odd - I've come across CAROM twice in other crosswords recently. Once in a daily Guardian cryptic just before Christmas, and once in an Azed. Not a new term to me, but not one I see very often outside crosswords either, and certainly strange that it should crop up on three separate occasions so close together.

Is it an Americanism? I wasn't aware of that.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 13 February, 2022, 09:03:54 pm
How odd - I've come across CAROM twice in other crosswords recently. Once in a daily Guardian cryptic just before Christmas, and once in an Azed. Not a new term to me, but not one I see very often outside crosswords either, and certainly strange that it should crop up on three separate occasions so close together.

Is it an Americanism? I wasn't aware of that.

According to dictionary.com, it's an Americanism. Mr. L's source indicates a different etymology.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 14 February, 2022, 02:22:12 pm
I just looked it up in Chambers (the dictionary most favoured by UK crossword setters) and that does say it's an Americanism. Funny, I've never questioned it before, simply because it's one of those words that crops up in crosswords often enough to have stuck in my head, even if I never use it in real life.

Would have got the horse racing one (the one US horse race I have heard of).

I would never have got the California farming one though.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 14 February, 2022, 02:52:32 pm
Ezra Pound used it in a radio broadcast from Mussoliniland in 1942:

Quote from: A Daft Old Fascist
You are in black darkness and confusion
You have been hugger-muggered and carom-shotted into a war
And you know nothing about it
You know nothing about the forces that caused it
Or you know next to nothing
You ought not to be in this war
You cannot win this war

Though I only know this coz it was quoted in “F.I.A.T” by Slovenian scallywags Laibach.  Stuff like that earned ol' Ezra a swift arrest once the USAnian Army liberated Rome, a trial for treason and twelve years in a psychiatric hospital.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2022, 03:16:03 pm
Loved this from Crucible in today's Guardian:

Our mum's spiking another mum's whiskey (4,4)

And this is also most amusing:

My first drink supplier leaves on time (4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2022, 03:17:50 pm
Also very much enjoyed this one from a crossword by someone called Hex at mycrossword.co.uk:

Greengrocer's used it, perhaps too freely (10)

- although perhaps I should post this one in the grammar thread.

https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/358
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 March, 2022, 06:12:32 am
I like to try the Guardian’s Weekend crossword. It’s really a general knowledge quiz and I normally fail on those questions relating to popular culture, of which there are usually quite a few. Today their weren’t and I solved everything but the 4-letter Colombian city, although I got that when I had a quick look at a map. Very pleased to have worked out the two lengthy political quotes in there.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 29 March, 2022, 08:38:44 am
Seen on twitter yesterday:

Wife: "I'm still angry with husband - he's a violent man" (4,5)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 08 April, 2022, 11:17:07 pm
Someone I know who sets crosswords as Bottom has shared this with me - probably the filthiest, funniest, most unpublishable crossword clue I have ever seen…

I’d wank horses furiously for money (7,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 09 April, 2022, 12:00:45 am
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 09 April, 2022, 12:02:10 am
It's too late to work that out, and I'm a couple of whiskies under. Please put me out of my misery.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 09 April, 2022, 12:03:43 am
https://anagram-solver.net/
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: hatler on 09 April, 2022, 12:04:28 am
Eyethangyuuuuuu.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 April, 2022, 11:22:13 am
And there I was realising that the word "whore" was off-the-peg, as it were, and trying to make something of the remainder...
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Nuncio on 19 July, 2022, 01:36:07 pm
I liked this one Everyman one from Sunday:

Male, hairy: to him it's a salutation (7).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 24 September, 2022, 10:34:13 am
Today’s “Weekend” crossword in the Graun is mostly very straightforward for R4 listeners.

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/weekend/611
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 24 September, 2022, 10:50:50 am
That seems badly arranged, Wow, though the clues are easy enough.  If you are starting with the first clue 6 across (normal practice) you are left wondering what happened to the second part of the answer until you reach 5 down.  It's a long time since I've done Guardian ones but I think they used to be written "6, 5 down" - or am I making this up?!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Jurek on 24 September, 2022, 10:54:48 am
Today’s “Weekend” crossword in the Graun is mostly very straightforward for R4 listeners.

