The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday No 19, Sunday 31 Aug 2025, Gussalufz

BOTH SIDES ARE SAME

ACROSS

1   Slippery slope for some Europeans (5) POLES*

4   Source of dehydration in Indian college slang (9) DESICCANT {DESI}{C}{CANT} 

9   Vehicle turns silent after dropping Gussalufz for a court thing (7) RACQUET {CAR<=}{QUiET}

10 Hide from the boring king (7) LEATHER {LEA{THE}R}

11 No drug for setter in opening ceremony? (14) GROUNDBREAKING {NO DRUG}* [RA]

12 Resort to A.I. for hint (4) IOTA*

13 "Husbanding" includes our sniffing, licking, eating? (9) SAVOURING {SAV{OUR}ING}

17 See Vera going around incorporating French and being one irritating woman (3,6) EVE TEASER {SEE+VERA}* over {ET}

19 Tipping crown to one side, emperor makes love (4) ZERO {NERO with N turned to get Z}

22 "Page Six" airs all debauched arrangements stars are often found in (6,8) SPIRAL GALAXIES*

25 Colourful singers of traditional pieces played regularly (7) ORIOLES {Of+tRadItiOnaL+piEceS}

26 Couple's biannual displays of a special love (7) LESBIAN [T]

27 Reject birds from Spooner's rotating skewers (9) TURNSPITS (spurn tits to turnspits)

28 Arc of smoke over Vatican City (5) CURVE {CUR{V}E}

DOWN

1   Manoeuvre through atmosphere of anger involving top under secretary (9) PARAGLIDE {RAG{LID}E}<=>{PA}

2   Luck too, engineered an escalation in labour dispute (7) LOCKOUT*

3   React to glare from queen when wearing, say, pride shirt (6) SQUINT {S{QU}IN}{T}

4   Rising youngster humbles record holders (9) DATABASES {A TAD}<=}{BASES}

5   Crack that's very large and very close to fuselage (5) SOLVE {SO}{L}{V}{f...gE}

6   Delineating a landmark's edges, touch up sketch (5,3) CHALK OUT {A}{La...rK} in {TOUCH<=}

7   African crash anticipated, to an extent (7) ASHANTI [T]

8   Stretch limits in torture room (4) TERM {To...rE}{RooM}

14 They can change bad parts via laser surgery (9) VARIABLES {B} in {VIA+LASER}*

15 Judgment from authorities implicating outsiders initially seen suspiciously (4,5) GOOD SENSE {GODS} over {Ou...s} with {SEEN}*

16 Sleeping bags of top quality abruptly snagging? Peculiar (8) BEDROLLS {BE{DROLL}St}

18 Unkempt, i.e., run-down houses with fewer inhabitants (7) EMPTIER [T]  

20 Current discharge reported in coach (7) EDIFIER (~eddy fire)

21 Analyse the speed of light; it's useful for measuring long distances (6) PARSEC {PARSE}{C}

23 Girl has one drink (5) LASSI {LASS}{1}

24 Egg with spoilage surrounding base (4) ROOT {RO{O}T}

Reference List

College = C, Indian = DESI, Slang = CANT, And in French = ET, Vatican city = V, Queen = QU, Shirt = T, Large = L, Very = V, Bad = B, Speed of light = C

No 14574, Wednesday 27 Aug 2025, Bruno

Rangoli by Gowri

Artwork by Prasanna

By Bhargav

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

6  Prosperous as salary is supplemented with fifty million (5) PALMY {PA{L}{M}Y}

7   Gangster's son bottles gangster's offensive poison (8) ALKALOID {AL}{K{AL}{O}ID}

10 Lane near river to wash pot while sailing's so ignored (7) TOWPATH {TO+WAsH+PoT}*

11 Setter with millions around globe with tax agency chasing.. that could be a set of stories (7) MEMOIRS {ME}{M}{O}{IRS}

