No 14602, Tuesday 30 Sep 2025, Hypatia

Solution to 4A 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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Penny's fortunate and brave (6) PLUCKY {P}{LUCKY}

4   A bit shy before my church singers do this (6) ?C?R?H (Addendum - SCORCH {Shy}{COR}{CH} - See comments)

9   Starts to generate neat advertisements through flyer (4) GNAT Acrostic

10 Spooner's labelling rotten bananas (7,3) BARKING MAD (marking bad to barking mad)

11 Followed author's boring story to date (6) TAILED {TA{I}LE}{D}

12 Praise champion sheltering pop and daughter (8) ACCOLADE {AC{COLA}{D}E}

13 Boost phone software to cover North and Southeast Asians (9) FILIPINOS {FILIP}{I{N}OS}

15 Detailed inspection for boss (4) STUD STUDy

16 Broken hut abandoned in rocky Halibut island (4) BALI hALIBut*

17 Make a hole in paper for a template (9) PERFORATE [T]

21 Play interrupted by a gun shot in house (8) BUNGALOW {B{A+GUN}*LOW)

22 Oddly took around two hours plus to weed out (6) UPROOT {TwO+hOuRs+PlUs}<=

24 Boys in blue pants strike behind with padding material (6,4) BUBBLE WRAP {BU{BB}LE*}{RAP}<=>{W}

25 Elected representative briefly backing American plant (4) AMLA {MLA}<=>{A}

26 English pilot ultimately prepares to go ahead and fly (6) TSETSE {E}<=>{p..oT}{SETS}

27 Avoid that man chasing key wicket (6) ESCHEW {HE}<=>{ESC} and {W}

DOWN

1   Joke and poke with one's tongue (7) PUNJABI {PUN}{JAB}{1}

2   Before you return, get thali meal at last (5) UNTIL Tail Acrostic 

3   Kid lost tackling a poor game - it's touch and go! (7) KABADDI {K{A}{BAD}DI*}

5   Secure piece of cake gaining pounds (6) CLINCH {C{L}INCH}

6   Got a rule modified by writing to SEBI, say (9) REGULATOR {GOT+A+RULE}*{R}

7   Fiercely adored by husband and treasured (7) HOARDED {ADORED}*<=>{H}

8   Do owners thus fail to keep a promise? (5,4,4) BREAK ONES WORD {DO+OWNERS}* [RA]

14 Say throw up bile after ailing and faint (9) ILLEGIBLE {EG}{BILE*}<=>{ILL}

16 Modern boutique delivering single bunch of flowers (7) BOUQUET BOUTiQUE*

18 Message about uniform given to father with school slip (4,3) FAUX PAS {FA{U}X}{PA}{S}

19 Extremely lethargic trail outside European city (3,4) TOO SLOW {TO{OSLO}W}

20 Switching sides, digs without right tools (6) PLIERS {P(-r+l)LIES} over {R}

23 Come to power (5) REACH [DD]

Reference List

Penny = P, My = COR, Date = D, Daughter = D, North = N, Boy = B, With = W, American = A, English = E, Key = ESC, Wicket = W, Pound = L, Writing = R, Husband = H, Uniform = U, School = S, Right = R

No 14601, Monday 29 Sep 2025, Dr. X

Solution to 23A 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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Turn round and bash terribly pompous officials (4-4) POOH-BAHS {HOOP<=}{BASH*}