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/weekend/611
Shirley 6 across is wrong.
The answer is 'Poetry Please' but you are only given six squares I which to write it - or am I missing something?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Tim Hall on 24 September, 2022, 11:01:29 am
But if you use the New! Shiny! webby science version, clicking the letters in 6A automagically jumps you to 5D when you get to the end of your 6A word.

Peter, I'm think they used to be.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 24 September, 2022, 11:12:15 am
Ah, Tim, thanks.  I wasn't actually filling it in but doing it in my head!  I have a vague memory of having discovered what you mentioned but it must have been 3 or 4 years ago.  Thanks again!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 25 September, 2022, 08:59:15 am
I think they used to be written "6, 5 down" - or am I making this up?!

They still are usually. I expect the omission here is just a mistake.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 25 September, 2022, 10:53:10 am
Clue for Wowbagger…

One who may be barely crawling? (6-6)

(Seen in today’s Everyman)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 25 September, 2022, 11:02:12 am
Ha! 
(click to show/hide)
 
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 25 September, 2022, 12:56:56 pm
Ha! 
(click to show/hide)
 
(click to show/hide)

1d'd at that.
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 October, 2022, 08:48:17 am
Hunt and Truss mostly broadcast lies (8 )

https://twitter.com/davegorman/status/1582116593198567424?s=46&t=0_2On4Ai9Oe-e6hp4eqILQ
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 18 October, 2022, 10:42:44 am
Excellent!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 19 October, 2022, 02:27:22 pm
OK waiter...fresh tofu for us please (8 )

https://twitter.com/KnutCrosswords/status/1582708224633208833?s=20&t=9CEInhQEqy5ePTdjC7x91w
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 19 October, 2022, 04:17:43 pm
Sounds like a stimulus the NHS doesn't need (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 19 October, 2022, 06:22:06 pm
OK waiter...fresh tofu for us please (8 )

https://twitter.com/KnutCrosswords/status/1582708224633208833?s=20&t=9CEInhQEqy5ePTdjC7x91w

 ;D  and it's Bye Bye from her!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 31 October, 2022, 05:11:58 pm
Another gem from Knut:

Rio also-ran, job in ruins (4,9)

https://twitter.com/KnutCrosswords/status/1587044922376523780?s=20&t=v9NoLxVvhjeckojp0e16og
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 31 October, 2022, 05:47:25 pm
Indeed a beauty.  As you might yell
(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 15 November, 2022, 12:57:23 am
My latest cruciverbal creation:
https://crypticcrosswords.net/puzzles/rookie-corner/rookie-corner-449/

(NB the online solving interface at crypticcrosswords.net is truly dreadful, so if you like solving on your mobile device, I would advise downloading the AcrossLite (.puz) file and using the AcrossLite or Puzzazz app. Or download and print the PDF to solve the old-fashioned way.)

For those who don't know, Big Dave's Crossword Blog is a long-running blog that focuses on the Telegraph's daily cryptics*. It also hosts guest puzzles, including the regular Not The Saturday Prize Puzzle, which was introduced some years ago to fill the gap left when the Telegraph stopped running its regular Saturday Prize Puzzle. In theory, the NTSPP slot is open for submissions, but because Big Dave was getting overwhelmed with offers, he started up Rookie Corner, where neophyte setters could submit their efforts to the scrutiny of resident expert Prolixic (who is a professionally published crossword setter). Any Rookie deemed consistently good enough could earn promotion to the NTSPP.

The puzzle linked above is my third outing in Rookie Corner. And, it turns out, my last. Because I've been promoted. Yay!

Not that I like to blow my own trumpet too much but I believe it's only the second time ever that a RC puzzle has scored 0 on the commentometer. The relevant blog post with Prolixic's review of the puzzle is here (http://bigdave44.com/2022/11/14/rookie-corner-449-2/).


