Skip to main content

Gemini 6235

OK, here we go!

Gemini Cryptic #6235
The Canberra Times, Friday 27 April 2012

Conventions used:

  • The definition is underlined
  • Clue words are set in italics
  • The answer is in CAPITAL letters
  • Indicators are written in brackets after the wordplay device name
  • The definitions in cryptic definition clues are not underlined, as the whole clue serves as the definition

ACROSS

1. Sharing out a bit of parsley, perhaps (7) = GARNISH
An anagram (out) of sharing

5. Cook beats a mixture (5) = BASTE
Eh, I suppose cook is bearable as a definition for "baste", but only just ... it's an anagram (mixture) of beats

8. A wildcat rising? (9) = REBELLION
Cryptic definition: a wildcat strike, or uprising, is a type of strike action taken by workers without trade union approval

9. A record height to climb (3) = ALP
Charade; A + LP (record)

10. But they could be even for the better (4) = ODDS
Cryptic definition, better as one who bets

12. It's held back in the race to beat one (8) = CHASTISE
Container (in) with reversal (held back) : it's reversed put in chase (race)
Don't think the definition is all that clear

14. A way to achieve a new spirit (6) = DISTIL
Cryptic definition, new spirit being alcohol, and not a psychological state!

15. Neglectful about a single one (6) = REMISS
Charade: about (RE) + a single one (MISS)

17. Mother is composing a line to the weatherman (8) = ISOTHERM
Anagram (composing) of mother is

18. Raw recruit found in ruins of Troy (4) = TYRO
Anagram (ruins) of Troy

21. First person Gregory takes to heart (3) = EGO
Hidden word (takes to heart) in Gr(ego)ry


22. Unwilling cattle run amok (9) = RELUCTANT
Anagram (amok) of cattle + run


24. It may be drawn or sucked up (5) = STRAW
Cryptic definition, alluding to drawing straws, or sucking on a straw


25. In France medic is ordered to treat such disease (7) = ENDEMIC
Charade: In, in French = EN, and an anagram (ordered) of medic


DOWN


1. Actress's dress ring = GARBO
Charade: dress = GARB + ring = O


2. Cage component (3) = RIB
A cryptic definition clue, referring to rib cage


3. Lied in order to be lazy (4) = IDLE
An anagram (order) of lied


4. The full extent of the rise (6) = HEIGHT
Cryptic definition: what's the full measure of the rise?


5. Members of a musical group (8) = BANDSMEN
Sort of cryptic definition? Not frightfully cryptic, really, unless you can see some sort of cryptic device that I can't ... just reads as a straight definition to me!


6. The property of the firm (9) = STABILITY
Another cryptic definition, and firm is not a company!


7. Quick to speak (7) = EXPRESS
Double definition, quick and speak both being synonyms for the answer


11. Not to pay a cheque results in disgrace (9) = DISHONOUR
Double definition: not to pay a cheque, and disgrace


13. Recall having a tie (8) = WITHDRAW
Charade: having = WITH, tie = DRAW


14. Motoring clubs? (7) = DRIVERS
Cryptic definition (drivers being golfing clubs as well as those who drive cars)


16. Metal grating to cook eggs initially (6) = GRILLE
Charade: cook = GRILL + initial letter of eggs = E


19. Softly in the ear or in the eye (5) = OPTIC
Container: softly = P (for piano, in music) in OTIC (relating to the ear)

20. Sharp appearance of a police force (4) = ACID
Charade: a + C.I.D. (police force)


23. I am out to gain an objective (3) = AIM
Anagram (out) of I am


NB : I will be covering all the different sorts of wordplay found in cryptic clues in future tutorial posts on this blog
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

American vs British crosswords

American and British crosswords. Is there a difference? The short answer is HELL YES! Now for the long answer ... There are major differences between American-style and British-style crosswords (which are seen in Commonwealth countries too).  Crosswords were started by Arthur Wynne in 1913, a British man who lived in America, so both countries claim a close connection with the development of this popular puzzle. They developed in slightly different directions in each country, which has led to the varieties we see today. American-style crosswords are almost exclusively published in America, while British-style crosswords have spread through the Commonwealth — Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, and other English-speaking nations tend to prefer this variety of the puzzle, as well as the United Kingdom, of course. A quick look at these grids will show you the most obvious difference between the two varieties : British-style Note th
5 comments
Read more

Lesson 2: Anagrams

One thing it's important to do with cryptic clues is to ignore the surface reading! The surface is the sense you get when reading a clue for the first time, the mental image it brings up. Apart from some very rare clue types, this is only going to lead you astray. What's vitally important to do is to read each clue, word by word, looking for the hidden meaning. Also, there are a few important things to note with the definition part of clues. Firstly — they will always be at the start or the end of the clue, but never in the middle (ie with bits of wordplay around them). Secondly — pinning down the definition is a major part of getting success in solving cryptic clues. And of course, once you've figured out which part is the definition, the remainder of the clue has to be the wordplay! ANAGRAMS So, on to the first of the cryptic devices that you'll find in every cryptic crossword: Anagrams! Anagrams are a very popular cryptic device, and e
3 comments
Read more

Crosswords in other languages

The crossword was invented nearly exactly 100 years ago — yes, 2103 is its centenary! We all know that in that time it's spread throughout all English-speaking countries. But what about other countries? The answer is a resounding yes! In almost every country that I researched, they have crosswords. The forms are often a bit different from what we're used to — the grids are often non-symmetrical, 2-letter words are allowed, accented characters are often ignored, and sometimes the clues are written into the black squares. Here are some links to crossword sites from other countries, for your enjoyment. Afrikaans blokkieraaisel Part of a Chinese crossword Chinese   填字游戏 Danish  kryds og tværs Dutch  kruiswoordraadsel Finnish crosswords often include picture clues Finnish  Sanaristikko   French grids use a different numbering system French mots croises A German crossword German Kreuzworträtsel Greek  σταυρόλεξο   Part of a He
2 comments
Read more