The Stickler Weekly 225 Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 CROSSBAR
Part of goal annoyed unit dealing with pressure (8) CROSS + BAR
8 INDICATE
Small record company hosting jazz man’s show (8) CAT inside INDIE
10 SPARSE
Thin Pole wearing extra clothing (6) S inside SPARE
11 ASSESSMENT
Tax benefit split by SS soldiers (10) ASSET outside (SS + MEN)
12 BRAG
Card game traveller ultimately kept in suitcase (4) TRAVELLE(R) inside BAG
13 HELIOTROPE
He returned to work with rope and bloodstone (10) HE + (TOIL reversed) + ROPE
15 PRETEND
Claim head of personnel retired before termination (7) (P)ERSONNEL + RET + END
16 PROPHET
Support the dishevelled forecaster (7) PROP + anagram of THE
19 COMPOSTING
Standard used in future production of organic fertiliser (10) POST inside COMING
21 RAPT
Totally absorbed, right, and quick to learn? (4) R + APT
22 FALSE ALARM
Needless danger signal given off by aluminium gasket in plant (5,5) (AL + SEAL) inside FARM
23 ELICIT
Bring out drug sanctioned by law (6) E + LICIT
24 EXCUSE ME
Former copper missed initially in court’s apology (6,2) EX + CU + [(M)ISSED inside SEE]
25 LETTERED
Educated landlord hooked up with senior journalist (8) LETTER + ED
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
2 REPAIRER
One who fixes dryer supplied by salesman (8) REP + AIRER
3 STRAIGHT UP
Neat group that is in resort lacking nothing (8,2) Anagram of GROUP THAT IS minus O
4 BREATHING SPACE
Each matter’s quietly handled by couple for rest (9,5) (EA + THINGS + P) inside BRACE
5 RISSOLE
Fried food is first to sell in function (7) [IS + (S)ELL] inside ROLE
6 MADE DO
Coped with unbalanced piece of poetry on reflection (4,2) MAD + (ODE reversed)
7 SENTIENT
Live broadcast that is not without heart (8) SENT + IE + (NOT minus O)
9 DISCOURAGEMENT
Capital of Guinea shown in documentaries represented gloominess? (14) (G)UINEA inside anagram of DOCUMENTARIES
14 REPERTOIRE
Collection of works about bold love and anger (10) RE + PERT + O + IRE
15 PACIFIER
Opiate, say, provided by one entering racehorse (8) (IF + I) inside PACER
17 EXPEDITE
Almost get rid of pass, taking time to assist (8) (EXPE)L + (DIE outside T)
18 CITADEL
Name leader from Libya seen outside commercial stronghold (7) [CITE + (L)IBYA] outside AD
20 MALICE
Man reduced parasites in bad blood (6) (MA)N + LICE

 

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The Stickler Weekly Insights 225

I read a comment on a blog recently where the writer expressed bewilderment over crosswords that weren’t themed. That is, he couldn’t understand why a setter would write a crossword with words that weren’t linked in some way. It made me laugh, as, by default, all clues are linked: they are all cryptic! Themed crosswords are difficult to assemble and there’s no “theme bonus” available from the publisher, so why would any setter put in the extra time and effort to create them on a regular basis? I’ve talked about themed crosswords before and the pitfalls, but what about the inclusion of current affairs and events? Here’s the thing: can you rely on solvers to have equal knowledge and interest of anything that isn’t defined in a dictionary? Are the people solving your crosswords all from the same location and of an age that’s relevant to the topic? The answer is generally no to all – you will appeal to some but alienate others, just like with normal theme crosswords. Some people will like to feel that their setter is up-to-date and enjoy the appearance of the odd Trump or Brexit clue, and that’s where I tend to head – if an opportunity comes up I’ll throw it in, but otherwise it’s business as usual. A topical clue is a once-only, dead clue. Possibly out of date in a syndicated crossword and impenetrable in a collection of crosswords down the track, a clue that requires current knowledge (of language or events) is of little use.

The Stickler

Spread the word
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The Stickler Weekly 225

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 225
  Overseas Help for The Stickler Weekly 225
  Solution to The Stickler Weekly 224
Insights for this week
  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

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The Stickler Weekly 225 Clue Hints

(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.



