Monday, October 19, 2009 (DT 25945)

This puzzle was originally published Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

A relatively easy puzzle today - but one containing some quite clever wordplay.

Today's Links

Big Dave's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 25945].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

12a Spring bloke, it's reported (6)

The wordplay in this clue depends on the fact that "geyser" is pronounced "gee-zer" in Britain. For North Americans, who pronounce it "guy-zer" (which sounds like "guy-sir"), the clue could perhaps be recrafted, with "blokes" in the plural, as:

12a Spring blokes, it's reported (6)

27a Opera star with sob creating impression (7)

Upon reading this clue, I surmised that "star" might have a different connotation in Britain than in North America. However, after reviewing the definitions in Chambers and Oxford, I would have to conclude that the meaning there is identical to that used here. Clearly, the "star" is the performer playing the principal role and not the principal role itself. So, to my way of thinking, "Mimi" may be a character, a role, a part, even a starring role - but not a star.

Signing off for today - Falcon