Special, Sunday 30 Nov 2025, Veeyares

Three answers per commenter till 1 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 Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 32, Sunday 30 Nov 2025, Incognito

ACROSS

8   King giving up no good electrical vehicle for starters. Capital! (4) KIEV {KIng}{El...c}{Ve...e}

9   Leaders of social media consume beverage producing water vapour (5)  STEAM {So...l}{TEA}{Me..a}

10 American's pull (4) YANK [DD]

11 Delta soil shortage (6) DEARTH {D}{EARTH}

12 Salesman returns after small journey for paint remover (8) STRIPPER {REP<=}<=>{S}{TRIP}

13 Shape changed before conflict in city (8) PESHAWAR {SHAPE*}{WAR}

15 Average in south-south-east is meagre (6) SPARSE {PAR} in {SSE}

17 First girl leaves cricketer Mike for boy on strike (7) BATTING (-g+b)BATTING

19 Stout soldier returning to take university exam initially shows tiredness (7) FATIGUE {FAT}{GI<=}{U}{Exam}

22 Saint hugged large plant in avenue (6) STREET {S{TREE}T}

24 Most speedy transport departs around one (8) RAPIDEST {RAP{1}DEST*}

26 Answer to get past father's scimitar, for example (8) PASSWORD {PAS}{SWORD}

28 Young lady inserted same erroneously in driving licence initially (6) DAMSEL {Dr...g}{SAME*}{Li...e}

30 Move prison (4) STIR [DD]

31 And organised Chief Engineer's ball! (5) DANCE {AND*}{CE}

32 None may produce gas! (4) NEON*

DOWN

1   Returning, sir, with a bit of experience to get up (4) RISE {SIR<=}{Ex...e}

2   Six balls host misplayed went beyond intended target (8) OVERSHOT {OVER}{HOST*}

3   Avoid prunes chewed to some extent (6) ESCHEW [T]

4   Church certain to include point for denouncement (7) CENSURE {CE}{N}{SURE}

5   In Asia, Mike and brother producing divine nourishment (8) AMBROSIA {A{M}{BRO}SIA}

6   Short-sightedness resulting from consumption of poi prepared in cooked yam (6) MYOPIA {MY{POI*}A*}

7   Perhaps, keen to produce a joint (4) KNEE*

14 Demand and obtain previous statute (5) EXACT {EX}{ACT}

16 Closes cabin in ship (5) SHUTS {S{HUT}S}

18 Strings supporting tennis barrier badly constructed... not cut... (3,5) NET CORDS {cONSTRuCtED}*

20 Popular, indeed, guy admitted without explaining at first (2,6) IN DEMAND {INDE{MAN}eD}

21 Free energy in explosive weapon (7) TRIDENT {T{RID}{E}NT}

23 European nurse to be dislodged! See to it! (6) ENSURE {E}{NURSE*}

25 Softly continued, "Cushioned" (6) PADDED [DD]

27 Performs in play from contract stage (4) ACTS [T]

29 So, about-turn for cupid? (4) EROS {SO}{RE}<=

Reference List

No = N, Good = G, Delta = D, Average = PAR, South-east = SE, Boy = B, University = U, Saint = ST, Church = CE, Point = N, Mike = M, Ship = SS, Energy = E, Explosive = TNT, European = E, About = RE

No 14652, Saturday 29 Nov 2025, Hypatia

 ACROSS
1 Temperature maintained in green home (6) NATIVE {NA{T}IVE}
4 Police respects symbols of authority (8) SCEPTRES*
9 Women competent to pick up river bird's call (6) WARBLE {W}{A{R}BLE}
10 Leaves actor in cast without line (8) CILANTRO {ACTOR IN}* over {L}

11 Try a lie in an imaginary world (7,7) VIRTUAL REALITY {TRY A LIE}* [RA]
13 Impressive hand washing fixture in an emperor's rest room? (5,5) ROYAL FLUSH [D&CD]

