Times Cryptic #28706

2023-09-12

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Across

1a

Fruit went up in price? Hiked at first by smallest amount (7)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

ROSE (went up in price), H{iked} [at first], 1P (smallest amount – one penny)

5a

Harry taken in by smooth cheat (7)

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9a

Raiment so fashionablethat's good for evening out (5,4)

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10a

Key used by Scottish group making harsh sound (5)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

CLAN (Scottish group), G (key)

11a

Walking to pub, real man resolved to neck one (13)

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I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

Anagram [resolved] of TO PUB REAL MAN, containing [to neck – swallow] I (one)

13a

Retired bore back amongst Aussies missing flight (8)

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I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

TIRE (bore) reversed [back] contained by [amongst] EMUS (Aussies missing flight). A title often given to retired professors.

15a

Like some Cretan scripts nonsensical poet keeps at home (6)

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17a

Kick in the teeth from theological expert? (6)

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19a

Place of massacre, or safe place to go? (8)

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22a

What the bridesmaid shows? Rum's location (5,8)

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25a

Small island in centre of this nation (5)

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26a

Collection for each politician after resistance by English (9)

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27a

First Lady having snoozestruggle here getting up? (7)

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28a

Earthy expression used endlessly by Descartes? (7)

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Down

1d

Volcanic product seen after Ranau's initial eruption (4)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

R{anau’s} [initial], ASH (volcanic product)

2d

Telescope firm put out for modification shows tower (7)

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3d

Big hit from Ruth as poet? (5)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

The cryptic hint refers to HOMER as a ‘home run’ a major stroke in baseball and George “Babe” Ruth who was a legendary exponent of the game.

4d

Secret lover for Parisian entertaining alpha male? (8)

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I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

POUR (‘for’ Parisian) containing [entertaining] A (alpha) + RAM (male)

5d

Fine cooking expected in dish for dippers (6)

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6d

Fruit from tree in can that needs a shake (9)

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7d

Stone from six counties placed in jar (7)

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8d

Eastern figure seizing good opportunity gets influential part (6,4)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

E (Eastern), NINE (figure) containing [seizing] G (good), ROOM (opportunity – e.g. for manoeuvre)

12d

Plea for patience heard from Queen, her afternoon tea guest having arrived? (4,4,2)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

The cryptic hint refers to the video of our late Queen taking afternoon tea with ‘Paddington Bear’  made to mark the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year.

14d

Assume tradesman finishing early is not productive (9)

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16d

Fiat lacking finish? Mine's in late stages of decay (8)

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18d

Warmer outside on day to remember? (7)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

Cryptic with reference to ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ aka ‘Bonfire Night’ and the nursery rhyme: Remember, remember, the 5th of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot. So far so good, but has anyone ever heard the rest if it? I’m sure I hadn’t before today! Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent To blow up the King and the Parliament Three score barrels of powder below Poor old England to overthrow By God’s providence he was catch’d With a dark lantern and burning match Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring Holler boys, holler boys God save the King!

20d

Flexible line is what this writer's all about! (7)

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21d

Feel remorse having run over white bird (6)

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23d

Article in German featuring old city artist (5)

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24d

Yorkshireman extremely testy with reduced knowledge (4)

Generating...

I haven't cracked this one yet — but Times for the Times have:

T{est}Y [extremely], KE{n} (knowledge) [reduced]. Some of the meanings of this are considered offensive but I’ve always had the impression that Yorkshire folk are proud to be described as such so I guess it’s all a matter of context.