No 14886, Monday 31 Aug 2026, Hypatia

Solution to 16D 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

7   Legal nationalist forces fighting to secure independence (8) FORENSIC {N+FORCES}* over {I}

9   Model saving time for second sibling (6) SISTER SI(-t+s)STER

10 Defeat armoured vehicle (4) TANK [DD]

11 Communicate with men hiring registered vendor (10) CONTRACTOR {CONT{R}ACT}{OR}

12 Doctor separating wounded and serious (6) SOMBRE {SO{MB}RE}

14 Protect Sinner - He's lost (8)  ENSHRINE {SINNER+HE}*

15 A scene from Tom & Jerry, possibly in a temporary rally? (4,3,6) DEAD CAT BOUNCE [DD]

18 Shot group of journalists per Spooner (8) BACKHAND (hack band to backhand)

20 Local icon's clothing fabric (6) CALICO [T]

21 Setter in main marketplace (4,6) HIGH STREET {SETTER}* [RA]

22 Field manager regularly clearing sink (4) FLAG {FieLd+mAnaGer}

23 Keep checking elephants on vacation in jungle (6) FOREST {FOR{El...tS}T}

24 Win back in random plan (8) STRATEGY {STRA{GET<=}Y}

DOWN

1   Decline screening said overs set up in camera (8) POLAROID {DI{ORAL}{O}P}<=

2   Eat bananas closer to thick tree (4) TEAK {EAT}*{t..cK}

3   Tipsy chemist bottling spirit (6) PSYCHE [T]

4   European crowd introduced to very strong coffee (8) ESPRESSO {E}{S{PRESS}O}

5   Rich saloon exercises happening at identical intervals (10) ISOCHRONAL*

6   Pity engineer spoiling Onam (6) BEMOAN {BE}{ONAM*}

8   Vanity firm is sentenced wrongly (13) CONCEITEDNESS {CO}{IS+SENTENCED}*

13 Initially bride needs husband: revolting to go becomes a disgrace to family (5,5) BLACK SHEEP {Br..e}{LACKS}{H}{PEE<=}

16 Virtue of unwinding by a trip to spa which is taken frequently (8) C?A?T?T? {Addendum - CHASTITY {bY+a+TrIp+To+SpA+sHiCh}<=  See comments)

17 Trade banter (8) EXCHANGE [DD]

19 Yes, this author made say, movies (6) ASIMOV {ASIMOV+YES}*=SAY MOVIES [CA]

20 Provides automobiles without deflated tyre (6) CATERS {CA{TyrE}RS}

22 Originally France exported tuna and cheese (4) FETA Acrostic

Reference List

Nationalsit = N, Independence = I, Time = T, Second = S, Registered = R, Men = OR, Overs = O, European = E, Firm = CO, Husband = H, To go = PEE

Special, Sunday 30 Aug 2026, Veeyares

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)

Grid will be updated with solutions after 8 PM.

Enjoy.

The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 71, Sunday 30 Aug 2026, Incognito

Three answers per commenter till 4 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)

