The Stickler Weekly 17 Clue Hints

Posted on January 13, 2014 by David Stickley

(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.


1-across

6-across

9-across

10-across

12-across

13-across

15-across

19-across

23-across

24-across

27-across

29-across

1-down

2-down

3-down

4-down

8-down

11-down

14-down

17-down

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.
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.

A word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

A type of clue where the WHOLE clue defines the answer, and the WHOLE clue also is the wordplay (a mechanism to derive the answer through various cryptic devices). "&lit" is short for "and literally".

To qualify as an &lit, a clue must have no unused components either in the definition or the wordplay - it must be readable one way as a definition, and another as the wordplay.

A type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

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 type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
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 type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

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.
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The Stickler Weekly 17 Overseas Help

Posted on January 13, 2014 by David Stickley

Welcome all cryptic crossword solvers.

Some cryptic crosswords are tough purely because local lingo is used and not understood by all, especially those living outside of Australia. This post seeks to fill this vernacular gap.

The clues listed here may contain a component not familiar to all outside of Australia.

(click on the clue number to see the inside information)


23-across

Like to add something I’ve missed to help others, or comment on a meaning, term or expression? Please leave a reply below.

Posted in Stickler Weekly Clue Help, The Stickler | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Stickler Weekly 17 Overseas Help

The Stickler Weekly 16 Solution

Posted on January 13, 2014 by David Stickley

The 100 year anniversary of the first published crossword (try some puzzles from history here) led a number of bloggers around the world to speculate about the future of the crossword in the digital age. Would it last another 100 years? I think most forms of crosswords translate seamlessly to digital media and they will continue to thrive, but I don’t believe the same can be said about cryptic crosswords. I don’t like interactive cryptic crosswords, and I’m a child of the computer age, in fact, I’ve had a computer screen in my face since I was 18. Cryptic crosswords take time to solve, and a large part of the enjoyment I get from solving comes from the piecemeal way I solve them. Not only don’t I want to spend my free time in front of a computer, but I want somewhere to scribble down an anagram or speculate on possible word endings. It’s not the same with an electronic scratchpad – the romance isn’t there. I want to be away from the temptation of Google and blogs and word pattern-match software. I know there are many out there like me. How? Every week I give solvers the option of choosing a PDF to print or an interactive puzzle to solve. The stats since The Stickler Weekly started show 80% prefer to print and solve. Is this a generational thing? Let’s hope so or cryptic crosswords won’t survive when printed newspapers are no more.

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 PEGASUS
Pin down, for instance, American group of stars (7) PEG + AS + US
5 DEPICTS
Outlines disease originally produced by faulty septic (7) (D)isease + anagram of SEPTIC
9 CIVET
Catlike animal caught by one person trained to look after animals (5) C + I + VET
10 REGULARLY
On a river passing through gully often (9) RE + [ (A + R) inside GULLY]
11 MORIBUND
Decaying bone found in a heap of earth (8) RIB inside MOUND
12 DEMOTE
Put down recording sample with a piano part missing (6) DEMO TAPE minus (A + P)
14 RAMS
Computer component connected by lead to secondary drives (4) RAM + (S)econdary
15 SAUCEPAN
Kitchen utensil shaped canapes containing stuff in the middle (8) Anagram of CANAPES outside st(U)ff
18 INFERIOR
Gather outside Brazilian resort strictly for the birds (8) INFER outside RIO
19 HEAR
Judge, at this point, needs to be listened to (4) Sounds like HERE
22 ETHNIC
Cultural etching not finished, not exactly (6) Anagram of ETCHIN(g)
23 SCROLLED
Coders moved around lines and shifted text on screen (8) Anagram of CODERS outside LL
25 EMULATION
Bird, one held by talon, reproduced mimicry (9) EMU + (I inside anagram of TALON)
26 ALERT
Stock warehoused by wholesaler triggered alarm (5) wholesALER Triggered
27 SCENERY
View credentials leaving residency abroad (7) Anagram of RESIDENCY minus ID
28 SWEATER
Jersey sewn in an odd way wanted by consumer (7) (S)e(W)n + EATER
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 POCKMARK
Policeman climbing 1000m with chest injury (8) COP reversed + KM + ARK
2 GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Those gunmen not normally hanging around unused official residence (10,5) Anagram of THOSE GUNMEN outside OVER
3 SETS BY
Puts aside sum extracted from subsystem erroneously (4,2) Anagram of SUBSYSTEM minus SUM
4 STRONG SUIT
State’s opener got runs in unusual fashion – it is a special talent (6,4) (S)tate + anagram of GOT RUNS + IT
5 DOGS
Activities without popular pets (4) DOINGS minus IN
6 PALTERED
Was evasive head of party changed? (8) (P)arty + ALTERED
7 CORPORATE CLIENT
Big customer arranged poor recital in Australian capital (9,6) Anagram of POOR RECITAL inside CENT
8 STYLED
Designed enclosure for farm animals was at the front (6) STY + LED
13 LUBRICANTS
Star in club reworked stuff like “Grease” (10) Anagram of STAR IN CLUB
16 MEDITATE
Consider friend accepting work on a newspaper (8) MATE outside EDIT
17 CREDITOR
Lender’s car abandoned by a person responsible for leader, perhaps (8) (CAR minus A) + EDITOR
20 LEVEES
Banks reduced charge and forecast in recession (6) LEV(y) + (SEE reversed)
21 DOSAGE
Amount of medicine given to satisfy wise one (6) DO + SAGE
24 WIRY
One involved in mocking is strong (4) I inside WRY