12 Old queen of England, some say, eventually moved to ancient city (7) SEYMOUR {SOME+saY}*{UR}

13 Major heart transplant's going up (7) L?A?I?G (Addendum - LEAPING LEA(-d+p)PING - See comments) 

14 Failing defence overcome by bully.. Champion finally folding (7,4) CLOSING DOWN {C{LOSING}{D}OW}{c...oN}

19 Wanting $1000, joker ran circles regularly for glory (7) REJOICE {JOkER}*{cIrClEs}

21 Go-getter mounted horse with spur (7) TRIGGER {TRI{GG}ER}

23 Lying around, Polish queen's wearing India's version of 5D (7) BURQINI {RUB<=}{Q}{IN}I Last I from?

25 Survive in melting ice with material (7) ELASTIC {E{LAST}IC*}

26 Full-scale files arranged by Lizzie evenly (4-4) LIFE-SIZE {FILES}*{lIzZiE}

27 Mum left racks with brownies, perhaps (5) ELVES shELVES

DOWN

1   Technique to shoot bottoms in extremely sexy state (4,4) SLOW SYNC {Se{LOWS}xY}{NC}

2   Current producer of dairy goes on vacation to emerging middle eastern country (6) DYNAMO {DairY}{OMAN<=}

3   Rich girl's followed by knight in story - kind and protective (10) FATHERLIKE {FAT}{HER}{LI{K}E}

4   North Korean leader's recycling one kind of milk (4) SKIM {+s)SKIM(-'S}

5   Clothing item from orient stolen from motorcycle in India (6) BIKINI {BIKe}{IN}{I}

6   Chemical from common drug's like heroin (6) POTASH {POT}{AS}{H}

8   Problem of left bum's solved by a run (7) LUMBAGO {L}{BUM*}{A}{GO} 

9   Consumption of America over time... (5)  USAGE {US}{AGE}

13 ...found to be in lower intensity electronic device (5,5) LIGHT METER [C&DD]

15 Animal dies tripping over piece of iron with rust (7) OXIDISE {OX}{ID{Iron}SE*}

16 Cynical evangelist's sadly - often lost & isolated (8) NEGATIVE {EVANGElIsT}*

17 Bird good at brewing beer (5) GREBE {G}{BEER*}

18 Protective equipment giving support to professionals not accepted (6) BRACES {BRA}{aCES}

20 Dork at home jacket (6) JERKIN {JERK}{IN} 

22 One lost time in business for religious orders (6) IRADES {1}{tRADES}

24 Electronic assistant elevated to a Goddess (4) IRIS<=

Reference List

Fifty = L, Million = M, Gangster = AL(Capone), Offensive = O, Defence = D, $1000 = K, Horse = GG(GeeGee), Queen = Q, India = I, Mum = SH, Knight = K, Orient = E, Heroin = H, Left = L, Good = G, Accepted = A, Time = T

No 14547, Saturday 26 July 2025, Bruno

 ACROSS
6 Luxurious, soft, and green (5) PLUSH {P}{LUSH}
7 End of toe and limb caught in vehicle, that can travel fast (8) TELEGRAM {T{toE}{LEG}RAM}
10 June, Bill, and Leah partly come to English party (7) JUBILEE {JUne}{BIll}{LEah}{E}
11 Bar's subdued - one left for party (7) BANQUET {BAN}{QUiET}
12 Magazine featured John playing game (7) MAHJONG {MA{JOHN*}G}

13 Desiring model with a rear-end that's rounded (7) CRAVING {C{(+reaR-a}(+A-r)VING} CARVING with A and R interchanged 
14 Storm observed here & perhaps tracked - wee high, basically (7,4) WEATHER DECK {TRACKED WEE High}*

19 Arrogant, oppressing, evil, bad boy (7) VILLAIN {V{ILL}AIN}
21 America's universal friend.. at most times (7) USUALLY {US}{U}{ALLY}
23 Invoice number missing time causing protest (7) INVEIGH {INV}{EIGHt}
25 Note flying gull putting end of anchovy on victim (4,3) FALL GUY {FA}{GULL*}{anchovY} 
26 Inconvenient accommodation for Eastern queen trapped in 9D (8) STEERAGE {ST{E}{ER}AGE}
27 Unknown, operated by Unit, when reversed gives a kind of operator (5) UNARY {Y RAN U}<

