No 14160, Saturday 27 Apr 2024, Hypatia

ACROSS

9   Sons urge to get Transformers? (7,8) PLASTIC SURGEONS {SONS+URGE}* [RA]

10 English politician's mistake disheartened king (7) EMPEROR {E}{MP}{ERrOR}

11 Study of animals around Australian's old timber yard (7) ZOOLOGY {OZ<=}{O}{LOG}{Y}

12 Nut-free oat chips - Have one? (9) PISTACHIO {OAT+CHIPS}* over {1}

14 Next Olympics held to celebrate (5) EXTOL [T]

17 Mother's reading Thai novel in another language (7) MARATHI {MA}{R}{THAI*}

19 Regularly referred by her blogs, find about rebel (7) DISOBEY {bY+hEr+BlOgS+fInD}<=

21 Ditch tailor (5) SEWER [DD]

23 Collapse after uncontrolled rapid rise (9) DISREPAIR*

25 Without a bar, new jail produces vegetable (7) BRINJAL {BaR}{{N+JAIL}*

27 Shakes Arsenal's top scorer (7) QUIVERS {QUIVER}{Sc...r}

30 Find lifestyle changes involving criminal - one escaping coolly (4-11) SELF-CONFIDENTLY {FiND+LIFESTYLE} over {CON}

DOWN

1   Lamps seen periodically in part of church (4) APSE {lAmPs+SeEn}

2   Stinging insect used to be predatory basically (4) WASP {WAS}{Pr...y}

3   Spooner's average introduction for key role (4,4) STAR PART (~par start to star part)

4   My school's covering what a singer can do! (6) SCORCH {S{COR}CH}

5   Catchphrase or term in Spelling Bee? (4,4) BUZZ WORD [DD]

6   Take no notice of flower on girl - some rose (6) IGNORE [T<=]

7   Fast food in two seconds (4) MOMO {MO}{MO}

8   Spot where buses stop regularly at terminals (4) ESPY Tail Acrostic 

12 Draws little dogs cuddling master (5) PUMPS {PU{M}PS}

13 Yellow and green under stone (5) STRAW {RAW}<=>{ST}

15 Starts to tap and beat lightly above percussion instrument (5) TABLA Acrostic Semi&lit

16 Bird's out early? (5) LAYER*

18 At home, work fast and slow (8) INDOLENT {IN}{DO}{LENT}

20 Spice used by 50% of people, for example (8) SPECIMEN {SPICE*}{MEN} 

22 Second veto (6) REJECT [DD]

24 Pursue victory, we hear it makes one shine (6) SEQUIN (~ seek win)

25 Extra towel initially removed from hamper to sunbathe (4) BASK BASKet

26 Lazy hero gets picked up (4) IDLE (~idol)

28 Has leader lost from constituencies (4) EATS sEATS

29 Dark sauce containing egg's cooked, say (4) SOYA {O} in {SAY}*

Reference List

English = E, Old = O, Yard = Y, Reading = R, New = N, My! = COR, School = SCH, Second = MO, Master = M, Stone = ST, At home = IN

No 14159, Friday 26 Apr 24, Hypatia

RULES FOR POSTING COMMENTS ON FRIDAYS 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   Instructions to cook crepe mixed with maida essentially (6) RECIPE {REC{maIda}PE*} Semi&lit