*For the Guardian, Independent and FT, the blog of choice is Fifteensquared (https://www.fifteensquared.net/). For the Times, it's Times for the Times (https://timesforthetimes.co.uk/).
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 15 November, 2022, 10:52:00 pm
Well done, D, you've really got the gift!  I think 4d. might be my favourite but it's a close run thing - so many really clever ones.  Keep them coming!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 15 November, 2022, 10:57:40 pm
My latest cruciverbal creation:
https://crypticcrosswords.net/puzzles/rookie-corner/rookie-corner-449/

Excellent stuff Widders :thumbsup:

I printed it out and did half during this morning's dump - am now looking forward to hopefully finishing it off tomorrow am :)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 16 November, 2022, 01:01:07 pm
My latest cruciverbal creation:
https://crypticcrosswords.net/puzzles/rookie-corner/rookie-corner-449/

Enjoyed that :thumbsup: Faves were 4d and 22d
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 24 November, 2022, 01:56:15 pm
My latest cruciverbal creation:
https://crypticcrosswords.net/puzzles/rookie-corner/rookie-corner-449/

Yay, got there eventually  :) Cheers  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2022, 11:48:41 am
Beauty from Nimrod in today’s Indy:

In retrospect, someone partial to prime-ministerial blunders (5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 30 December, 2022, 11:58:13 am
The answer is easy enough but the clue depends on whether or not you think the answer sought the blunders out for preference.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 30 December, 2022, 11:58:40 am
Beauty from Nimrod in today’s Indy:

In retrospect, someone partial to prime-ministerial blunders (5)

 :thumbsup:

And an amusing clue from an all round superb but gentle Pasquale in today's Guardian?

Asian drunk, we hear - one in the pool? (6)
Title: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2022, 12:51:17 pm
From the same Nimrod puzzle, this is also superb for purely cruciverbal reasons:

But rose is one of our best! (7)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2022, 12:52:57 pm
Beauty from Nimrod in today’s Indy:

In retrospect, someone partial to prime-ministerial blunders (5)

 :thumbsup:

And an amusing clue from an all round superb but gentle Pasquale in today's Guardian?

Asian drunk, we hear - one in the pool? (6)

I enjoyed that one too, although a) it’s a bit of a chestnut, and b) the “pool” reference is rather outdated!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 December, 2022, 01:00:04 pm
The answer is easy enough but the clue depends on whether or not you think the answer sought the blunders out for preference.

Maybe, but it’s such a neat and clever clue, I’m not going to quibble over that.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 December, 2022, 10:58:01 pm
Not from a crypic, but I rather liked this clue:

King's speech, 1963 (1,4,1,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 31 December, 2022, 12:15:32 pm
Would bring a smile to Abba fans!  ("A beat combo", ect. ect.)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 16 January, 2023, 06:05:06 pm
A couple of cheeky gems from Filbert in today's Indy:

Spooner's rubbish dump is a disciplined operation (5,4)

Squeeze hard cracking nuts on horse (8 )

If you can bear the Indy's awful UI, the whole puzzle is well worth a look, really good throughout.
https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 16 January, 2023, 06:33:45 pm
Spooner one is excellent!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 30 January, 2023, 11:23:02 pm
Another topical one from Knut:

Gorillaz, A-ha, Wings, Squeeze, Public Enemy (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 30 January, 2023, 11:44:32 pm
 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 30 January, 2023, 11:58:40 pm
I found the answer but was at a total loss as to why that seemingly random list of words was presented, but on the realisation that Wings was a popular beat combo, m’lud, I googled the others and found a pattern. I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I’d never heard of any of them.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 01 February, 2023, 10:22:56 pm
This clue in today's Graun cryptic was a bit oo-er misssus.

Quote from: Tramp
Attack American president receiving head from Monica (6)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 02 February, 2023, 05:47:31 am
Loved that. The one before it was nicely cheeky too:

Boob has male excited (4-2)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 05 February, 2023, 11:18:47 pm
MP, the first numpty trapped by lie cut short (9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2023, 04:51:59 pm
This from Mudd* in today's FT is very clever indeed:

Eighth in alphabet, Greek character after H! (5)

*aka Paul in the Guardian
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 21 February, 2023, 04:52:09 pm
In other crossword news, I've been published in the new edition of 1 Across magazine (https://www.1across.co.uk/) with a pirate-themed crossword. But don't go rushing down to WH Smith to pick up a copy because it's subscription only.