DOWN
1 Part of play when mud's flung on boy, who's dancing (4,4) DUMB SHOW {MUD}*{B}{WHO'S}*
2 Avoiding AA, sot finally in allopathy treatment? That's kinda flaky... (6) PHYLLO {aLLOPatHY}*

3 Rest, perhaps - no good after that workout (10) STRENGTHEN {REST}*{NG}{THEN}
4 Hunk essentially lacking courage retreats (4) SLAB {BAlLS}<
5 California city's zoning lead outlaid every other stone (6) LAZULI {LA}{Zoning}{oUtLaId}

6 Jean often wears parents' nightwear (6) PAJAMA {PA{JeAn}MA}
8 Part of boat tips in under nautical waterline during storm (7) GUNWALE {G{Under}{Nautical}{Waterline}ALE}
9 Mount horse on end of saddle (5) STAGE {STAG}{saddlE}
13 Mark's merciful action in empty complex (10) CIRCUMFLEX {MERCIFUL}* in {CompleX}
15 Artist at Virginia sent back by immigration authorities - that's wrong (7) AVARICE {RA}{VA}< +{ICE}
16 Lightweight metalworking building went bust - was abandoned (8) KILOGRAM {MetALwORKInG}*
17 Egg-shaped ring with topless skirt (5) OVOID {O}{aVOID}
18 Limits of seismology, zoology, genealogy and heavenly alignment (6) SYZYGY {SeismologY}{ZoologY}{GenealogY}

20 The French... very discontented about sex and humour (6) LEVITY {LE}{V{IT}erY}
22 Sign of mutual exchanges? (6) UMLAUT*
24 Boss' part of the administration (4) HEAD [T]

Reference List

Soft=P, English=E, One=I, Magazine=Mag, America=US, Universal=U, Invoice=INV, Time=T, Eastern=E, Queen=ER, Unit=U, Boy=B, No Good=NG, Artist=RA, Virginia=VA, Ring=O, Sex=It.