5   Start to see reel about Catholic parchment (6) SCROLL {See}{ROLL} over {C}

10 Like a salad and meat after eating good oriental starter of tofu (7) VEGETAL {VE{G}{E}{Tofu}AL}

11 Mistake in printed matter by English cad overwhelmed by drink (7) ERRATUM {E}{R{RAT}UM}

12 Enjoyable to host essentially sweet relative (5) NIECE {NI{swEet}CE}

13 Discharge an inmate, cured after receiving oxygen (9) EMANATION {AN+INMATE}* over {O}

14 Where rejected songs are not to be made public (3,3,6) OFF THE RECORD [DD]

18 Really fanatic, a cult went berserk (2,6,4) IN ACTUAL FACT*

21 Model cheats around, inviting ultimately hot male for a five-day affair (4,5) TEST MATCH {T}{ES{hoT}{M}ATCH*}

23 Eccentric person going topless, say (5) U?T?R (Addendum - UTTER nUTTER - See comments) 

24 Rushed to enter, dressed to a T in Italian city (7) TARANTO {RAN} in {TO+A+T}*

25 Desires to screen tape about divine beings (7) DEITIES {D{TIE<=}IES}

26 Sailor embarrassed about delay (6) RETARD {RE{TAR}D}

27 Worries as associate advances to check rebellious misdemeanour (8) AGONISES {A}{GO{SIN<=}ES}

DOWN

1   Dance floor accommodates about ninety at launch (6) PAVANE {PAV{Ab..t}{Ni...y}E}

2   Carelessly ignores, disregards nationalist parties (6) ORGIES IGnORES*

3   Dairy product's perfect with bit of fondue in club (9) BUTTERFAT {B{UTTER}{Fo...e}AT}

4   Smug head of Hachette irritated author in hotel (6-4-4) HOLIER-THAN-THOU {Ha...e}{AUTHOR+IN+HOTEL}*

6   Caught rebellious character outside posh papal court (5) CURIA {C}{AIR<=} over {U}

7   Men deceive to steal most fine TV camera tube (8) ORTHICON {OR}{CON} over {THIn}

8   Foolishly made one large drink (8) LEMONADE {MADE+ONE+L}*

9   Warning sign bothered a few frightfully on return journey (6,2,3,3) BEWARE OF THE DOG {BOTHERED+A+FEW}*{GO<=}

15 Old criminal ensnaring most opulent leader of industry in bar (9) EXCLUSION {EX}{CON} over {LUSh}{In...y}

16 Tyrant's atrocious act finally incited riot (8) DICTATOR {ACT+i...eD+RIOT}*

17 Language of extraordinary saints captivating king and queen (8) SANSKRIT {SANS{K}{R}IT*}

19 Groups in retreat holding stylish beer mugs (6) STEINS {SETS<=} over {IN}

20 Checks hazards after onset of fire (6) FRISKS {RISKS}<=>{Fire}

22 Inferior ham in ordinary sandwiches (5) MINOR [T]

Reference List

Catholic = C, Good = G, Oriental = E, English = E, Model = T, Male = M, Associate = A, Nationalist = N, Caught = C, Posh = U, Men = OR, Large = L, Old = EX, King = K, Queen = R(Regina)

The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 23, Sunday 28 Sep 2025, Incognito

ACROSS

7   Unit of measurement for a kiss? (4) PECK [DD]

8   Eddy's loop (9) WHIRLPOOL {LOOP}* [RA]

10 Arrest German captain removing headgear (6) DETAIN {DE}{capTAIN}

11 Opened Irish port in middle of nude dancing (8) UNCORKED {UN{CORK}ED*}

12 Member of staff's crooked eye follows English member of parliament, see? (8) EMPLOYEE {EYE}<=>{E}{MP}{LO}

14 & 13 Spooner's receptacle for mail gets superior security devices (6,5) BETTER LOCKS (~letter box to better locks)

16 Go before, start to pray and go back (7) PRECEDE {Pray}{RECEDE}

18 Other than covering last character's citation (7) EXCERPT {EXCE{c...eR}PT}

21 Fully exhausts from awful acupressure in absence of carer (4,2) USES UP acUPreSSUrE*

23 Giving up, lie dying horribly (8) YIELDING* 

25 Hero was running around end of war to get charger (8) WARHORSE {HERO+WAS}* over {waR}

27 Well-known investor's self-service meal (6) BUFFET [DD]

29 Nuts, screws and bolts, for example (9) FASTENERS [CD] Reminds me of the Mad rapist who escapes!!

30 Cutting instruments like X, Y or Z, perhaps (4) AXES [DD]

DOWN

1   Communist emeer turns into saviour (8) REDEEMER {RED}{EMEER}*

2   Vegetable from Bangkok ranch (4) OKRA [T]

3 & 6 & 20 Always, approximation of Pi is wrongly mentioned, with its numerator overstated by 2 (6,4,2,5) TWENTY FOUR BY SEVEN {(22+2)/7}

