No 14316, Monday 28 Oct 2024, Hypatia

Solution to 7D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Moaned when leaving wife, ruining weekend (6) KEENED wEEKEND*

4   Self-declaration of one matched up or undermined (8) IMPAIRED {I'M}{PAIRED}

9   Feels dissatisfied about German vehicles (6) MOPEDS {MOPE{D}S}

10 Stunning blow (8) KNOCKOUT [CD]

11 Red carpet treatment in a wedding party in summer? (1,4,9) A WARM RECEPTION {DD]

13 Old US president inspiring writer, soprano and cabinet makers (10) CARPENTERS {CAR{PEN}TER}{S}

14 Love sex? Get married, miss! (4) OMIT {O}{M}{IT}

16 Island, primarily oceanic at the shores of Honolulu (4) OAHU {Oc...c}{At}{Ho...lU}

18 Studies and teaches limits (10) CONSTRAINS {CONS}{TRAINS}

21 Insert coin with size adjusted for elders (6,8) SENIOR CITIZENS*

23 Fashionable firm's vulnerable to attack (8) INSECURE {IN}{SECURE}

24 Soon recall author's pen name, say (6) ANONYM {ANON}{MY<=}

25 Help, caress regularly and dance inside (8) KINDNESS {KI{aNd+DaNcE}SS}

26 Scientist connected is online, livestreaming (6) EDISON [T]

DOWN

1   Hindu God known as most amorous, basically (4) KAMA Acrostic

2   Sanction debtor chasing English politician (7) EMPOWER {OWER}<=>{E}{MP}

3   Recommended boyfriend or seducer to hide (8) ENDORSED [T]

5   Engineers hacking Mac and iTunes using digital kit? (8,3) MANICURE SET {RE} in {MAC+ITUNES}*

6   Agree to watch CD expats oddly rejected (6) ACCEPT {AtCh+Cd+ExPaTs}

7   Heavy metal band technician heard buzz starting outside (7) R?O?I?M (Addendum - RHODIUM  {(~roadie)RHODI}{hUM} - See comments)

8   Has a blast dancing on estate after the onset of Diwali (9) DETONATES {ON+ESTATE}*<=>{Di...i}

12 Can store abruptly aid supply without right IDs (6-5) RATION-CARDS {CAN+STORe+AID} * over {R}

13 Spooner asking bar girl for cutlery item (9) CHOPSTICK (~stop chick to Chopstick}

15 Confronted wild zebra near shelter put up (8) BRAZENED {ZEBRA*}{DEN<=}

17 Actively involved, fair setter's new (5-2) HANDS-ON HANDSO(-me+n)N

19 Proceeds without a player's turn (7) INNINGS wINNINGS

20 Also picked up by jail bird (6) TOUCAN {(~too)TOU}{CAN}

22 PM raised in Gulf country (4) OMAN<=

Reference List

Wife = W, German = D, Soprano = S, Married = M, Sex = IT, English = E, Engineers = RE, Right = R, New = N, Player = W(West in Bridge game)

The Sunday Crossword No 3329, Sunday 27 Oct 2024

ACROSS

1   Polish admirer, nude (4) BUFF [MD]

3   Straitened, distressed, but back in office (10) REINSTATED*

9   Curses and rants, being heartless (4) RATS RAnTS

10 Way to wear swimwear in major thoroughfares (5,5) TRUNK ROADS {TRUNK{ROAD}S}

12 So began my day, unpredictably: it’s a toss-up (8,4) ANYBODYS GAME*

15 Portion of cinnabun, chai: nourishing – and free! (7) UNCHAIN [T]

16 Swiss multinational and Dutch cosied up (7) NESTLED {NESTLE}{D}

17 Reckoned was plausible (5,2) ADDED UP [DD]

19 Initially Schubert and Liszt’s illustrious educator – renowned Italian! (7) SALIERI Acrostic &lit

20 Everyman’s describing idiot husband – misguided satire – crazy scenes (4,8) MASS HYSTERIA {M{ASS}{H}Y}{SATIRE*}

23 Character seen towards end of The French Lieutenant’s Woman? (10) APOSTROPHE Definition by example

24 Irish musician in African country, needing no introduction (4) ENYA kENYA

25 Actor, waiting where Cluedo weapon concealed? (10) UNDERSTUDY {UNDER STUDY}

26 Eats pilaf regularly – here? (4) ASIA {eAtS+pIlAf}Semi&lit

DOWN

1   Scuba – radar deployed – voracious fish! (10) BARRACUDAS*

2   Taking LSD, greasy hippies – in the end, they’re in a cell (5,5) FATTY ACIDS {FATTY}{ACID}{h...eS}

4   Nobleman over there at crack of dawn? (5,2) EARLY ON {EARL}{YON}

5   Buried in Parthenon, a gong, one with straight edges? (7) NONAGON [T]

6   At, sadly, a place of trade stocking American flipping fishy dish (12) TARAMASALATA  {AT}{ALAS}{A}{MAR{A}T} <=

7   In the auditorium, drew amphibian (4) TOAD (~towed)

8   Do be quiet – lolly? (4) DOSH {DO}{SH}

11 ‘Ho! Abruptly draw back, draw back!’ – one who entered tomb (6,6) HOWARD CARTER {HO}{DRAW<=}{RETRACt<=} Abruptly seems to be in the wrong place