14 Traces of Indian dals (lentils) in rice cake (4) IDLI [Acrostic]
16 Report of auditor for 12 months (4) YEAR {~EAR}
18 Railing in support of  labour going West with American business (10) BALUSTRADE {LAB<}{US}{TRADE}

21 Reason for an Inuit to visit an Orthopedic? (6,8) FROZEN SHOULDER [CD]
23 Funny caption entertaining one visionary trader? (8) OPTICIAN {CAPTION}* around {I}
24 Salim Ali certainly showing hostility (6) MALICE [T]
25 Jeopardize outcome with resentment (8) ENDANGER {END}{ANGER}
26 Tough to read without writing (6) STURDY {STU{R}DY}

DOWN
1 Latest time for swimmer (4) NEWT {NEW}{T}

2 Shock from top of thermostat - essentially Air fryer's faulty (7) TERRIFY {Thermostat}{aIr FRYER}*
3 Restless love - it somehow captivates the French (8) VOLATILE {LOVE IT}* around {LA}
5 Artistic image using our chairs displayed in firm (11) CHIAROSCURO {OUR CHAIRS}* in{CO}

6 Layout next to a chiefly residential flat (6) PLANAR {PLAN}{A}{Residential}
7 Again, heard every other true story in Eid (7) RETRIED {tRuE sToRy In EiD} Typo in the on-line version. Eid is written as Eif
8 Second column implicating conservative plot (9) STORY LINE {S}{LINE} around {TORY}
12 Beginning from MacLean’s latest (1,5,5) A CLEAN SLATE [T]
13 Spooner's greeting in multiple threads offering glimpse of optimism (3,2,4) RAY OF HOPE {Spoonerism of Hey of Rope}
15 Rugged saint carrying sword in Delhi (8) STALWART {S{TALWAR}T}
17 Head of ashram spoiling odd pet taken in (7) ADOPTED {Ashram}{ODD PET}*
19 Had story writing workshop for artists (7) ATELIER {ATE}{LIE}{R}

20 Oddly added cocoa in plateau (6) DECCAN {aDdEd CoCoA iN}

22 Refuse dyeing each new yarn, basically(4) DENY [Acrostic]

Reference List

Temperature=T, Women=W, River=R, Line=L, Labour=Lab, American=US, One=1=I, Writing=R (from the 3 basic Rs: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic), Time=T, The French=La, Firm=Company=Co,  Second=S, Saint=St.

No 14651, Friday 28 Nov 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   Leader of nation romanced gals? Preposterous gossip (13) SCANDALMONGER {Na...n+ROMANCED+GIRLS}*

8   Male doctor saves British crime boss (2,3) MR BIG {M}{R{B}IG}

9   Offended about adultery primarily, getting separated (9) INSULATED {INSUL{Ad...y}TED}

11 & 20 What DJ manipulating vinyl record might do to deal superficially with a problem (7,3,7) SCRATCH THE SURFACE [DD]