Here are a few clues from it:

Pirate gang's heading east of Merseyside town (7)

I'm not sure following Blackbeard is professional (7)

What covers hatless pirate? (5)

Kind of race for Long John Silver and Hawkins (5-6)

Beef ragu oddly filling for pirate (6)

Nurse almost certain it's the end for pirate (8)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 02 May, 2023, 07:24:20 am
Got whatsit-bombed by 25a in the Graun Quick this morning.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 02 May, 2023, 11:18:13 am
Fruit makes pop star extremely randy (6)

(fab simplicity from Brummie' cryptic in today's Guardian)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 02 May, 2023, 03:01:51 pm
Fruit makes pop star extremely randy (6)

(fab simplicity from Brummie' cryptic in today's Guardian)

Pop? I see what he did there.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 01 June, 2023, 11:38:59 am
Reminded of four fab clues for the same rather lovely to say 8 letter word today on 15²

1. A pound of sultanas?
2. How’s your father’s place in ruins of old Algiers?
3. Is Elgar distracted by love in rooms for wags?
4. Al Gore is amazing for wives and girlfriends

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 01 June, 2023, 11:55:32 am
Should be able to work Mozart in somehow!

(click to show/hide)

Edit:  Sorry, forgot to say those are excellent clues of yours!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 01 June, 2023, 12:29:35 pm
The first is a famous Rufus classic. I do like that Al Gore one, which I've not seen before.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 01 June, 2023, 12:38:55 pm
The first is a famous Rufus classic. I do like that Al Gore one, which I've not seen before.  :thumbsup:

Indeed. Forgot to credit the setters of those clues :-[

1. Rufus
2. Rorschach
3. Crucible
4. Picaroon
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 14 June, 2023, 08:14:07 pm
Rufus obituary in the Graun today (https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/2023/jun/14/rufus-roger-squires-obituary)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 14 June, 2023, 08:32:24 pm
Thanks, Pingu.  A phenomenal compiler - and a phenomenal life.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 June, 2023, 11:06:12 pm
Harry Kane’s Eden Hazard (5)

From this one:
https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/1211

Several other good ones here. I like Bees, he has some fun ideas.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 17 June, 2023, 11:30:40 pm
Oh, that is nice - if a bit sportist in the clue!  My wife resents having to ask me, "Is ........ a fielding position in cricket?" and I think her complaint is fair!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 18 June, 2023, 04:04:26 am
Oh, that is nice - if a bit sportist in the clue!  My wife resents having to ask me, "Is ........ a fielding position in cricket?" and I think her complaint is fair!

Now if you hadn’t said that I wouldn’t have googled Eden Hazard and found out that it is the name of a footballer. I solved the clue without that bit of knowledge, so the setter’s cleverness was lost on me.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 18 June, 2023, 08:37:21 am
Yes, I know there is a lot that passes you by, m'Lud!  That one was certainly solvable but some of the cricket ones are less so, if you take my POINT!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 18 June, 2023, 09:49:00 am
I like that one partly because it's solvable without needing to know anything about the people mentioned - it's just an added bonus if you do.

Even though I like cricket I'm not a fan of the use of cricketing jargon in clues.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 20 June, 2023, 06:43:14 pm
Vulcan in the Graun yesterday:

Plants gun, if deceitful (5)

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 20 June, 2023, 06:51:59 pm
Yeahbut 'Chambers' reckon they're plants ;)

"A plant of one of the lowest groups, thallophytes lacking chlorophyll and reproducing spores, including mushrooms, toadstools, mould, yeasts, etc"

Arguments and facts will clash/happen ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 20 June, 2023, 07:12:08 pm
Well, I reckon they are out of step.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: slope on 20 June, 2023, 07:16:45 pm
Well, I reckon they are out of step.