13 Plans suggested by erotic etchings (10) BLUEPRINTS {BLUE}{PRINTS}

14 To make greater numbers, is Swedish band touring a capital city? (5,5) ADDIS ABABA {ADD}{IS}{AB{A}BA}

18 Deal – or collapse (4,3) PASS OUT [DD]

19 Was hacking, chesty daughter given treatment? (7) SCYTHED {CHESTY+D}*

21 Pasta sauce in uniform covered with bit of old cloth (4) RAGU {U}<=>{RAG}

22 While using phone, removed central part of cable (4) CORD (~cored)

Reference List

Dutch = D, Husband = H, American = A, Daughter = D, Uniform = U

Chennai Open Online Cryptic Crossword

 

No 14315, Saturday 26 Oct 2024, Hypatia

ACROSS

1   Problem child, say rebelled at retreat (8) DRAWBACK {WARD<=}BACK - See comments 

5   Every now and then, cook at sites including beaches (6) COASTS {CoOk+At+SiTeS}

10 Evergreen America's most noisy party (7) AVOCADO {A}{VOCAl}{DO}

11 Dan Brown's book? Presume, it's not out (7) INFERNO {INFER}{NO}

12 Footballer confused by audience (5) MESSI (~messy)

13 Harry marks his identity initially in ethnic group (9) KASHMIRIS {MARKS+HIS+Id...y}*

14 Teams for vice presidential candidates (7,5) RUNNING MATES {TEAMS}* [RA] &lit

18 Allow Duke stopping rest with royal performer (6-6) BALLET-DANCER {BAL{LET}{D}LANCE}{R}

21 Pass extremely large and fit associate (9) COLLEAGUE {COL}{LargE}{AGUE}

23 One dumped from a plant's floor (5) AMAZE {A}{MAiZE}

24 Intricately carved toggle seen regularly in belt as buckle! (7) NETSUKE {iN+bElT+aS+bUcKlE}

25 Veiled model is somehow graceful in movement (7) LISSOME [T]

26 Seat in blue cycle pushed forward (6) SADDLE {SAD}{(+d)DLE(-d}

27 Ambitious candidate playing a part in society (8) ASPIRANT {A+PART+IN+S}*

DOWN

1   Moral code of American lawyer governing injury (6) DHARMA {D{HARM}A}

2   Spark in the middle of amusement park's fixture (6) AROUSE cAROUSEl

3   Michael Jackson number joined by dancing due to ecstasy (9) BEATITUDE {BEAT IT}{DUE*}

4   Police caught odd Kerala gang in tale of intrigue (5-3-6) CLOAK-AND-DAGGER {C+ODD+KERALA+GANG}*

6   British aid agency supporting animal species, half destroyed (5) OXFAM {OX}{FAMily}

7   Story or novel featuring Indian ladies club (8) SORORITY {STORY+OR}* over {I}

8   Top songs in records by English director (8) SCORSESE {SCOR{So..s}ES}{E}

9   Nervous reaction evoked by an acupuncturist's tools (4,3,7) PINS AND NEEDLES [DD]

15 Make shrine transforming this Madurai temple's Goddess and Queen (9) MEENAKSHI {MEENAKSHI+R}*={MAKE SHRINE} [CA]

16 Jack transfers out of Europe and runs away (8) ABSCONDS {AB}{SeCONDS}

17 Heard you had entered, sadly dull and howled in pain (8) ULULATED {(~you)U} and {ATE} in {DULL}*

19 Urgent call ringing mother to return with a snack (6) SAMOSA {S{MA<=}OS}{A}

20 Second veto (6) REJECT [DD]

22 Even more quality clothing (5) EQUAL [T]

Reference List

Party = DO, Not out = NO, Duke = D, Royal = R, Pass = COL, American lawyer = DA, Caught = C, Indian = I, English = E, Queen = R, Jack = AB

No 14314, Friday 25 Oct 2024, Dr. X

RULES FOR POSTING COMMENTS FOR FRIDAY ONLY

All those who are not regular commenters but who are rookie commenters or silent followers of the blog are requested to post answers with annotations in the comments section. In your own interest please avoid looking up the answers from the interactive version. Don't hesitate to post your annotations, in case you make a mistake in the annotation someone will correct it with the right annotation.

PLEASE NOTE, SOLUTIONS WITHOUT ATTEMPTING THE ANNOTATIONS WILL BE DELETED

Each commenter is requested to post only 5 answers thereby giving others also a chance to participate. Please provide all your answers in one comment.

Regular solvers/Veterans can post 1 answer each, but after 11 AM only.

