Introduction
In case readers have been wondering about my recent absence, I had emergency back surgery on November 22 and am currently recuperating in hospital where I expect to be for an extended period of time. Whatever I am able to post over the next while is likely to be somewhat hit and miss.
I solved the puzzle but failed to notice the theme. hank you to Henry for the theme and solution (posted in the comments below).
I invite you to leave a comment to let us know how you fared with the puzzle.
Signing off for this week — Falcon
Hi Falcon,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update and also for posting today. Just think, now you have a good excuse for not shovelling any snow!
Praying for you,
MG
Hello Falcon--
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that it was "emergency" back surgery, but I hope it went well and you have my best wishes for a quick recovery. Take whatever time you need to recover properly; as much as I (and we) enjoy these puzzles, they're secondary to one's health. Be well, good sir.
--Rob C
I hope the puzzle will offer enough divertisment to make your stay more bearable, take your mind off things.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for your postings. Can't tease out the theme.
Hi everyone and you Falcon - I hope you're doing better. Back pain can be such a pain in the ---. I know, I've had some.
ReplyDeleteI call this week's puzzle 'Triskaidekaphobia.' The numbers one to thirteen are consecutively found in the Across clues. And they stop there.
Afraid to go on?
Quite an entertaining puzzle this week. Needed a lot of thought to get the solution.
Across
9a T(R|ACE)ABLE R=River, ACE=one, contained in (containing) TABLE=chart
10a GEN|II Gen(eral), with II=Roman number for two
11a PA(TRIO)T TRIO=three musicians, contained in (embraces) Pat(rick)
12a FORBORE˜ Homonym (reportedly) of 'four boar' = four swine
13a EERIE˜ Homonym (heard) of Erie, one of the five Great Lakes
14a EXPIATORS* Anagram (straying) on 'top six are'
16a SIN|BAD T(HE S)AILOR SIN=wrong, BAD=inept, HE’S+, contained in (maintaining) tailor
19a (CORREL ATE)˜ Homonym (sounding) of choral eight
22a A NNIE* NNIE=Anagram (clowns) of nine, after (following) A+
24a DE(CAD)ES CAD=reprobate contained in (holding) DEES+
26a PAC(K)ERS K=1000, contained in (taken by) Pacers (Indiana team)
27a NO ON|E NOON=twelve, E(mpty) at the end (after)
28a TETHERIN*G TETHERIN=Anagram (bananas) on thirteen, G=last of string (last letter of word ‘string’)
Down
1d STA(P)LE STALE=no longer fresh, containing (sandwiches) P=quietly (musical shortform)
2d C(AST IR)ON ASTIR=moving, contained in (keeps) CON=jailbird
3d DELI|BERATE BERATE=scold, after (stands behind) DELI=sandwich shop
4d A(BUT|MEN)T BUT=save, MEN=guys, all contained in (trapped inside) AT+
5d {B(EEF) UP}< Reversal of (going back) FEE=payment, contained in (in) PUB=bar
6d A GAR< Reversal of (upon return) RAG=make fun of, A+
7d IN TO|TO Hidden in (partially) plaIN TO TOscanini
8d LICENSER* Anagram (after adjustment) on reclines
15d AVALANCHES* Anagram (unstable) on canals have
16d SEC|ED|IN|G SEC(ond) ED(ition) IN+ G(eneral)
17d E|YES|POTS E(nglish), YES=okay, POTS=planter’s
18d LIN(GERI)E GERI+ contained in (engages) LINE=business
20d RECT|OR˜ Homonym (according to hearsay) of wrecked=destroyed, Ur=Sumerian city
21d AS|SETS AS=like, SETS=parts of a tennis match
23d {EN SIG N}< Reversal (returning) Hidden in (among) teN GIS NEwly
25d DIE|T DIE=stop running, T=Toronto’s foremost (first letter of word Toronto)
I found a number of typos after I posted the solution to last week's puzzle. If anyone wants to see a fixed version - just leave a note and I will post it.
This week I will work a little slower.
Please look after yourself Falcon!! YOU are such an amazing teacher. I was introduced to cryptic in 2012 and, initially, heavily relied upon your explanations and guidance to learn. I can now normally complete a puzzle on my own...THANK YOU!! I have now introduced many more people to this activity and always show them this site. Hope you are feeling a little better every day. Know that people like me are cheering you on in your recovery!
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for your kind words. It is gratifying to know that readers are enjoying my efforts.
ReplyDeleteThank you Henry for the solution to the theme. Don't think I would have seen it.
ReplyDeleteFalcon, a good time to be in Hosp. I was on the road last night. Best wishes for your recovery.