Friday, February 19, 2010 (DT 26076)

This puzzle was originally published Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

Although I got off to a good start, I ran into difficulty late. I had to sneak a peek at Gazza's review to solve one clue and missed the wordplay for another couple of clues.

Today's Glossary

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

crock - noun 2 Brit. an old worn-out vehicle.

eyewash - noun 2 informal nonsense.

punch-bag - noun 1 a heavy stuffed leather bag hanging from the ceiling on a rope, used for boxing practice. 2 someone who is used and abused, either physically and emotionally. [In North America, the term would be punching bag].

sack - noun historical a dry white wine formerly imported into Britain from Spain and the Canaries.

wine lake - the continuing supply surplus of wine (supply glut) produced in the European Union.

Today's Links
Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 26076].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

25a Retired doctor acquiring a bunch for surgery target of hostility? (5-3)

This was the most difficult clue for me today - and I was forced to sneak a peek at Gazza's review. Having a wrong answer penciled in at 23d handicapped me. As well, in North America we call this item of sports equipment (and target for abuse) a PUNCHING BAG (not a PUNCH-BAG).

12d Bill boards flight in exciting adventure (8)

I got the solution easily enough from the definition and checking letters, but the wordplay escaped me - although it looks very straightforward in hindsight.

16d Heavenly number with origins in early American lovesongs (8)

Another case where I got the solution without comprehending the wordplay. Despite having seen this old trick meaning for number countless times, I still fell for the ruse.

23d Hide starter with grim flavour (4)

Initially I thought that "hide starter" must indicate H (first letter of "hide"). However, the checking letters from 22a and 24a showed that the solution is of the form TA??. I then wrongly guessed TART, which added an additional impediment to solving 25a. Eventually I did find the right flavour.

Signing off for today - Falcon