12 Master working, checking a little unstable sub-atomic particle (4) MUON {M}{Un...e}{ON}

14 Suffers after penning extremely indiscreet letters (7) AITCHES {A{In...eT}CHES}

16 Attending show (7) PRESENT [DD]

17 Retd, say - fantastic time of relaxation (4,3) REST DAY*

19 Agree to carry travel document to Serbian city (4,3) NOVI SAD {NO{VISA}D}

21 Very much in love, captivated by a Latin model (1,3) A LOT {A}{L}{O}{T}

22 Charter, say, good catamaran at sea (5,5) MAGNA CARTA {G+CATAMARAN}*

25 One manipulating old lag to keep quiet (9) EXPLOITER {EX}{P}{LOITER}

26 Quite a challenge to catch train (5) TEACH [T]

27 Character taking lady out to races for ultimately thrilling ride (6,7) ROLLER COASTER {RO{L}LE}{TO+RACES+foR}*

DOWN

2   Entertainment in club by a nude model (7) CABARET {C}{A}{BARE}{T}&lit  

3   Poisonous plant near society involved in mysterious death (10) NIGHTSHADE {NIGH} with {S} in {DEATH}

4   Silly chap is hassling hosts (5) APISH [T]

5   Hot American writer chasing young woman is crooked (9) MISSHAPEN {H}{A}{PEN}<=>{MISS}

6   A little nervous, no power in cricket shot - gets zero (4) NULL {Ne...s}{pULL}

7   Praise the new dynamic exercise (7) ENTHUSE 

8   Partnership is about to break, resulting in failure (11) MISCARRIAGE {M{IS}{C}ARRIAGE}

10 Detonated explosive to have old husband murdered (4,2,5) DONE TO DEATH {DETONATED}* over {O} with {H}

13 Medical problem is mismanaged, criticise head of venereology (10) CERVICITIS {CRITICISE+Ve...y}*

15 Yes, M's part perhaps (9) SPYMASTER * &lit

18 Sign of crops failing on island close to Mexico (7) SCORPIO {CROPS}*}I}{m...cO}

20 See 11 Across

23 DEA agent tormented anchor scoring heroin (5) NARCO ANChOR*

24 Strong liniment giving relief (4) FOIL {F}{OIL}

Reference List

Male = M, British = B, Master = M, Latin = L, Model = T, Good = G, Quiet = P, Lady = L, Club = C, Society = S, Hot = H, American = A, Power = P, About = C, Old = O, Husband = H, Island = I, Heroin = H, Strong = F

No 14650, Thursday 27 Nov 2025, Dr. X

Solution to 8A 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   Model married hot, hep bisexual (13) HERMAPHRODITE*

8   Fine hotel in spot alongside river (5) S?E?R ()

9   Features trains leaving France for capital of Turkey (9) QUALITIES QUALI(-f+t)TIES

11 Facing a very difficult situation, miner exits frantically (2,8) IN EXTREMIS*

12 Japanese seasoning picked up by mom is outstanding (4) MISO [T]

14 Fine white linen of maiden in taxi, most expensive (7) CAMBRIC {CA{M}B}{RICh}

16 Relaxing with slim girl after drinking a bit of wine (7) THAWING {TH{A}{Wine}IN}{G}

17 Company reviewed suggestion to incorporate department making jam (7) OCCLUDE {CO<=}{CLU{D}E}

19 Copper and gold discovered at large Mexican city (7) CUAUTLA {CU}{AU}{AT+L}*

21 Hunter nearly snares sea-eagle (4) ERNE [T]

22 Arrives outside bar with ultimately glamorous beauty (10) COMELINESS {COME{LINE}S}{g...uS}

25 Prince left serious after bad attack (9) OFFENSIVE {pENSIVE}<=>{OFF}

26 Rise up to welcome many Muslim rulers (5) EMIRS {E{M}IRS*}

27 Enters into a dispute with member wanting difficulty in puzzles (7,6) CROSSES SWORDS {CROSS{mESS}WORDS}

DOWN

2   English batter may be excellent at first glance (7) EYEBEAM {E}{MAY+BE+Ex...t}*

3   Quiet about demagogue beginning to impose ban (10) MORATORIUM {M{ORATOR}{Im...e}UM}

4   Put out pastry to entertain queen (5) PIQUE {PI{QU}E}

5   One probing cartel is remarkably level-headed (9) REALISTIC {1} in {CARTEL+IS}*

6   Kill Mafia boss outside institute (2,2) DO IN {DO{I}N}

7   Model in retreat cuddling bisexual lady on island in capital city (7) TBILISI {SIT<=} over {BI}{L} on {I}

8 & 20 Be on the verge of breaking a law, like reckless yachtsman might do? (4,5,2,3,4) SAIL CLOSE TO THE WIND [DD]

10 They are seen in bars, straying on vacation, picking up attractive girls (4,7) SHOT GLASSES {St..nG} over {HOT}{LASSES}

13 Murderer outside pub reverses vehicle finally, runs over Chilean police officer (10) CARABINERO {CA{BAR<=}IN}{v...lE}{R}{O}