 

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Stickler Boxed Set 1 for Android Devices

Posted on January 7, 2014 by David Stickley

To really complete the media trifecta (eBook, printed and app), I’m pleased to announce that Stickler Boxed Set 1 can now be purchased as a bundle through a major crossword app that runs on Android devices.

Stand Alone’s Crossword Light is a free app for Android that allows users to buy in-app crossword bundles including the Stickler Boxed Set 1. More information can be found on Stand Alone’s website here.

To get the app, use your device to visit the Google play website here, install, then select the Stickler Boxed Set 1 in-app bundle for purchase. As with all of these puzzles, clue help and worked solutions are available on this website.

Have an iPhone or iPad? Click here.

Best

The Stickler

Posted in Stickler Boxed Set 1, Stickler Boxed Set 1 Availability, The Stickler | 2 Comments

The Stickler Weekly 16

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David Stickley

The Stickler for this week is now available. Please select your preferred solving format.

The solution to this puzzle will appear next week.

  Clue Hints for The Stickler Weekly 16
  Overseas Help for The Stickler Weekly 16
  Solution to The Stickler Weekly 15
  Invest in the Future of The Stickler

Please include comments or discussion about this crossword below.
Request help in the Clue Hints blog entry so all can see.

It’s a weekly crossword, so please don’t give/discuss any full answers until the solution is posted (such posts will be deleted/edited).

Enjoy!

The Stickler

Posted in Stickler Weekly Puzzles, The Stickler | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

The Stickler Weekly 16 Clue Hints

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David Stickley

(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.


1-across

9-across

10-across

11-across

12-across

14-across

15-across

18-across

19-across

22-across

23-across

25-across

26-across

27-across

2-down

3-down

4-down

5-down

7-down

16-down

17-down

20-down

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.
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 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 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.
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 answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
The answer is a jumbling of letters except for the initial or final letter of the anagram fodder. An anagram indicator and truncation indicator will be present.
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 word or series of words that signify a mixing-up of letters.

Examples: changed, at sea, confused, all over the place - anything that indicates change or jumbling.

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 type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

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 type of clue that involves the mixing up of letters without the inclusion of a letter or letters. This clue will have an anagram indicator to signify jumbling and a subtraction indicator to signify the removal of a letter or letters.

A removed letter may be as seen in the clue, an abbreviation for a word in the clue, or the result of another cryptic device like taking the initial letter from a word. Removed letters may be a whole word as seen in a clue, the synonym of a word in the clue (if that synonym is contiguous within the anagram fodder), or the result of another cryptic device like taking the middle two letters from a word.

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 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.
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.

Posted in Stickler Weekly Clue Help, The Stickler | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Stickler Weekly 16 Overseas Help

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David Stickley

Welcome all cryptic crossword solvers.

Some cryptic crosswords are tough purely because local lingo is used and not understood by all, especially those living outside of Australia. This post seeks to fill this vernacular gap.

The clues listed here may contain a component not familiar to all outside of Australia.

(click on the clue number to see the inside information)


25-across

2-down

Like to add something I’ve missed to help others, or comment on a meaning, term or expression? Please leave a reply below.

Posted in Stickler Weekly Clue Help, The Stickler | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Stickler Weekly 16 Overseas Help

The Stickler Weekly 15 Solution

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David Stickley

Just before Christmas an Australian broadcaster added a cryptic crossword to their website with answers that related to the news in 2013. The clues were so-so, as you’d expect from an amateur compiler, but what really struck me was the awful grid that accompanied the puzzle. I have always maintained that learning how to do something by working backwards is not ideal as it’s easy to miss fundamental concepts. However, some things, like the importance and role of a grid in the overall solving process, seem blatantly obvious to me. The puzzle is called CROSS WORD. Two answers crossing on one letter isn’t enough: the solver would need to solve each in isolation as one contributing letter offers virtually no help. Ever tried cold-solving? Really hard. The accepted standard is that at least half of an answer should be contributed by intersecting answers.

Having said this, I know that many solvers are unaware that crossword grids are usually designed with symmetry even though they may have solved 1000s of crosswords. This is because they operate on the finished product and haven’t been involved in the design, reinforcing the need for an amateur setter to learn the basics and not rely solely on their experience as a solver.