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

ACROSS

8   Cause for bitterness in beers got from shop (4) HOPS*

9   I hear recommendation to offspring to purchase animal (5) BISON (~buy son)

10 Heard, "This is one kind of dog... Look!" (4) PEEK (~peke)

11 Flowers from stars travelling around the Orient (6) ASTERS {AST{E}RS*}

12 Break two knobs showing way to tie shoelaces (8) BOWKNOTS*

13 Princess gets small requisition in mess (8) DISORDER {DI}{S}{ORDER}

15 One who hopes goes without Papa's jumper (6) HOPPER {HOP{P}ER}

17 Excitedly digs in consuming morsel initially, a minute quantity (7) SMIDGIN {DIGS+IN}* over {Mo...l}

19 Zulu leaves freezers built for refrigerated trucks (7) REEFERS FREEzERS*

22 Setter's little sister consumes egg, resulting in abnormal movement of pupil (6) MYOSIS {MY}{O}{SIS}

24 After one metre, cutting pliers creates risk (8) IMPERILS {1}{M}{PLIERS*}

26 Wrongly foretell, "It is without charge" (4-4) TOLL-FREE*

28 Reach a river in spate (6) ARRIVE {A}{RIVER}*

30 He leaves hamper lying around in perambulator (4) PRAM {hAMPeR}*

31 Place where a judge may woo? (5) COURT [DD]

32 Special forces unit husband's cummerbund (4) SASH {SAS}{H}

DOWN

1   Strange CPOs and policemen (4) COPS*

2   Space traveller adores it when travelling (8) ASTEROID*

3   Badly treated a vehicle with editor (6) ABUSED {A}{BUS}{ED}

4   International Organisation for Standardisation prohibits some lines on maps (7) ISOBARS {ISO}{BARS}

5   Ship around this time, garden equipment and piece of winter footwear (8) SNOWSHOE {S{NOW}S}{HOE}

6   Confide, "Pope is confused about Greek letter" (4,2) OPEN UP {POPE}* over {NU}

7   Attend and defeat (4) BEAT {BE AT}

14 First Secretary General of NATO is dismayed to some extent (5) ISMAY [HIPS]

16 Extraordinary role around beginning of raid for actor Flynn (5) ERROL {ER{Raid}OL*}

18 Teach instrument soldiers leave around beginning of combat (8) INSTRUCT {INSTRU(-men+c}CT}

20 Stronghold for lock? (8) FORTRESS {FOR}{TRESS}

21 Wrongly figure about Pole and shoot weapon (4,3) FIRE GUN {FIGURE}*{N}

23 Susan, accompanied by French friend, makes sausage (6) SALAMI {SAL}{AMI} Susan or Sally?

25 Around beginning of play, twisted tails and braids (6) PLAITS {Play}{TAILS*} Around is superfluous

27 Rowers coarse at heart? (4) OARS [HIPS]

29 Container for flowers from Java sealed (4) VASE [T]

Reference List

Orient = E, Princess = DI, Small = S, Papa = P, Zulu = Z, Metre = M, Husband = H, Editor = ED, Ship = SS, Pole = N

No 14885, Saturday 29 Aug 2026, Hypatia

 ACROSS
1 Anguished cry about president joining American country (6) CYPRUS {CRY*} about{P} +US

4 Complied with rule in charge of measurement system (6) METRIC {MET}{R}{IC}
9 Teacher giving us recognition, chiefly at University (4) GURU {Giving}{Us}{Recognition}{U}
10 Sympathetic hospital section working with debt obligations (10) HARMONIOUS {H}{ARM}{ON}{IOUS}
11 Novel has article about fine emperor (6) ASHOKA {HAS*}{OK}{A}
12 Play game with turn in row (8) ARGUMENT*
13 Hypatia had set clue earlier and had to explain (9) ELUCIDATE {I'D}<=>{CLUE*}+ATE
15 Approve lying about animal close to zoo (4) OKAY {YAK<}<=>{zoO}
16 Prize art regularly gathering support (4) PIER {PrIzE aRt}
17 Spooner's gambler secures mail collector (6,3) LETTER BOX Spoonerism of BETTER LOCKS
21 Advocate flipping cronies in friendly gesture (8) BACKSLAP {BACK}{PALS<}
22 Port city (6) MUSCAT [DD]
24 A wine almost subduing angry, sick and prickly animals (10) ARMADILLOS {A}{ROSe} around {MAD}{ILL}

25 Can't steal? (4) LOOT {LOO}{T} Can't to be separated as CAN+T
26 He believes that he is truthful to some extent (6) THEIST [T]
27 Caught monkeys earning rupees in stunts (6) CAPERS {C}{APE{R}S}

DOWN
1 Crazy old uncle nicking second brief (7) COUNSEL {O+UNCLE}* around {S}
2 Philosopher taking tips from practices learnt usually through observations (5) PLUTO [Acrostic] Pluto or Plato?