No 14447, Tuesday 01 Apr 2025, Hypatia

Solution to 20D 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

7   Pass secured by end of semester's chosen to be remembered (11) RECOLLETED {COL} in {s...eR}{ELECTED}

8   Recipe tossing a bit of mango preserve in container (3) JAR JA(-m+r)R

10 Primarily cozy and friendly eatery! (4) CAFE Acrostic &lit

11 Wipe small baby cuddling close to mother (5) SCRUB {S}{C{m...eR}UB}

12 Sign in Gulf country using English instead of Arabic header (4) OMEN OM(-a+e)EN

13 Gutted transcripts containing old time messages (5) TEXTS {Tr...{EX}{T}..ts}

15 Remove dust from trifle (6,3) FILTER OUT {TRIFLE}* [RA]

16 Parched after cycling around historic waterway? (6) SEARED {RED}<=>{SEA}

18 Humble Mahatma's teachings chiefly inspired poems (6) MODEST {Ma...a}{Te...s} over {ODES}

21 Supporting one charged after second time for advancement (9) PROMOTION {PRO} with {ION}<=>{MO}{T}

23 Pose No. 1 in selfie amidst three articles (5) ASANA {A}{Se...e}{AN}{A}

25 Obligation needing unwavering strength, basically! (4) ONUS Acrostic &lit

26 Bad idea to join guru's final farewell (5) ADIEU {IDEA}*{gurU}

27 Avoid stay oddly lacking travel permit (4) VISA {aVoId+StAy}

28 Basic test with egg soup? (3) PHO {PH}{O} 

29 Spooner's key more expensive for retailer (11) STOREKEEPER (~core steeper to storekeeper)

DOWN

1   Asian seen going West with sweetheart, bored by friend (8) NEPALESE {SEEN<=}{swEet} over over {PAL}

2   Slimy mud over Elephant's head at animal park (4) OOZE {El...t}{ZOO}<=

3   What can be broken by two girls (5) GLASS {G}{LASS}

4   Criminal or cop is giving a sign (7) SCORPIO*

5   Switched vibrate on mobile - literally (8) VERBATIM {VIBRATE}*{M}

6   Some dog ate auntie's creamy cake (6) GATEAU [T]

9   Occasionally cook more and less for colleagues (8) COMRADES {CoOk+MoRe+AnD+lEsS}

14 Mauritius flourishes exporting posh dessert (8) TIRAMISU MAURITIuS*

17 Began rebelling around college and brings down (8) DETRACTS {STARTED<=} over {C}

19 Yeltsin is terrified about dark (8) SINISTER [T]

20 Partly concealed hole on Iyer's  blue underwear (7) ?O?I?R? (Addendum - HOSIERY {HOle}{IYERS*} - See comments)

22 Rich and mostly lively city (6) RANCHI {RICH+ANd}*

24 Starts to quit using after knees essentially tremble (5) QUAKE Acrostic

27 Contend with women's opinion (4) VIEW {VIE}{W}

Reference List

Pass = COL, Recipe = R, Small = S, English = E, Time = T, Second = MO, Basic test = Ph, Girl = G, LASS, Mobile = M, Posh = U, College = C, Women = W

No 14315, Saturday 26 Oct 2024, Hypatia

ACROSS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20 Second veto (6) REJECT [DD]

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

Reference List

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

No 14292, Saturday 28 Sep 2024, Gussalufz

ZERO HOURS

ACROSS

1   Police raids? They're no good (5) BUSTS {DD]

4   My boss is upset I concealed relationship (9) SYMBIOSIS {MY+BOSS+I}* over {I}

9   Rock formations signal river rose regularly (7) INLIERS {sIgNaL+rIvEr+RoSe}

10 Find concentration of energy after retiring, cutting sex (7) TITRATE {E}<=>{TART}{IT}<=

11 Weary about commercial? Rant (6) TIRADE {TIR{AD}E}

12 Extremely soupy egg, soft-boiled without solidifying at the core (8) FOGGIEST {EGG+SOFT}* over {s...dIf...g}

14 Mislead about smuggling? Very bad (4) EVIL {LI{V}E<=}

15 Suspended connection after processing partner's last weird gibe (4,6) WIRE BRIDGE {p...eR+WEIRD+GIBE}*

18 Clay lost, ultimately; mistakes: boxing casually at first, getting overtime (10) TERRACOTTA {losT}{ERRA{Ca...y}{OT}TA}