I believe the majority do too Peter and Pingu

But it's not as if false 'facts' were a new thing, or controllable, ever ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 20 June, 2023, 07:21:24 pm
It’s the classic problem with using dictionaries as an authority on this kind of thing - they record usage whether it’s accurate or not. It’s not their job to judge. Hey ho.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 27 June, 2023, 08:45:09 am
Badly-mannered Blackshirt right wing MP (7,6-5)

https://twitter.com/KnutCrosswords/status/1673408660272459776?s=20

 ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 27 June, 2023, 10:35:45 am
I am so stealing that :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 29 June, 2023, 09:38:38 am
Vlad in today’s Guardian:

Minister dealing with vulnerable refugees, migrants and asylum seekers from the start (6,9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Peter on 29 June, 2023, 10:57:10 am
Well, it takes no solving at all but it's very clever!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 June, 2023, 11:39:52 am
Had to sit down with a pencil and paper before I managed to grok the meaning of the clue.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 26 July, 2023, 05:17:18 pm
Loved this from Filbert in today's Indy:

Heroine seconds from death imprudently smoked Camels by fuel store (4,9)


Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 July, 2023, 08:34:24 pm
Loved this from Filbert in today's Indy:

Heroine seconds from death imprudently smoked Camels by fuel store (4,9)

That's splendid!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 10 August, 2023, 10:36:26 am
Making my debut as an, ahem, professional cryptic crossword compiler today in the Independent, going by the name of Salty...

https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent

Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 10 August, 2023, 12:09:22 pm
Ooh, exciting  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 August, 2023, 12:34:40 pm
I did 14a. Very good!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 11 November, 2023, 12:29:50 pm
I've got a new one out at Big Dave's website - a couple of taster clues:

Turn sensitive erogenous zones off (4)
Gran into knitting in the dark (8)

Full puzzle here:
http://bigdave44.com/2023/11/11/ntspp-718/

Enjoy!

(Also got another one due to be published elsewhere very shortly... watch this space)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 13 November, 2023, 09:46:00 am
...and here it is - No.11,572 by Salty in today's Indy:

https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent

Taster clue:
Bats hunt with normal interval of 29 days or so (5,5)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 14 November, 2023, 10:30:01 am
Today's cryptic in the Guardian was a repeat. I wonder why.

P.S. I still couldn't quite finish it!
 
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 14 November, 2023, 01:01:33 pm
Today's cryptic in the Guardian was a repeat. I wonder why.

Seems to have been resolved on the Guardian website now - the Tramp puzzle that should have been published today is now available.

No good for those of us who use the Guardian puzzles app - it's still showing the repeat of the Kite puzzle.
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Snakehips on 14 November, 2023, 06:20:31 pm
Seems to have been resolved on the Guardian website now - the Tramp puzzle that should have been published today is now available.
Thanks for that. When I went back to it I was surprised to find my answers from earlier in the day fitting badly in the new grid!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 December, 2023, 09:16:09 am
Absolute peach from Knut in today's Indy:

Heroine of the far right - a sort of smaller Eva Braun (6,9)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 December, 2023, 09:27:46 am
Stealing that!
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: T42 on 05 December, 2023, 02:25:50 pm
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 05 February, 2024, 01:43:45 pm
I'm in the Indy again today if anyone's interested -
https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/cryptic-crossword-independent

A few taster clues for you:
- Who won't need subtitles in remake of Pale Rider? (3-6)
- Dance music has old German prince shaking his tail (7)
- What gets some petty, antagonistic types going? (4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Feanor on 10 March, 2024, 09:39:55 pm
There was an excellent one some time back about an arrogant plonker or somesuch, to which the answer was Top Gear.
I can't find it now.

Can anyone point me to it?
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Wowbagger on 10 March, 2024, 11:22:52 pm
Tv show presented by prat with ego (3,4)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: Pingu on 10 March, 2024, 11:53:36 pm
TV show presented by insufferable prat with ego (3,4) (https://mycrossword.co.uk/cryptic/219#19-down)
Title: Re: The Cryptic Crossword Clue Thread
Post by: citoyen on 17 March, 2024, 10:21:25 am
This from Bard in today's Indy made me laugh a lot:

Acrostic of "find accommodating receptacle to entomb dead" (6)