No 14722, Friday 20 Feb 2026, VMA Nair

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   Poke around old parlour (6) LOUNGE {L{O}UNGE}

4   General manager finally arranged photographic equipment (8) ENLARGER {GENERAL+m...eR}*

My father's enlarger

9   Head of inventory in Somalia enthralled by lively merger (6) FUSION {S{In...y}O} in {FUN}

10 Arab chaps present at the back (8) REARWARD {RE{AR}WARD}

12 Your old guards about to acknowledge a funeral song (8) THRENODY {TH{RE}{NOD}Y}

13 Cry over one boring North American country (6) BOSNIA {SOB<=}{N{1}A}

15 Forged math degree to get tasks regularly and to succeed (4,3,5) MAKE THE GRADE {MATH+DEGREE}* over {tAsKs}

18 Better tell salesman at the entrance casually to pack a furniture item (7,5) TRESTLE TABLE {BETTER+TELL+Sa...n}* over {A}

21 Core of Putin's ideologies (6) INSIDE [T]

22 Worker dumping good, bulkier clothes behind old undergarments primarily (8) LABOURER {LARgER} over {Be...d}{Old}{Un...s}

24 Way to receive grant for gambling game (8) ROULETTE {ROU{LET}TE}

25 Sister collecting money for organized protests (3-3) SIT-INS {SI{TIN}S}

26 Black coffers kept inside vault (8) DARKSOME {D{ARKS}OME}

27 Country essentially secured borders of Ghana (6) UGANDA {secUred}{G and A from GhanA}

DOWN

1   Duration of English film E.T. varies outside India (8) LIFETIME {E+FILM+ET}* over {I}

2   Unusual posture limiting king's movement towards top (8) UPSTROKE {UPSTRO{K}E*}

3   Dangerous, stoned criminal showing friendliness (4-11) GOOD-NATUREDNESS*

5   Christmas story unsettling Vatican City (4) NOEL NOvEL 

6   Company owned by Indian origin techies initially developed system for controlling the temperature (3-12) AIR-CONDITIONING {CO} in {INDIAN+ORIGIN+Te...s}*

7   Old woman from Gabon controlled New York (6) GRANNY {G}{RAN}{NY}

8   Detective Inspector taps official phone again (6) REDIAL {RE{DI}AL}

11 Unlucky day to open state park? Not quite (7) ADVERSE {A{D}VER}SEt}

14 Navy mainly taking tips from lawmakers on amount a person can carry (7) ARMLOAD {ARM{La...s}{On}ADa}

16 Seaman given unopened parcel for cancellation (8) ABORTION {AB}{pORTION}

17 Harry Kane to entertain supporters in US state (8) NEBRASKA {NE{BRAS}KA*}

19 Couple on board ultimately having a series of rows (6) TIERED {TIE}{RE}{b..rD}

20 Publisher lives with petitioner (6) ISSUER {IS}{SUER}

23 Spot a male cat (4) ATOM {A}{TOM}

Reference List

Old = O, Arab = AR, About = RE, Good = G, Money = TIN, English = E, India = I, King = K, Vatican City = V, Detective Inspector = DI, Day = D, Seaman = AB, Supporters = BRAS, On = RE

