Guardian Cryptic #29297

2024-02-05

Solve on Guardian →

Across

1a

Force subject to go ahead of time (3,3)

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5a

Somewhat dejected from constant involvement in wild dancing (6)

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8a

Approach station guide (7)

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9a

Study target country (7)

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11a

Elderly are proceeding cautiously about publicity, being nervous (2,6,7)

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12a

Instrument that hurt lover, so they say (4)

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13a

They help calculate some playground regulations? (5,5)

Generating...

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

When was the last time you saw one of those? Definition and literal interpretation.

17a

Touring Venice, Enid gets present (2,8)

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18a

Old Americans needing some skincare (4)

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20a

Rampant ill health's so sad at this great age (2,3,2,3,5)

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23a

Take out more? Cashpoint is empty (7)

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24a

Ignore hipster's essentially strange solution for everything (7)

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25a

Call father back to meet a distant relation (3-3)

Generating...

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

A reversal (‘back’) of NAME (‘call’) plus PA (‘father’).

26a

Cruel type displays a disturbing piece (6)

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Down

2d

Chief's approach that shows where one is lying (9)

Generating...

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

A charade of HEAD’S (‘chief’s’) plus TONE (‘approach’ – not an obvious synonym).

3d

It catches fellow removing parking slogan (6)

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4d

Be straight and count on rising position (4,2,3)

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5d

Major episode demands intensive care - initially from her? (5)

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6d

Joke attempt to trap detective giving expert opinion (8)

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7d

Basic trail switches left to right (5)

Generating...

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

A substitution: STALK (‘trail’) with the L changed to R (‘switches left to right’).

8d

Unite worried following argument against firm (11)

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10d

It's a lot of money for customised snoring mask (5,6)

Generating...

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

An anagram (‘customised’) of ‘snoring mask’.

14d

Knock down deals for ocean travellers (9)

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15d

Letters set down on ground (9)

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16d

Surprising find in approachable energy supplier (4,4)

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19d

Staggered and troubled when overheard (6)

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21d

Performing dance that's easy to get? (2,3)

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22d

Determined to have some music that's uplifting (3,2)

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