19 King overwhelmed by fool's questions (4) ASKS {AS{K}S}

22 Prince played court-court (8) PRECINCT {PRINCE}*{CT}

24 Never is Spooner's enemy within range (2,4) NO FEAR (~foe near to no fear)

26 Typically rowdy "USA! USA!" yellers, completely naked (2,5) AS USUAL {USA+USA}*{yelLers}

27 Base of steel bong, intricately recessed (7) IGNOBLE [T<=]

28 Reviewed "choose to fire hundred to survive" contract (9) TELESCOPE  {SELEcT<=}{COPE}

29 Origin of recession exposed by Pittsburgh Tribune (5) BIRTH [T<=]

DOWN

1   Overwhelming attack featuring a piece of naan, a bit of egg, and pancake (7) BLINTZE {BLIT{Naan}Z}{Egg}

2   Girl wrestling with purse is more extravagant (9) SPLURGIER* {GIRL+PURSE}*

3   Unscrupulous tea dynasty retains firm (6) STEADY [T[

4   OK, help me, love (2-2) SO-SO {SOS}{O}

5   Gussalufz's idea of short story: ten cows dancing (2,3,5) MY TWO CENTS {MYTh}{TEN+COWS}*

6   Logging essentially boring entries, absurdly pointless figures (8) INTEGERS {logGing} in [ENTRIES}*

7   Discrimination's rising in country (5) STATE (+s)STA(-s)TE

8   Staff canteen's opening in a month (about) (7) SCEPTRE {S{Ca...n}EPT}{RE}

13 Luxury car with new instrument for liqueur (10) LIMONCELLO {LIMO}{N}{CELLO}

16 Cut arms deals finally, surrounded by gloomy remnant of flames (9) DISMEMBER {DI{d..lS}M}{EMBER}

17 Tubby, I suppose, abruptly gets tired (8) FATIGUES {FAT}{I}{GUESs}

18 Moving means property gets hauled up, computer is packed (3-4) TIP-CART {TRAIT<=} over {PC}

20 Cry in sermon, quietly succumbing to consecration at heart (7) SCREECH S(-p+cr)CREECH

21 Socialise, no, amid leisure activity, scratching backside? (6) HOBNOB {HOB{NO}By}

23 Even fancy tequila lacks it, somehow (5) EQUAL tEQUiLA*

25 Backed release date (4) TIME<=

Reference List

Energy = E, Sex = IT, Commercial = AD, Very = V, King = K, Court = CT, Hundred = C, About = RE, New = N, Quietly = P

No 14289, Wednesday 25 Sep 2024, Hypatia

Solution to 22D 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   Party at sea means exotic destinations for surfers (6,5) DOMAIN NAMES {DO}{MAIN}{MEANS*}

8   Cross old boy returning to fight (3) BOX {X}{OB}<=

10 In Tbilisi, she regularly spotted this bird (4) IBIS {In+tiBilIsi+She}

11 Musical instrument in bar beside sweetheart (5) BANJO {BAN}{JO}

12 Express outlet (4) VENT [DD]

13 Poor daughter born earlier's close to family (5) NEEDY {D}<=>{NEE} and {f...lY}

15 His crew managed to save president and king in Titanic, perhaps (9) SHIPWRECK {HIS+CREW}* over {P} and {K}

16 Also ate most of friend's fruit (6) TOMATO {TO{MATe}O}

18 American rapper in boring viral image going round (6) EMINEM {IN} in {MEME}<=

21 Has a lucky shot in "Dynasty", say (9) CHALUKYAS*

23 List of blind experiments (5) INDEX [T]

25 Metal in bare razor gets hot before cutting, initially (4) ZINC {raZor}{IN}{Cu...g}

26 Brown aloo in pan (5) ROAST [DD]

27 Feel sorry after deserting short husband (4) PITY PIThY

28 Reserved question for women's school (3) SHY (-w+s)SHY

29 Systematic debugging? (4,7) PEST CONTROL [CD]

DOWN

1   Republican wearing silly boomers' hat (8) SOMBRERO {R} in {BOOMERS}*

2   Clarifications in websites for all queries, suggested primarily (4) FAQS Acrostic &lit

3   Handles set up in Lisbon kiosks (5) KNOBS <=

4   Lewd youth stripped in farm by end of day (7) RAUNCHY {RA{yoUth}NCH}{daY}

5   Dessert pastry with baked meringue and melon (5,3) LEMON PIE {PIE{<=>{MELON}* (Correction - {MELON}* [RA] - See comments)

6   Standing up, may leave with cold drink (6) COGNAC {CAN GO}{C}<=

9   Dislike states working to stifle India (8) AVERSION {AVERS}{I}{ON}

14 Heard Reverend guided clinician in stand-off (8) DEADLOCK (~led doc to deadlock)

17 Every now and then, Zoya Akhtar refers to some evergreen producers? (3,5) OAK TREES {zOyA+aKhTaR+rEfErS}

19 Once mostly elite, corrupt process of choosing leaders (8) ELECTION {ONCE+ELITe}*

20 Greeting gent from down South in high tea (7) NAMASTE {MAN<=}{A{S}TE*}

22 Stature of Hitler's leadership cut with authority (6) H?I?H? (Addendum - HEIGHT {Hi...r}{wEIGHT - See comments)

24 Attitude of that group cycling (5) ETHOS (+e)THOS(-e)

27 Stroke patients undergoing terrible trauma basically (4) PUTT Acrostic

Reference List

Party = DO, Old boy = OB, Sweetheart = JO, Daughter = D, born = NEE, President = P, King = K, Hot - IN, Husband = H, Women = W, School = S, Republican = R, Cold = C, India = I, South = S

