ACROSS
1 - Non-committal response to a query from a pressman (2,7) - NO COMMENT [E]
5 - Structure in fungus — a funny sac with use curtailed (5) - {ASC*}{US}(-e)
8 - They go with balances to prevent concentration of power (6) - CHECKS [CD]
9 - Trendy, full of energy but jobless! (8) - {IN}{ACTIVE}
11 - Dye obtained from Manila (4) - ANIL [T]
12 - Plant that yields ripe mangoes, strangely (10) - ANGIOSPERM* One extra E gobbled up.
14 - Violating bail? I find an excuse (5) - ALIBI*
15 - It is an important part of the diet for a youngster, they say (7) - {PRO}{TEIN}(~teen)
16 - Percussion instrument used to frighten old inventor (7) - {COW}{BELL}
17 - First among Hebrew characters (5) - ALEPH [E]
19 - English painting: odd, dear one, of a hearing aid (3,7) - {E}{ART}{RUM}{PET}
20 - Water extracted from a quaint source (4) - AQUA [T]
22 - Binding together, as were some convicts, aching, in distress (8) - CHAINING*
23 - Identity parade, originally launched in eastern Uttar Pradesh (4-2) - {L}{IN}{E} {UP}
24 - Essential equipment for a gourmet (5) - TEETH [CD]
25 - Favourable result, gold, for the one next in line (9) - {SUCCESS}{OR}
DOWN
1 - A divine drink to break trance (6) - NECTAR*
2 - Using poisonous articles in battle, like mustard gas, say, unleashes raw fear (8,7) - {CHEMICAL} {WARFARE*}
3 - Donkey may come without company, skirting Oklahoma (4) - (-co)M{OK}E
4 - Devvarman, for one (6,6) - TENNIS PLAYER [E]
5 - Used to current practice followed by journalist (10) - {AC}{CUSTOM}{ED}
6 - It is a game for vocal inspectors from Beijing perhaps (7,8) - CHINESE CHEQUERS (~checkers)
7 - American general who gave his name to a tank (7) - SHERIDAN [DD](Correction - SHERMAN [DD] - Thanks to Giridhar)
10 - One has a right to get them in settlement somehow (12) - ENTITLEMENTS*
13 - Plumber's tool or musical instrument? Right, carried by a woman (4,6) - {PIPE} {W{R}ENCH}
16 - Sailors hurt by short hairstyle (7) - {CREW}{CUT}
18 - Union leader figuring in the Times, perhaps, a poverty-stricken person (6) - PA{U}PER
21 - Have a desire to be at home in physical exercise (4) - P{IN}E
7 Down is SHERMAN (7)
ReplyDeleteThanks Giridhar,
ReplyDeleteI seem to have been dreaming when I typed that out.
12 - Plant that yields ripe mangoes, strangely (10) - ANGIOSPERM* One extra E gobbled up.
ReplyDeleteMangoes should have been spelt mangos
Neat clues all.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get 20A. The only one I couldn't solve. I had _C_A and was clueless. I never knew that "Checkers" could also be spelled "Chequers."
ReplyDeletePAUPER,CHAINING, very enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteThe lull before the storm
ReplyDeleteThe lull before the storm is the apt weather forecast!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSaw yesterday's comments by Shuchi on rhyming slang and wanted to add something interesting that I came across on the web (off today's topic, but continuing yesterday's thread). This kind of links an explanation that CVasi Sir gave in a different post about Sir Robert Peel and the context of the origination of cockney slang --
ReplyDeleteThe following is taken from www.aldertons.com
-Quote-
The origins of Cockney Rhyming Slang are uncertain. It's not really a language since the words spoken are clearly English; on the other hand, it's not a dialect either, since the speakers of this slang are also perfectly capable of not using it! Some stories go that this slang originated in the market place so that the vendors could communicate without the customers knowing what was being said - you wouldn't want your customers knowing that you were going to lower your prices in ten minutes so you could go home early. Other stories have it that it originated in the prisons so that inmates could talk without the guards listening in. I recently heard from Bob King that "it was born shortly after Sir Robert Peel introduced and implemented his idea for a Police force. The criminal fraternity had never been faced with such a concerted effort to thwart them, so they developed Cockney Slang, the idea of which being that, two or more criminals could hold open conversation, within earshot of a "Peeler," without fear that their plans were being overheard by the police." And Jackie says that many of the rhymes were invented by the petty thieves to rob people in the markets, allowing the thieves to talk amongst themselves without anyone knowing what they were talking about
It doesn't really matter where it comes from - the important thing is that it exists today just as it has for many, many years and can provide a wonderful, colourful language in everyday life.