3 Ignored in dark ages, Hindus revolted every now and then (7) UNHEARD {DaRk AgEs HiNdUs}<
5 Hug one in trouble? It's all you need (6) ENOUGH*
6 Managed to take one month to recruit oddly keen miracle worker (9) RAINMAKER {RA{I}N}+{MAR}around {KeEn}
7 Relish slice filled by husband with rising desire (7) CHUTNEY {C{H}UT}{YEN<}

 

8 Get help. Let's stop the curse! (5,3,5) BREAK THE SPELL {HELP LET'S*} [RA]
14 What one can do in dating sites to outwit someone? (9) CHECKMATE {CHECK MATE}
16 Pick up hint about artist and kings in language (7) PRAKRIT {TIP<} around {RA}{K}{R}
18 Yet am ashamedly concealing fuss (7) TAMASHA [T]
19 Speakers occasionally sort out patriot from the South (7) ORATORS {SoRt OuT pAtRiOt<}
20 Cash limit unfortunately hit these entitlements (6) CLAIMS {CLAIMS+HIT}*=CASH LIMIT [CA]
23 Loves nuts to crack (5) SOLVE*

REFERENCE LIST

President=P, American=US, Rule=R, In Charge=IC, University=U, Hospital=H, Debt Obligations=IOUs, Article=A, Fine=OK, Caught=C, Rupees=R, Old=O, Second=S, One=1=I, Month=MAR(ch), Husband=H, Artist=RA (Royal Academician), King=K/R.

No 14884, Friday 28 Aug 2026, 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   Reckless cheater's cool, having hot mistress (13) SCHOOL TEACHER {CHEATERS+COOL}* over {H}

8   Injured crossing small, wooded area (5) HURST {HUR{S}T}

9   Bishop made a psalm - it's relating to a Christian rite (9) BAPTISMAL {B}{A+PSALM+IT}*

11 Gosh! Feel so nervous - it's a result of fear (10) GOOSEFLESH* 

12 Catch small bug (4) SNAG {S}{NAG}

14 Batting star behind victory (7) WINKING {KING}<=>{WIN}

16 Australian knocked back drink, having devoured ham (7) AMATEUR {A}{{RUM<=} over {ATE}

17 Ordered meat loaf, wanting fine breakfast dish (7) OATMEAL {MEAT+LOAf}*

19 Have a snack in shed around 4 pm in Britain (7) TEATIME {EAT} in {EMIT<=}

21 Brought back superior adhesives (4) GUMS <=

22 Mighty unpleasant American making a bloomer (10) POTENTILLA {POTENT}{ILL}{A}

25 Sentry in compound tackling a bully (9) TYRANNISE {SENTRY+IN}* over {A}

26 Tell a gang to secure goods at bottom of sea (5) LAGAN [T]

27 Compose tune for girl and propose - that's impressive (13) UNFORGETTABLE {TUNE+FOR+G}*{TABLE}

DOWN

2   Box contains old comic strip (7) CARTOON {CART{O}ON}

3   Where one in bathroom might be having a lively night out (2,3,5) ON THE TILES [DD]

4   Falsehood about bachelor and lady is defamation (5) LIBEL {LI{B}E}{L}

5   Fool under pressure after knight's captured by awfully neat chess move (2,7) EN PASSANT {ASS}<=>{N}{P} in {NEAT}*

6   Crack in bottom of pelvic joint (4) CHIP {p..iC}{HIP}

7   Individual cuddling model under tree in Californian city (2,5) EL MONTE {ON{T}E}<=>{ELM}

8   Drunk women getting noisy, tense and agitated (11) HIGHWROUGHT {HIGH}{W}{ROUGH}{T}

10 Dexterous trickery by crafty gem dealer at home (11) LEGERDEMAIN {GEM+DEALER}*{IN}

13 Dance in rave on Ecstasy, high around afternoon (10) TARANTELLA {RANT}{E} in {TALL}{A}

15 Dashing girl on clip, breaking record (9) GALLOPING {GAL}{LO{PIN}G}

18 Monkey in tree, killing a little dove (7) TAMARIN TAMARINd

20 Support associate crushed by evil criminal (7) ILLEGAL {LEG}{A} in {ILL}

23 Use axe essentially to cut conifer in retreat (5) EXERT {TRE{aXe}E<=}

24 Aware of revolting idiot nobbling rings (2,2) ON TO [T<=]

Reference List

Hot = H, Small = S, Bishop = B, Australian = A, Fine = F, American = A, Girl = G, Old = O, Bachelor = B, Lady = L, Knight = N, Pressure = P, Model = T, Women = W, Tense = T, Ecstasy = E, Afternoon = A, Associate = A