No 14693, Saturday 17 Jan 2026, VMA Nair

ACROSS

1   Employee breaks case of salty drink made of beer and lemonade (6) SHANDY {Sal{HAND}tY}

4   Attendant's husband and new child introduced to retired celebrity (8) HENCHMAN {H} and {N}{CH} in {NAME<=}

9   South-eastern state backing small organizations (6) SETUPS {SE}{PUT<=}{S}

10 Suspend professional villain (8) PROROGUE {PRO}{ROGUE}

12 Complain to Saint John about arrangements between automobile owners (3,5) CAR POOLS {CARP} with {S}{LOO}<=

13 Ancestral home bordered by grassland close to capital (6) LINEAL {L{IN}EA}{c...aL}

15 Cafe owner and others retrospectively regret limiting quality time (12) RESTAURATEUR {REST}{RUE<=} over  {AURA}{T}

18 Delivery director is selflessly training kid inside (12) DISTRIBUTION {D}{IS}{T{RIB}UiTION}

21 Grab a brood of chickens (6) CLUTCH [DD]

22 City girl gave faulty plugs (3,5) LAS VEGAS {LAS{GAVE*}S}

24 After an exclamation of disbelief, setter cracks exam in class (8) TUTORIAL {TUT}{OR{I}AL}

25 Some famous Tanzanian verse (6) STANZA [T]

26 Old post office gets positive publicity (8) EXPOSURE {EX}{PO}{SURE}

27 Covered vacant Vietnamese food shop counter (6) VEILED {Vi...sE}{DELI<=}

DOWN

1   Part of window crashed so badly after striking base (4,4) SASH CORD {CRASHeD+SO}*

2   Spymaster is knowingly concealing star shaped mark (8) ASTERISK [T]

3   Trump ultimately sharing funny old comic strip featuring American embassy staff (10,5) DIPLOMATIC  CORPS {t..mP} in {OLD+COMIC+STRIP}* over {A}

5   Make betatron regularly (4) EARN bEtAtRoN

6   Personal account? (10,5) CURRICULUM VITAE [CD]

7   Lure Mossad's top agent somehow (6) MAGNET {Mo...d}{AGENT}*

8   Want endless support for pointer (6) NEEDLE {NEED}{LEg}

11 Plainness of Tripoli, for example, overwhelming Libya (7) CLARITY {C{LAR}ITY}

14 Just fasten hinges around this almost entirely (7) ETHICAL {LACE}<= over {THIs}

16 Cross second round target without trace of nervousness (8) DIAGONAL {AID<=}{GO{Ne...s}AL}

17 Aunt's kid excitedly leaving university after getting a little narrow tray for holding pens (8) INKSTAND {AuNTS+KID}* over {Na...w}

19 Tool for cutting piece of some extremely costly article (6) SCYTHE {Some}{Co..lY}{THE}

20 Brawl in elevated place near subway (4-2) BUST-UP {PUT}{SUB}<=

23 Reasonable price, so it's said (4) FAIR (~fare)

Reference List

Husband = H, New = N, Child = CH, Small = S, Saint = S, John = LOO, Time = T, Director = D, Base = E, American = A, University = U

No 14693, Saturday 17 Jan 2026, VMA Nair

 ACROSS
1 Employee breaks case of salty drink made of beer and lemonade (6) SHANDY {HAND} in {SaltY}

4 Attendant's husband and new child introduced to retired celebrity (8) HENCHMAN {H}{E{N}{CH}MAN<}
9 South-eastern state backing small organizations (6) SETUPS {SE}{PUT<}{S}
10 Suspend professional villain (8) PROROGUE {PRO}{ROGUE}
12 Complain to Saint John about arrangements between automobile owners (3,5) CAR POOLS {CARP}{S LOO<}
13 Ancestral home bordered by grassland close to capital (6) LINEAL {L{IN}EA}{capitaL}
15 Cafe owner and others retrospectively regret limiting quality time (12) RESTAURATEUR {REST}{RUE<} over {AURA +T}
18 Delivery director is selflessly training kid inside (12) DISTRIBUTION {D}{IS}{T{RIB}UiTION}
21 Grab// a brood of chickens (6) CLUTCH [DD]
22 City girl gave faulty plugs (3,5) LAS VEGAS {LASS} around {GAVE}*

24 After an exclamation of disbelief, setter cracks exam in class (8) TUTORIAL {TUT}{OR{I}AL}
25 Some famous Tanzanian verse (6) STANZA [T]

26 Old post office gets positive publicity (8) EXPOSURE {EX}{PO}{SURE}
27 Covered vacant Vietnamese food shop counter (6) VEILED {VietnamesE}{DELI<}