8-across



13-across

15-across

16-across

19-across

22-across

24-across

3-down

4-down

5-down

6-down


14-down

15-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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 series of words that signify the loss of one letter at the start or end of a word or string of letters.

Examples: beheaded, cut short, endless, nearly, largely etc.

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The Stickler Weekly 225 Overseas Help

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.

There aren’t any extra hints needed this week.

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

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The Stickler Weekly 224 Solution

Across Answers and Clues Explanations
1 BLUDGER
Lazy worker left during shift, right? (7) L inside BUDGE + R
5 FISH OIL
Nutritional supplement is hard wrapped in thin metal sheet (4,3) (IS + H) inside FOIL
9 UNINTENTIONALLY
Union associate sheltering in temporary accommodation by mistake (15) (UNION + ALLY) outside (IN + TENT)
10 GASHED
Back of building connected to a shed is cut open (6) BUILDIN(G) + A + SHED
11 UNTETHER
Release aunt, not taking a number? (8) AUNT minus A + ETHER
13 ON THE WHOLE
Generally not excited by sculpture with defect (2,3,5) Anagram of NOT + HEW + HOLE
15 ONUS
Leader not committed to extra responsibility (4) B(ONUS)
18 SCAM
There’s no end to rascal’s illegal activity (4) (SCAM)P
19 STRESS TEST
Trial of pressure lock set strangely in stone (6,4) (TRESS + anagram of SET) inside ST
21 DECREASE
Contract as specified in law (8) AS inside DECREE
22 BATTER
Assault someone hoping, ultimately, to get home (6) Double Definition
25 CHESS TOURNAMENT
Contest on board reviewed surname not used in case? (5,10) Anagram of SURNAME NOT inside CHEST
26 RESTART
Break gallery display and begin again (7) REST + ART
27 GUESSED
Visitor, according to auditor, speculated (7) Sounds like GUEST
 Down  Answers and Clues Explanations
1 BOURGEOIS
Traditional jeer is supporting a strong desire (9) (BOO + IS) outside URGE
2 UNITS
Metal stored up in American military subdivisions (5) TIN reversed inside US
3 GATHERED
Collected silver, up there with diamonds (8) AG reversed + THERE + D
4 RENT
Slash cost of living? (4) Double Definition
5 FRIENDLIES
Fan tells stories about end of bitter practice matches (10) (FIEND + LIES) outside BITTE(R)
6 SINKER
Weight problem that’s difficult when short on time (6) STINKER minus T
7 OIL CHANGE
Maintenance done on vehicle to fasten bearing under damaged coil (3,6) (HANG + E) affer anagram of COIL
8 LAYER
Counsel giving up, was lacking, for instance, cover (5) LAWYER minus (WAS minus AS)
12 PHOTO SHOOT
Snappy event is too unsettled after exclusive about smoking (5,5) Anagram of TOO after (POSH outside HOT)
14 THATCHERS
Cover for opening listed in brief largely for roof workers (9) HATCH inside (TERS)E
16 SATURATED
Dripping and suet a rat moved close to shed (9) Anagram of SUET A RAT + SHE(D)
17 ESCALATE
Raise case rescheduled at an advanced stage (8) Anagram of CASE + LATE
20 CESSNA
Small plane ascends strangely with wind finally dropping off (6) Anagram of ASCENDS minus WIN(D)
21 DECOR
Drive around green scenery (5) DR outside ECO
23 TEEMS
Male wearing golf gear falls heavily (5) M iinside TEES
24 GROG
Success not contributing to growing spirits, for example (4) GROWING minus WIN

 

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The Stickler Weekly Insights 224

I’ve been largely off the grid for a couple of weeks, with only a few chances to check emails and the blog. Continue reading

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The Stickler Weekly 224

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 224
  Overseas Help for The Stickler Weekly 224
  Solution to The Stickler Weekly 223
Insights for this week
  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

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The Stickler Weekly 224 Clue Hints

(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.



5-across

9-across

11-across

13-across



19-across


22-across

25-across


1-down

5-down


7-down

8-down

12-down

14-down

16-down



23-down


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 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 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.
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.
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.

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 found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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The Stickler Weekly 224 Overseas Help

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)


1-across

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

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