Puzzle at a Glance
|
|---|
Puzzle Number in The Daily Telegraph
DT 28882 | |
Publication Date in The Daily Telegraph
Monday, October 29, 2018 | |
Setter
Unknown | |
Link to Full Review
Big Dave's Crossword Blog [DT 28882] | |
Big Dave's Crossword Blog Review Written By
Miffypops | |
BD Rating
| |
| Difficulty - ★★ | Enjoyment - ★★★ |
Falcon's Experience
┌────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┬────┐
███████████████████████████████████
└────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┴────┘
Legend:
█ - solved without assistance
█ - incorrect prior to use of puzzle solving tools
█ - solved with assistance from puzzle solving tools
█ - solved with aid of checking letters provided by puzzle solving tools
█ - solved but without fully parsing the clue
█ - unsolved or incorrect prior to visiting Big Dave's Crossword Blog
█ - solved with aid of checking letters provided by solutions from Big Dave's Crossword Blog
█ - reviewed by Falcon for Big Dave's Crossword Blog
█ - yet to be solved
| |
Introduction
This puzzle seems to have generated mixed reactions in the UK. For those on this side of the pond, will it be a gentle easing into the long weekend or will it constitute a sterner test.I invite you to leave a comment to let us know how you fared with the puzzle.
Notes on Today's Puzzle
This commentary is intended to serve as a supplement to the review of this puzzle found at Big Dave's Crossword Blog, to which a link is provided in the table above.
Click here for an explanation of conventions and symbols used in explaining the parsing of clues.
The purpose of this article is to explain the conventions and symbols that I use on this blog in explaining the parsing of clues.
| Legend: The following symbols are used in reviews:
|
The review of a clue takes the following general structure:
#a/d Clue containing parsing markup (num*)
* num = numeration
Explanations pertaining to the wordplay (or first definition in a double definition)
(Horizontal separator)
Explanatory Box
| |
|---|---|
| An explanatory box provides additional information about the clue. In most cases this information will not necessarily help in solving the clue but provides information about the clue. In the case of the weekday syndicated Daily Telegraph puzzles, such information is often intended to help the North American solver appreciate how the clue may be perceived by a British solver. These boxes may also provide information on people, places, films, television program, works of art and literature, etc. mentioned in the clue. Although the titles of these boxes will usually be drawn from a standard list, I do occasionally throw in a title specifically suggested by the subject at hand. The standard titles include:
|
Note that there are many types of cryptic crossword clue and it is not my intention to exhaustively go through all of them here. I will only deal with clue types to the extent necessary to explain the conventions and symbols used on the blog. Furthermore, be aware that, in the world of cryptic crosswords, there seems to be an exception to every rule.
With one exception that I can think of, cryptic crossword clues provide two routes to the solution. These are commonly referred to as the definition and wordplay. While these terms serve well for most clues, there are some cases where the more formal terms of primary indication and subsidiary indication may be more appropriate.
Most cryptic crossword clues consist of a definition (primary indication) and wordplay (subsidiary indication). The definition may be:
- a "precise definition": a definition that is either taken directly from a dictionary or at least phrased in a non-misleading fashion similar to one that would be found in a dictionary
- a "cryptic definition": a definition misleadingly phrased so as to misdirect the solver either with respect to the meaning of the definition as a whole or to an incorrect sense of a word used in the definition (for example, defining topiary as "clip art")
- a "whimsical definition": a definition "invented" by the setter often by extrapolating a non-existent meaning for a word from a similar word (for example, defining a bird as a "winger" [something possessing wings] or a river as a ''flower" [something that flows] or to extrapolate that, since disembowel means 'to remove the innards of ', that discontent must mean 'to remove the contents of')
- a "definition by example": the presence of one of these is often flagged with a question mark (for example, defining atoll as "coral?" where an atoll is but one form that coral may take).