4   Group looked around ruins (6) WASTES {SET}{SAW}<=

9   Grows older when leaves shed softly (4) AGES pAGES

10 Spoke about old city next to river that's enclosed (10) SURROUNDED {S{UR}{R}OUNDED}

11 Secret cabinet (6) CLOSET [DD]

12 Fine returning to fetch an old gran's knitted jumper (8) KANGAROO {OK<=} over {A+GRAN+O}*

13 Expert setter's books become famous (9) PROMINENT {PRO}{MINE}{NT}

15 Basically bachelors aren't immune to temptation (4) BAIT Acrostic

16 Browse online - it's mostly safe and fine (4) SURF {SURe}{F}

17 Understand one's lost in vehicles behind schedule (9) TRANSLATE {TRAiNS}{LATE}

21 Secure initially high sum on return - it can grow fast (8) MUSHROOM {MOOR}{High}{SUM}<=

22 Value Eskimo men trimming traps (6) MOMENT [T]

24 Crowds welcoming hot and ultimately chic royals (10) PRINCESSES {PR{IN}{chiC}ESSES}

25 Time's endless for nobody (4) NOON {NO ONe}

26 Say, is IT team not even providing network (6) SYSTEM {SaY+iS+iT+tEaM}

27 Kind offer (6) TENDER [DD}

DOWN

1   Right attack left and argue as usual (7) REGULAR {R}{L+ARGUE}*

2   Expenses rising in most societies (5) COSTS [T<=]

3   Afghan president has bad time with global body (7) PASHTUN {P}{HAS*}{T}{UN}

5   For starters, all male orangutans use nimble toes supply (6) AMOUNT Acrostic

6   Essentially customer loan via mobile that's useless (2,2,5) TO NO AVAIL {cusTOmer}{LOAN+VIA}*

7   That woman had to keep a nanny (3-4) SHE-GOAT {SHE}{GO{A}T}

8   Breach of trust by reps, IMO (6,7) BROKEN PROMISE {REPS+IMO}* [RA]

14 Traders gathered orders finally around busy ranch (9) MERCHANTS {ME{RANCH*}T}{o...rS}

16 Queen wearing Indian drapes spurns English suits (7) SQUARES {S{QU}AReES}

18 Like teacher initially checking label for greeting (7) NAMASTE {NAM{AS}{Te...r}E}

19 Spooner's fully cooked dal, say in clay oven (7) TANDOOR (~ done toor to tandoor)

20 Sailor in comics to look after dad (6) POPEYE {EYE}<=>{POP}

23 Dug up jeans from below (5) MINED<=

Reference List

Softly = P, Old city = UR, River = R, Old = O, Books = NT(New Testament), Fine = F, Hot = IN, Right = R, Left = L, President = P, Time = T, Queen = QU

No 14158, Thursday 25 Apr 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 12A 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   Excessive consumption of alcohol in big dinner parties by star (5,8) BINGE DRINKING {BIG+DINNER}*{KING}

