Wednesday, July 15, 2009 (DT 25872)

This puzzle was originally published Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

It was a fairly easy puzzle today - so much so that, with the exception of one clue, I did not need to dig into my tool chest. However, once again, my perception of difficulty appears to be at odds with that of the Brits.

Today's Glossary

Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle

caryatid - Architecture a supporting pillar in the form of a draped female figure

strop - colloq. a bad temper

Today's Links

I found three questions on AnswerBank discussing today's puzzle. They (together with the clues to which they relate) are:

AnswerBank [DT 25872]-a: 17ac

AnswerBank [DT 25872]-b: 8d

AnswerBank [DT 25872]-c: 20ac

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 25872].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

20ac Diversions turning back creates rages (6)

The wordplay clearly suggested that the solution must be STROPS; however, as I had never encountered this meaning for the word, I could not be 100% sure it was correct until I had consulted a dictionary.

Having recently seen the movie Sweeney Todd, I can't help but think that there has to be an opportunity for an interesting clue involving him and the dual meanings of "strop".

8d Female pillar of support? (8)

This was the last clue to be solved and the only one that required that I dig into the tool chest. The Crossword Solver tool quickly showed me that there is only one possible solution based on the checking letters.

Signing off for today - Falcon