Thanks for the response, here's the regular blog.

ACROSS

1   Action of reliable pace bowler, ultimately unique (13) IRREPLACEABLE {RELIABLE+PACE+b...eR}*

8   Former CBS chief in telecast is charismatic (5) TISCH [T]

9   Rushing with bandage to wrap wound on front of thigh (9) SCUTTLING {S{CUT}{Th..h}LING}

11 Impressiveness of century, revolutionary talent (10) NOTABILITY {TON<=}{ABILITY}

12 Annoyed by husband getting rude, losing head (4) HURT {H}{cURT}

14 Delicate lady avoids fermented drink (4,3) ICED TEA DElICATE*

16 Emphatically, he rejects a terrible meal with fish (7) HIMSELF {MEaL+FISH}*

17 Old pilot's remarkable feat (7) EXPLOIT {EX}{PILOT*}

19 Italian pal acting in a soap (7) PAISANO*

21 Tire puncture (4) BORE [DD]

22 Most frivolous and most unhealthy to consume heroin (10) SHALLOWEST {S{H}ALLOWEST}

25 See 10 Down

26 Kiss in retro lounge beside English bar (5) EXILE {LI{X}E<=}{E}

27 See eight cute pert models (3,3,7) GET THE PICTURE*

DOWN

2   Flower-shaped ornament in collection covered by rust, beginning to erode (7) ROSETTE {RO{SET}T}{e..dE}

3   Show's fantastic, international hit in box office finally (10) EXHIBITION {I+HIT+IN+BOX+o...cE}*

4   Some widely sold brand of disinfectant (5) LYSOL [T]

5   Criminal is hurt, nabbed by police officer in pursuit (9) COURTSHIP {IS+HURT}* in {COP}

6   Worker beginning to extract stake (4) ANTE {ANT}{Ex...t}

7   Relaxation in large retreat? That's guaranteed (7) LEISURE {L}{IE<=}{SURE}

8   Foolishly, be insolent with wife resulting in painful problem (6,5) TENNIS ELBOW {BE+INSOLENT+W}*

10 & 25 What untrained sprinter might do to make a bad start (3,3,2,3,5,4) GET OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT [C&DD]

13 Cannabis smuggled by men into rave is supreme (10) OMNIPOTENT {POT} in {MEN+INTO}*

15 Desire bit of bread, tucking into excellent cut of beef (9) AITCHBONE {1TCH}{Br..d}ONE}  in {A ONE}

18 Rejected bribe, inspired by moral principle (7) PURPOSE {PUR{SOP<=}E} 

20 Circulate lie ruthlessly to seize workshop (7) ATELIER [T]

23 Strip of wood is cut to make heavy stick (5) LATHI {LATH}{Is}

24 Top entertainer received quartet of showbiz awards (1,1,1,1) E G O T {En...r}{GOT} &lit

Reference List

Century = TON, Husband = H, Lady = L, Heroin = H, Kiss = X, English = E, Large = L, Wife = W, Cannabis = POT 

No 14313, Thursday 24 Oct 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 9D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Struggles to secure cheap flats (4-4) BLOW-OUTS {B{LOW}OUTS}

5   Flight in space circulating Earth (6) ESCAPE {SPACE*}{E}

10 Not very hazy around river, have a row (5) ARGUE {vA{R}GUE}

11 Passionately intimate inside island retreat (2,7) IN EARNEST {I}{NEAR}{NEST}

12 Denounced heartless man involved in criminal act (9) CONDEMNED M(-a)N in {CON DEED}

13 One observing constituent wanting victory for nationalist (5) NOTER (-v+n)NOTER

14 Lead character in suspense film is murderer (6) SLAYER {Su...e}{LAYER}

15 Wet items on ground (7) MOISTEN*

18 Bone in grave starting to unnerve maiden (7) STERNUM {STERN}{Un...e}{M}

20 Animal in Gujarat, mostly wild (6) JAGUAR GUJARAt*

22 Utensil guy brought back contains fruits (5) UGLIS [T<=]

24 Promoted broadcast on Rushdie (9) NOURISHED*

25 Harassed husband dreading fights (3-6) HAG-RIDDEN {H}{DREADING*}

26 Remain in bed long, indulge on vacation? Getting excited! (3,2) LIE UP {L}{In...gE}{UP} 

27 Most annoyed - therefore, relax (6) SOREST {SO}{REST}

28 Bladder infection resulting from spasticity leaving father distressed (8) CYSTITIS SpaSTICITY*

DOWN

1   Become pale in bar after consuming line with cocaine and heroin (6) BLANCH {B{L}AN}{C}{H}

2   Specialised part of cell in egg allergen analysed (9) ORGANELLE {O}{ALLERGEN*}

3   Where chapstick maker hopes to see his product being discussed by many (2,9,4) ON EVERYONES LIPS [C&DD]

4   Finally publish secret behind model becoming slimmer (7) THINNER {p...sH}{INNER}<=>{T}

6   Shy person invites hot girl on trip after drinking bit of Kahlua (9,6) SHRINKING VIOLET  {INVITES+H+GIRL+ON}* over {Ka...a}