I identify precise definitions by marking them with a solid underline in the clue and other varieties of definition (such as cryptic definitions, whimsical definitions, definitions by example, etc.) by marking them with a dotted underline.In clues in which both definition and wordplay are present, the two parts of the clue combine to provide an overall meaningful statement (the surface reading) which usually bears no relationship to the underlying cryptic reading of the clue. In some cases, an extra word or phrase will be inserted into the clue to create a meaningful link between the definition and wordplay. I define clues which contain such a link word or link phrase as having an explicit link and clues which contain no link word or link phrase as having an implicit link.
I mark the existence of an explicit link by enclosing the link word or link phrase between forward slashes (/link/) and mark the existence of an implicit link with double forward slashes (//) positioned between the definition and wordplay.
ExamplesI also use distinctive underlining to mark &lit.[7] and semi-&lit. clues. Note that the reviewers on Big Dave's Crossword Blog generally prefer to refer to these clue types by the less pretentious names of all-in-one or semi-all-in-one clues respectively.
A few examples may help to illustrate these points more clearly.
The first example is a clue used by Jay in DT 28573:
Here the definition is "a failure" which is marked with a solid underline to show that it is a precise definition. The wordplay parses as F (fellow; abbrev.) + L (left; abbrev.) + OP (work; abbrev. used in music) which gives us the solution F|L|OP. The double forward slashes (//) between the definition and wordplay indicate the existence of an "implicit link" between the two parts of the clue (that is, no extra words are inserted into the clue to form the link).
- 4d Fellow left work // a failure (4)
The second example is a clue used by Giovanni in DT 28575:
Here the definition "female going to match" is cryptic (the setter is attempting to misdirect our thoughts to a sports event rather than a marriage ceremony) and thus is marked with a a dotted underline. The wordplay is {RIDES (travels) + (with) MA (mother)} contained in (in) BID (advance) giving us the solution B(RIDES|MA)ID. As in the first example, the double forward slashes indicate the presence of an implicit link.
- 29a Female going to match // travels with mother in advance (10)
The third example is a clue used by Rufus is DT 28583:
Here the definition is "staggering" which is marked with a solid underline to show that it is a precise definition. The wordplay parses as N ([chess symbol for] knight) contained in (caught in) an anagram (misplaced) of BIG BLOW producing the solution WOBBLI(N)G. Finally, forward slashes mark the link word (/is/).
- 18d Knight caught by misplaced big blow /is/ staggering (8)
In an &lit. clue[7] (or all-in-one clue) the entire clue provides not only the definition (when read one way), but under a different interpretation also serves as the wordplay.
In future, I will mark such clues with a combined solid and dashed underline. Although this is a departure from past practice, it would seem to make more sense than using a dotted underline as I have in the past). Henceforth, the dotted underline will be reserved for cryptic definitions.In a semi-&lit. clue (or semi-all-in-one clue), either:
- the entire clue acts as the definition while a portion of the clue provides the wordplay; or
- the entire clue acts as the wordplay while a portion of the clue provides the definition.
For these clues, I will mark the definition with a solid underline and the wordplay with a dashed underline. This means that a portion of the clue may have a solid underline, a portion of the clue may have a dashed underline and a portion of the clue may have a combined solid and dashed underline.One final clue type is what I characterize as a cryptic definition comprised of a precise definition combined with cryptic elaboration. For example, in DT 28560 (setter unknown) the following clue appears:
- 26d Heroic exploit, whichever way you look at it (4)
Given the numeration, the precise definition could give rise to at least two solutions, DEED or FEAT. However, the 'cryptic elaboration' ("whichever way you look at it") indicates that the solution is a palindrome thereby immediately eliminating one of the two obvious choices.
Note that the part of the clue that I have called 'cryptic elaboration' does not provide a second independent route to the solution (as the wordplay would do in most other types of clue). Rather it merely provides a piece of additional information (elaboration) related to the 'precise definition'.
Again, this approach is a departure from past practice, but like the other changes mentioned previously is intended to remove inconsistencies in the way that I have been applying parsing markup to clues. The markup rules that I have been using until now evolved bit-by-bit over a long period of time resulting in some degree of internal inconsistency.
hide
Across
1a River not going // just around the corner (11)
The Forth[5] is a river of central Scotland, rising on Ben Lomond and flowing eastwards through Stirling into the North Sea.