4   Records tunes wrongly composed by music institute initially (7) MINUTES {TUNES}*<=>{Mu..c}{In...e}

5   Flight recorder having dark colour in front of spar (5,3) BLACK BOX {BLACK}{BOX}

6   See 3 Down

9   Feudal lord's limb covers one sweetheart (5) LIEGE {L{1}EG}{swEet}

13 See 14 Across

15 Empty tankard covers small rough fabric (5) TWEED {Tank{WEE}arD}

17 Sent back to native country carrying wine, indeed (8) DEPORTED {DE{PORT}ED}

19 Reflective thinker transported per drone (8) PONDERER*

20 See 3 Down

22 Breakfast with female employees (5) STAFF {FAST}*{F}

24 Decorate setter on retirement with superior officer (6) EMBOSS {ME<=}{BOSS}

26 That guy's straw initially makes sibilant sound (4) HISS {HIS}{St..w}

28 Obese without eating at first? It's an achievement! (4) FEAT {F{Ea...g}AT}

Reference List

German = DE, English = E, Female = F

No 14600, Saturday 27 September 2025, Dr. X

 ACROSS
1 Blunder serving meat - a sin essentially in this? (13) VEGETARIANISM {SERVING MEAT A sIn}* SEMI &LIT
8 Groove with extremely smart character in retreat (5) STRIA {SmarT}{AIR<}
9 Unusual desire to consume very strong crack (9) DIFFERENT {DI{FF}E}{RENT}
11 Anagram indicator 'zany' at the end in wordbook (10) DICTIONARY {INDICATOR}*{zanY}

12 & 27 Prepare to work hard and expose superior members? (4,2,4,7) ROLL UP ONE'S SLEEVES [D&CD]
14 Device helping one to leave jet - core's damaged (7) EJECTOR*
16 Start to applaud musical group playing in desert (7) ABANDON {Applaud}{BAND}{ON}
17 Abandon reactionary party permanently (3,4) FOR GOOD {FORGO}{DO<}
19 Shows European nationalist involved in immoralities (7) EVINCES {E}{VI{N}CES}
21 Came to check about securing shelter for animals (4) COTE [T<]

22 Completely fantastic raga, new work to be performed with increasing slowness (10) ALLARGANDO {ALL}{RAGA*}{N}{DO}
25 Decided to secure brown bag finally for an additional fee (9) SURCHARGE {SUR{CHAR}{baG}E}
26 One welcoming a member of an Eastern Catholic church (5) UNIAT {UNI{A}T}
27 See 12 Across

DOWN
2 Painful complaint of English amateur beginning to hobble in contest (7) EARACHE {E}{A}{RAC{Hobble}E}
3 Gauntness of poor old inmate probed by spies (10) EMACIATION {O+INMATE}* over {CIA}
4 Accessory of American mafia boss stealing diamonds (3-2) ADD-ON {A}{D{D}ON}
5 Fire a unit arousing anger (9) INFURIATE*
6 New volume released for Christmas (4) NOEL {NOvEL}

7 Drug abused by those wanting a heavenly body (7) STEROID {aSTEROID}
8 Unintended consequences of silicon and iron reviewed in deficiencies (4,7) SIDE EFFECTS {SI}{DE{FE<}FECTS}
10 One searching for skilled people in Trinidad and Tobago to fence new consulate (6,5) TALENT SCOUT {T T} over {CONSULATE}*

13 Checking American stars overwhelmed by knocking back liquor and ecstasy (6,4) MAKING SURE {A}{KINGS} in {RUM<} then E
15 Warnings of great danger with Liberal arrested, beaten up (3,6) RED ALERTS {L ARRESTED}*
18 Right to arrest a revolting character in filthy place (7) RATTRAP {R{A}T}{PART<}
20 Lock up criminal? All right (7) CONFINE {CON}{FINE}
23 Screening very rare larvae of a region (5) AREAL {LARvAE}*
24 Feature in each investigation (4) CHIN [T]

REFERENCE LIST

Very Strong=FF, European=E, Nationalist=N, New=N, English=E, Amateur=A, Old=O, Spies=CIA, American=A, Diamonds=D, Volume=V, Silicone=Si, IRON=Fe, Trinidad and Tobago=TT, Ecstasy=E, Liberal=L, Right=RT, Very=V.