DOWN
1 Part of window crashed so badly after striking base (4,4) SASH CORD {CRASHeD SO}*
2 Spymaster is knowingly concealing star shaped mark (8) ASTERISK [T]
3 Trump ultimately sharing funny old comic strip featuring American embassy staff (10,5) DIPLOMATIC CORPS {trumP} inside {OLD COMIC STRIP}* around {A}
5 Make betatron regularly (4) EARN {bEtAtRoN}
6 Personal account? (10,5)   CURRICULUM VITAE [CD]
7 Lure Mossad's top agent somehow (6) MAGNET {Mossad}{AGENT}*
8 Want endless support for pointer (6) NEEDLE {NEED}{LEg}
11 Plainness of Tripoli, for example, overwhelming Libya (7) CLARITY {C}{LAR}ITY} LAR=Libyan Arab Republic
14 Just fasten hinges around this almost entirely (7) ETHICAL {LACE<} around {THIs}
16 Cross second round target without trace of nervousness (8) DIAGONAL {AID<}{GO{Nervousness}AL}
17 Aunt's kid excitedly leaving university after getting a little narrow tray for holding pens (8) INKSTAND {AuNT'S KID}* around {Narrow}

19 Tool for cutting piece of some extremely costly article (6) SCYTHE {Some}{CostlY}{THE}

20 Brawl in elevated place near subway (4-2) BUST-UP {PUT}{SUB}<
23 Reasonable price, so it's said (4) FAIR {~FARE}

REFERENCE LIST

Husband=H, New=N, Child=Ch, South=S, Eastern=E, Small=S, Professional=Pro, Saint=S, Time=T, Director=D, Self=I, Setter=I, Post Office=PO, Base=e, American=A, University=U

No 14579, Wednesday 03 Sep 2025, VMA Nair

Solution to 1D 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   Doctor and lecturer visiting a filthy place chiefly (6) MOSTLY {MO}{ST{L}Y}

4   Research facility backs right kind of boot (8) BALMORAL {LAB<=}{MORAL}

9   Case of Avion tequila initially stored in nightclub (6) DATIVE {D{Av..n}{Te...a}IVE}

10 King Edward wears black ties and leather flaps (8) BLINKERS {B}{LINK{ER}S}

12 Able to walk in the morning with a blunt ruffian (8) AMBULANT {AM}{A+BLUNT}*

13 Rush in ward and emergency room (6) CAREER {CARE}{ER}

15 Hector is excitedly drinking gin in part of theatre where musicians sit (9,3) ORCHESTRA PIT {HECTOR+IS}* over {TRAP}

18 Characteristic of unusually icy roads in Seychelles (12) IDIOSYNCRASY {ICY+ROADS+IN}*{SY}

21 Make mysterious object to control company executives at entrance (6) ENCODE {EN{CO}D}{Ex...s}

22 Part of fruit is originally eaten by a fish (8) PERICARP  {Is} in {PER}{CARP}

24 I love to cook stew avoiding second-class cooking ingredient (5,3) OLIVE OIL {I+LOVE}*{bOIL}

25 Roman Catholic traditions primarily broken by priest and widow once (6) RELICT {R{ELI}C}{Tr...s} Can one be a widow twice?

26 Charlie, I am developing unique piece of clothing that women wear (8) CAMISOLE {C}{I+AM}*{SOLE}

27 Restless opener for Tasmania cutting a piece of cake after end of play (6) YEASTY {EAS{Ta...a}Y}<=>{plaY}

DOWN

1   Judge found soldiers restricting service from the south (8) M?D?A?O? (Addendum - MEDIATOR {ME{AID<=}T}{OR}

2   Terribly sick bat devours a piece of strawberry and relaxes (4,4) SITS BACK {SICK+BAT}* over {St...y}

3   Cool leader of Latvia badly needed a vessel to tour Hungary (5-10) LEVEL-HEADEDNESS {La...a}{NEEDED+A+VESSEL}* over {H}