15 Nice to be tipsy, drinking Old Monk (9) COENOBITE {NICE+TO+BE}* over {O}

18 Talk about origin of indigenous tree (7) CONIFER {CON{In...s}FER}

20 See 8 Down 

23 Former partners introducing company's top managers briefly (5) EXECS {EXE{Co...y}S}

24 Opening of academy by rising star (4) ANUS {A}{SUN<=}

Reference List

France = F, Maiden = M, Girl = G, Department = D, Large = L, Prince = P, Many = M, Member = M, English = E, Queen = QU, Bisexual = BI, Lady = L, Island = I, Runs = R, Over = O, Old = O

No 14649, Wednesday 26 Nov 2025, Dr. X

Solution to 13A 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   Mean American in charge, ultimately vindictive (8) INDICATE {INDIC{A}T}{v...tE}

5   Short programme on detectives is cool (6) PLACID {PLAn}{CID}

10 Dog found in Japan perhaps (7) BASENJI {BASE}{IN+J}*

11 Treated mumps after posh lady in retreat makes single payment of money (4,3) LUMP SUM {MUMPS}*<=>{U}{L}<=

12 Pancake left in receptacle on island (5) BLINI {B{L}IN}{I}

13 Sucking up whiskey in fine retro bar with old group (9) K?W?O?I?G (Addendum - KOWTOWING - {OK<=}{W}{T}{O}{WING} - See comments)

14 & 21 Sudden attack of wild irrationality that's caused by standing upside down (1,4,2,5,2,3,4) A RUSH OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD [C&DD]

18 Stupid, new president crushed by court action (6-6) WOODEN-HEADED {N}{HEAD} in {WOO}{DEED}

21 See 14 Across

23 Small anchor close to thick line (5) KEDGE {t..cK}{EDGE}

24 Disaster after husband starts to eat narcotic plant that's poisonous (7) HENBANE {BANE}<=>{H}{Eat}{Na...c}

25 Men start to analyse British politician's rhetoric (7) ORATORY {OR}{An...e}{TORY}

26 Exhausted and miserable, having lost pep (6) SAPPED {SA{PEP*}D}

27 A little error by princess on programme can be corrected (8) EDITABLE {Er...r}{DI}{TABLE}

DOWN

1   Drink in magnificent bar inside big emporium at launch (6) IMBIBE Acrostic

2   Desire to obtain mule and African mammal (6) DASSIE {D{ASS}IE}

3   Awfully egocentric model dismissed caretaker (9) CONCIERGE {EGOCENtRIC}*

4   Bumpkin in his estate, very boisterous and friendly (5,2,7) THICK AS THIEVES {HICK} in {HIS+ESTATE+V}* 

6   Member beginning to observe West Indian dance (5) LIMBO {LIMB}{Ob...e}

7   Very strong criminal holding a whip (4-4) CAST-IRON {C{A}{STIR}ON}

8   Dig some dirt at premiere about heroes (8) DEMIGODS {DIG+SOME+Dirt}*

9   Be unsure and bend to check letter at the top on both the taps (4,3,3,4) BLOW HOT AND COLD {B{Le...r}OW}{HOT AND COLD}

15 Busy baker quickly making morning meal (9) BREAKFAST {BAKER}*{FAST}

16 Jumps with eagerness after wife cuts cake in retreat (8) TWITCHES {ITCHES}<=>{SE{W}T<=}

17 Weaken, overwhelmed by drink frequently (6,2) SOFTEN UP {S{OFTEN}UP}

19 Drops at the edges inside a sphere accumulate on surface (6) ADSORB {A}{{DropS}{ORB}

20 Enter text again and your password at first to enter network (6) RETYPE {RET{Your}{Pa...d}E}

22 Pick up some apparel at emporium (5) ELATE [T]

Reference List

American = A, Japan = J, Posh = U, Lady = L, Left = L, Island = I, Whiskey = W, Bar = T, Old = O, New = N, Husband = H, Men = OR, Princess = DI, Model = T, Very = V, Wife = W