8   Martial arts instructor's endless wisdom (5) SENSE SENSEi

9   Macho male is perhaps taking special pleasure in being dominated (9) MASOCHISM {MACHO+M+IS} over {S}

11 Growing trend of crash dieting is primarily ridiculous (6,4) RISING TIDE* {DIETING+IS+Ri...s}*

12 Stand by one breaking down on retirement (4) ?A?S (Addendum - DAIS {SA{1}D<=}- See comments))

14 New jockey crushed by mistake, getting more jittery (7) NERVIER {N}{ER{VIE}R}

16 Confront prince - chucked cup of tea angrily (7) OUTFACE {CUp+OF+TEA}*

17 Clear the dirty boxes connected electrically to the ground (7) EARTHED [T]

19 Enliven proceedings at premiere with crystal meth in drink (5,2) SPICE UP {S{Pr...s}{ICE}UP}

21 Horseman terrified to tackle rebellious Italian mount (4) ETNA [T<=]

22 Not lucrative to maintain university for bird-rearing (10) AVICULTURE {LUCRATIVE}* over {U}

25 Male star playing lead in Chinatown as a clever dick (5,4) SMART ALEC {MALE+STAR}*{Ch...n}

26 Good deception, snaring Dravid at first slip (5) GLIDE {G}{LI{Dr...d}E}

27 Reason to visit trichologist leads to quibbling (4-9) HAIR-SPLITTING [DD]

DOWN

2   Device improving air quality inside - infection is eradicated (7) IONISER [T]

3   Endlessly kiss lady in darkness? OK! (5,5) GREEN LIGHT {GREEt}{N{L}IGHT}

4   Resign from department over issue (5) DEMIT {D}{EMIT}

5   Cunning shown by unpleasant Aussies finally for victory (9) INSIDIOUS IN(+s-v)SIDIOUS

6   High boot (4) KICK [DD]

7   One enthralled by knocking back drink at a Japanese city (7) NIIGATA {GI{1}N<=}{AT}{A}

8   Eccentricity of one on dope, overwhelmed by tension (11) STRANGENESS {STR{AN}{GEN}ESS}

10 Outstanding work by team with precise moves (11) MASTERPIECE {TEAM+PRECISE}*

13 Error found in minute - it will brighten things up! (5,5) STRIP LIGHT {S{TRIP}LIGHT}

15 Rebuild deep love, making up after a little rift (9) REDEVELOP {DEEP+LOVE}<=>{Rift}

18 Rush with gun, start to attack settlement in Kiribati (7) RUNGATA {RUN}{GAT}{At...k}

20 Escape in mounting commotion, stealing large carbuncle at centre (7) ELUSION {NOISE<=} over {L}{c..bUn..e}

23 Cause of communicable, clinical infections primarily (5) COCCI acrostic &lit

24 Wanting a set of steps for song and dance (4) STIR STaIR

Reference List

Special = S, New = N, Prince = P, University = U, Good = G, Lady = L, Department = D, Victory = V, Dope = GEN, Gun = GAT, Large = L

No 14157, Wednesday 24 Apr 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 21A 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   Ordeal after girl in bash turned most intoxicated (8) TIGHTEST {TEST}<=>{H{G}IT<=}

5   Powder in back of closet - salt containing cocaine (6) TALCUM {c...eT}{AL{C}UM}

10 & 13 What DJs want everyone to do? Comply with what they want (5,2,5,4) DANCE TO THEIR TUNE [C&DD]

11 Small sample of antivenom in a lab (7) NOMINAL [T]

12 Son ignored insult in match (5) LIGHT sLIGHT

13 See 10

14 Cash, say, spent in altering film (6,6) TENNIS PLAYER {SPENT+IN}*{LAYER}

18 Retd bachelor about to marry someone who is much younger (3,3,6) ROB THE CRADLE*

21 Musical troupe is smooth, entertaining group with bit of blues (5,4) S?I?G ?A?D (Addendum - SWING BAND {S{WING}{Bl..s}AND} - See comments)

23 Abandon movement to secure independence (5) WAIVE {WA{I}VE}

24 A rebellious chap consuming ecstasy on island getting cold and pale (7) ANAEMIC {A}{M{E}AN<=}{I}{C}

25 Talk foolishly with woman after starting to become drunk (7) BLITHER {HER}<=>{Be...e}{LIT}

26 Crushed oilseed yielding ordinary oil (6) DIESEL oILSEED

27 Assess racehorse gambolling round shed (8) RESEARCH RACEHoRSE*

DOWN

1   Slightly drunk in bar, lazily cuddling date (6) TIDDLY {T}{ID{D}LY}

2   Ornamental tree in good tattoo on head (6) GINKGO {G}{INK}{GO}

3   Hitter went berserk, scoring runs in last over of IPL match (9) TWENTIETH {HITTEr+WENT}*

4   Reasonable likelihood of force catching person (8,6) SPORTING CHANCE*

6   American male picking up joint with hesitation in Indian city (5) AJMER {A}{J}{M}{ER}

7   Perhaps as bouncy as cylindrical channel markers (3,5) CAN BUOYS*

8   Happy to conserve extremely unusual British tree (8) MULBERRY {M{Un...aL}{B}ERRY}

9   Bend a rule craftily to secure position as expected (14) UNDERSTANDABLE {BEND+A+RULE}* over {STAND}

15 Faultless liberal beginning to irritate the wily rogue (4-5) LILY-WHITE {L}{Ir...e}{THE+WILY}*

16 Supporter on top of stage runs wearing blue armband (8) BRASSARD {BRA}{St..e}{SA{R}D}

17 Decline to tackle detectives on reflection and surrender (8) ABDICATE {AB{DIC}<= ATE}

19 Nobody backs film star releasing flops essentially (6) CIPHER {PIC<=}{HERo}

20 Make out with hot model over area around fireplace (6) HEARTH {HEAR} with {H}{T}<=

22 Easy putt in golf that is over millimetres (5) GIMME {G}{I{MM}E}

Reference List

Girl = G, Cocaine = C, Son = S, Independence = I, Ecstacy = E, Island = I, Cold = C, Ordinary = O, Bar = T, Date = D, Good = G, Runs = R, American = A, Male = M, Joint = J, British = B, Liberal = L, Supporter = BRA, Hot = H, Model = T, Golf = G

