Guardian Cryptic #29882

2025-12-19

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Across

1a

Good person traces lost dogs (6)

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5a

Cloud having rain, at first becoming cold in 25 (6)

Generating...

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

CIRRUS with one R[ain] changed to C[old}

8a

Juliet and relative returned boxing boot to tosser (7)

Generating...

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

UGG (brand of boot) in J + reverse of REL. The word for J in the NATO phonetic alphabet is actually spelled Juliett

9a

Steal a pet? Entertaining for 24 perhaps (7)

Generating...

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

ROB in (entertained by) in A CAT

11a

Convertible roof coming free on Tesla, or missingthis leads to a penalty (8,7)

Generating...
12a

Bear’s going back half-heartedly for rat (4)

Generating...

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

Reverse of PO[O]H’S

13a

Author’s one with a large mother, boring and insignificant (10)

Generating...

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

MATER in I’M I A L[arge]

17a

Nervous Stephen at the back of bridal suite (3,7)

Generating...

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

Anagram of STEPHEN AT [brida]L, referring to Gustav Holst’s Planets Suite

18a

Sound meringue cakes (4)

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20a

Troubled America worsened for Oscar and Emmy? (5,10)

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23a

Returning squeeze, partner embraces swinger (7)

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24a

Glass corporation dim rejecting advance (7)

Generating...

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

TUM (stomach, corporation) + BLEAR less A

25a

Large sweater that protects entertainer against the elements (3,3)

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26a

Chicken, half a dozen having pronounced tail (6)

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Down

2d

9 might use this firm with painter maybe (5,4)

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3d

Pull left in a trap (6)

Generating...

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

L in A LURE

4d

Stumped by agent protecting Reagan, a tough guy (9)

Generating...

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

RON (Ronald Reagan) ST[umped] (cricketing term) + G-MAN (FBI agent)

5d

Catholic said to be upset getting something that’s smoked (5)

Generating...

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

C[atholic] + reverse of ORAL. A Claro is a light-coloured cigar

6d

One artist, judge and journalist saving noble (8)

Generating...

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

I “saved by” RA (artist) + REF (referee, judge) + ED (editor, journalist)

7d

City, old one, facing sanction (5)

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8d

A master just assassinated king (5,6)

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10d

Priest perhaps and others lie and go adrift (11)

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14d

Sterling represents gold, credit’s mostly limiting at a later date (9)

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15d

Primarily enjoying success with one friend (9)

Generating...

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

IN IT (enjoying success) + I ALLY

16d

Happiest day, good boy is in Nice housing (8)

Generating...

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

D[ay] in G LAD EST (French “is”)

19d

Universal Cinemas (15) smelly (6)

Generating...

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

smelly (6) C (Cinemas INITIALL) + OSMIC (relating to smell)

21d

Who made bows and manufactured arrows targeting inexperienced beginners? (5)

Generating...

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

First letters of And Manufactured Arrows Targeting Inexperienced. The Amatis were a family of violin makers

22d

Admire articulate author in residence (3,2)

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