No 14599, Friday 26 Aug 2025, 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   Arrived outside park to rest in place where people can pitch a tent (8) CAMPSITE {CAM{P}{SIT}E}

5   Stiff tequilas on vacation, turning mischievous (6) STARCH {Te...aS<=}{ARCH}

10 Fever caused by polluted air? Yep, toxic essentially (7) PYREXIA {AIR+YEP+toXic}*

11 Disagreed with newspaper article about rebellious operation ending in success (7) OPPOSED {OPED}over {OP<=}{s...eS}

12 Worm in piece of cake repelled aristocrat (5) CREEP {Cake}{PEER<=}

13 Lure with fantastic discount to bring in clients at centre (9) SEDUCTION {DISCOUNT}* over {cliEnts}

14 & 21 What mechanic might do to regain energy by resting for a while (8,4,9) RECHARGE ONES BATTERIES [C&DD]

18 Perfection of leader in French Revolution (12) FLAWLESSNESS {Fr...h}{LAWLESSNESS}

21 See 14 Across

23 Sample of shiny, long synthetic material (5) NYLON [T]

24 English king died, badly cut by brutal revolutionary (6,1) EDWARD I {ED{RAW<=}DI*}

25 Back of auto, almost overflowing with methamphetamine and crack (7) ORIFICE {autO}{RIFe}{ICE}

26 British economist's pointers about national economy at inauguration (6) KEYNES {KEY{Na...l}{Ec...y}S}

27 Guys losing head in hole, getting small torch (8) PENLIGHT {P{mEN}LIGHT}

DOWN

1   Kiss after company makes money in Russia (6) COPECK {PECK}<=>{CO}

2   Take out wine on reflection after knocking back liquor (6) MURDER {RED<=}<=>{RUM<=}

3   Bored by old program? Shut it! (3,6) SEX APPEAL {EX}{APP} in {SEAL}

4   Dynamic hitter's tip to dominate bowlers is awesome (5,3,6) THATS THE SPIRIT {HITTERS+TIP}* over {HATS}

6   Question in first chapter about iodine (5) TOPIC {TOP}{C} over {I}

7   Some countrymen worked in USSR, say, endlessly (8) RUSSIANS {IN+USSR+SAy}*

8   Sensuality of trim, handsome young man going topless inside (8) HEDONISM {HE{aDONIS}M}

9   Go to the toilet with model to consume ecstasy and downers on set (6,4,4) POWDER ONES NOSE {POSE} over {E+DOWNERS+ON}*

15 Main model is leanest (9) ESSENTIAL*

16 Duck! Fellow gets bowled, taken in by unusual delivery (3,5) OFF BREAK {O}{F}{F{B}REAK}

17 Save route after bringing back book of maps (4,4)  SALT AWAY {WAY}<=>{ATLAS<=}

19 Brief dalliance around end of party (6) FLYING {FL{p..tY}ING}

20 Consume gin cocktail on set recklessly (6) INGEST {GIN*}{SET*}

22 Mysterious creature finally caught in North American lake (5) EERIE {c...rE} in {ERIE}

Reference List

Park = P, Newspaper article = OP ED, Methamphetamine = ICE, Wine = RED, Old = EX, Ecstasy = E, Fellow = F, Bowled = B

No 14598, Thursday 25 Sep 2025, Dr. X

Solution to 20A 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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Praises a college student receiving hundred marks (8) ACCLAIMS {A}{C}{L} over {C} then {AIMS}