No 14156, Tuesday 23 Apr 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   Reviewed excellent book in outstanding discussion (8) DIALOGUE {D{A1<=}{LOG}UE}

5   Thrash husband in office - chasing women! (6) WRITHE {RIT{H}E}<=>{W}

10 Rocky after end of round, knocked out (7) DRUGGED {RUGGED}<=>{r..nD}

11 Implants hip with small incision, revolutionary (7) INSTILS {IN}{S}{SLIT<=}

12 Tongue in meal at inn (5) LATIN [T]

13 Turning surgical beam around, pick up drill (9) REHEARSAL {RE{HEAR}SAL<=}

14 Remarkably on a roll, fine girl is uncompromising (3-2-7) ALL-OR-NOTHING {ON+A+ROLL}*{THIN}{G}

18 & 23 Where surfer might be enjoying a run of success (2,3,5,2,1,4) ON THE CREST OF A WAVE [DD}

21 Displays a rampant, abnormal growth of cells (9) DYSPLASIA*

23 See 18

24 Unruly imp about to devour English dish (4,3) MEAT PIE {M{EAT}PI*}{E}

25 Letch slyly filming a model in thong (7) LATCHET {L{A}{T}CHET*}

26 New drug smuggled by reckless drug pusher (6) NUDGER {N}{UDG{E}R*}

27 Old film about time travel at inauguration is theatrical (8) OPERATIC {O}{P{ERA}{Tr...l}IC}

DOWN

1   Led astray after drinking rum in picnic (6) DODDLE {D{ODD}LE*}

2   Sharpness of unionist in American town (6) ACUITY {A}{C{U}ITY}

3   Egg allergen affected specialised part of cell (9) ORGANELLE {O}{ALLERGEN*}

4   Sick, surrounded in wraps - man's emaciated (14) UNDERNOURISHED {SURROUNDED+IN}* over {HE}

6   Scoundrel abducting son, a dreaded Jamaican perhaps? (5) RASTA {RA{S}T}{A}

7   Error to capture pawn after time trouble in state of panic (8) TAILSPIN {S{P}IN}<=>{T}{AIL}

8   Institute in Senegal transformed process of preserving fodder (8) ENSILAGE {ENS{I}LAGE*}

9   Perky comedian perfects voice-over without distress (4,4,4,2) WITH ONES TAIL UP {WIT}{HONES}{T{AIL}UP<=}

15 Favoured fork to eat salad (4,5) TOOK AFTER*

16 Hunters pursue small opossum finally into lair (8) WOODSMEN {WOO}{D{S}{o...uM}EN}

17 Reportedly international model turned despondent, tackling bulimia essentially (2,2,4) ?T ?S ?A?D (Addendum IT IS SAID {I}{SIT<=}{SA{bulImia}D} - See comments) 

19 Importance of pain in both sides of chest (6) CACHET {Che{ACHE}sT}

20 Feverish man with cold and spasm (6) HECTIC {HE}{C}{TIC}

22 Slip in base after drinks (5) LAPSE {E}<=>{LAPS}

Reference List

Husband = H, Women = W, Hip = IN, Small = S, Girl = G, English = E, Model = T, New = N, Drug = E, Old = O, Unionist = U, American = A, Son = S, Pawn = P, Time = T, Institute = I, International = I, Cold = C, Base = E

No 14155, Monday 22 Apr 2024, Dr. X

Solution to 24D 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   One looking to get a good deal naughtier with new bra, kinky (7,6) BARGAIN HUNTER {NAUGHTIER+N+BRA}*