5   Get rid of large parts in shaft (4) AXLE {AX{L}E}

6   New chairman needs to grasp popular language (8,7) MANDARIN CHINESE {CHAIRMAN+NEEDS}* over {IN}

7   Guide seizes ecstasy and marijuana cigarette (6) REEFER {RE{E}FER}

8   Temptation to arrest saint for fame (6) LUSTRE {LU{ST}RE}

11 Ointment business needing no introduction (7) UNCTION fUNCTION

14 Mineral deposit coming up behind courtyard (7) BARYTES {SET<=}<=>{BAR}{Y}

16 Fancies a centre for night shifts outside (8) VAGARIES {V{A}{niGht}ARIES}

17 Understanding extremely scary marks on road close to highway (8) SYMPATHY {ScarY}{M}{PATH}{h...aY}

19 Bold, hot and sexy with no hint of timidity (6) HEROIC {H}{EROtIC}

20 Heads of state could have influenced social media division (6) SCHISM Acrostic

23 Use lira instead of krone and pound (4) MILL MIL(-k+l)L

Reference List

Lecturer = L, Nightclub = DIVE, Black = B, King Edward = ER, Emergency Room = ER, Second-class = B, Roman Catholic = RC, Charlie = C, Soldiers = OR, Large = L, Popular = IN, Saint = ST, Court = BAR, Yard = Y, Marks = M, Hot = H, Lira = L, Krone = K

No 14543, Tuesday 22 Jul 2025, VMA Nair

Solution to 11D 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   A daybreak at sea (6) ADRIFT {A}{D}{RIFT}

4  An expert at calculation, say, interrupts a very promising person (8) COMPUTER {COM{PUT}ER}

9   Worthless experiment by China (6) PALTRY {TRY}<=>{PAL}

10 Brilliant student about to crack exam for a program on small screen (8) TELECAST {ACE}{L}<= in {TEST}

12 Arabian authorities primarily plan to detain a person from ancient Syria (8) ARAMAEAN {AR}{Au...s}{M{A}EAN}

13 Compound having same formula as another is more complex (6) ISOMER* 

15 Troll daughter trapped in shelter without a bit of compassion for own failure to recognise reality (4-8) SELF-DELUSION {ELF}{D} in {SEcLUSION}

18 Menopause file? (6,2,4) CHANGE OF LIFE {FILE}* [RA]

21 Fellow leaving recreation ground around noon to relax (6) UNBEND {fUN}{BE{N}D}

22 Resembling glass from Soviet Union, perhaps, containing borax essentially (8) VITREOUS {SOVIET+U}* over {boRax}

24 Master's vocal about suggestion of importing alcoholic drink (8) ORIGINAL {OR{Im...g}{GIN}AL}

25 Colour of trendy work outfit, basically (6) INDIGO {IN}{DIG}{Ou...t}

26 University at last promoted a little regionalism in language for an exceptional intellectual (8) UBERGEEK {U}{BE}{(+r)RG(-r)EEK}

