(click on the clue number to see the hint)
Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.
Need more hints for these or other clues? Just leave a reply below.
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.
A pointer that signifies the placing of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents) on the INSIDE of one or more parts of a clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: held by, kept by, embraced by - anything that creates the image of being contained.
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.
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.
The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
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.
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.
The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
The answer is hidden among the words of the clue. No spare words should be present. A suitable hidden indicator will point to the buried text.
Examples: part of, associated with, types of.
A word or series of words that signify the turning around (across & down clues), or overturning (down clues only) of letters.
Examples: upset, reversed, retired, in withdrawal, over etc.
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.
A question mark has been used to indicate "language abuse", that is, a word or words in a clue are used in a technically incorrect way, but the meaning can be still inferred.
Example: A indeed (?) could mean to insert A inside deed.
Haven’t got terribly far, but already like 4d, clever.
Out of blocks at Great Speed (top half) – then fell over.
Agree with 4d Wendy, you will discover others.
Numbers Game at 23d has be completely baffled. Thinking Roman numerals.
Agree with Richard on 23D. Using Roman numerals seems the right way to go.
Fits in with the solutions to 22A and 26A.
Regards 23d – take the answer to the sum and look elsewhere in the puzzle..
I think Richard is correct. Parsing was an issue but I think 23d (my pick for the week) is another way of saying the other answer. eg he was …. or he was …….
I was almost on the point of frustration when the light came on.
Don’ take that as gospel as I did not get the congratulations when I completed the grid on line. I have carefully gone back over every clue, and have yet to find the problem.
I will risk a couple of comments, bearing in mind that at least one of my answers is incorrect.
I thought 11a and 12a were clever and effective.
We are back in the garden with 22a. I thought this was a destructive insect.
2a I was distracted picturing the snotrag. an ugly thought
So back tot he drawing board with no clue as to where I have gone wrong. However I am happy with the sw corner.
I too have completed the grid without any congratulations and no idea where I have gone wrong. Can’t see how “its” fits in to 22a but my answer is definitely a false acacia, oh well only 6 days to find out where I went wrong. Liked 1a, 26a, 4d, and 7d, thanks David.
Steve, the “its” is stripped.
Thanks for the tip. Makes sense now.
Thanks Beth. Got It eventually – see below
& was correct about Roman Numerals after all.
Another good one this week. Liked 4d and 23d.
13a: I like “affirmative action”. It’s clever definitions like this, appearing as either the whole definition or part of the wordplay, which keep bringing me back to The Stickler.
22a: a familiar word, but a new definition for me. It’s the scrupulously fair wordplay which allows us to solve clues like this.
2d: I always enjoy a sporting reference.
19d: I love “unloved one”.
23d: My favourite – although it took me a while. I worked out the left-hand side of the equation fairly quickly, but then I always forget one of the big reasons why a numeral might appear in a clue. I should know better by now…
Either I made an error in recording my answers, or there was a glitch in the system.
I have retried the grid and got the congrats.
I identify with all the choices of clues. As I solve I think how clever or well written they are. David’s strict observance of all the elements of cluing makes this series the best I have seen. He continues to provide challenges but never gets carried away with his own cleverness.
What do we do to celebrate number 200 in 2 weeks?
Should have a get-together, but probably all in different states! I’m in SA.
QLD – Wendy
Probably have to make do with this Forum
which is an excellent compromise really …!!!
Really glad that we all have this Wendy & can share. Gathering of like minds has developed over time.
Didn’t happen with David’s early days.
Added Bonus – now I always have ALL the answers each week & never have to be waiting for the Solution.
Been distracted with other issues.
So still bereft of ideas on 22a & 23d (despite all the elsewhere references)
Liked all Picks of The Week above.
Thought 12a, 26a, 4d, 7d, & 14d & 17d particularly noteworthy.
All Good.
Finally ‘get’ 23d. Had the answer, just could not see why. Very devious, very good.
22a needed external help to see the insects through the trees.
needed a bit of schoolboy latin, for 22a. Thee were seveal options, but only one right one.
YAY!!! ………One More Sleep.