No 14288, Tuesday 24 Sep 2024, Hypatia

Solution to 2D 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   Note vehicle outside backing out, flashy and cool (8) FABULOUS {FA}{BU{LOUd}S}

9   Alternate date was set (6) SEESAW {SEE}{WAS*}

10 Blue sedan turned close to driveway (4) RACY {CAR<=}{d...aY}

11 Rep booked in advance (10) PREORDERED {REP}* [RA]

12 Adept wife avoided large reptile (6) WIZARD {W}{lIZARD}

14 Excuse to act since oddly feeling very pleased (8) ECSTATIC {ExCuSe+To+AcTs+sInCe}

15 Ground soil to get more in rain shower? (13) METEOROLOGIST*

18 Permits cartographers (8) CHARTERS [DD]

20 Meal finally consumed at pub with hesitation (6) DINNER {c...eD}{INN}{ER}

21 Spoil article in game of strategy with small boats (10) CATAMARANS {CATA{MAR}{A}N{S}

22 Primarily, just occupations bringing salaries! (4) JOBS Acrostic &lit

23 Write chiefly about computer specialist (6) TECHIE [T]

24 A little lost in father’s struggle (8) FLOUNDER {F{Lost}OUNDER}

DOWN

1   Twenty cents picked up in the US, for example (8) PARADIGM {PARA}{(~ dime) DIGM} Anno not clear (Addendum (~ pair of dime)  See comments)

2   Loudly enter, say place for loading ships (4) ?U?Y ()

3   Lazy men in water, essentially swim around (6) TORPID {OR} in {waTer}{DIP<=}

4   Sees pros developing in Java (8) ESPRESSO*

5   King lost, never failing to share respect (10) VENERATION {NEVEr}*{RATION}

6   Old Indian mansion almost possessed by evil bats (6) HAVELI {HAd}{EVIL*}

8   Minimalist crew of workers with a forensic anthropologist? (8,5) SKELETON STAFF {SKELETON}{STAFF}

13 Results in pursuit of additional subject? (10) AFTERMATHS {AFTER}{MATHS}

16 Ran and chose to save time (8) OPERATED {OP{ERA}TED}

17 Shook by maiden wearing fancy red belt (8) TREMBLED {M} in {RED+BELT}*

19 Enjoy consuming ecstasy at new paradise (6) HEAVEN {H{E}AVE}{N}

20 Stop sedition holding up tyrant (6) DESPOT [<=]

22 Bad luck following Mahavira, for instance, dropping a cross (4) JINX {JaIN}{X}

Reference List

Note = FA, Date = SEE, Wife = W, Large = L, Small = S, Men = OR, King = R, Maiden = MEcstasy = E, New = N

No 14265, Wednesday 28 Aug 2024, Saral

Solution to 21D 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   Refuse to assume position? That's stupidity (7) DENSITY {DEN{SIT}Y}