8   Lady in group, initially obese, getting a heavenly body (5) PLUTO {P{L}UT}{Ob..e}

9   Thief is silent, slyly stealing fancy car (9) LARCENIST {L{CAR*}ENIST*}

11 Criminal in a boat infiltrated by detectives, about to surrender (10) ABDICATION {IN+A+BOAT}* over {CID<=}

12 Separate from husband, wanting change (4) SIFT ShIFT

14 Arouses strong passion with drink (5,2) FIRES UP {F}{IRE}{SUP}

16 Bit of Chanel for model, great perfume (7) INCENSE IN(-t+c)CENSE

17 Pastries covered by mould, most substandard (7) ROPIEST {RO{PIES}T}

19 French artist and damsel cuddling at start of exhibition (7) MATISSE {M{AT}ISS}{Ex...n}

21 Maudlin lyrics enthral thoroughly (4) INLY [T]

22 Only remaining option for starlets desperately wanting lead in films (4,6) LAST RESORT {fOR+STARLETS}*

25 Dress up bride more extravagantly (9) EMBROIDER*

26 Throwing one rope to save person who is doomed (5) GONER [T]

27 X-ray with anterior end of coronoid fractured is unusual (13) EXTRAORDINARY {X+RAY+ANTERIOR+c...iD}*

DOWN

2   Top doctor and a nurse, drifting apart (7) ASUNDER {Do...r+A+NURSE}*

3   Get closer perhaps after drinking rum heartily in English city (10) GLOUCESTER {GET+CLOSER}* over {rUm}

4   Lives on rent in small island (5) ISLET {IS}{LET}

5   Sing to entertain, roaming endlessly, playing musical instrument (9) HARMONIUM {H{ROAMINg*}UM}

6   Retired chaps conserving oriental tree (4) NEEM {ME{E}N<=}

7   Issue of rebellion ousting head of state (7) EDITION sEDITION

8   Stall serving starter of meat pie outside lodge by castle (4,3,4) PLAY FOR TIME {Meat+PIE}* over {LAY}{FORT}

10 Where tenant's complaints go exactly (2,3,6) TO THE LETTER [DD]

13 Caught with target slaughtered, star conceals firearm (10) SCATTERGUN {C+TARGET}* in {SUN}

15 Finish golf stroke, employing power to speed up ball (3,4,2) PUT PAID TO {PUT{P}{AID}T}{O}

18 Sick boy overwhelmed by viral disease - getting case containing medicine (7) PILLBOX {P{ILL}{B}OX}

20 One who's contemptuous of striker's first free kick (7) SCORNER {St...r}{CORNER}

23 Knocking back Italian wine, getting drowsy (5) TIRED {IT<=}{RED}

24 Tower's burning, I hear (4) ?O?R (Addendum - SOAR (~sore) - See comments)

Reference List

New = N, Lady = L, Husband = H, Strong = F, Model = T, Oriental = E, Caught = C, Power = P, Boy = B, Italian = IT

Special, Sunday 21 Apr 2024, Ghaza

Three answers per commenter till 6 PM (Annotations compulsory) 

Please submit all your answers in one comment.  

(COMMENTS ENTERED WITH LESS THAN THREE ANSWERS/ANNOTATIONS WILL BE DELETED WITHOUT NOTICE, UNLESS THE COMMENTER SPECIFIES THAT IT IS A COMPENSATION FOR A REPEAT)

Enjoy.