7   Data stolen by extremely adept spy (5) AGENT {Ade{GEN}pT}

8   Recording new teen band (8) ENTERING {TEEN*}{RING}

9   Occasionally spies around to gather bit of data (6) ?E?D?M (Addendum - SELDOM {MO{Data}LES<=} - See comments)

16 Most shoddy investigation about outbreak on island (9) TRASHIEST {T{RASH}{I}EST}

17 Although married, such a rogue - extremely amorous (2,4,2) AS MUCH AS {M+SUCH+A}*{Am...uS}

19 Knight in gloomy ode sung by soloist (6) MONODY {MO{N}ODY}

20 Flight leaving Thailand for Japanese sporting event (7) JOURNEY (-t+j)JOURNEY

21 Chooses American studs to entertain princess at inauguration (6) ADOPTS {A}{DO{Pr...s}TS}

23 Runs after bear with European brand of pistol (5) LUGER {R}<=>{LUG}{E}

Reference List

Earth = E, Very = V, River = R, Island = I, Man = M, Victory = V, Nationalist = N, Maiden = M, Husband = H, Long = L, Line = L, Cocaine = C, Heroin = H, Model = T, Hot = H, Married = M. Knight = N, Thailand = T, Japanese = J, American = A, Runs = R, European = E

No 14312, Wednesday 23 Oct 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 5A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Popular celebrity going around with damsel at premiere (8) STANDARD {ST{AND}AR}{Da...l}

5   Strengthen unit to break revolutionary group (4,2) ?O?E ?P (Addendum - TONE UP - {ONE} in {PUT<=} - See comments)

10 Model in snap, mostly consuming dope (7) CLASSIC {CL{ASS}ICk}

11 Groups of eight in old tunnels around Thailand (7) OCTAVES {O}{C{T}AVES}

12 Help to review article about princess (5) DIANA {AID<=}{AN<=]

13 One left helpless, primarily overwhelmed by potentially lethal sickness (3,6) ILL HEALTH {1}{L}{L{He...s}EALTH*}  Semi&lit

14 Aside from wild tigers, he saw glimpse of panther (5,7) STAGE WHISPER {TIGERS+HE+SAW+Pa...r}*

18 Told cooks to bring in fine oriental starter of teriyaki chicken (5,3,4) BROKE THE NEWS {BR{OK}{E}{Te...i}{HEN}EWS}

21 Suspects swindle but strangely taken in by young lady (9) MISDOUBTS {MIS{DO}{BUT*}S}

23 I don't spread rumour (2-3) ON-DIT*

24 Palimpsest in athenaeum contains poem of six six-line stanzas (7) SESTINA [T]

25 Swilling egg nog and gin non-stop (7) ONGOING {O+NOG+GIN}*

26 Couple in lake docked craft (6) METIER {ME{TIE}Re}

27 Drunk woman reeled outside bar and tumbled about (8) WELTERED {W+REELED*} over {T}

DOWN

1   Leave court after winning custody at first case of divorce (6) SECEDE {SE{Cu...y}E}{Di...cE}

2   American lawyer abducted by outlaw in Iranian city (6) ABADAN {A}{BA{DA}N}

3   Separate from heartless nut, stifled by miserable marriage finally (9) DISMANTLE {DISMA{NuT}L}{m...gE}

4   Batter caught hooking recklessly, disturbing a stable situation (7,3,4) ROCKING THE BOAT {BATTER+C+HOOKING}*

6   Unusual route at sea (5) OUTRE*

7   Case of jealousy, dumps hubby finally to run away (8) ENVELOPE {ENVy}{ELOPE}

8   Hundreds at inauguration entertained by troops playing new wind instrument (4,4) POST HORN {POST{Hu...s}OR*}{N}

9   Take the instinctive course like dog tracking a scent might do? (6,4,4) FOLLOW ONES NOSE [DD]

15 Intricately decorated sketch secured by twine cut artfully (9) INWROUGHT {ROUGH} in {TWINe}*

16 Stomach problem after a gathering around afternoon (8) ABOMASUM {SUM}<=>{A}{MOB<=} over {A}

17 Look after residence temporarily as she is out travelling (5-3) HOUSE-SIT*

19 Precarious ridge below peak of Everest - becoming more anxious (6) EDGIER {RIDGE}*<=}{Ev...t}

20 Presented revolutionary French artist introducing latest in art (6) STAGED {DEGA{arT}S<=}

22 Nothing pleasant in prison (2,3) ON ICE {O}{NICE}

Reference List

Old = O, Thailand = T, Left = L, Oriental = E, Swindle = DO, Woman = W, Bar = T, Court = SEE< American = A, Lawyer = DA, Caught = C, New = N, Afternoon = A

No 14311, Tuesday 22 Oct 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 17D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Horrible rogues troubling maiden on base (8) GRUESOME {ROGUES*}{M}{E}