5   Girl captivated by zebra wandering in capital city (6) ZAGREB {ZA{G}REB*}

10 Marvellous flatfish (5) BRILL [DD]

11 Report citizen stealing a Rolls-Royce (9) NARRATIVE {N{A}{RR}ATIVE}

12 Democrat screening Republican party's chicanery (9) DECEPTION {D}{rECEPTION}

13 Anxiety caused by a national goods and services tax (5) ANGST {A}{N}{GST}

14 Container filled with a new nitrogen compound (6) TANNIN {T{A}{N}{N}IN}

15 Unreasonable male cutting old conifer (7) EXTREME {EX}{TRE{M}E}

18 Exciting scoop about Hyderabad's captain chasing model after the event (4,3) POST HOC {SCOOP}* over {Hy...d}<=>{T}

20 Investigate unionist breaking contract (6) P?R?U? (Addendum - PURSUE {PURS{U}E} - See comments)

22 Mammoth reward inspires cast (5) THREW [T]

24 Cool, without any frills (9) UNRUFFLED [DD]

25 Requiring nourishment, extremely unwell after onset of epidemic (9) ENTAILING {No...nT}{AILING}<=>{Ep...c}

26 Dame erotically cuddling Muslim prince (5) AMEER [T]

27 Still extremely sheepish, about to propose (6) SMOOTH {Sh..{MOOT}..sH}

28 Died after developing tetanus? Not explicitly declared (8) UNSTATED {D}<=>{TETANUS}*

DOWN

1   Sunrise song a beau composed to entertain date (6) AUBADE {A+BEAU}* over {D}

2   Talks with bowlers perhaps after CSK's top batter gets century (9) CHITCHATS {HATS}<=>{Csk}{HIT}{C}

3   Frolicking in the raw, sots consuming drink get a mild punishment (1,4,2,3,5) A SLAP ON THE WRIST {IN+THE+RAW+SOTS}* over {LAP}

4   Intimate in no time, dancing close to maiden (7) MENTION {NO+TIME}*{m...eN}

6   American runner in tears, devastated by bad performance actually (2,1,6,2,4) AS A MATTER OF FACT {A}{SA{MAT}TER*}{OFF}{ACT}

7   Regretting failure, ultimately depressing (5) RUING {RUIN}{d...nG}

8   Break-danced bare with ultimately hot woman (8) BREATHER {BARE*}{hoT}{HER}

9   Rim of iron around hoop (6) FRINGE {F{RING}E}

16 Vivacious belle in fancy bar outside university (9) EBULLIENT {BELLE+IN}*{T} over {U}

17 Son having no marijuana, becoming clean (8) SPOTLESS {S}{POT LESS}

19 Relative in company, working endlessly (6) COUSIN {CO}{USINg}

20 Substance producing fever in children, mostly around end of July (7) PYROGEN {P{julY}ROGENy}

21 Enjoyed a wine after work (6) ADORED {A}{RED}<=>{DO}

23 Old-fashioned resort, sadly lacking latest of amenities (5) RETRO REsORT*

Reference List

College = C, Student = L, Hundred = C, Girl = G, Democrat = D, Republican = R, National = N, New = N, Male = M, Old = EX, Model = T, Unionist = T, Died = D, Date = D, Century = C, American = A, Runner = MAT, Bar = T, University = U, Son = S, Wine = RED

No 14597, Wednesday 24 Sep 2025, Afterdark

Solution to 3D 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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

8   Express right in time (6) PHRASE {PH{R}ASE}

9   Men have vegetables in gardens (8) ORCHARDS {OR}{CHARDS}

10 Organized a party, essentially on open land at Germany (8) ARRANGED {A}{paRty}{RANGE}{D}

11 Give away battery, one Tesla removed for repair (6) BETRAY BATtERY*

12 Supply to food shop pure (8) DELIVERY {DELI}{VERY}

13 Holiday secrets all over the place, not thrilled primarily (6) RECESS SECREtS*

14 Fantastic, inspirational parson leaves in the beginning (7) INITIAL  INspIraTIonAL

17 Looks of snake, etc is creepy? Yes, I would say so (7) ASPECTS {ASP}{ETC}*{(~yes)S}

20 Snake crosses shelter to rest (6) ASLEEP {AS{LEE}P}

22 Mob never dispersed that month (8) NOVEMBER*

25 Indian organisation bypasses union to recall AI in the country (6) RUSSIA {R{U}SS}{AI<=}

26 Decides program is not organised (8) APPOINTS {APP}{IS+NOT}*

27 Others' performance in school time was briefest (8) SHORTEST {S}{OTHERS}*{T}

28 Undergraduate's story on first recital was more revolting (6) UGLIER {UG}{LIE}{Re...l}

DOWN

1   Number like ether in theatre's primarily vapourises (8) THIRTEEN {ETHER+IN}Th...n}*

2   Ha, artificial intelligence used in West Indies island (6) HAWAII {HA}{W{AI}I}

3   Unit's association (6) ?E?G?E (Addendum - LEAGUE [DD] - See comments)

4   Obey God in commotion for farewell (7) GOODBYE*

5   Eccentric big seer primarily chastises cold people (8) ICEBERGS {BIG+SEER+Ch...s}*

6   Piece of first Persian artefact (8) PARTICLE {Pe...n}{ARTICLE}

7   Models have theory? Ladies are heartless (6) IDEALS {IDEA}{La..eS}

15 At last, reassure release of one son (8) TREASURE {aT}{REASsURE} Where is the definition?

16 Looked to change sides? Fascinated (8) APPEALED APPEA(-r+l)LED

18 Surgeons' home base (8) THEATRES [CD]

19 Children are fast in nabbing first, mischievous (7) INFANTS {FAST+IN+Na...g}*

21 Requested for sawn-off shotgun for a change (6) SOUGHT SHOTGUn*

23 To begin with, Victor and Peter open up room to let out smoke (6) VAPOUR Acrostic

24 For the most part, a person keeps one lady in the sides (6) MAINLY {MA{1}N}{LadY}

Reference List

Right = R, Men = OR, Germany = D, Tesla = T, Union = U, Time = T, Undergraduate = UG,  Son = S