No 14648, Tuesday 25 Nov 2025, Dr. X

Solution to 9A 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   Rebellious men stabbed during poll - a shocking way to die? (13) ELECTROCUTION {ELECT{OR<=}{CUT}ION} 

8   Watery discharge from her gum wound, not good (5) RHEUM {HER+gUM}*

9   Cash, ring and gem at centre stolen by outlaws (9) B?N?N?T?S (Addendum - BANKNOTES  {BAN{KNOT}{gEm}S} - See comments)

11 Dynamic English icon taking lecture relating to revival of traditional style (10) NEOCLASSIC {E+ICON}* over {CLASS}

12 Test about scientifically classified groups (4) TAXA {TAX}{A}

14 Mixed gin with Italian vermouth - extremely elated and lit (7) IGNITED {GIN*}{IT}{El..eD}

16 Liqueur in party, most dry (7) CAMPARI {CAMP}{ARId}

17 American author delights at launch in store (7) GARDNER {GAR{De...s}NER}

19 Contemptible person bit guard, dashed out of university (7) DIRTBAG {BIT+GuARD}*

21 Strange Scottish swindle, billions stolen (4) UNCO bUNCO

22 Frugal person beginning to examine deception by old cheapskate (10) ECONOMISER {Ex...e}{CON}{O}{MISER}

25 Trooper is running back (9) POSTERIOR*

26 & 8D What pole vaulter will do to get lost (4,1,7,4) TAKE A RUNNING JUMP [DD]

27 Model at Ankara, she is extremely skinny (2,4,2,1,4) AS THIN AS A RAKE*

DOWN

2   Recline, swilling old wine (3,4) LIE DOWN*

3   Fighting about ultimately controversial ending (10) COMPLETING {COMP{c...aL}ETING}

4   Finally expose bro's bad habits (5) ROBES {e...sE+BROS}*

5   Completely sure of fraud and wrongdoing involving new director (9) CONVINCED {CON}{VI{N}CE}{D}

6   Fan reviewed Adele's latest song (4) TUNE {NUT<=}{a...lE}

7   Characters in most ravaged Czech city (7) OSTRAVA [T]

8   See 26 Across 

10 Major having a drink with girl on base, a military assembly point (7,4) STAGING AREA {ST{A}{GIN}{G}AR}{E}{A}

13 Atrium refurbished after receiving proper approval (10) IMPRIMATUR {ATRIUM}* over {PRIM}

15 Government's disastrous measure isolates America (9) DIRECTION {DIRE}{aCTION}

18 Gives a different part to versatile actress (7) RECASTS*

20 Boy hikes around Cambodia's capital (7) BISHKEK {B}{HIKES*}{K}

23 Nasal passages in baboon are slender (5) NARES [T]

24 Engage in game show (4) MESH [T]

Reference List

Men = OR, Good = G, English = E, About = A, Italian vermouth = IT, University = U, Billions = B, Old = O, New = N, Director = D, Girl = G, Base = E, America = A 

No 14647, Monday 24 Nov 2025, Mythical

Solution to 25A 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   Understand measure used by sailors (6) FATHOM [DD]

