Tuesday, September 21, 2010 (DT 26273)

This puzzle, by Ray T, was originally published in The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Introduction

When I saw that Gazza rated this puzzle four stars for difficulty, I understood why I needed to haul out the Tool Chest with about one-third of the puzzle remaining to be solved.

Today's Glossary

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

Used in Solutions:

OS - abbreviation (as a size of clothing) outsize [equivalent to plus size or big and tall in North America]

Today's Links

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 26273].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

14a Sunday setter's hiding last of clue riddle (5)

The solution was apparent from the checking letters and definition ("riddle", taking on a meaning that is rare in the real world but common in Crosswordland). However, I needed a bit of a nudge from Gazza to decipher the wordplay. Actually, the answer hit me as soon as I had read his opening words "in the surface reading the ‘s is short for 'is' ...".

20a Constituent of ropes is a long fibre (5)

Gazza identifies this as an "all-in-one" (i.e., & lit.) clue. However, although it certainly is at least very close to being one, I wonder if it fully qualifies. The first test (namely that the entire clue be a definition of the solution) is met, as the clue, in full, can be read as a definition of SISAL. However, the second test is that the entire clue can be read as wordplay. It seems to me that the wordplay is "constituent of ropes is a long" in which "constituent" is a hidden word indicator signifying that the solution is hidden in "ropeS IS A Long". I would say that "fibre" is a definition for SISAL. Thus, the second reading of the clue is a standard cryptic clue with wordplay and definition. This, I would think, may make the clue a partial & lit. (if I remember the name correctly, or is it semi & lit.) rather than a true & lit.

Of course, in the second reading, one could always argue that "fibre" is merely surplus padding added to the clue to enhance the surface reading. That argument would be more convincing if "fibre" were not also a definition for the solution.

3d Supporter after drink outside (7)

I briefly had BOOSTER entered here. However, the error of my ways became apparent as soon as I solved 14a.

16d China core thrown with undecorated exterior (9)

In the surface reading, "thrown" takes the meaning "formed (as is ceramic ware) on a potter's wheel".

19d Prepared to do porridge? (7)

For some reason, the surface reading of this clue does not resonate with me. I might say "Let's do lunch" or possibly even "Let's do breakfast" (meaning "Let's get together for lunch (or breakfast)"). But I've yet to hear anyone say "Let's do porridge". If I were cooking porridge for my breakfast, I would say that I was "making porridge", not "doing porridge". Interestingly, though, if someone were to say "What are you planning for dinner?", the response might be "I think I might do grilled salmon with a garden salad". Although, for me, the clue would have worked much better had it been worded "Prepared to make porridge", that may merely be a personal idiosyncrasy.

21d Ends of short dress giving quick flash (6)

Was this clue inspired by the pantyless escapades of Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan who allowed the paparazzi to snatch a shot (or vice versa). Some believed that these "exposures" were nothing more than contrived publicity stunts. However, both girls have since moved on to other things (and both may soon be serving time).

Signing off for today - Falcon