8   Staff bringing back grain for animal (6) RABBIT {BAR<=}{BIT}

9   Abandon wasteland (6) DESERT [DD]

10 Record by one medic about plague, say (8) EPIDEMIC {EP}{1}{MEDIC*}

11 Loyalty, for example in partnership (10) ALLEGIANCE {ALL{EG}IANCE}

13 Carry short tribal emblem (4) TOTE TOTEm

14 From the beginning jokingly express sarcastic thoughts (4) JEST Acrostic Semi&lit

16 Times carrying insignificant post on social media (5) TWEET {T}{WEE}{T}

18 Browse online - mostly accurate and fine (4) SURF {SURe}{F}

19 Opening of competition without introduction (4) VENT eVENT

21 Shout following others against a union eatery (10) RESTAURANT {RANT}<=>{REST}{A}{U}

23 Engineer searches estates (8) BEQUESTS {BE}{QUESTS}

25 Guards covering royal courses (6) TRENDS {T{R}ENDS}

26 Zambians initially playing their instrument (6) ZITHER {Za...s}{THEIR*}

27 Government official in predicament over operations primarily (7) CORONER {COR{Op...s}NER}

DOWN

1   It's shocking. Corrupt enticed, trapped nationalist (8) INDECENT {I{N}DECENT*}

2   Firm headed by Indian director is coming up in region (8) DISTRICT {STRICT}<=>{{I}{D}<=

3   Often they opted for publicity (4) HYPE {tHeY+oPtEd}

4   Aspire crazily for compliment (6) PRAISE*

5   Missing dancing beats, tunes essentially (6) ABSENT {BEATS+tuNes}*

6   Disturbing letters from assassin is terrifying (8) SINISTER [T]

7   Settle daughter properly (5) DWELL {D}{WELL}

12 State presses demands (5) NEEDS (~kneads)

15 Critical examination of six geese is arranged (8) EXEGESIS*

17 Miscreants' property and gold seized at first (8) TRAITORS {TRAIT}{OR}{Se...d}

18 Doctors and force aboard ship (8) SURGEONS {S{URGE ON}S}

20 Tap with epee's tip to acknowledge hit in fencing (6) TOUCHE {TOUCH}{Epee} &lit

21 Saint taking time for turning prayer beads (6) R?S?R? (Addendum - ROSARY RO(-t+s)SARY - See comments)

22 Notice institute checking near the bottom (5) NADIR {N{AD}{I}R}

24 Take out a piece of nut from refreshment bag (4) SACK SnACK

Reference List

Record = EP(Extended Play), Time = T, Fine = F, Union = U, Engineer = BE, Royal = R, Nationalist = N, Indian = I, Director = D, Daughter = D, Ship =SS, Notice = AD, Institute = I, Saint = S, Near = NR

No 14176, Thursday 16 May 2024, Crescent

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

8   Old chaps come again to some empty resort (8) RECOURSE {REC{O}UR}{SomE}

9   Man facing a fellow in direct confrontation (4-2) HEAD-ON {HE}{A}{DON}

10 A cover, like over fruit (6) SAPOTA {A}{TOP}{AS}<=

11 Monk Penang discharged as fake in Malaysian villages (8) KAMPONGS {MONK+Pe..nG+AS}*

12 Contact lines for every minister (8) ?R?A?H?R ()Addendum - PREACHER {P{REACH}ER} - See comments)

14 Selection of exotic liqueurs for exclusive group (6) CLIQUE [T]

15 Police vault contains case of narcotics and drugs taken during seizures (15) ANTICONVULSANTS {VAULT+CONTAINS+Na...cS}*

18 Stop moving decorative wall panel in delivery (6) FREEZE (~frieze)

20 Mowing is extremely critical having made a change to yard (8) SCYTHING SC(-a+y)YTHING

22 A new leg, map out strategy (4,4) GAME PLAN {A+N+LEG+MAP}*

24 Boldly face animal edging back to rear (6) BREAST {B{reaR}EAST}

25 Liberal habits America leads in without exception (6) ALWAYS {L}{WAYS}<=>{A}

26 Cobblers earlier spreading rounded piece of leather over foot (8) FOLDEROL  {OLDER}{O}{Le...r}<=>{F}

DOWN

1   Remedy concerning couple (6) REPAIR {RE}{PAIR}

2   High temperature apart, toxic atop volcano (8) COTOPAXI {tOXIC+ATOP}*

3   Explosion covering another, see crackers go (7,4,4) BREATHE ONES LAST {BLAST} over {ANOTHER+SEE}*

4   Jolt for dolt (4) JERK [DD]

5   As I say, my small choices lead to big bucks (8,7)  CHEMICAL SYMBOLS {MY+SMALL+CHOICES+Big}*

6   Spiritual enlightenment I register with sun rising (6) SATORI {I}{ROTA}{S}<=

7   Special gift to satisfy past wish (4,4) LONG SUIT {SUIT}<=>{LONG}

13 With son in tow, cycling across ranges (5) ROVES {S}<=>{(+r)ROVE(-r)}

16 Pick of Nizam's flanks to join forces for the most part (8) NORMALLY {(nizam)N OR M}{ALLY}

17 The least modelled jocks (8) ATHLETES*

19 Always embodying Juliet, a bird (6) EVEJAR {EVE{J}{A}R}

21 Wise old man in fine story (6) NESTOR [T]

23 Inferior nut twisted with force (4) NAFF {FAN<=}{F}

Reference List

Old = O, Fellow = DON, Yard = Y, New = N, Liberal = L, America = A, Foot = F, Concerning = RE, Temperature = T, Sun = S, Son = S, Juliet = J, Force = F