9a Where chimney may be // designed too, for power (7)
"power" = P [symbol used in physics] (show reference )
10a At sixes and sevens, as nine // crazy! (6)
The phrase at sixes and sevens[5] (used here as an anagram indicator) denotes in a state of total confusion or disarray ⇒
everything is at sixes and sevens here.
12a Queen, // sweet little thing (7)
A sultana[5] is a wife or concubine of a sultan.
Sultana[5] is a British* name for a small, light brown, seedless raisin used in foods such as puddings and cakes.
* despite being characterized as British by Oxford Dictionaries, I would think that the term sultana[3] is certainly in common usage in North America
13a What's responsible for sinking? // Something in boat's broken by it (7)
14a Courage // never fails (5)
15a Michael perhaps /getting/ caught by car, change lanes (9)
Michael is an example of the solution and this is clearly indicated — unlike the situation in 8d — by inclusion of the word "perhaps" in the clue.
Michael[7] is an archangel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Michael is mentioned three times in the Book of Daniel. In the New Testament Michael leads God's armies against Satan's forces in the Book of Revelation, where during the war in heaven he defeats Satan.
17a Establish // a race isn't fixed (9)
20a Placed bottom, fashionable // material (5)
22a Primarily lazy, professional // student (7)
24a Transport no longer seen /in/ large volume? (7)
The clue may infer that the mode of transport is no longer seen; or, merely that the name has fallen into disuse having been supplanted by a shorter form.
Historically, an omnibus[3] was a large horse-drawn public conveyance, especially of the late 1800s.
An omnibus[1] is a large road vehicle for carrying a considerable number of passengers of the general public, etc. (now usually in shortened form bus).
25a Corn like this? // Scream in pain! (6)
For the definition, we need an attribute of corn rather than a synonym for corn.
Treat the wordplay as a phrase and replace it with a (4,2) phrase conveying the same message.
26a Thus restricting doctor, a // ban (7)
"doctor" = MB (show explanation )
In Britain, the degree required to practice medicine is a Bachelor of Medicine[7] (MB, from Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus), which is equivalent to a North American Doctor of Medicine (MD, from Latin Medicinae Doctor). The degree of Doctor of Medicine also exists in Britain, but it is an advanced degree pursued by those who wish to go into medical research. Physicians in Britain are still addressed as Dr. despite not having a doctoral degree.
Historically, Bachelor of Medicine was also the primary medical degree conferred by institutions in the United States and Canada. Throughout the 19th century, North American medical schools switched to the tradition of the ancient universities of Scotland and began conferring Doctor of Medicine rather than Bachelor of Medicine.
hide
In Britain, the degree required to practice medicine is a Bachelor of Medicine[7] (MB, from Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus), which is equivalent to a North American Doctor of Medicine (MD, from Latin Medicinae Doctor). The degree of Doctor of Medicine also exists in Britain, but it is an advanced degree pursued by those who wish to go into medical research. Physicians in Britain are still addressed as Dr. despite not having a doctoral degree.
Historically, Bachelor of Medicine was also the primary medical degree conferred by institutions in the United States and Canada. Throughout the 19th century, North American medical schools switched to the tradition of the ancient universities of Scotland and began conferring Doctor of Medicine rather than Bachelor of Medicine.
hide
27a Very latest // sword, say? (7-4)
Down
2d Shock /finding/ first of rats in period of darkness (7)
3d Leader -- // the best on hand? (3,6)
A hand[5] is a bunch of bananas ⇒
mottled hands of bananas.
4d Stick // cap on coastal swimmer (5)
The ling[5] is any of a number of long-bodied edible marine fishes including large eastern Atlantic fish of the genus Molva related to the cod, in particular Molva molva, which is of commercial importance.
5d Cosmetic /with which/ mother covers a defect (7)
6d Old woman and man /in/ Chinese port (7)
Nan[5] is an informal British term for one's grandmother.
