Guardian Cryptic #29274

2024-01-09

Solve on Guardian →

Across

1a

Joker loving to snort line, very keen on a party? (4-8)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

An envelope (‘to snort’) of RY (railway ‘line’) in CARD (‘joker’, with the question mark for the indication by example) plus CARING ( ‘living’ ‘ loving ‘ ); the ‘party’ is more political than diverting (at least in the cryptic reading).

9a

Parisian bank ultimately cut interest completely (5)

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10a

French painter losing head about place for putting colour (4,5)

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11a

Herb Alpert undressed, say, when playing (7)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

An anagram (‘when playing’) of ‘[A]lper[t]’ minus the outer letters (‘undressed’) plus ‘say’.

12a

Press in numbers around important theatre figure (7)

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13a

President's touring Scottish island, a bit of a sight (10)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

An envelope (‘touring’) of ROSS (‘Scottish island’? Ross is a region of Scotland, and there are islands named Ross elsewhere) in CHAIR’S (‘president’s’); the ‘sight’ being of a rifle.

15a

The Ancient Mariner, say, returns for Arabian big fish (4)

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18a

Maybe enjoy the Sun's introduction to burning question (4)

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19a

Note haircut with perfect means of increasing volume (10)

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22a

Game turned round: possibly I initially underestimated Man U (7)

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24a

One may fix an Ascot sporting event, given 151 pence (3,4)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

A charade of TIE (‘sporting event’) plus CLI (Roman numeral, ‘151’) plus P (‘pence’).

25a

Cockney's hair dressing publication is an attractive item (3,6)

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26a

Company founder seen on the box for honey (5)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

The wordplay is a reference to Alan Sugar ; the definition, a term of endearment.

27a

Sky viewer may see this tip-top snooker feat, pocketing balls (5,3,4)

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Down

1d

Head of Chinese State Intelligence is yawning (9)

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2d

Devoid of mercy, like an incomplete Bible? (8)

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3d

Not demanding retiring copper must take the lead (5)

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4d

Record-holder is behind, checking heart on run (9)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

An envelope (‘checking’) of GIST (‘heart’) plus R (‘run’) in REAR (‘behind’).

5d

Turn up in Mongolian dwelling? One might be potted (6)

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6d

She's related new and extremely innovative chronicle (5)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

A charade of N (‘new’) plus IECE (‘extremely I nnovativ E C hronicl E ‘).

7d

Some latitude over shot headed by right back (6)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

A charade of TR, a reversal (‘back’) of RT (‘right’); plus O (‘over’) plus PIC (photograph, ‘shot’).

8d

More fatuous, exclusive clothing article (6)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

An envelope (‘clothing’) of A (indefinite ‘article’) in INNER (‘exclusive’).

14d

Turkey portion, like one given to a child (4,5)

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16d

Spooner's N. American diving bird may glow in the dark (9)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Fifteensquared have:

A Spoonerism of LOON MIGHT (‘N. American diving bird may’).

17d

Top tennis player, holding soft drink, steps on it (6,2)

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18d

Promos for covers of rubbish Britpop band put first (6)

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20d

Something Britain had from legislator in Ireland (6)

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21d

Beer tucked into by American adult, one smashed at parties (6)

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23d

More beautiful female ditched a clothes horse (5)

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24d

Maybe the opening of a Sylvia Plath letter dragged awkwardly (5)

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