Solving time: 32:17
This seemed quite a straightforward post-Christmas offering from Jeff. A reasonable number of easy starters, but a few slightly tougher ones as well. One or two words I wasn't familiar with, like LONICERA & BATIK. I liked the semi-&lit at 27a, my COD.
cd = cryptic def., dd = double def., rev = reversal, homophones are written in quotes, anagrams as (--)*, and removalslike this
This seemed quite a straightforward post-Christmas offering from Jeff. A reasonable number of easy starters, but a few slightly tougher ones as well. One or two words I wasn't familiar with, like LONICERA & BATIK. I liked the semi-&lit at 27a, my COD.
cd = cryptic def., dd = double def., rev = reversal, homophones are written in quotes, anagrams as (--)*, and removals
| Across | |
|---|---|
| 1 | ESTABLISHMENT - dd |
| 10 | C(LEAR)AN + CE |
| 11 | DROOP = O |
| 12 | |
| 13 | COMPLAINT = CO + (IMPLANT)* - Only one letter to be moved, so barely qualifies as an anagram |
| 14 | L + API(D)ARY |
| 16 | BIG BEN - cd (barely) |
| 19 | ALT + AIR |
| 20 | RAINDROP = "REIN" + DROP |
| 22 | MACADAMIA = MACADAM + AI rev |
| 24 | BABEL = L after BABE |
| 25 | SWAM + I |
| 26 | L(EAST + W)AYS |
| 27 | BINGE DRINKING = (KID BEGINNING + R |
| Down | |
| 2 | SWEET SPOT = SWEET + TOPS rev |
| 3 | A(PRO)N |
| 4 | LO + NICE + RA |
| 5 | STEAMY = S |
| 6 | MEDALLION = (LEMON LAID)* - cut of meat |
| 7 | NAOMI = I MOAN all rev |
| 8 | SCHOOLMARMISH - dd |
| 9 | SPIT AND POLISH - because (SPIT + POLISH)* = SHIP'S PILOT - The anagram is implied by 'These could make' and 'fuss about the rules' is the definition. |
| 15 | |
| 17 | BIRDBRAIN = BIRD (can, i.e. prison) + (IN BAR)* |
| 18 | CA(LAMA)R + |
| 21 | S(MI)LED |
| 23 | COAT + I |
| 24 | BAT + I + K |