No 14596, Tuesday 23 Sep 2025, Afterdark

Solution to 27A 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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Couple of pounds earned by prophet from vendor (6) SELLER {SE{LL}ER}

4   Wardrobe around the corner, positioned together (5-3) CLOSE SET {CLOSE{SE}T}

9   Leader quits small bank, say (6) LENDER sLENDER

10 Casual partner (8) CAVALIER [DD}

12 It's apple blended with pulse (5-3) SPLIT-PEA*

13 Spring found in Erode river? Not entirely (6) DERIVE [T]

15 Reflections of armies' rigor, top military training (6,6) MIRROR IMAGES {ARMIES+RIGOR+Mi...y}*

18 Unconditional authority for central bank from the beginning, each affected (5,7) CARTE BLANCHE {CENTRAL+Bank+EACH}*

21 More or less a circle (6) AROUND {A}{ROUND}

22 Have to cross, eat with wife in extreme climatic condition (4,4) HEAT WAVE {H{EAT}{W}AVE}

24 After intense interactions, rest taken leading to inertia (8) INACTION INterACTIONs*

25 Always right externally? Could lead to lapse (6) REVERT {R{EVER}T}

26 Affected by con in southeast Norway (8) STRICKEN {S{TRICK}E}{N}

27 Bolt from gully (6) ?T?D?E (Addendum - STODGE [DD?] - See comments)

DOWN

1   Identical males dancing around female behind a corner (8) SELFSAME {MALES}* over {F} <=>{SE}

2   Two large gates next to each other at department installed by owner (8) LANDLORD {L}{AND}{L}{OR}{D}

3   Egocentric male, leading thespian creating a wave, say (15) ELECTROMAGNETIC {EGOCENTRIC+MALE+Th...n}*

5   Clay and sand on top of land over a mountaintop (4) LOAM {Land}{O}{A}{Mo...n}

6   Say, bureau of foreign affairs in USA (5,10) STATE DEPARTMENT {STATE}{DEPARTMENT}

7   Mood for whiskey, say (6) SPIRIT [DD]

8   A large dish given to youngster outside old city (6) TUREEN {T{UR}EEN}

11 I had med earlier to settle (7) MEDIATE {I}{ATE}<=>{MED}

14 Walk in between two rivers to the ranch house (7) RAMBLER {R}{AMBLE}{R}

16 Meat cut from ganders cooked over coal primarily (5,3) SCRAG END {GANDERS}* over {Coal}

17 About to pay and move to another place (8) RESETTLE {RE}{SETTLE}

19 Boy hikers regularly spotted with females (6) LADIES {LAD}{hIkErS}

20 Exaggerated talk by trio, ha it's trash (3,3) HOT AIR* 

23 Directed at home with no entrance (4) BODE aBODE

Reference List

Pound = L, Corner = SE, Small = S, Wife = W, Right = R, Norway = N, Female = F, Large = L, Gates = AND, OR, Department = D, Over = O, River = R, About = RE

No 14595, Monday 22 Sep 2025, Gridzilla

Artwork by Prasanna	Artwork by Prasanna
Artwork by Prasanna	Rangoli by Gowri

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 solve, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   One barely seen in public? (6) NUDIST [CD]

