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Click on underlined text for explanation of terms.
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The answer is found by using the sound of a word or phrase. Sounds-like indicators point the way.
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 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 the removal of a letter, letters, word or words (or their equivalents) from other parts of the clue (or their equivalents).
Examples: taken from, decreased by, less.
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 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 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 clue has two parts, each one defining the answer without using cryptic devices. Ideally each definition should have no etymological relationship.
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.
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 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 hidden inside the clue in reverse order. There are two indicators: one to signify that a hidden word is present; the other to reverse the letters.
Stumped on 1A…can’t figure out which word is supposed to sound like something else.
Never mind…dumb-dumb (moi) finally realized apparent in speech means sounds like. Then answer was obvious.
I need this, Thanks Michael.
“All at Sea” in SW Corner – 25a & 20d.
Any ideas anyone? Would be much appreciated.
& 1a – was a Tasty Treat…..
Hello Richard, not sure what a “taxonomic group” is but a word that means “defines” fits into the grid. 20d is the plural of what you call out when your battleship opponent gives you a co-ordinate to try and sink one of your ships. I’m stuck on 24a and 21d, I’ve got no idea!
Yes Steve, got there eventually.
25a needed closer inspection & the taxonomic reference also fits.
Have never heard of that game in 20d but have a word for
unattached women that suits.
24a – it is “scholarship” minus “end of school”
21d – I am not entirely convinced but think of “coin” (definition) as a colloquialism.
21d Steve – strong box (rather than one word) may also assist
Thanks Richard, I’ve got it now I had 24a all along just wasn’t sure it was right, I was too busy trying to use the word “safe” in 21d. You got me David! 5 and 10d are my favourites this week
Yes Steve I liked 5d & 10d as well.
Unsure about “two courses” in 5d, I’m assuming Compass points.
Also thought 10a, 14a & 1d worthy of mention, amongst several others.
Quite a comfortable romp this week, but still so many clues worthy of mention. While I like those nominated above, 25a takes the cake for me – probably because it was last in, and I needed to check out the above blogs, and google taxonomic group to get the answer, and then only after I had all the crosses.
Richard I agree with your guess at compass points.
21d I identified the definition in relation to phrases. The saying has come up often in discussions.
Yes Arthur. It was the phrases that convinced me I was “on the money”
Bit late to start and finish this week. Don’t understand the clue for 20d but the online crossword is telling me I have successfully completed so my answer must right. I have the definition from the last half of the clue but don’t the battleship reference?
Christine, I read it as a series of calls you might make on a battleship when you survive a salvo. Some of the earlier comments support that thinking.
Thank you Arthur but I must admit to still being in the dark. Battleships are obviously not my forte!
It turns out that “Battleship” is a game with two players who each record the positons of a number of ships on a grid. You take a turn firing a missile at my ship, quoting a grid reference, and I have to tell you whether you have been successful in landing a missile on my ship. I now recall playing this many years ago using a frame and pegs to record my ships, and the results of your shots. I think we had a cruiser, a destroyer and a submarine, each with a different length. Steve referred to the game in his comments on 16th, but the penny did not drop for me in that context. It is amazing what you learn, or recall as a result of a simple crossword clue, and adds a wow factor when you recognise that David has such a broad experience of these little known pastimes.
Glad I am not the only one totally oblivious to this Game.
Now I get it! I do remember the game but, as I recall, it was a game for boys so I never played it.
I know that game. After an opponent fires his shot you need to call “it’s a hit” , or “it’s a …..”
According to google you can still buy the board game for $29.95. There are numerous references and you can even download it. Who would have thought! Next thing we will have “Sorry” another board game from my youth, which I have forgotten how to play.
20dn – luckily I remembered “Battleship”, or I wouldn’t have had a clue. I think I played the pencil-and-paper version, rather than the posh board game. And I loved “women with detachment”.
1dn – “what a golfer might shoot” – when I think about my golfing history, the required word only occurs in my dreams.
12ac & 20dn were my favourites this week.