The Sunday Crossword No 3303, Sunday 21 Apr 2024

ACROSS

1   Polar animal's stomach? (4) BEAR [DD]

3   Performing culinary operation on – foolishly – rock pigeon (10) PRECOOKING*

9   In conversation, much time shared by you and me (4) OURS (~hours)

10 Eggs and lice covering rancid president's workplace (4,6) OVAL OFFICE {OVA}{L{OFF}ICE}

11 Cheers that man, earlier sad, starting to brood (4,3,5) DOWN THE HATCH {HE}<=>{DOWN}{To} and {HATCH}

15 Sluggishness, batting: time to win it back? (7) INERTIA {IN}{ER{IT<=}A}

16 Dog's cross: that is, a little labradoodle (7) SPANIEL {SPAN}{IE}{La...e}

17 Unbroken, like a Manx cat? (7) ENDLESS [DD]

19 Colloquially, largest; most like the ocean? (7) TIDIEST [DD]

20 Some sets of twins resemble each other (7,5) DOUBLES MATCH {DOUBLES}{MATCH}

23 Trade ideas, wild wishes (10) DESIDERATA*

24 Illegally assist a venture (4) ABET {A}{BET}

25 Flights that may lead to landings? (10) STAIRCASES [CD]

26 Step back, seeing Afghans, Abyssinians, etc? (4) PETS<=

DOWN

1   Dilapidated sideboards getting batterings (10) BROADSIDES*

2   So, hardware flying around? (10) ARROWHEADS* &lit

4   Region including villas in exclusive resort areas, primarily? (7) RIVIERA Acrostic &lit

5   Blearily recalls wine in large amounts (7) CELLARS*

6   Ministry of Defence to get 'non-clerical' if Foreign Office to retire bureaucrats (11) OFFICIALDOM {MOD}{LAIC}{IF}{FO}<=

7   Everyman is to receive visitor, finally: one bearing large showy flowers (4) IRIS {I}{v...oR}{IS}

8   Celt's outburst can be heard (4) GAEL (~gale)

12 Champion with spine, usually? (5-6) TITLE-HOLDER [C&DD]

13 Note, twice: establishment for racehorses where multiplication is demanded (5,5) TIMES TABLE {TI}{ME}{STABLE}

14 Hot drinks or dry Rieslings? (4,6) FLAT WHITES {FLAT}{WHITES}

18 I will be found in Balkan state: bold to move to find unwelcoming place (7) SIBERIA {I} in {S(+b)BER(-b)IA}

19 Well-earnt rest, leisurely accepting support (7) TRESTLE [T]

21 Poems praising systems of regulation not started (4) ODES cODES

22 Accept only part of repurchase agreement, being in the Black? (4) ASEA [T]

Reference List

Batting = IN, Non=clerical = LAIC, Note = TI, ME, Bold = B

No 14154, Saturday 20 Apr 2024, Afterdark

ACROSS

1   Attention; it's party time after criminal Oscar is put in can (13) CONSIDERATION {SIDE}{RA} after {CON} with {TI{O}N} Time/RA?

10 Returns from international breaks after end of leave (9) INTERESTS {INT}{l..vE}{RESTS}

11 Notify the French in drawing (5) ALERT {A{LE}RT}

12 Shocks husband with look and sexy top (5) HAIRS {H}{AIR}{Sexy}

13 Pleasure in morning exercise? Meant heartlessly (9) AMUSEMENT {AM}{USE}{MEaNT} 

14 Desserts after two smalls, a bite of turkey and salmon (6) SWEETS {S}{WEE}{Tu...y}{Sa...n}

16 Composed the second half of the phrase (4) CALM {cool and CALM} ?

19 Force = ma? And kinetic energy (4) MAKE {MA}{KE}

20 Leading instructor shares examples (6) IDEALS {In...r}{DEALS}

25 Responding to a news broadcast on phone... (9) ANSWERING {A+NEWS}*{RING} 

26 ...grin and stay mum in laborious exigencies primarily (5) SMILE Acrostic

27 I love artwork displayed in the front road (5) TRAIL {I}{L}<=>{ART}*

28 In the absence of leader, shortcoming leads to reflection (9) IMITATION lIMITATION

29 Appliances have errors, frigate damaged (13) REFRIGERATORS*

DOWN

2   No time to exit, seconds to get in to fetch plans (8) OUTLINES {OUTL{IN}Et}{S} 

3   Orders for ship to detain soldiers getting tense (5) SORTS {S{OR}{T}S}

4   Deputy taking wrong aims in distress (6) DISMAY {D{AIMS*}Y}

5   Soldier's sharp these days having supplies (8) RESOURCE {RE}{SOUR}{CE}

6   Laver dealt without ace, served and progressed (9) TRAVELLED {LAVER+DEaLT}*

7   Launched old writer with editor's backing (6) OPENED {O}{PEN}{ED}

8   Resistance against force, wars can lead to sanctions (6) RIGHTS (-f+r)RIGHTS

9   Capitals of Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana and one final land (5) STATE {Si...m}{Tr...a}{Ar...h}{Te...a}{onE}