No 14883, Thursday 27 Aug 2026, 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   Relaxes in bed after having sex with primarily sexy blonde (4,4) SITS BACK {S{IT}{Sexy}{Bl...e}ACK}

5   Outspoken, dynamic and idealistic hosts (6) ?A?D?D ()

10 Misdeed by champion in posh hotel around Taiwanese city (7) HSINCHU {SIN}{CH} in {U}{H}<=

11 Torments British university lecturer with untruths (7) BULLIES {B}{U}{L}{LIES}

12 See 9 Down

13 Ride at wet ground in ebbing and flowing liquid (9) TIDEWATER*

14 Infringement by merchant, one craftily smuggling cocaine (12) ENCROACHMENT {MERCHANT+ONE}* over {C}

18 Unexpected upset! Side in state of shock (12) STUPEFACTION {UPSET}*{FACTION}

21 Asian pianist artfully entertaining a thousand (9) PAKISTANI {P{A}{K}ISTANI*

23 Old British nobleman close to Jeffrey (5) EARLY {EARL}{j...eY}

24 One with most lavish houses, beginning to become abrasive (7) ACERBIC {ACE}{RICh} over {Be...e}

25 Frivolous sportsman at centre, one crushed by opponent (7) TRIVIAL {s..rTs..n}{RIV{I}AL}

26 A little toddler and semiaquatic mammal in reel (6) TOTTER {To...r}{OTTER}

27 Extremely remarkable model dating big star (3,5) RED GIANT {Re...lE}{DATING*}

DOWN

1   Seem worried about China's ploy (6) SCHEME {S{CH}EME*}

2   Make a mistake in revolting place, cuddling disreputable person (4,2) TRIP UP {PUT<=} over {RIP}

3   Drunken female reveller in taxi, turning to sing and cheer heartily (9) BACCHANTE {CAB<=}{CHANT}{chEer}

4   Neutralise Cuban cartel, one going berserk (14) COUNTERBALANCE*

6   Tolerate American leader, primarily mean (5) ALLOW {A}{Le...r}{LOW}

7   I trained vigorously to become more trim (8) DAINTIER*

8   Princess on small Greek island is unattached (8) DISCRETE {DI}{S}{CRETE}

9   Strong feeling of disgust caused by poor dental hygiene? (1,3,5,2,3,5) (Continued in 12 Across) A BAD TASTE IN THE MOUTH [C&DD]

15 Hanging around oafishly at opening, eating greedily (9) HOOVERING {HO{Oa...y}VERING}

16 Injured Pathan's holding long walking stick made from a sapling (3-5) ASH-PLANT {PATHANS}* over {L}

17 Most cool and enjoyable, flying kites (8) FUNKIEST {FUN}{KITES*}

19 Iran slyly beginning to construct atomic plant (6) ARNICA {IRAN}*{Co...t}{At...c}

20 Slippery person crosses yard, starts to escape through small hole (6) EYELET {E{Y}EL}{Es...s}{Th...h}

22 Transaction involving billions for expensive fur (5) SABLE {SA{B}LE}

Reference List

Sex = IT, Champion = CH, Posh = U, Hotel = H, British = B, University = U, Lecturer = L, Cocaine = C, Thousand = K, China = CH, Small = S, Long = L, Yard = Y, Billions = B

No 14882, Wednesday 26 Aug 2026, Dr. X

HAPPY ONAM

Rangoli by Gowri

Solution to 10D 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   Playful sexual activity of Bond having drink with English lady in retreat (4,3,6) SLAP AND TICKLE {S{LAP}{AND}TICK} with {E}{L}<=

8   Massage the Spanish star (5) RIGEL {RIG}{EL}

9   Charges in Leeds animatedly after taking wicket (9) DELEGATES {DELE{GATE}S*}

11 See godson slyly stealing money - oh dear! (8,2) GOODNESS ME {SEE+GODSON}* over {M}

12 Wire-tap catches nationalist giving bribe (4) BUNG {BU{N}G}

14 Hint about turbulent ride in disturbed sea due to currents (4,3) TIDE RIP {T{RIDE*}IP}

16 Highest in quiz, dominates completely (7) TALLEST {T{ALL}EST}

17 Associate eventually checks innermost layers of blood vessel (7) INTIMAE {A} in {IN TIME}

19 Topless seaside resort in England is trendy (5-2) RIGHT-ON bRIGHTON

21 Girl on edge, becoming sullen (4) GRIM {G}{RIM}

22 American character beginning to feel good after controlling hot, quick temper (1,5,4) A SHORT FUSE {A}{SORT}{Feel}{USE} over {H}