Every now and then I search the Net for crossword paraphernalia just to see what’s available: t-shirts, caps, mugs, ties etc. I’m struck by the poor grid designs used on these products – surely years of solving or a small amount of research should produce a better result? I do know one thing – I would never buy a product that displays such obvious crossword ignorance.

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 GAUNTLET
Court ruling following harsh, outdated military punishment (8) LET after GAUNT
5 TOECAP
Retired expert wearing superior piece of footwear (6) ACE reversed inside TOP
9 BEEF TEA
Supplier of honey and feta ordered a hot drink (4,3) BEE + anagram of FETA
10 GRENADE
Explosive decapitated men in position? (7) (m)EN inside GRADE
11 LOCAL DERBY
Crook collared by competition in the neighbourhood (5,5) Anagram of COLLARED BY
12 SPAS
Sudden burst of activity compressed springs (4) SPAS(m)
13 SORDID
Most of class worked out mean (6) (SOR)t + DID
14 BELONGED
Was part of boned leg cooked? (8) Anagram of BONED LEG
17 BRAGGART
Big noter runs a horse stabled by Cummings (8) (R + A + GG) inside BART
18 SHREDS
Storage facilities filled with sculptor’s final pieces (6) SHEDS outside sculpto(R)
21 OVEN
Part of stove normally (4) stOVE Normally
22 SISTERHOOD
Women in society resist agitated thug (10) Anagram of RESIST + HOOD
24 SUMMARY
Outline problem with closing of detour in one month (7) SUM + [detou(R) in MAY]
25 EPISTLE
Translated letters from Palestine missing an extract of the Bible (7) Anagram of PALESTINE minus AN
26 DONE IN
Racket infiltrated by one lacking strength (4,2) DIN outside ONE
27 BASELESS
Good Queen accepting broken seal is lacking support (8) BESS outside anagram of SEAL
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 GABBLES
Bee, accompanied by another in strong winds, doesn’t communicate very well (7) (B +B) inside GALES
2 USED-CAR SALESMAN
American dealer’s scam implicated an old auto dealer (4-3,8) US + (anagram of DEALERS SCAM) + AN
3 TOTALLING
Addition got knocked back outside big home (9) GOT reversed outside (TALL + IN)
4 ENAMEL
Paint handle welded into the centre of pipeline (6) NAME inside pip(EL)ine
6 OWED
Outstanding head of organisation formed a union (4) (O)rganisation + WED
7 CHAMPAGNE BOTTLE
Title holder, with battle gone, ordered a magnum of Moet, for example (9,6) CHAMP + anagram of BATTLE GONE
8 PLEASED
Disheartened friend, made comfortable, is content? (7) P(a)L + EASED
10 GIBBET
Adult turned up to stake structure used for hanging (6) BIG reversed + BET
15 OTHERWISE
The man imprisoned in tower is treated differently (9) HE inside (anagram of TOWER IS)
16 GRAINY
Ground primarily wet and gravelly (6) (G)round + RAINY
17 BROWSED
Queues inside base looked around (7) ROWS inside BED
19 SADNESS
“The Blues Brothers”, at the end, wrecked sedans (7) brother(S) + anagram of SEDANS
20 ATHENA
Greek goddess honoured some in Sparta then Aegina (6) spartA THEN Aegina
23 MAXI
Racing yacht is last to confirm a team (4) confir(M) + A + XI

 

Posted in Stickler Weekly Solutions, The Stickler | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Stickler Weekly Holiday Break

Posted on December 30, 2013 by David Stickley

The Stickler Weekly is having a one week break. The solution to Stickler Weekly 15 will appear next week.

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season and are gearing up for a big year in 2014. Thanks to all who have supported me since my departure from News Ltd newspapers – it’s been a difficult time coming to terms with the reality that crosswords can no longer pay the bills.

If you need a Stickler fix, why not buy the Stickler Boxed Set 1? You can find out more here:

http://www.australiancrosswords.com.au/SticklerBoxedSets.html

If you’ve been enjoying the Stickler Weekly, and haven’t yet contributed to its future, you can here:

http://www.australiancrosswords.com.au/SticklerInvest.html

Many thanks

The Stickler
(David Stickley)

Posted in Stickler Weekly Puzzles, The Stickler | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Stickler Boxed Set 1 for iPad and iPhone

Posted on December 27, 2013 by David Stickley

To complete the media trifecta (eBook, printed and app), I’m pleased to announce the release of the Stickler Boxed Set 1 as a bundle available through a major crossword app.

Stand Alone’s Crosswords is a free app for iPad and iPhone that allows users to buy in-app crossword bundles including the Stickler Boxed Set 1. More information can be found on Stand Alone’s website here.

To download the app, visit Apple’s website here, install, then select the Stickler Boxed Set 1 in-app bundle for purchase. As with all of these puzzles, clue help and worked solutions are available on this website.

Have an Android device? Click here.

Best

The Stickler

Posted in Stickler Boxed Set 1, Stickler Boxed Set 1 Availability, The Stickler | 2 Comments