A man[5] is a figure or token, such as a chessman[5], used in playing a board game.
Nanking is another name* for Nanjing[5], a city in eastern China, on the Yangtze River, capital of Jiangsu province. It was the capital of various ruling dynasties and of China from 1368 until replaced by Beijing in 1421.
* In a response to Comment #12 on Big Dave's Crossword Blog, Chris Klinger provides an excellent explanation of the reason behind the different names.
7d Development of Lebanese port, not old, // turned out well (11)
8d Wolf /in/ error? (6)
The first part of the clue is a definition by example. Unlike the case in 15a, the setter does not explicitly indicate this.
11d How distant target was hit? /That's/ for sure! (2,1,4,4)
The phrase by a long shot[a] may — or may not — be a North American expression. The phrase which means certainly, for sure, by any means, etc. is used to add emphasis to a statement, especially a negative statement or one that contains a superlative ⇒
We have to know what is going on, and we don't, not yet, not by a long shot.
[a] Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
- Oxford Dictionaries Online lists the phrase not by a long shot[5] as a North American expression meaning by no means ⇒
we're not there yet, not by a long shot
. - Collins English Dictionary shows the phrase by a long shot[10] as denoting by any means ⇒
he still hasn't finished by a long shot
.
16d Accents grasped by staff /in/ Asian language (9)
Cantonese[5] is a form of Chinese spoken by over 54 million people, mainly in south-eastern China (including Hong Kong).
18d Church consumed gold /in/ castle (7)
"gold" = AU [chemistry symbol] (show explanation )
A chateau[5] (also château) is a large French country house or castle, often giving its name to wine made in its neighbourhood.
Origin: French: château 'castle'
19d Lock // phone left with long-distance caller? (7)
Ring[5] is an informal British term for:
- (noun) a telephone call ⇒
I'd better give her a ring tomorrow
. - (verb) to call by telephone ⇒ (i)
I rang her this morning
; (ii)Harriet rang Dorothy up next day
; (iii)she rang to tell him the good news
.
20d Some ballast initially, a good // defence against flooding (7)
For those who, like Miffypops, cannot see where AND comes from, note that "Some ballast initially" clues the "initial letters of Some Ballast" or "S AND B".
21d Old garment // cheers poet (6)
Cheers[5] is an informal British expression of gratitude or acknowledgement for something ⇒
Billy tossed him the key. ‘Cheers, pal.’.
Ta[5] is an informal British exclamation signifying thank you ⇒
‘Ta,’ said Willie gratefully.
The Bard*[10], as Miffypops alludes in his review, is a common epithet of William Shakespeare.
* Bard[10] is an archaic or literary term for any poet, especially one who writes lyric or heroic verse or is of national importance.
A tabard[2] is a short loose sleeveless jacket or tunic, worn especially by a knight over his armour or, with the arms of the king or queen on the front, by a herald.
23d Tree // line on middle of bank (5)
Rowan is another name for the European mountain ash[10], a tree of the rose family having clusters of small white flowers and bright red berries.
Key to Reference Sources:Signing off for today — Falcon
[1] - The Chambers Dictionary, 11th Edition
[2] - Search Chambers - (Chambers 21st Century Dictionary)
[3] - TheFreeDictionary.com (American Heritage Dictionary)
[4] - TheFreeDictionary.com (Collins English Dictionary)
[5] - Oxford Dictionaries (Oxford Dictionary of English)
[6] - Oxford Dictionaries (Oxford American Dictionary)
[7] - Wikipedia
[8] - Reverso Online Dictionary (Collins French-English Dictionary)
[9] - Infoplease (Random House Unabridged Dictionary)
[10] - CollinsDictionary.com (Collins English Dictionary)
[11] - TheFreeDictionary.com (Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary)
[12] - CollinsDictionary.com (Webster’s New World College Dictionary)
[13] - MacmillanDictionary.com (Macmillan Dictionary)
[14] - CollinsDictionary.com (COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.