4   A couple of seconds, and Chatgpt e.g. basically creates artwork (6) MOSAIC {MO}{S}{AI}{Cr...s}

8   Infected model blacked out after striking head (7) TAINTED {T}{fAINTED}

9   Dame possibly wearing princess's ornaments (7) DIADEMS {DAMES}*<=>{DI} (Correction - {DI{DAME*}S} - See comments)

11 Arm Britons! Perhaps, this might solve the problem (10) BRAINSTORM*

12 It nurtures immense lands, Egypt primarily (4) NILE Acrostic &lit

13 Join unit controlled by setter (5) MERGE {M{ERG}E}

14 Reading about a plant with fragrant flowers (8) GARDENIA {READING}*{A}

16 Father a bit nostalgic after stories about fine years of existence (8) LIFESPAN {PA}{No...c}<=>{LI{F}ES}

18 Royal leaves - avoids parodies (5) SKITS SKIrTS

20 Essentially going around that US state (4) UTAH {tHAT+Us}<=

21 Had guests shot?! (6,4) PLAYED HOST {SHOT}* [RA]

23 Aristocrat admits lying about leading developer (7) PIONEER {P{NO1<=}EER}

24 Discussed reports in stages (7) STOREYS (~stories)

25 In auditorium, noticed player in spectacles (6) S?E?E? (Addendum - SCENES {(~seen)SCENE}{S} - See comments)

26 Song about alien traveller initially and princess in legendary ballet (6) ODETTE {OD{ET}{Tr...r}E}

DOWN

1   Extremely frightful appearance and style (5) FLAIR {Fr...uL}{AIR}

2   Port is more acidic (7) TANGIER [DD]

3   Fail to get up and go northward after cycling enthusiasts (9) OVERSLEEP {PEE<=}<=>{(-l)OVERS(+l)L}

5   Dislike quietly replacing daughter's drug (5) OPIUM O(-d+p)PIUM

6   Like well-cooked pasta and beer around study time (2,5) AL DENTE {AL{DEN}{T}E}

7   Criticises change, getting hold of member with note (9) COMPLAINS {CO{MP}{LA}INS}

10 Friendly convict getting cocktail of gin and ale (9) CONGENIAL {CON}{GIN+ALE}*

13 Takes care of leading saint abroad (9) MAINTAINS {MAIN}{SAINT*}

15 Esteemed doctor persecuted after rebuffing unionist (9) RESPECTED PERSECuTED*

17 Improve unit hospital area in front of new church (7) ENHANCE {EN}{H}{A}{N}{CE}

19 Receive from Will, perhaps? (7) INHERIT [CD]

21 Work in silence, they say (5) PIECE (~peace)

22 Ultimately, outfits must satisfy local taste and fashion (5) STYLE Tail acrostic

Reference List

Seconds = MO, S, Model = T, Princess = DI, Unit = ERG, Fine = F, Royal = R, Player = S(South), Alien = ET, Go = PEE< Quietly = P, Daughter = D, Time = T, Note = LA, Unionist = U, Unit = EN, Hospital = H, Area = A, New = N, Church = CE

The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 31, Sunday 23 Nov 2025, Incognito