4   Most insignificant strike in Indian state (6) PUNJAB {PUNy}{JAB}

8   Build new YMCA or YWCA perhaps (7) ACRONYM {N+YMCA+OR}* [DBE]

9   Small transmitting device catches signal finally (7) SLENDER {S{s...aL}ENDER}

11 Complaint involved torso and heart (4,6) SORE THROAT {TORSO+HEART}*

12 Nobleman from Germany touring another European country (4) DUKE {D{UK}E}

13 A drama watched in the auditorium (5) SCENE (~seen)

14 Cakes and tarts, perhaps, highlighted on the counter (8) DESSERTS<=

16 Case is established by counsel (3,5) TEA CHEST {EST}<=>{TEACH}

18 Agent about to go in for review (5) RECAP {RE{CA}P}

20 Starts to fly low and circles around a little lower? (4) CALF {Fly}{Low}{And}{Ci...s}<=

21 Hustler gets wind about another hustler (10) HOODWINKER {HOO{WIND*}KER}

23 Wife removed unusually large new blanket (7) GENERAL {LARGE+NEw}*

24 President once said "I am incredibly inspiring" (3,4) IDI AMIN [T]

25 Fight racism, end sexism in society totally, for starters (6) RESIST Acrostic

26 Couples returning from Somerset in UK (6) UNITES [T<=]

DOWN

1   Stopping for snack, she got some Mexican fare (5) NACHO {sNACk}{sHe}{gOt}

2   See full episode in which priest goes for exorcisms essentially (7) DIOCESE {E{-p+c)CISODES}* Full as Anind?

3   A command given before shooting? (3,6) SAY CHEESE [CD]

5   Sombre or sober? (5) U?L?T (Addendum - UNLIT [DD] - See comments)

6   Spooner's European sweetheart is a mystery woman (4,3) JANE DOE (dane jo to jane doe)

7   An order to stop fighting from Tipu? (5,2,2) BREAK IT UP {TIPU}* [RA]

10 Penny breaks brown eggs on a slice of lox and a mushroom (9) TOADSTOOL {TOA{D}ST}{OO}{Lox}

13 Harry sat here disheartened and cried (4,1,4) SHED A TEAR {SAT+HERE+AnD}*

15 Tightened loose wire's end around the centre of circuit (7,2) SCREWED IN {WIRES+END}* over {cirCuit}

17 We are told they hack into safes (7) COFFERS (~coughers)

19 Regina lost engagement ring (7) CONTACT CONTrACT

21 Treats early signs of hepatitis and Lou Gehrig's disease (5) HEALS {He...s}{E}{ALS} E from?

22 Withdraws money for unknown issues (5) EMITS E(+m-x)MITS

Reference List

New = N, From in German = DE, About = CA, Wife = W, Priest = P, Sweetheart = JO, Penny = D, Regina = R, Money = M, Unknown = X

The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 22, Sunday 21 Sep 2025, Incognito

ACROSS

8 & 12 E-tag for barging in without invitation (4,8) GATE CRASHING {ETAG}* [RA]

9   Entertain Aligarh Muslim University students at first with sweetheart (5) AMUSE {AMU}{St...s}{swEet}

10 Initially, Assam state police station gets snakes (4) ASPS Acrostic

11 Bachelor gets divine gift for monkey (6) BABOON {BA}{BOON}

12 See 8 Across

13 Engage one top performer to follow a couple of females around mid morning (8) AFFIANCE {1}{ACE}<=>{A}{FF} around {morNing}