5   Model beginning to seduce prince in party (6) SCULPT {Se...e}{CUL{P}T}

10 The German state is magnificent, captures traveller's heart (5) REICH {RI{t..vEl..r}CH}

11 Call accountant to check account, getting Jaguar's latest sports vehicle (6,3) RACING CAR {R{AC}ING}{CA}{j...aR}

12 & 24 Be alternatively occupied, as busy seafood chef might say? (4,5,4,2,3) HAVE OTHER FISH TO FRY [DD]

13 Check paperwork finally and sign again (5) REINK {REIN}{p...rK}

14 Removes one's clothes in voyage aboard ship (6) STRIPS {S{TRIP}S}

15 Please speak about fine model making a comeback (7) SATISFY {SAY} over {F}{SIT}<=

18 Threatens to tackle government beginning to abolish wine shops (7) BODEGAS {BODE{G}{Ab...h}S}

20 Suave rogue stealing lady's treasures (6) VALUES {VA{L}UES*}

22 Character spilling new brown pigment (5) UMBER nUMBER

24 See 12

25 Badly infected patient at centre is weak (9) DEFICIENT {INFECTED+patIent}*

26 Love to look at mountain nymph (5) OREAD {O}{READ}

27 Loves to host extremely important figures (6) DIGITS {DIG{Im...nT}S}

28 Spiders scurrying around bottom of table and chairs (8) PRESIDES {PR{t..lE}SIDES*}

DOWN

1   Good shirt, various sizes (6) GIRTHS {G}{SHIRT*}

2   Intoxicated nut in dive is unwelcome (9) UNINVITED*

3   Experiment with mutated virus at centre, scaring the docs (12,3) SCHRODINGERS CAT {viRus+SCARING+THE+DOCS}*

4   Tramps litter endlessly over bridge (7) MARCHES {M{ARCH}ESs}

6   Saluting actor on set for good job (15) CONGRATULATIONS* Semi&lit

7   Some broccoli, chickpeas, fruit (5) LICHI [T]

8   Old jailers run tests, extremely worried about escape perhaps (8) TURNKEYS {RUN+TestS} over {KEY}

9   Startles starlet at premiere with endless kiss (6) SCARES {St...t}{CARESs}

16 Fellow chasing woman on ground in English city (9) SHEFFIELD {F}<=>{SHE} and {FIELD}

17 Top seed knocked out! Noise in a ground increased (8) ?B?U?D?D (Addendum - ABOUNDED {A}{B{sOUND)ED} - See comments)

19 Hurt by endless rubbish about cuddling female (6) SUFFER {REFUSe<=} over {F}

20 Six chapatis sent up for guest (7) VISITOR {VI}{ROTIS<=}

21 Group of stars, close to many in the underworld (6) HYADES {H{manY{ADES}

23 Haze over swamp hampers force chasing fugitive finally (5) BEFOG {BOG} over {F}<=>{f...vE}

Reference List

Maiden = M, Base = E, Prince = P, Account = AC, Ship = SS, Fine = F, Government = G, Lady = L, New = N, Good = G, Fellow = F, Female = F, Force  F

No 14310, Monday 21 Oct 2024, Afterdark

Solution to 5D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

9   Understand proper, that is to gain some scholarship (7) REALISE {REAL}{I{Sc...p}E}

10 Encounter with criminal's a stretch (7) CONTEST {CON}{TEST}

11 Entertainment company at NCR takes over English Trust ultimately (7) CONCERT {CO}{NC{E}R}{t..sT}

12 To live, heart should beat inside, so respire (7) BREATHE {B{HEART*}E}

13 Almost certain to give, that is give up (9) SURRENDER {SURe}{RENDER}

15 Sleets at present aboard ship (5) SNOWS {S{NOW}S}

16 Skeptics can't be quiet. Complicated, most fed up (7) SICKEST SKEpTICS*

19 Assembled with society, plan to meet journalist (7) STACKED {S}{TACK}{ED}

20 Wife finally leaves for a skillful tailor (5) ADAPT AD(-e+a)APT

21 Casualties as car in front at distance crashes (9) ACCIDENTS {Car+DISTANCE}*

25 Incentives to get a vehicle? Nonsense scheme primarily (7) CARROTS {CAR}{ROT}{Sc...e}

26 Smoking some pot's acceptable very strongly in Germany (7) PUFFING {Pot}{U}{FF}{IN}{G}

28 Test is in old compound (7) EXAMINE {EX}{AMINE}

29 Enters hurriedly and takes a downpayment (7) EARNEST {ENTERS}* over {A}

DOWN

1   Rates of crispies is reduced in confusion (6) PRICES CRisPIES*

2   Means chap's nerd almost (6) MANNER {MAN}{NERd}

3   Number 4 is seen in fine clothing (4) FIVE {Fi{IV}nE}

4   Analysed a cricket match with editor (6) TESTED {TEST}{ED}

5   Cold people having beer? Good, chill first and serve (8) ?C?B?R?S (Addendum - ICEBERGS {BEER+G+C+I+S}* - See comments)