ACROSS

8   Spy meets in the beginning with a Spanish cry (4) MOLE {Me..s}{OLE}

9   Belts and socks (5) BEATS [DD]

10 Thought from guide accepted (4) IDEA [T]

11 Make by fitting bearing in box (6) CREATE {CR{E}ATE}

12 Moving fast after individual leaves train to get harmful cooking ingredient (5,3) TRANS FAT {FAST}*<=>{TRAiN}

13 God's with president and Russian monk (8) RASPUTIN {RA'S}{PUTIN}

15 One maiden grows old in pictures (6) IMAGES {1}{M}{AGES}

17 Arranging owl feathers gives esoteric information (3,4) LOW DOWN {OWL}*{DOWN}

19 I am having throb in artery in sudden inclination (7) IMPULSE {I'M}{PULSE}

22 To some extent, former manager's a fishy guy (6) MERMAN [T]

24 Take to court about some Europeans and Africans (8) SUDANESE {SU{DANES}E}

26 Twisted muscle around one at commencement of rodeo? That's more ungraceful (8) CLUMSIER {CLUMS{1}ER*}{Ro..o}

28 Staff in ship providing means of propulsion (6) SCREWS {S{CREW}S}

30 Since artificial intelligence is rejected in the continent... (4) ASIA {AS}{AI<=}

31 Resign, leaving emergencies, in turmoil to become host at event (5) EMCEE EMErgEnCies*

32 Eats out in the Orient (4) EAST*

DOWN

1   Animal and snake get rights at first (4) BOAR {BOA}{Ri...s}

2   German representative went around California with editor and suddenly left (8) DECAMPED {DE}{CA}{MP}{ED}

3   Sailor transferred. Not present (6) ABSENT {AB}{SENT}

4   Secures guns after note (7) FASTENS {FA}{STENS}

5   Same pics altered displaying tendency to forget about reality (8) ESCAPISM*

6   Post lunch nap? Start sleeping in Spain at beginning of the afternoon (6) SIESTA {Sl...g}{In}{ES}{The}{Af...n}

7   Editor in Virginia produces Indian scripture (4) VEDA {V{ED}A}

14 Home built from adobe (5) ABODE*

16 Reduces difficulty of eating a salty enchilada snack for starters (5) EASES Acrostic

18 Women getting single measure of drink around tavern in city (8) WINNIPEG {W}{INN}{1}{PEG}

20 Inland Revenue expelled alien by mistake. Scared? (8) UNNERVED {inlaND+REVENUe}*

21 Staggering sot with lots of money gets bird (7) OSTRICH {SOT*}{RICH}

23 Snakes from Mombasa slithering around releasing odour at first (6) MAMBAS MoMBASA*

25 Dude walking around street removed dry dirt (6) DUSTED {DU{ST}ED*}

27 Girl starting to love silly guy (4) LASS {Love}{ASS}

29 Insect from Washington starts to secrete poison (4) WASP {WA}{Se...e}{Po...n}

Reference List

Spanish cry= OLE, Bearing = E, Maiden = M, Ship = SS, German = DE, Representative = MP, Editor = ED, Sailor = AB, Note = FA, Spain = ES, Women = W

No 14646, Saturday 22 November 2025, Crescent

 ACROSS
8 Adult pigs consuming nuts lying around water (5,4) ADAM'S WINE  {A}{MAD<=}{SWINE}
9 Japanese box, endless quarrel behind all the rage (4) INRO {ROw}<=>{IN}

10 Novel after old mill hands experience difficulties (4,2,4,5) FALL ON HARD TIMES {AFTER O MILL HANDS}*
12 Transport reflecting luxury, transport delivering queen (9) EXULTANCE {LUXE<}{TrANCE}
13 China dogging north eastern state (5) NEPAL {PAL}<=>{N}{E}

14 Silly jerk follows cricket match involving one over (7) IDIOTIC {TIC}<=>{O{I}DI<}
17 Melancholy echo left one in prison taken aback (7) ELEGIAC {E}{L}{CA{I}GE<}
19 Set of characters in Balkan jihadi (5) KANJI [T]

21 Symbol of negativity in America on money lapse limiting Government (5,4) MINUS SIGN {IN}{US}<=>{M} {SI{G}N}
24 Nothing too big we fancy for now (2,2,5,2,4) TO BE GOING ON WITH*
25 Hit hard if one's lost faith (4) SLAM {iSLAM}
26 Balding wicket, ultimately hard batting when facing leg spinner (4,2,3)) THIN ON TOP {wickeT}{H}{IN}{ON}{TOP}

DOWN
1 Irregular track if felt pens finally smudge drawing paper? (6,6) RAFFLE TICKET {TRACK IF FELT}* around {smudgE}

2 International Muslim leader retires to eat ordinary cheese (8) HALLOUMI {{I}{MU{O}LLAH}}<

3 Companion caught in topless haunt (6) ESCORT {rES{C}ORT}
4 Victory laps appeal to hearts inwardly (6) WITHIN {W{IT}{H}IN}
5 Rolling at any point by controlling independent suspension (8) REPRIEVE {EVER PER}< over I
6 First ball nails length (8) DISTANCE {D{IST}ANCE}
7 Cleaner operation supporting planet leaving a mark (3,3) MRS MOP {OP}<=>{MaRS}{M}