No 14162, Tuesday 30 Apr 2024, Avtaar

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

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

ACROSS

1   Stunned by Queen's single (6) NUMBER {NUMB}{ER}

4   Coach and I capably overcome disability (8) HANDICAP [T]

9   Murderer's introduction in suspense film (6) SLAYER {Su...e}{LAYER}

10 They are extremely frugal, singular characters around the banks of Amazon (8) SPARTANS {S}{PART{Am..oN}S}

11 Balanced diet? (4,10) HUNG PARLIAMENT [CD]

13 Old poem featuring exhausted parlour maid dropping off regularly, is excessively stretched (10) OVERSPREAD {O}{VERS{Pa...oR}E}{mAiD}

14 One of five in a litter of horses, discovered (4) ?U?N (Addendum - QUIN eQUINe - See comments)

16 Mountain spewing Uranium chokes island nation (4) FIJI {FuJI} over {I}

18 Group of relatives fly Emirates mostly, when travelling (6,4) FAMILY TREE {FLY+EMIRATEs}* 

21 Recorded delivery by agitated deer after tigers dispersed near camp (10,4) REGISTERED POST {DEER*}<=>{TIGERS*} and {POST}

23 Flyers making short trips from half a dozen courtyards on the return journey (3,5) AIR TAXIS {SIX}{ATRIA}<=

24 Absorbing cricket match - openers from Zimbabwe, African champions, belt high above (6) ZODIAC {Zi...e}{ODI}{Af...n}{Ch...s}

25 Scenes from Sci-Fi movie inspired by cheats (8) SETTINGS {S{ET}TINGS}

26 Empty wagon haunted by very troubled monster (6) WYVERN {Wag{VERY*}oN}

DOWN

1   Staff skipping college for noon meal (4) NOSH (-c+n)NOSH

2   Guarantee by Avtaar - not small amount (7) MEASURE {ASsURE}<=>{ME}

3   Stir fresh greens with bits of Indian eggplant (8) ENERGISE {GREENS+In...n+Eg...t}*

5   Name every local heading out, carrying protective gear (11) APPELLATIVE {nA{PELLA}TIVE} Anno pending (Addendum - {ALL}{nATIVE} over {PPE} - See comments)

6   Rear entrance to access Lord's ground (6) DORSAL {Ac..s+LORDS}*

7   Gas and water for the French manor (7) CHATEAU {CHAT}{EAU}

8   Was, perhaps, father nervous about street being evacuated? (4,5) PAST TENSE {PA}{TENSE} over {St..eT}

12 Exposing edges, bird, say, is placing shoots one over the other (3,8) AIR LAYERING {AIR{LAYER}ING}

13 Baker's deliveries (3-6) OFF-BREAKS {BAKERS}* [RA]

15 Extremely scratchy mandolin at the start affected musical performance (8) SYMPHONY {Sc...hY}{Ma...n}{PHONY}

17 Judge got upset with corrupt routine (3,4)  JOG TROT {J}{GOT*}{ROT}

19 Do Pranayama on top of church (7) RESPIRE {RE}{SPIRE}

20 Demand by revolutionary group to return soldier in East Africa (6) ASKARI {ASK}{IRA<=}

22 Saint John's study (4) SCAN {S}{CAN}

Reference List

Queen = ER, Singular = S, Old = O, Island = I, Cricket match = ODI, Sci-Fi movie = ET, College = C, Noon = N, Small = S, Protective gear = PPE, Judge = J, On = RE, Saint = S, John = CAN