6   Down? Rise and believe (10) UNDERSTAND {UNDER}{STAND}

7   Publication selected and hired old team leader (bachelor) (8) TEXTBOOK {T{EX}{Team}{B}OOK}

8   Worried about desserts (8) STRESSED*

14 Choose metal, cycling to club for another type of music (10) ELECTRONIC {ELECT}{(-i)RON(+i)I}{C}

16 Looked for vault to store grain? No, the other way round (8) SEARCHED {SE{ARCH}ED}

17 Say, convenor's from Switzerland, a pilot (8) CHAIRMAN {CH}{AIRMAN}

18 Shift sent far for distribution by road (8) TRANSFER {SENT+FAR}*{R}

22 Reproduced a dish topped with fish (6) COPIED {CO{PIE}D}

23 Captured leaders of Norway and Italy and showed the way (6) NAILED {No...y}{And}{It..y}{LED}

24 Observes contests where fellow is knocked out by Stokes (6) SIGHTS (-f+s)SIGHTS

27 Backing Tamil leader at stronghold (4) FORT {FOR}{Ta..l}

Reference List

English = E, Ship = SS, Quiet = P, Society = S, Journalist = ED, Acceptable = U, Strong = F, Germany = G, Editor = ED, Bachelor = B, Club = C, Switzerland = CH, Road = R, Fellow = F