25 Prominent feature of model on one's arm (5,4) ROMAN NOSE*

26 Consumed some wine at entertainment (5) EATEN [T]

27 Couple consuming ganja essentially and relaxing in flat (13) UNINTERESTING {UNI{gaNja}TE}{RESTING}

DOWN

2   Pursue large dog running around tree (7) LOGWOOD {WOO} in {L+DOG}*

3   Romp with lad in fancy European racecar perhaps (10) PALINDROME {ROMP+LAD+IN}*{E} DBE

4   Star in retreat cuddling extremely divine, unclad art models (5) NUDES {SUN<=} over {Di..nE}

5   Reel about the French master's scientific instrument (9) TELEMETER {TE{LE}{M}ETER}

6   Pound of cocaine on degenerate (4) CAGE {C}{AGE}

7   Vegetable cutlet served with starter of eggplant (7) LETTUCE {CUTLET*}{Eg...t}

8   Footballer erring with shot over top of goal (5-6) RIGHT-WINGER {ERRING+WITH}* over {Goal}

10 Guess the number in jar without looking (5,6) S?G?T ?N?E?N ()

13 One chasing blonde in gathering is most frivolous (10) FLIGHTIEST {I}<=>{LIGHT} in {FEST}

15 Emphasise how to return cursor to beginning of current active line (5,4) PRESS HOME [C&DD]

18 I am weak, taking vitamin (7) THIAMIN {TH{I}{AM}IN}

20 Relative enthralled by tenor performing in English county town (7) TAUNTON {T}{AUNT}{ON}

23 Selection of robes, extremely large (5) OBESE [T]

24 Informed about naked sot entering bar (2,2) IN ON {IN{sOt}N}

Reference List

English = E, Lady = L, The in Spanish = EL, Money = M, Nationalist = N, Associate = A, Girl = G, Hot = H, Pursue = WOO, Large = L, European = E, The in French = LE, Master = M, Cocaine = C, Tenor = T

No 14881, Tuesday 25 Aug 2026, Dr. X

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 answer, if not solved by 1 PM.

ACROSS

1   Master dwelt on awful accident in nuclear reactor (8) MELTDOWN {M}{DWELT+ON}*

5   Extract from ripe cacao that's used to induce vomiting (6) IPECAC [T]

10 Mysterious moans in stately home (7) MANSION*

11 Wine merchant beginning to visit model in secret (7) VINTNER {Vi..t}{IN{T}NER}

12 Look at hunk, ultimately sexy (5) STUDY {STUD}{sexY}

13 Thievish con lures a drunk (9) LARCENOUS*

14 Cynthia baked crackers some time ago (4,2,3,3) BACK IN THE DAY*

18 Inadequate actions that pint drinkers avoid? (4,8) HALF MEASURES [C&DD]

21 Love to cuddle over essentially comfortable mat in front of fireplace (9) HEARTHRUG {HEART}{H{c...oRt...e}UG}

23 Ruffle Republican in charge (5) FRILL {F{R}ILL}

24 A con is running outside institute in capital city (7) NICOSIA {A+CON}* over {I}

25 Invalidate union with sick, regressive fellow in New York (7) NULLIFY {N{U}{ILL<=}{F}Y}

26 Provides vehicles to tour Tenerife on vacation (6) CATERS {CA{Te...fE}RS}

27 Extremely wealthy youth at premiere consuming ecstasy in fact is naive (4-4) DEWY-EYED {We...hY}{Yo..h} over {E} in {DEED}

DOWN

1   Starts to malign inept member, very upset about bloomer (6) MIMOSA {Ma...n}{In..t}{Me...r}{SO<=}{A}

2   Group enthralled by alcohol, in euphoria (4,2) LINE UP [T]

3   Raised millions to acquire secluded place producing milk (5,4) D?I?Y ?A?M (Addendum - DAIRY FARM {MYRIAD<=} over {FAR} - See comments))

