(click on the clue number to see the hint)
Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.
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The answer is found by butting together parts defined in the wordplay. There may be some positional indicators that change the order of these parts.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The structure of the answer involves either letters placed outside other letters, or letters placed inside other letters. Which type of container clue is determined by an appropriate container indicator.
The clue has two parts, each one defining the answer without using cryptic devices. Ideally each definition should have no etymological relationship.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) around the OUTSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: holding, keeping, embracing - anything that creates the image of containment.
A word or phrase that defines the answer. All cryptic clues usually have a minimum of one definition which will be located at the beginning or end of the clue.
Either a mixture of letters is placed inside or outside other letters, or letters are placed inside or outside a mixture of letters. An anagram indicator and containment indicator will be present.
The entire answer is found by reversing part of the clue, or a synonym for part of the clue. A suitable reversal indicator will be present.
The answer is found by removing a letter, letters, or a word (either found directly in the clue or derived) from a word or words (or their synonyms). Subtractions involving synonyms must be done with contiguous letters, that is, a word will subtract directly unless specifically indicated. A subtraction indicator is present to initiate the action.
The entire answer is the result of removing the first or last letter from part of the clue or its synonym. A truncation indicator will be present.
Baffled is just saying
Severely challenged on Western Side even with 3d – A Real Gem
Still resisting Clue Hints tho.
Won’t be able to look until Thursday, long week ahead!
Challenging as always Christine.
Down to 18a & 25a possibly 24d
Will be interested to hear how you Go………..
Some good ones this week, 23a had me stumped until I saw Greg’s reference to palm top then it was obvious. Overthought some of the clues which didn’t help.
Know all about over-thinking Christine.
e.g. – 25a – I was seeking a Goddess of Comedy!!!
Way behind this week, haven’t even started-had a load of relief teaching!
Both 18a and 25a are excellent clues, I tried to overthink them and worried too much about a comedienne, you’ll have a little smile Richard when your light globe moment arrives. 24d is a word meaning programme with its head cut off. Both 15 letter clues are great, well done David
I loved 28ac. Other favourites: 9ac, 15ac (especially the definition), 23ac (palm-top!), 27ac and 5dn.
Still going nowhere with 25a & therefore 24d. Not sure of 5d either, seems too obvious.
& now I’m not entirely convinced of 23a. The Best Week (not!!!)
Had to prune my Favourites List (yet again) but loved 18a & 21a & yes Greg
the 15 letter clues were brilliant as well as 2d, 8d & 17d.
The beef is not an argument, it is a generic term. Trim it and add large. I have A feeling you have done that.
18a. Got by with a little help from a friend. You could say I just made it. This is my pic for the week, although 3d and 6d are serious contenders. 12a is also in line for a prize.
23a I got the congratulations for this puzzle, but spent a lot of time with google to confirm this answer. Rather obscure, but the two words coupled with the definition in a google search indicated that this is one of two, with the second usually being more powerful.
28a provided a lighter moment. While I found 25e delightful.
15a. I tried very hard to make pessimist fit, as I did not think I would solve the grid. The correct answer is a better fit to the definition anyway.
So that’s it for me.
A great variety of challenging word plays.
Richard in 25a you need a word for said something funny, the something is normally short and to the point. The first word is your definition.
24d is an item on a program with the first letter dropped off. In programs think of the program for the Ekka.
Just had to resort to Solver of Last Resort for 25a Arthur.
Answer – “Of Course”. But 24d then fell right into place.
Confident now of 5d also.
23a seems more resonant of motor vehicles,
perfectly fits cluing, but obscure (to me).
Noted the Banker reference slipped in at 18a……….David
Quick Google. Didn’t have to dig too far to confirm 23a.
Just take all that for granted.