The Sunday Crossword No 3328, Sunday 20 Oct 2024

ACROSS

1   Two descriptions of freshly-baked cake that’s finished off? (4,3,6) DONE AND DUSTED {[DD]

8   Suddenly realise: t-toupée! (4) TWIG {T}{WIG}

9   Flights, not all ending in landings? (10) STAIRCASES [CD]

10 Particle; Rutherford originated this one’s name, orginally! (6) PROTON Acrostic &lit

11 Rashly tasering Tangiers’ ingrates, picking any that’s most furious? (8) ANGRIEST*

12 As a report misrepresented Pavarotti? (5,4) OPERA STAR*

14 Deceiver in bar rebuffed (4) LIAR<=

15 On reflection, fan – Everyman admitted – is … not a sophisticated type (4) NAIF {F{I}AN}<=

16 Contemptuous quality, characteristic of nit? (9) LOUSINESS [C&DD]

20 Here you may see advocate – or advocaat (2,3,3)  AT THE BAR [CD]

21 Pacino’s stunning in Somewhere in France (6) ALSACE {AL'S}{ACE}

23 Glamorous types’ bit of glam rubbish at #1? (10) GLITTERATI {Glam}{LITTER}{AT}{1}

24 That woman had place to keep tools (4) SHED SHE'D

25 Modern inequality, focus of flip-flop? (7,6) DIGITAL DIVIDE [DD]

DOWN

1   Morning’s fresh water and powder sprinkled around duke (7) DEWDROP {DEW{D}ROP*}

2   Report of Bishop’s neighbour’s darkest hours (5) NIGHT (~knight)

3   Agrees, in a hearing, say, to be heard (7) ASSENTS (~ a sense)

4   Moving round Asia – and El Dorado! – showing no animation (4,2,1,8) DEAD AS A DOORNAIL*

5   Removes ropes from a French doctor, son (6) UNRIGS {UN}{RIG}{S} 

6   Customs planting Detective Inspector in time-share (9) TRADITION {T}{RA{DI}TION}

7   Furniture item as’ll help actor (7) DRESSER [DD]

13 The cigars distributed in Parliament (9) REICHSTAG*

15 Earned around half a C; caused irritation (7) NETTLED {NETT{L}ED} {L=50=Half C(100)}

17 Drunkenly wails welcoming greeting – language! (7) SWAHILI {SWA{HI}LI*}

18 Hide, in part of Mediterranean island closest to Cairo (7) SECRETE {S(outh)E(astern) CRETE}

19 Demur, having a thing (6) OBJECT [DD]

22 Dish – often fish, portion of Hippoglossus hippoglossus (5) SUSHI [T]

Reference List

Duke = D, A in French = UN, Son = S

No 14309, Saturday 19 Oct 2024, Afterdark

ACROSS

1   Involvement of circle inspector is with personal assistant in division (13) PARTICIPATION {PARTI{CI}{PA}TION}

10 Article about goods at mess, has no source or understanding (9) AWARENESS {A}{WARE}N}{mESS}

11 Accompaniment to artist's one that goes missing often (5) RAITA {RA}{1}{ThAt}

12 Mad! Player is missing, it's silly (5) INANE INsANE

13 To do this, I got silicate compound (9) ITILACISE {I}{SILICATE*} Definition not shown in Italics?

14 Girl had a superior cake (6) GATEAU {G}{ATE}{A}{U}

16 Force is inadequate (4) LEAN [DD]

19 Man in capital city... (4) MALE [DD]

20 ...breaks lid of new article of widow, say (6) RELICT aRTCLE*

25 Say, maybe on towards USA (9) STATESIDE {STATE}{SIDE}

26 Series of chapters on artificial intelligence by Newton (5) CHAIN {CH}{AI}{N}

27 Best priest, bartends often (5) ELITE {ELI}{barTEnds} Often for taking the middle letters!!

28 Herb gets dangerous ammo in a South American country (9) CHAMOMILE {CH{AMMO*}ILE}

29 Act with that woman at Delhi University to organise rest for cleaner (7,6) FEATHER DUSTER {FEAT}{HER}{DU}{REST*}

DOWN

2   Ananthram gets new plant (8) AMARANTH* {amaranth+n=ananthram}

3   Article on ashes appearing frequently is an indicator, perhaps (5) THESE {THE}{aShEs}

4   Churchman Eric takes 100 pounds (6) CLERIC {ERIC}<=>{C}{L}

5   Father's guards skilled but average (8) PASSABLE {PA}{SS}{ABLE}

6   End course with a new article on casteism essentially (9) TERMINATE {TERM}{1}{N}{A}{casTEism}

7   Coworker heartily had a drink at the beginning (6) ORIGIN {cowORker}{1}{GIN}

8   Bold lawyer takes on cartel (6) DARING {DA}{RING}

9   Ladies' quarters found in Doha remnants (5) HAREM [T]

15 A boy's worried facing people, takes some tablet and gets relief (9) ABATEMENT {A}{B}{ATE}{MEN}{Ta...t}

17 Average medic or leading endocrinologist going wrong? (8) MEDIOCRE {MEDIC+OR+En...t}*

18 Settle aliens if they are touring (8) FINALISE*

21 At the start, Tamil uncle near Neyveli explained lengthy passage (6) TUNNEL Acrostic

22 Accompany American lady (5) USHER {US}{HER}

23 Hand luggage found in Virginia Isle is broken (6) VALISE {VA}{ISLE*}

24 Question daughter seen with man in English Department (6) DEMAND {D}{E}{MAN}{D}

26 Renowned Tamil editor's private secretary meets hacks (5) CHOPS {CHO}{PS}

Reference List

Player = S(South in Bridge game), Girl = G, Superior = U, Chapters = CH, Newton = N, 100 = C, Pounds = L, New = N, Lawyer = DA, Boy = B, Daughter = D, English = E, Department = D

No 14308, Friday 18 Oct 2024, Afterdark

RULES FOR POSTING COMMENTS FOR FRIDAY ONLY

All those who are not regular commenters but who are rookie commenters or silent followers of the blog are requested to post answers with annotations in the comments section. In your own interest please avoid looking up the answers from the interactive version. Don't hesitate to post your annotations, in case you make a mistake in the annotation someone will correct it with the right annotation.

PLEASE NOTE, SOLUTIONS WITHOUT ATTEMPTING THE ANNOTATIONS WILL BE DELETED

Each commenter is requested to post only 5 answers thereby giving others also a chance to participate. Please provide all your answers in one comment.

Regular solvers/Veterans can post 1 answer each, but after 11 AM only.

Thanks for the response, here's the regular blog.

ACROSS

1   Misplaced file in case, run to fetch policy, say (4,9) LIFE INSURANCE*

10 After commencement, struggle with father in cleaning out trunks to get artworks (3,6) OIL PAINTS {tOIL}{PA}{IN}{Tr..kS}