27 Welsh soldiers rejected ecstasy and dope (6) RENEGE {RE} and {E}{GEN}<=

DOWN

1   Develop computer program before survey (8) APPRAISE {RAISE}<=>{APP}

2   After retirement, disheartened senior keeps bond in safe (8) RELIABLE {ELd{BAIL}ER}<=

3   Progressive female soldiers charge at weak ruler (7-8) FORWARD-THINKING {F}{OR}{WARD}{THIN}{KING}

5   Submit our business expenses yearly for starters (4) OBEY Acrostic

6   Harry prefers scene featuring dupe for meeting with reporters (5,10) PRESS CONFERENCE {PREFERS+SCENE}* over {CON}

7   Agony aunt runs away, avoiding national media on vacation (6) TRAUMA {AUnT+R}*{MediA}

8   Crash outside junction close to busy traffic circle (6) ROTARY {RO{T}AR}{busY}

11 Business consultant originally spent 1000 dollars (7) ?A?L?N? (Addendum - CALLING {Co...t}{ALL IN}{G} - See comments)

14 A beautiful woman ultimately becomes convent's latest nun (7) ASCETIC {A}{SCE(-n+t)TIC}

16 Prepared notice describing popular substance found in tobacco (8) NICOTINE {NICOT{IN}E*}

17 Get some new fancy jewel (8) GEMSTONE {GET+SOME+N}*

19 Couple of countries turned up to host event for number puzzle (6) SUDOKU {UK}{US}<= over {DO}

20 Force Rob right away to misrepresent government shares (6) OBLIGE {rOB}{LI{G}E}

23 Video of some patient from the south (4) TAPE [T<=] 

Reference List

Day = D, China = PAL(Rhyming slang), Student = L, Arabian = AR, Daughter = D, Fellow = F, Noon = N, Union = U, Trendy = IN, University = U, Last = BE, Soldiers = RE(Royal Engineers), Ecstasy = E, Dope = GEN, Female = F, Soldiers = OR, Runs = R, National = N, Junction = T, 1000 dollars = G, Popular = IN, New = N, Event = DO, Right = R, Government = G

No 14524, Monday 30 Jun 2025, VMA Nair

Solution to 17D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance. 

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

ACROSS

1   It might bring rain near Indian military base until summer, primarily (6) NIMBUS Acrostic

4   One's permitted to fabricate new watch without crown to begin with (8) LICENSEE {LIE}{N}{SEE} over {Cr..n}

9   Community hospital adjoining city (6) PARISH {H}<=>{PARIS}

10 Shopkeeper aspired to tour Roman Catholic Church at last (8) MERCHANT {ME{RC}{c...cH}ANT}

12 Player from Spain excitedly accompanying them for the most part (8) THESPIAN {SPAIN}*<=>{THEm}

13 Recovery of posh platinum vase (6) UPTURN {U}{PT}{URN}

15 A lot of smart newlyweds having sex in lounges (7,5) SITTING ROOMS {STINg}{GROOMS} over {IT}

18 On vacation, healthy chaps rebuilding local hotel compound (5,7) ETHYL ALCOHOL {He...hY} in {LOCAL+HOTEL}*

21 Setter starts to disclose information to company doctor (6) MEDICO {ME}{Di...e}{In...n}{CO}

22 Rerelease unclear changes before end of Month (8) RELAUNCH {UNCLEAR}*{m..tH}

24 Flying from Austria through South Africa, say, avoiding borders of Namibia (8) AVIATION {A}{VIA}{naTION}

25 Element of hydrogen extracted from compound of helium and iodine (6) MILIEU {hELIUM+I}*

26 Italian soldier wearing dirty pants in tension (8) RIGIDITY {R{I}{GI}DITY*}

27 Dirty husband backing recurrent violations without a bit of embarrassment (6) SMIRCH {H}<=>{CRIMeS<=}

DOWN

1   Retired employees retaining position at work and jobs for the boys (8) NEPOTISM {M{SIT}{OP}EN}<=

2   Musical ornaments of modern times lacking essence, sadly (8) MORDENTS {MODERN+TimeS}*

3   Innocent lives overwhelmed by pathetic sound, perhaps (15) UNSOPHISTICATED {IS} in {PATHETIC+SOUND}*

5   Suggestion - avoid eating sandwiches (4) IDEA [T]

6   President ultimately dismissed active impeachment cases? That's a defence strategy (6,9) ESCAPE MECHANISM {IMPEACHMENt+CASES}*

7   Excellent pals? (4-2) SLAP-UP [PALS}* [RA] (Correction - PALS<= )

8  Remaining measuring instrument needs a little servicing (6) EXTANT sEXTANT

11 Planet inhabited by colourful spotted cats (7) MARGAYS {MAR{GAY}S}

14 Organiser welcoming Bob's widow (7) DOWAGER {DO{WAG}ER}

16 Banker taking check for five-dollar bill? That's more dangerous (8) CHANCIER (-fin+ch)CHANCIER

17 Lecturer abruptly concluded after a while (8) ?L?H?U?H (Addendum - ALTHOUGH {L}{THOUGHt}<=>{A} - See comments)

19 Reduce troublemaker's voice (6) IMPAIR {IMP}{AIR}

20 Moving slowly, say, transporting diamonds to current capital of Germany (6) EDGING {E{D}G}{IN}{Ge...y}

23 Pack fish after removing head (4) ROUT tROUT

Reference List

New = N, Hospital = H, Roman Catholic = RC, Posh = U, Sex = IT, Austria = A, Italian = I, Soldier = GI, Husband = H, Check = CH, Lecturer = L, Diamonds = D

No 14501, Tuesday 03 Jun 2025, VMA Nair

Welcome to our new THC setter. Bouquets and brickbats welcome.