11 Designed to a T, such integrated circuits oddly lack sophistication in a way (7,5) SILICON CHIPS

{SILICON CHIPS+TO A T}*={LaCk SOPHISTICATION}[CA]
15 Slender leg topped by hickey (8) THINGAMY {THIN}{GAM}{bY}
16 Inherit money, Tax Officer takes half of same (4,4) COME INTO  {CO{saME}IN}{TO}
18 Fool admitted to team had to open (8) INITIATE {I{NIT}I}{ATE}
20 Pick the Spanish books in trips (6) NIBBLE {{EL}{B}{B}{IN}}<
22 Gill's head? (6) NOGGIN [DD]
23 Instrument to detect bleep, say on the radio (6) SENSOR {~CENSOR}

Reference List

Adults=A, Old=O, Luxury=Luxe, China=pal (from the cockney rhyming slang, China plate=mate), North Eastern=NE, One=I, Echo=E, Left=L, America=US, Money=M, Government=G, Hard=H, batting=In, Leg=On, International=I, Ordinary=O, Caught=C, Hearts=H, First=Ist, Operation=Op, Mark=M, Tax Officer=TO, Side=Eleven=11=II, The Spanish=El, Book=B.

No 14645, Friday 21 Nov 2025, KrisKross

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ACROSS

1   Sailor's date more pretty, they say (8) SEAFARER (~see fairer)

5   Music say, endlessly pained old king (6) ARTHUR {ART}{HURt}

9   Got bowled, but continued to bat? (6,2) PLAYED ON [DD]

10 Two firms working to provide cover (6) COCOON {CO}{CO}{ON}

12 Large furniture store's popular very quickly (4,1,4) LIKE A SHOT {L}{IKEA'S}{HOT}

13 Game is still tense (5) EVENT {EVEN}{T}

14 Punish ultras controlling synagogue (4) SHUL [T]

16 Ripped new hood in dance (7) HOEDOWN*

19 Exceed number of deliveries to score a single (7) OVERRUN {OVER}{RUN}

21 A techie on vacation making advance payment (4) ANTE {AN}{Te..iE}

24 Identical electronic coil (5) TWINE {TWIN}{E}

25 It helps musician play Modern Tempo, without percussion devices, primarily (9) METRONOME {MOdERN+TEMpO}*

27 Leading spinner from India who got England all out? (6) GANDHI [CD]

28 At once, POW heartlessly shot in city (4,4) CAPE TOWN {AT+ONCE+PoW}*

29 Free former politician involved in case of embezzlement (6) EXEMPT {EX}{Em...{MP}...nT}

30 Remove a judge after a short month (8) SEPARATE {A}{RATE}<=>{SEP}

DOWN

1   Deliver in an agile fashion (6) SUPPLY [DD]

2   Answer student's question about US state (6) ALASKA {A}{L}{ASK}{A}

3   An end of screwdriver - one turning a nut (5) ARECA {A}{s...eR}{ACE<=}

4   Manage to withdraw almost 50% - that's significant (7) EPOCHAL {COPE<=}{HALf}

6   US leader briefly revolted, so angry (9) ROOSEVELT {REVOLTEd+SO}*

7   Method to catch flying goose in pen (8) HOOSEGOW {HO{GOOSE*}W}

8   Sound from mobile - resonating, harsh, frequently ignored! (8) RINGTONE {REsONaTING}*

11 Must bathe regularly in US state (4) UTAH {mUsT+bAtHe}

15 Unwrapped needle to stitch stylish strap (9) HORSEWHIP {tHORn}{SEW}{HIP}

17 Italian family in Universal enthralled by film-making technique (8) MONTAGUE {MONTAG{U}E}

18 Opposition bound to take over Spain if doubled (8) DEFIANCE {D{E}{IF<=}ANCE}

20 Identity of national sport (not golf) (4) NAME {N}{gAME}

21 Expert nurses tense about exercise (7) ACTUATE {AC{TAUT<=}E}

22 Ring made from round acorn nuts (6) CORONA {O+ACORN}*

23 A setter wearing worker's cap (6) BEANIE {BE{AN}{I}E}

26 Revolutionary software possibly contributing to musical production (5) OPERA [T<=]

Reference List

Firm = CO, Large = L, Tense = T, Electronic = E, Student = L, Stylish = HIP, Universal = U, Spain = E, National = N, Golf = G