11 Resistance going forward, Rao takes time to reach vessel (5) AORTA {(-r)AO(+r)R}{TA }TA time to reach?

12 Cool to be in Tiruchengode outskirts to do business (5) TRADE {Ti...{RAD}...dE}

13 Settlement in silver against tree falling over people (9) AGREEMENT {AG}{REE{MEN}T*}

14 Thin son taking some vitamin to gain energy and let loose (6) SVELTE {S}{Vi...n}{E}{LET*}

16 A helper loads beer in Victoria Terminus (5) VALET {V{ALE}T}

19 One, say is having support (5) AEGIS {A}{EG}{IS}

20 Dream like a Sufi master to attain euphoria primarily (6) ASPIRE {AS}{PIR}{Eu...a}

25 A boy worried facing people takes some tablet for relief (9) ABATEMENT {A}{B}{ATE}{MEN}{Ta...t}

26 One in flight playing sitar (5) STAIR*

27 The Spanish professor seen in a river in Australia (5) ELDON {EL}{DON}

28 Lean, tan, a temperature treatment existing before birth (9) ANTENATAL {LEAN+TAN+A+T}* 

29 Contradiction found in revision of cynic's notes (13) INCONSISTENCY {IN}{CYNICS+NOTES}*

DOWN

2   Dealt with life almost harshly, got doomed (3-5) ILL-FATED {DEALT+LIFe}*

3   Steer clear of first lady housing a delinquent primarily (5) EVADE {EV{A}{De...t}E}

4   Fondant hollow at the middle modelled to have solids removed (6) NONFAT FONdANT*

5   Sail on high strait towards current (8) UPSTREAM {STREAM}<=>{UP}

6   Ease, warns doctor with sensitivity (9) AWARENESS*

7   Fish at first excised and added to some leaves and part of the plant (6) CARPEL {CARP}{Ex...d}{Le...s}

8   Harry to see leading fertility expert giving an unborn child (6) FOETUS Anno not clear, error in fodder

9   Witty lieutenant boarding express (5) SALTY {SA{LT}Y}

15 Compose other tune to that (9) THEREUNTO*

17 Evasive approach in teams (8) SIDEWAYS {SIDE{WAY}S}

18 Performed deed? I primarily consider to be excessively moralizing (8) DIDACTIC {DID}{ACT}{I}{Co...r}

21 Weirdly fish eats some raw imli, unknown quantity (6) EERILY {EE{Raw}{Imli}L}{Y}

22 A Pole in taxi, having sherry essentially (5) CABER {CAB}{shERry}

23 Park range designed to showcase depth (6) GARDEN {GAR{D}EN*}

24 At once reach America for getting degree (6) STATUS {STAT}{US}

26 Understand directions to move ahead in German city (5) SENSE (-es)SEN(+se)SE

Reference List

Son = S, Energy = E, Boy = B, The in Spanish = EL, Temperature = T, Unknown quantity = Y, Depth = D

No 14307, Thursday 17 Oct 2024, Pixie Dust

Solution to 14A has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance.

Open for anyone to answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Funny, these rulings about 'A & Y' accent (7,7) ESTUARY ENGLISH {THESE+RULINGS}* over {A} and {Y}

10 Life partner made a threat essentially (5) DEATH [T]

11 Boy! Frail independent worker without right to be masterly (9) BRILLIANT {B}{ILL}{I}{ANT} over {R}

12 Church at odds over new sleeve badge (7) CHEVRON {CH}{OVER*}{N}

13 Investigate old parking traditions (7) EXPLORE {EX}{P}{LORE}

14 Is this master in Lucknow spreading his bias? (5) S?H?B (Addendum SAHIB (SAHIB+IS=HIS BIAS [CA] )

16 How a mount is seen as eccentric? (3,3,3) ODD MAN OUT {A+MOUNT}* [RA]

19 Reverend's instructions to pull apart head of one who interprets visually (3,6) LIP READER (~rip leader to lip reader)

20 Be out, soaking in bit of sunshine (5) EXIST {EXI{Su...e}T}

22 Perhaps South Africa's firm attempt to control Ugandan and Nigerian leaders (7) COUNTRY {CO}{TRY} over {Ug...n}{Ni...n}

25 Revolutionary member carries tipsy aide to get drink (7) MADEIRA {ARM<=} over {AIDE}*

27 Can I blurt out something that makes surfaces smooth? (9) LUBRICANT*

28 Guru was confused, I'm confused! (5) SWAMI {WAS*}{IM*}

29 Let loose thus, large hospital rodent's beheaded in knacker's yard (14) SLAUGHTERHOUSE {THUS+LARGE+H}{mOUSE}

DOWN

2   Say, Millennium Falcon's special star shakes hips (9) SPACESHIP {SP}{ACE}{SHIP*}

3   Lead drug dealer ignores policewoman at first (5) USHER pUSHER

4   Steal trendy scarf for outlaw (5,4) ROBIN HOOD {ROB}{IN}{HOOD}

5   Throw out timeless fabric (5) EXILE tEXtILE

6   Lapdog let out in metal coat (4-5) GOLD PLATE*

7   So, gamine carries elevated mental concept of someone idolized (5) IMAGO [T<=]

8   Criminal hates going around to reach elevated electric chair? (3,4) HOT SEAT {H{TO<=}SEAT*} Reversal indicator missing? What's the role of reach? See comments

9   Media Acts use limitless laws (6) EDICTS {mEDIa}{aCTs}{uSe}

15 British Rani's basically worrying about Henry panting (9) BREATHING {B}{Rani}{EAT{H}ING}

17 Hilarious, true ad about butt's thick membrane (4,5) DURA MATER {TRUE+AD}* over {RAM}

18 Pioneers of leading Irish drink overwhelmed by tests (9) ORIGINALS {OR{Ir..h}{GIN}ALS}

19 Look! Torn laces in spots (7) LOCALES {LO}{LACES*}

21 Distressing time's something to be smoked over (6) TRAGIC {T}{CIGAR<=}

23 Darkest part of a shadow initially (understandably) makes beasts run away (5) UMBRA Acrostic

24 Fungus from unknown partner (5) YEAST {Y}{EAST}

26 Dance institution's so neglected (5) DISCO DISCOvery

Reference List

Boy = B, Independent = I, Worker = ANT, Parking = P, Firm = CO, Hospital = H, Special = SP, Time = T, British = B, Henry = H, Look = LO, Unknown = Y, Partner = EAST (In Bridge game)