Monday, September 13, 2010 (DT 26264)

This puzzle, by Giovanni, was originally published in The Daily Telegraph on Friday, June 11, 2010

Introduction

Like many of the Brits, it took me a while to discover an entry point. However, once one was found, I was able to progress steadily through the puzzle.

Today's Glossary

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

Used in Solutions:

carpe diem - exclamation used to urge someone to make the most of the present time and give little thought to the future; Origin: Latin, 'seize the day!', a quotation from Horace (Odes i.xi)

chat show - [Collins English Dictionary] noun British a television or radio show in which guests, especially celebrities, are interviewed informally [US name talk show]

OS - abbreviation Ordinary Seaman

River Dart - a river in Devon, England

sandgrouse - noun a species of bird related to pigeons, living in sandy areas of the Old World, with long pointed wings and feathered legs

screw - [American Heritage Dictionary] noun 8. Chiefly British Slang a. Salary; wages

wicket - 2 (also wicket door or wicket gate) a small door or gate, especially one beside or in a larger one

Today's Links
Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26264].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

9a Bird soared and guns fired (4,6)

While the setter seems to think that the solution is two words, Oxford, Chambers and Collins disagree. However, the American Heritage Dictionary supports his view, so this may be an Americanized version of the spelling.

3d Like a scarlet woman, maybe, but not blonde (3-6)

A scarlet woman is "a sexually promiscuous woman, especially a prostitute". While that meaning may factor into the surface reading, it does not seem to play a part in the cryptic reading. Gazza suggests that red-headed can mean "angrily excited or flushed (scarlet) with anger" although I failed to find such a definition in my reference sources.

16d Criticise pitch with which you get one wicket? (9)

A cricket pitch is supposed to have two wickets, so one could legitimately criticise one where there was only one. However, the cryptic reading has nothing to do with cricket, as Gazza explains in his review.

I knew from its appearance in previous puzzles that a wicket can be a gate. However, in searching for a link to include in Today's Glossary, I was surprised to see that the meaning of wicket with which I am most familiar ("an opening in a door or wall, often fitted with glass or a grille and used for selling tickets or a similar purpose") is a North American usage.

Signing off for today - Falcon