4   New tea maker with new lid worked very well (4,4,1,5) WENT LIKE A DREAM {TEA+MAKER+NEW+LID}*

6   British coppers in compound caught rogue finally (5) PENCE {PEN}{C}{r..uE}

7   Bond interrupts criminals making agreements (8) CONCORDS {CON{CORD}S}

8   Bows and arrows at first removed from terribly rusty case (8) CURTSEYS {RUSTY+CaSE}*

9   Go nude in revel, cavorting after consuming cocaine in excess (14) OVERINDULGENCE {GO+NUDE+IN+REVEL+C}*

15 Hydrogen and nitrogen extracted essentially in a careful manner (9) HEEDFULLY {H}{nEEDFULLY}

16 Infernal leader of hoodlums restrained by chief, shot in the arm (8) CHTHONIC {CH}{T{Ho...s}ONIC}

17 Straightforward copper probing violent cartel (5-3) CLEAR-CUT {CLEAR{CU}T*}

19 Cotton fabric turning yellow, fraying at centre (6) DIMITY {TIMID<=}{fraYing}

20 Romped in Portugal with hot European lady (6) PLAYED {P}{E+LADY}*

22 Revolting scoundrel grabs son on base - it's shocking (5) TASER {RAT<=} over {S}{E}

Reference List

Master = M, Model = T, Republican = R, Institute = I, Union = U, Fellow = F, Ecstasy = E, About = A, Caught = C, Cocaine = C, Hydrogen = H, Nitrogen = N, Chief = CH, Portugal = P, European = E, Son = S, Base = E

No 14880, Monday 24 Aug 2026, Afterdark

Solution to 1A 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   Mediation about last daughter's two shares (11) A?B?T?A?I?N ()

7   Catch a policeman (3) COP [DD]

9   Belief of socialist lies in Cuba's offensive (5) CREDO {C}{RED}{O}

10 Say, extractor frequently upsets a soldier on a hill (9) SEPARATOR {upSEts}{PARA}{TOR}

11 Final offer to retain e-reader, perhaps son renews (9) REKINDLES {o..eR}{E}{KINDLE}{S}

12 Dismiss English judge at London area approached by leading tout (5) EJECT {E}{J}{EC}{Tout}

13 Upset after having tea at the auditorium with a delicacy (7) TRUFFLE {RUFFLE}{(~tea)T}

15 Test for old flame meeting a man... (4) EXAM {EX}{A}{M}

18 ...second one carrying a child for some measure (4) INCH {oNe}<=>{I} with {CH}

20 Veteran cycling to call a new date (3,4) OLD HAND {(-h)OLD(+h)H}{A}{N}{D}

23 Global tech company's program given to colleges essentially (5) APPLE {APP}{colLEges}

24 Any basis in short-changing old country? (9) ABYSSINIA {ANY+BASIS+In}*

26 Charlie's at our small joint holding bouquet's tip for dating (9) COURTSHIP {C}{OUR}{S}{HIP} over {b...eT}

27 Watts and Harris, both could be Omani (5) NAOMI*

28 Mock at the newspaper (3) RAG [DD]

29 Always sickly, Prema's last son's taken to specialist and laboratory at the outskirts  (11) PERMANENTLY {PREMA}*{soN}{ENT}{La...rY}

DOWN

1   A catholic clergy is faithful (8) ACCURATE {A}{C}{CURATE}

2   Escape from engagement; trapped spinster ultimately finds energy to take a risk at the end (5,3) BREAKOUT {B{s...eR}{E}{A}{risK}OUT} 