-End quote-
@Veer: Interesting info.
ReplyDeleteI thought that usually a lull comes after a storm!
ReplyDeleteI think it's calm before the storm or at least that's how I've heard it told.
ReplyDeleteYes, Dan you're right.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my remark was in the context in which our friends are talking about 'lull' and 'storm' in these parts.
Hi friends
ReplyDeleteBack in my home city this afternoon, after a nine-hour, 450-plus km drive from Bangalore. The most important and most memorable event of my 3-day stay was a lunch rendezvous with Col Gopinath and Shuchi on Saturday. It was a very fruitful interaction; maybe only the fruit salad was missed out.
Thanks Deepak and Shuchi, yet again.
Was following the blog during travel, but could not take part in the discussion. Hope to be back in action from tomorrow, when the fireworks are likely to resume.
Well here we have a lull on either side of the storm with NJ sandwiched between Sankalak & Gridman
ReplyDeleteThe visitor counter on the top left corner will hit 1,00,000 either tonight or early tomorrow morning. The lucky one is cordially invited to my house for drinks at dinner whenever convenient. So let me know who it is.
ReplyDeleteTeetotalers are not welcome?
ReplyDeleteDeepak, I was about to comment on it. How are you going to determine the 100,000th visitor in the event of multiple claims? Could be a question of good faith and trust. Or does any software with you identify the visitor's computer's Internet Protocol (IP) number ? Just a curious enquiry
ReplyDelete@ PP, the TTs can always settle for a mocktail.
ReplyDelete@Richard,
ReplyDeleteIt will have to be good faith and trust, I have no way of determining who it is.
@PP,
How did you presume the drink was alcoholic :-)? By the way teetotallers don't drink anything? Anyhow like Richard said they are welcome to drink a mocktail.
Just kidding- will I cast a slur on your hospitality? No, never!
ReplyDeleteThe countdown has begun just 6 more to go
ReplyDeleteDeepak, I can't believe this. As I logged to check for comments, the tally shows the magic number 100,000. So, is it me?
ReplyDeleteIt's crossed, so who is the lucky one? Please own up
ReplyDeleteFor a beginer like me, today's CW was absolutely enjoyable. Thanks Sankalak. ( I know he is following this blogspot)
ReplyDeleteIn my above comment - it should have been 'beginner'.
ReplyDeleteI think, i missed the drink narrowly. :-(
ReplyDeleteWow! I knew it is not tomorrow but tonight! Congrats, Colonel! You are an amazingly popular blogger! BTW, I kept looking for replies, refreshing the page without scrolling up to note the number as I am busy playing games in 2 other windows with my little grandson by my side and a couple of other windows- including orkut new indian express puzzle -open!!! Too busy!!!
ReplyDeleteLogging in here again, after a break.
ReplyDeleteSince there is no one else claiming SLOT 100,000, looks like, willynilly, I am the fall guy.
I really wish some new enthusiast here had won the honour. On my part, I am prepared to endorse the 'drinks-and-dinner' coupon in favour of any visitor of Colonel's choice.
Colonel. 100,000 or not, we'll get together for a drink when I am in Bengaluru in April
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Richard,
ReplyDeleteIt's and open invitation to drinks and dinner whenever you are in Bangalore next.
Others need not worry everyone is welcome on the day Richard decides to take up the invitation, prior notice of which will be given :-)
Cheers,
Col Gopinath
Hardluck PP, better luck next time.
Hi Suresh,
ReplyDeleteYes we are meeting on 12 or 13th when you are here
Congrats Colonel. Your blog has become my everyday habit.
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone
ReplyDelete