15 Peter's urn (3,3) RUN OUT {URN}* [RA]

17 Hen can't run around and bewitch (7) ENCHANT*

19 Around one, President, gets a bit of hope for resounding victory (7) TRIUMPH {TR{1}UMP}{Hope}

22 Nearer shutter (6) CLOSER [DD]

24 Twirl fine rope and start shooting (4,4) OPEN FIRE*

26 Monetary incentive for arranging cab and shack (8) CASHBACK {CAB+SHACK}*

28 Hot goods dealers from marshy lands around church (6) FENCES {FEN{CE}S}

30 Embrace, with love, author Victor (4) HUGO {HUG}{O}

31 Europeans captured by Sudanese (5) DANES [T]

32 Long dash with setter's award (4) EMMY {EM}{MY}

DOWN

1   Kathak academy's ceremonial war dance in New Zealand (4) HAKA [T]

2   Destroy dilapidated limo shed (8) DEMOLISH*

3   Criminal adopts a new name and gets a big gun (6) CANNON {C{A}{N}{N}ON}

4   Follow and win (7) SUCCEED [DD]

5   Person mending relationship between spouses at odds with one another? (8) REPAIRER {RE-PAIRER}

6   Irishman, Chinese and Pashtun (6) PATHAN {PAT}{HAN}

7   Rotate rolling pins (4) SPIN*

14 Last part of fish is with a student (5) FINAL {FIN}{A}{L}

16 Uttar Pradesh person without issue gets part of shoe (5) UPPPER {UP}{PERson}

18 Average student leaving New York around beginning of day for French region (8) NORMANDY {NORMAl}{N{D}Y}

20 Baseless! Losing nothing and getting no monetary allocation! (8) UNFUNDED UNFoUNDED

21 Actor Anthony jumps around relatives (7) HOPKINS {HOP{KIN}S}

23 Where many fish learn? (6) SCHOOL [DD]

25 Channel fishes, to some extant, can be small (6) ELFISH [T]

27 A peculiar flowering plant (4) ARUM {A}{RUM}

29 The Spanish manuscript for trees (4) ELMS {EL}{MS}

Reference List

Female = F, Church = CE, Long dash = EM, New = N, Name = N, Student = L, Student = L, The in Spanish = EL

No 14594, Saturday 20 September 2025, Vidwan

 ACROSS
1 Most passionate young man, leading India to the place redefining ancient Indian history (7) KEELADI {KEEn}{LAD}{I}

5 One working in frenzy during Sangam times? (4,3) IRON AGE {I}{R{ON}AGE}
9 Choices of love potions, unleashing love! (7) OPTIONS {O}{PoTIONS}
10 Some blunt, ruthless tale (7) UNTRUTH [T]
11 Leaving France, beautiful bride has grand agreement for free travel between two countries (3,6) AIR BRIDGE {fAIR}{BRID{G}E}
12 Language crossing borders of China, reaching Delhi borders (5) HINDI {cHINa}{DelhI}
13 Candy dames stop traffic for school kids (8,6) LOLLIPOP LADIES {LOLLIPOP}{LADIES}

16 Teaching expert actualised into comic! (14) EDUCATIONALIST*
21 Evaluation of cost sans Public Relations glaze (5) ICING {prICING}
22 British dope at spooky, unopened restaurant (9) BRASSERIE {BR}{ASS}{eERIE}

24 Art period during daytime can be enervating (7) EVENING {ART+EVENING}*=ENERVATING [CA]
25 Tumultuous flow of pain runs for months (7) TORRENT {TOR(+R-m)ENT}
26 Happiest subject sadly for physiotherapist! (7) HISTORY {HISTORY+HAPPIEST}*=PHYSIOTHERAPIST [CA]
27 Correct work procedure heralded by Sappers (7) REWRITE {W}{RITE}<=>{RE}

DOWN
1 Mostly handle work permit, leaving ordinary work for smart aleck (4-3) KNOW-ALL {KNOb}{W}{ALLow}
2 Part of tenth rally entrance (7) ENTHRAL [T]
3 No resistance! Protection for love affair! (5) AMOUR {ArMOUR}
4 I used it on base thoroughly (6-3) INSIDE-OUT*
5 Get used to hurt after Japan's loss (5) INURE {INjURE}
6 Head actor's amazing eight-faced figure (9) OCTAHEDRA* figure or figures? See comments.

7 E-manual prepared for past female students (7) ALUMNAE*
8 Cultural and moral belief enshrining element of nativism (6) ETHNIC {ETH{Nativism}IC}
14 Setter's tossing coin into boxes! Good! (9) INCOGNITO {G} in {COIN INTO}*

15 Mind John King, a fat peer regularly going missing (4,5) LOOK AFTER {LOO}{K}{A}{FaT pEeR}
17 Democratic contenders, boycotting small time Golf Clubs (7) DRIVERS {D}{stRIVERS}

18 This middle-eastern fellow is real fanatic and independent (7) ISRAELI {IS REAL}*{I}
19 Consume right inside the auditorium (7) THEATRE {TH{EAT}{R}E}
20 Run into most resounding, sophisticated application of science (2-4) HI-TECH {HIT}{ECHo}
22 Spongy love for a floppy (5) BOGGY {B(+O-a)GGY}
23 The fix works for wretches (5) SCREW {SCREW+THE}*=WRETCHES [CA]

REFERENCE LIST

India=I, One=I, Working=On, Love=O, France=F, Grand=G, Public Relations=PR, British=BR, Runs=R, Months=M, Work=W, Sappers=RE, Ordinary=O, Resistance=R, Japan=J, Good=G, King=K, Democratic=D, Small=S, Time=T, Independent=I, Right=R.