Telegraph Prize Cryptic #31151

2026-01-31

Solve on Telegraph →

Across

1a

European smuggling one large, exploding cigar for James Bond (6,5)

Generating...

Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

7a

Husband avoids surprises, getting unimaginative Christmas present? (5)

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Generating...
8a

Frank and Anthea regularly ignored job-seeker (9)

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10a

Ex-PM of Germany invested in real gold (7)

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11a

Head cleaner in Post Office wearing fake ring (7)

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12a

Current postman's periodically mislaid letters from abroad (5)

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13a

Saccharine last ice-cream, somewhat hard (9)

flowerflower
Generating...
16a

People tending to beds collect small covers from Parisian (9)

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Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

18a

Heartless Conservative left to admit regret (5)

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19a

Speechifying from either a Labourite ____? (7)

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Generating...
22a

Oval shape, different around rim (7)

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23a

I'd augment bust size (9)

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24a

Concern of PR department that is saving publication (5)

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25a

Myopic prophet given a title, according to Spooner (4-7)

Generating...

Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

Down

1d

Straighten out Geordie presenter, say, drinking litres (9)

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Generating...
2d

High-fliers who have become home-makers? (7)

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3d

Unique cryptic clues, I've written over ten (9)

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4d

Picked up perfumes for a little cash (5)

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5d

Fighter with degrees in Old Persian (3,4)

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6d

Clutch pot son knocked off piano (5)

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Generating...
7d

Model can do her hair etc in lounge (7,4)

Generating...

Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

9d

Where young Boris was strangely genteel and cool (4,7)

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14d

Daisy tucked into case of edible goods, a seasonal treat (6,3)

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Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

15d

US leaderrotter is about right! One in a powerful suit picking up tricks (5,4)

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Not cracked yet — try Big Dave's Crossword Blog (aimed at experienced solvers)

17d

Rio ate first of curried stewsspicy stuff! (7)

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Generating...
18d

Performer who will take a big bow? (7)

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Generating...
20d

King in a lot of painit's gas (5)

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21d

The solver's joy? Our setter welcomes it (5)

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Generating...