Solution to 17D has been deliberately left unsolved and is to be answered only by a non-regular / novice commenter, with proper annotation. Those who have answered earlier in the week, please give others a chance. 

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

ACROSS

1   Reason to leave India for Spain after retirement? End of democracy is not far away (6) NEARBY {BRA(-i+e)EN<=}{d...cY}

4   Kids needing meal, primarily, to break resistance against key mineral (4,4) ROCK SALT {(-m)OCKS} in {R}{ALT}

9   Terribly sorry about a series of prayers (6) ROSARY {SORRY}* over {A}

10 Stalk daughter and mother's brother after exercise (8) PEDUNCLE {D}{UNCLE}<=>{PE}

12 Landed in Ghana, welcomed by a drunk editor (8) ALIGHTED {A}{LI{GH}T}{ED}

13 Housemaid in southern Kentucky receives intravenous antiviral, essentially (6) SKIVVY {S}{K{IV}{a..iVi..l}

15 Look, a dress inappropriately worn by honest employee of insurance company (4,8) LOSS ADJUSTER {LO}{A+DRESS}* over {JUST}

18 Almost obvious kid misses small binoculars used in theatres (5,7) OPERA GLASSES {OPEn}{RAG}{LASSES}

21 Permission to move Armstrong to front line for public exam (1,5) A LEVEL {(+a)LE(-a)VE}{L}

22 Say stupid lies about chaps very noisily at first for a small amount (8) SMIDGEON {EG+DIM<=} in {SO}{No...y}

24 Give permission to block road for gambling game (8) ROULETTE {ROU{LET}TE}

25 Sacrifice from vicar Timothy (6) VICTIM {VIC}{TIM}

26 Kid heartlessly pounding rotating object - object found in a laboratory (4,4) TEST TUBE {TEaSE} over {BUTT<=}

27 Proposal to hire experienced staff in schools for starters (6) THESIS Acrostic

DOWN

1   Agree to spend 500 million in March as usual (8) NORMALLY {NOd}{R{M}ALLY}

2   Coordinate basic works before Charlie returns (8) ABSCISSA {BASIC}*{ASS<=}

3   Brad Pitt heartily accepts Henry's unusual annual gift (8,7) BIRTHDAY PRESENT {BRAD+PITT+accEpts+HENRYS}*

5   Extra fan has no regulator at the centre (4) OVER lOVER

6   Punch, hit and kick uncle's wife hard (7,8) KNUCKLE SANDWICH {AND+KICK+UNCLES+W+H}*

7   Vocal about closure of storage compartment (6) ALCOVE {VOCAL}*{s...gE}

8   Technique for colouring garment (type of shirt) that is long, say (3-3) TIE-DYE {T}{IE}{(~die)DYE}

11 False statement given by judge in a frenzy, having no lead (7) PERJURY {PER}{J}{fURY}

14 I may go bonkers over suggestion of sex as a method of reproduction (7) ISOGAMY {I+MAY+GO}* over {Sex}

16 Mineral of arsenic - finest and very large (8) ASBESTOS {AS}{BEST}{OS}

17 Main problems affecting banks? (8) ?S?N?M?S (Addendum - TSUNAMIS [CD] - See comments)

19 Doctor Rachael rejected some reward (6) CARROT [T<=]

20 Withdrawing small deposits to tackle European organisations (6) SETUPS {S}{PUT{E}S}<=

23 End portion of glass tube (4) STUB [T]

Reference List

India = I, Spain = E, Resistance = R, Key = ALT, Daughter = D, Exercise = PE, Editor = ED, Southern = S, Intravenous = IV, Look = LO, Armstrong = A, Very = SO, 500 = D, Million = M, Wife = W, Hard = H, Type of shirt = T, Judge = J, Arsenic = AS, Very large = OS, Small = S, European = E