15 At the end, dinars exchanged for rands by this 6 down person (9) TRAVELLER TRAVELLE(-d+r)R

17 Sleeping in, writer takes week off , gets disturbed by midnight (8) RETIRING {IN+wRITER}*{niGht}

18 Nothing, mother-in-law's liar, crossed line everyday (8) FAMILIAR {FA}{MIL}{lIAR}

21 Pseudo man is evicted in meeting (6) SEEING SEEmING

22 Delays the intervals (5) WAITS [DD]

23 Establishment worried about development (6) ESTATE {EST}{ATE}

24 Undergraduate's story on leading Reader is more hideous (6) UGLIER {UG}{LIE}{Re...r}

26 Sharp prick (5) SMART [DD]

Reference List

The in French = LE, Husband = H, Small = S, Love = L, Time = T, Second = S, Ship = SS, Soldiers = OR, Tense = T, Deputy = DY, Soldier = RE(Royal Engineers), These days = CE, Ace = A, Old = O, Editor = ED, Resistance = R, Force = F, Dinars = D, Rands  =R, Week = W, Nothing = FA(Fanny Adams), Line = L, Man = M, Establishment = EST, Undergraduate = UG

No 14153, Friday 19 Apr 2024, Afterdark

RULES FOR POSTING COMMENTS ON FRIDAYS 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   Mostly, muscles tend to repair with emollients (10) DEMULCENTS {MUSCLEs+TEND}*

6   Prohibits graduates to skirt rule (4) BARS {BA{R}S}

10 Corruption in election, university to bar a dean ultimately (9) POLLUTION {POLL}{U}{T{I}O}{deaN}

11 Use of java, illegal? Not entirely (5) AVAIL [T]

12 Google and Yahoo can hire designers in a heap after director quits (13) SEARCHENGINES {CAN+HIRE+dESiGNErS}*

14 Kate is running, catch. (4) TAKE*

15 Certainly betrayer was beheaded and butchered in the recent past (10) YESTERYEAR  {YES}{bETRAYER}*

17 Ohio writer met Frank, perhaps (4-5) OPEN-FACED {O}{PEN}{FACED}

21 Criminals are working in computer science (4) CONS {C{ON}S}

23 Considerately US agent withdrew English partner without dissension at island (13) DEFERENTIALLY {FED<=}{E}{ALLY} over {RENT}{I}

25 Japanese cartoon cinema shot without opening credits (5) ANIME cINEMA*

26 Cold legal claim let loose on leading entrepreneur by customers (9) CLIENTELE {C}{LIEN}{LET*}{En...r}

27 Skipper moves to the end, close to win (4) EARN (-n)EAR(+n)N

28 Conceptually, sailor's essay's lousy, lacking substance (10) ABSTRACTLY {ABS}{TRACT}{LousY}

DOWN

1   Dismissal of evidence... (10) DEPOSITION [DD]

2   ...breaks law between Michigan and UK taking two drugs to a US city (9) MILWAUKEE {MI}{LAW*}{UK}{E}{E}