3   Spike is absent, in short a sham (5) THORN {iN+sHORT}*

4   Free sailors, essentially told to take vaccine at the borders (7) ABSOLVE {ABS}{tOLd}{Va...nE}

5   Limp ass escapes within a dead end (7) IMPASSE [T]

6   Hector insured, ma got covered with nanny (9) NURSEMAID* (Correction {INSURED}* over {MA} - See comments)

7   Say, editor is seen in a sailing vessel... (6) CUTTER [DD]

8   ... with good judge and sea robber (6) PIRATE {PI}{RATE}

14 Readily available gift, rep in hurry (9) FINGERTIP*

16 Protective clothing for artist in action shoot (8)  RAINCOAT {RA}{ACTION}*

17 I handle leaderless city to a state of being perfect (8) IDEALITY {I}{DEAL}{cITY}

19 Say, Bush's passion rubs on that woman (7) HEATHER {HEAT}{HER}

20 IMO, play should be reorganised at a plain in Greece (7) OLYMPIA*

21 Cavalryman's network primarily collects Euro to begin rehabilitation (6) LANCER {LAN}{Co...s}{E}{Re...n}

22 Jumped to the step of a ladder after a small gap ultimately (6) SPRUNG {RUNG}<=>{S}{gaP}

25 Meaning of feeling (5) SENSE [DD]

Reference List

Cuba = C, Offensive = O, Hill = TOR, Son = S, English = E, Judge = J, London area = EC, Old flame = EX, Man = M, Child = CH, New = N, Date = D, Charlie = C, Small = S, Catholic = C, Energy = E, Sailor = AB, Good = PI, Artist = RA, Euro = E

Special, Sunday 23 Aug 2026. K Koteswar Rao

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)

Grid will be updated with solutions after 8 PM.

Enjoy.

The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 70, Sunday 23 Aug 2026, Gussalufz

Three answers per commenter till 4 PM (Annotations Compulsory)

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

23-7 (4)

ACROSS

1   Makeshift hospital embraced by a physician (2,3) AD HOC {A}{D{H}OC}

4   One with crooked supporters, out eating some breakfast (3-6) BOW-LEGGED {BOWL{EGG}ED}

9   Study a large, grand, headless animal (7) ALGEBRA {A}{L}{G}{zEBRA}

10 Think exchanging bishop for rook is free? (7) RELIEVE (-b+r)RELIEVE

11 Kitchen area is secure (6) ISLAND {IS}{LAND}

12 Recommends inspiring retired teacher for those needing a guide (8) TOURISTS {TOU{SIR<=}TS}

14 Choke a potty (4) GAGA {GAG}{A}

15 Chief mischief-maker's cryptic grid? Learn about misdirections, essentially (10) RINGLEADER {GRID+LEARN}* over {m...rEc...s}

