Wednesday, September 23, 2009 (DT 25925)

This puzzle was originally published Monday, May 11, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

I found today's puzzle to be slightly more difficult than yesterday's - which once again puts me at odds with the Brits. While it took me considerably longer to complete today's puzzle, I was able to solve all but one clue unaided. The length of time required to finish the puzzle was increased by having two incorrect entries which remained undiscovered for quite some time.

Today's Glossary

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

gin - Brit. trap (entry 2, defn. 1)

gong - Brit. medal (defn. 2)

lido - Brit. (1) a fashionable beach resort; or (2) a public open-air swimming pool

Today's Links

Tilsit's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 25925].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

8a Score with reverse billiards shot? Excellent (3-5)

I was hoping to complete the puzzle without the aid of my puzzle solving tools. However, being unable to figure out either this clue or 1d, I was forced to dip into the Tool Chest. Even missing the first letter, a search on the remaining checking letters returned only one possible solution. As soon as I had the solution to this clue, the solution to 1d became immediately obvious.

13a Something much appreciated by card-players (1,4,4)

An incorrect solution here (as well as at 24a) slowed my progress considerably on the right-hand side. My initial solution was "A GOOD HAND", which I still think may be a superior match to the wordplay than the solution that the setter envisioned. Since "a hand" can mean applause, "a good hand" would clearly show much appreciation.

24a What dictionaries do about it is quite clear (8)

This was where I temporarily had my second incorrect solution - with my original attempt being "DEFINING".

6d Politician entering government to screw up (6)

In this clue, "to screw up" does not mean to make a mistake. Rather, it means to wrinkle. Although I only recall having heard it used in this sense in the phrase "screw up one's face", it appears that the word may be more commonly used in this sense in Britain (Tilsit provides as an example "screwing up paper").

20d Mum, listen for a change (6)

My initial suspicion that "listen" might be a homophone (sounds like) indicator proved false.

Signing off for today - Falcon