3   Dispatch meal beyond 1 (6) LAUNCH {L{A}UNCH} Beyond as containment indicator?

4   Spell at the far end at Brisbane's nasty? Yes, almost (4,3) EVIL EYE {b...nE}{VILE}{YEs}

5   Newton's old, eighty in heart this evening (7) TONIGHT  {newTON}{eIGHTy}

7   Assemble in Indian state where morning arrives earlier (5) AMASS (+am)AMASS(-am)

8   Austin takes storage for grains from Saint Louis (4) SILO {SILO+AUSTIN=SAINT LOUIS} [CA]

9   One who prohibits colours! (6) BANNER [DD]

13 Group of church elders almost urge bishop to add territory within 2 years (10) PRESBYTERY {PRESs}{B}{Y}{TER}{Y}

16 Lee & Milton partying with Salve (9) EMOLLIENT*

18 Fussed on nothing, two females engaged heartlessly (6) FAFFED {FA}{FF}{En...eD}

19 Core of maize taken by sailors in two companies at Britain (7) CORNCOB {CO}{RN}{CO}{B}

20 Doctor's study? It's shabby leading to tension (7) DENTIST {DEN}{ITS*}{Te...n}

22 Struggle to get accommodation, finally not available in capital (6) VIENNA {VIE}{a...oN}{NA}

23 Gadget of doctor that is razor-sharp at the end (5) DRIER {DR}{IE}{Ra...p}

24 Save broken container (4) VASE*

Reference List

Rule = R, University = U, Director = DIR, Computer science = CS, English = E, Island = I, Cold = C, Sailor = AB, Drug = E, Old = Not new, Bishop = B, Territory = TER, Year = Y, Nothing = FA(Fanny Adams), Female = F, Sailors = RN(Royal Navy), Britain = B

No 14152, Thursday 18 Apr 2024, Afterdark

Solution to 16A 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   One has to restrict professor's leave (7) ABANDON {A}{BAN}{DON}

10 Plans for a new outlet sabotaged at the beginning (7) INVENTS {1}{N}{VENT}{Sa...d}

11 Dirty old book with picture (7) OBSCENE {O}{B}{SCENE}

12 Disregard criminal party, one without leader (7) CONDONE {CON}{DO}{oNE}

13 This leading prosecutor gatecrashed for pasta (9) SPAGHETTI {THIS+Pr...s+GATE}*

15 Ground rice in the silo basically (5) GRITS Acrostic Semi&lit

16 Company returns to collect an animal for finding total weight of the species (7) B?O?A?S (Addendum - BIOMASS {MO{1}B<=}{ASS} - See comments)

19 Avoid females or put up with (7) FORBEAR {F}{OR}{BEAR}

20 Weakness is systematically concealed by a cowardly person (5) SISSY [T]

21 Once, a Zimbabwean and a Greek character built a side with one player! (9) RHODESIAN {RHO}A+SIDE}*{N}

25 Rules to stay indoors for some dogs outside (7) CURFEWS {CUR{FEW}S}

26 Nominated a film cameraman perhaps, Edward (7) ADOPTED {A}{DOP}{TED}

28 Isabel, Eva, Teresa huddled inside lift (7) ELEVATE [T]

29 Commercial I appeared in lens by introductions (4-3) LEAD-INS {LE{AD}{I}NS}

DOWN

1   Female caught a tailless rodent and became well-known (6) FAMOUS {F}{A}{MOUSe}

2   Last piece of Lamington taken at Australia with decaf regularly led to vomiting (6) NAUSEA {l...oN}{AUS}{dEcAf}

3   I don't laze easily, in the beginning it was opposite (4) IDLE Acrostic 

4   Poison in iron caplet? Purge stomach (6) INFECT {IN}{FE}{CapleT} 

5   Lady cut short meeting captain for bad behaviour (8) MISCHIEF {MISs}{CHIEF}

6   Overcoming resistance, advantage garnered by innovative group (5-5) AVANT-GARDE {R} in {ADVANTAGE}*

7   Organise marriage with kinsmen regularly (8) UNIONISE {UNION}{kInSmEn}

8   Appraiser of animals standing at front gate (8) ASSESSOR {ASSES}{St...g}{OR}

14 Perhaps Mercury's type of music (5,5) HEAVY METAL [DD]

16 New scales between B and F shown by a symbol (4,4) BASS CLEF {B}{SCALES*}{F}

17 In contact with Stokes's club, seen sacking captain, skirting rules in public view (2-6) ON-SCREEN {ON}{S}{C}{sEEN} over {R}

18 Urged son to keep hair tied in half (8) STRESSED {S}{TRESS}{tiED}

22 Skipper of vessel expelled by seer (6) ORACLE cORACLE

23 Perhaps Eskimo arrests leading Thai suspect (6) INTUIT {IN{Thai}UIT}

24 One who bares pundits brutally after overcoming pressure (6) NUDIST pUNDITS*

27 A gem at work, a leader of learners (4) OPAL {OP}{A}{Le...s}

Reference List

New = N, Old = O, Book = B, Party = DO, Females = F, Player = N, Commercial = AD, Resistance = R, Gate = OR, Club = S, Son = S, Pressure = P, Work = OP