18 Small charges tend to soar while travelling (10) DETONATORS*

19 Charging device in vehicle died (4) CARD {CAR}{D}

22 Some schools provided retreats—quiet, distant monasteries, basically (4,4) FISH FARM {IF<=}{SH}{FAR}{Mo...s}

24 Tough series India lost for nought (6) STRONG STR(-i+o)ONG

26 One wished vacation in Gulag for vile person (1,3,3) A BAD EGG {A}{BADE}{GulaG}

27 Dignified mournful song abruptly cut off by pest (7) ELEGANT {ELEGy}{ANT}

28 Blasted constant tea breaks spoiled sport for viewer (9) SPECTATOR {C+TEA}* in {SPORT}*

29 About a facial feature somehow, IMO, lacking in enigmatic Mona Lisa (5) NASAL {moNA+LiSA}*

DOWN

1   Alibaba's ingenuity keeps humbling (7) ABASING [T]

2   Oh, sigh, flight has no openings; that creates stress (9) HIGHLIGHT {oH}{sIGH}{fLIGHT}

3   Conservative American houses prohibit cigars (6) CUBANS {C}{U{BAN}S} 

4   Swine stole last part of dinner (4) BOAR {BOA}{d...eR}

5   Hawks not cool with taking more time without starting attacks, ultimately (10) WARMONGERS {WARM}{lONGER}{a...kS}

6   Blew up grenade accidentally, after consuming a spot of liquor (8) ENLARGED {EN{Li...r}ARGED*}

7   Attendees rising regularly, sure enough (5) GOERS {SuRe+EnOuGh<=}

8   Doctor sees broken middle of arm with hospital assistant (7) DRESSER {DR}{SEES*}{aRm}

13 Entitlement of merriment without male interrupting—brilliant! (10) BIRTHRIGHT {B{mIRTH}RIGHT}

16 Oil and gas refining lines (9) DIAGONALS*

17 Roughly fifteen divided by hundred, basically (2,6) IN EFFECT {FIFTEEN}* over {C}

18 Satisfied all over with nibbles and licks (7) DEFEATS {FED<=}{EATS}

20 Like a country mostly computerised (7) DIGITAL {DIG}{ITALy}

21 Scattered news pieces involving evacuation in Thanjavur (6) STREWN {S{Th...uR}EWN*}

23 Special first-class room (5) SPACE {SP}{ACE}

25 University earnestly restrains student group (4) YEAR [T]

Reference List

Hospital = H, Large = L, Grand = G, Bishop = B, Rook = R, Died = D, Quiet = SH, India = I, Constant = C, Conservative = C, Male = M, Hundred = C, Special = SP

No 14879, Saturday 22 Aug 2026, Afterdark

 ACROSS
8 A rule introduced in eatery for getting a pitcher (6) CARAFE {C{A}{R}AFE}

9 Eater was supplied brine, perhaps (8) SEAWATER*
10 Shortly, issue will be all over head-office (4) SOON {SO{Office}N}
11 Relative's action is engaging; first song better in second part (10) STEPSISTER {STEP}{Song{IS}{betTER}
12 Confusion after he hid a last letter (4) HAZE {H{A}{Z}E}
13 Lot of kind people entering a street (10) ASSORTMENT {SORT}{MEN} in {A}{ST}
17 Kept time post noon to get gas (4) NEON {EON}<=>{N}
18 Stupid, caught robbing primarily, idiot (5) CRASS {C}{Robbing}{ASS}
19 Bowled in pitch to get lift, say (1-3) T-BAR {T{B}AR}

21 Wealthy global travellers seen with black dogs, say (3-7) JET-SETTERS {JET}{SETTERS}
23 Unusual file type extracted in the beginning (4) RARE {RAR}{Extracted}
24 Deal gone wrong in prison, branch siphoned 50% of device to hold lights (10) CANDELABRA {DEAL*}in {CAN}{BRAnch}

28 Bankrupt Penny gathering ducks to have dinner at the end (4) POOR {P}{O}{O}{dinneR}
29 Foolishly, use cell at the beginning of show if ignorant (8) CLUELESS {USE CELL*}{Show}
30 Outstanding person in York loses head, breaks college equipment at the entrance and runs (6) CORKER {yORK} in {College Equipment}+R

DOWN
1 Drunk sailor aboard, argues frequently leading to disruption (8) SABOTAGE {S{AB}OT}{ArGuEs}
2 Game's rule; point 10 is covering advantage essentially (4,6) LAWN TENNIS {LAW}{N}{TEN{advaNtage}{IS}
3 No charge included in removing parasite from pet, perhaps (7,3) PERSIAN CAT {NC} in {PARASITE*}

4 Lewis Lennox is detaining man, say (4) ISLE [T]
5 Girl tumbler loses cap (4) LASS {gLASS}
6 According to sources, many anarchists support seething crowd (4) MASS [Acrostic]
7 Humble democrat remains oddly away (6) DEMEAN {DEM}{rEmAiN}
14 Son managed to withdraw Euros and wire (5) SNARE {S}{RAN<}{E}
15 Opposition is surrounded by others, one apprehends alderman ultimately (10) RESISTANCE {RES{IS}T}{A{aldermaN}CE}
16 Say, racing to promoters, to redeem debenture ultimately and consolidate (10) MOTORSPORT {TO PROMOTeRS}*

20 Arrive hurriedly to take CO into protection, perhaps (3,5) AIR COVER {ARRIVE}* around {CO}
22 St. Helena blenders seized with warrant (6) ENABLE [T]
25 Sketched a water droplet right inside (4) DREW {D{R}EW}
26 Made up a story and ushered first person inside (4) LIED {L{I}ED}
27 Former president of America spotted in Belize (4) BUSH [DD] B(US)H see comments

REFERENCE LIST

Rule=R, Street=ST, Noon=N, Caught=C, Bowled=B, Penny=P, Runs=R, Sailor=AB, N o Charge=NC, Democrat=DEM, Son=S, Euros=E, One=Ace, Right=R, First Person=I.