Guardian Cryptic #29660

2025-04-04

Solve on Guardian →

Across

1a

Ambassador snatches back dossier, second in existence? (4-4)

Generating...

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

HE (His/Her Excellency – ambassador) round a reversal (back) of FILE (dossier) + MO (second) – I liked the definition

5a

Something to inspire sexy guy between foxtrot and tango (6)

Generating...

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

I can’t make anything of this, I’m afraid Huge thanks to Dave Ellison @2: (f)OXYGEN(t) (sexy guy)

9a

Flower deity adopting mediaeval king? (9)

Generating...

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

GOD (deity) round OLDEN (mediaeval) + R (king)

11a

Recognising no limits in a talk about buttocks (5)

flowerflowerflower
12a

Source of moving air? A foul, stormy March ahead (12)

flowerflowerflower
15a

Love idol eagerly taken from behind (4)

Generating...

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

I can’t see this one – I’m sure it must be obvious

16a

Somewhat distracted, put Option A (2,2,1,5)

Generating...

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

An anagram (distracted) of PUT OPTION A

18a

Neighbourhood meeting sculptor held for bishop in centre of hall (5,5)

Generating...

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

After staring at this for ages, in desperation I googled ‘Calder, sculptor’ as a long shot – and found him! – so it’s CALDER instead of B (bishop) in the centre of LOB[b]Y (hall)

19a

Hats off to synod, appointing radical figure of authority (4)

flowerflowerflower
21a

Several drinks do take out reserves (6,6)

Generating...

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

Could this be SEVEN (several) round (drinks) CON (do) + DEL[ete] (take out)? Typo: DELE[te] – thanks KVa @12

24a

One or more of Damon Gough’s tapes (5)

flowerflowerflower
25a

What breakfast waiter brings forward when beat? (5,4)

Generating...

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

I’m afraid I’m beat on this one

26a

In the course of a number of years, singer slips (6)

flowerflowerflower
27a

Passionate old soldier subdues macho types (8)

Generating...

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

VET(eran) (old soldier) round HE-MEN (macho types)

Down

1d

Boss, maybe, whom you ring personally at progressive locations (4)

Generating...

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

Second, third, fourth and fifth letters of wHom yoU rinG persOnally

2d
14d

Curious Olivier cameo impresses child performers (4,5,5)

Generating...
3d

A little latitude given over term of treaty? (6)

Generating...

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

A reversal (over) of A WEE (a little) + L (latitude) + [treat]Y – I wasn’t sure what to underline for the definition

4d

Why buy wrapping paper now? (3,3,7)

flowerflowerflower
6d

Means to cover boobsa new cycling trimmer (8)

Generating...

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

A N (a new) TIPPEX (means to cover boobs) with the letters cycling; I knew the word (I’d spell it Xanthippe) – a nagging woman, from Socrates’ wife, but I was stuck for the definition, until I found ‘a scold’ for ‘trimmer’ in Chambers

7d
22d

Possibly make best start round if e.g. batting? (3,2,5,4)

Generating...
8d

Sign criminal’s rolled off liquor pot (2,4,4)

flowerflowerflower
10d

On set of Twins cameraman might look back in surprise (2,1,6,4)

flowerflowerflower
13d

US-owned property addressing the matter of draught beer, say (4,6)

flowerflowerflower
14d

See 2

17d

Lasting until dawn in ships lightermen unloaded (3-5)

Generating...

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

The definition applies to my fruitless staring at this one!

20d

Prepare to drive towards green Chesterfield? (6)

flowerflowerflower
22d

See 7

23d

Parody of Hell’s Kitchen (4)

flowerflowerflower