Rubbish.

Links: Just For Fun. Some book reviews. Story.

LP

Across clues

1. Defenceless but not hurt when horse flees (7)

Answer: UNARMED (i.e. “defenceless”). Solution is UNHARMED (i.e. “not hurt”) once the H has been removed (indicated by “when horse flees” – H being a recognised abbreviation of “horse”).

5. Romp curtailed by French girlfriend in city (7)

Answer: LARAMIE (i.e. a “city” in Wyoming, USA. A city with a population of barely 30,000 people according to the last census.) Solution is LARK (i.e. “romp”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “curtailed”) and followed by AMIE (i.e. “French girlfriend”, i.e. the French for “girlfriend”), like so: LAR-AMIE. A sign of the rubbish to come.

9. Friend across pond welcomes celebrated flyer (7)

Answer: BUSTARD (i.e. “flyer”). Solution is BUD (i.e. “friend across pond”, referring to how Americans stereotypically call their friends buds or buddies) wrapped around or “welcoming” STAR (i.e. “celebrated”), like so: BU(STAR)D.

13. Maiden is deity accepting writer not well directed (11)

Answer: MISGOVERNED (i.e. “not well directed”). Solution is M (a recognised abbreviation of “maiden” used in cricket) followed by IS, then GOD (i.e. “deity”) once it has been wrapped around or “accepting” Jules VERNE (i.e. “writer”), like so: M-IS-GO(VERNE)D.

14. Back in first of several additional residences (6,5)

Answer: SECOND HOMES (i.e. “additional residences”). Solution is SECOND (i.e. to “back”) followed by HOME (i.e. “in”, i.e. “at home”) and S (i.e. “first of several”, i.e. the first letter of “several”).

15. Rocket incorporating new submarine detection system (5)

Answer: SONAR (i.e. “submarine detection system”). Solution is SOAR (i.e. “rocket”) wrapped around or “incorporating” N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), like so: SO(N)AR.

16. Composer admits small offence to French king (7)

Answer: Gioachino ROSSINI (i.e. “composer”). Solution is ROI (i.e. “French king”, i.e. the French for “king”) wrapped around or “admitting” S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) and SIN (i.e. “offence”), like so: RO(S-SIN)I.

17. Russian empress one departing Mediterranean port (9)

Answer: ALEXANDRA Feodorovna (i.e. “Russian empress”). Solution is ALEXANDRIA (i.e. “Mediterranean port”) with the I removed (indicated by “[Roman numeral] one departing…”).

18. Anxious to enjoy a drama by Williams (4,1,3,2,1,3,3,4)

Answer: LIKE A CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. Solution satisfies “anxious” and “enjoy a drama by [Tennessee] Williams”.

23. Evil claims a cleaner in church property (8)

Answer: VICARAGE (i.e. “church property”). Solution is VICE (i.e. “evil”) wrapped around or “claiming” A and RAG (i.e. “cleaner”), like so: VIC(A-RAG)E.

25. Boy and girl love workroom (6)

Answer: STUDIO (i.e. “workroom”). Solution is STU and DI (i.e. “boy and girl”, respective shortened forms of Stuart and Diana) followed by O (i.e. “love”, i.e. a zero score in tennis).

27. Fuel can very hot inside (7)

Answer: GASOHOL (i.e. “fuel”). Solution is GAOL (i.e. “can”) with SO (i.e. “very”) and H (a recognised abbreviation of “hot”) placed “inside”, like so: GA(SO-H)OL.

30. One wearing black recalled proud mother (5)

Answer: NIOBE. One solely for the classicists, it seems. In Greek mythology Niobe was a mother whose overbearing pride in her children saw them murdered. Then, in her grief, Niobe was turned to stone. Those Greeks, eh? Fun. Chalk one to my Bradfords here, which listed Niobe as a “mourner”. “One wearing black” is tenuous if you ask me. If I’m missing something in Homer’s Iliad that qualifies this then blame my decidedly non-classical education.
[EDIT: Thanks to Andrew in the comments for clarifying this one. “One wearing black recalled” is the Roman numeral I (i.e. “one”) placed in or “wearing” EBON (i.e.”black”) and the whole reversed (indicated by “recalled”), like so: N(I)OBE. Cheers, Andrew! – LP]

32. Knitted footwear allowing stars to conserve energy (7)

Answer: BOOTEES (i.e. “knitted footwear”). Solution is BOOTES (a constellation, i.e. “stars”) wrapped around or “conserving” E (a recognised abbreviation of “energy”), like so: BOOT(E)ES.

33. One to examine tickets for theatrical caller? (9)

Answer: INSPECTOR. Solution satisfies “one to examine tickets” and “theatrical caller”, referring to the stage play An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.

35. Divert sports team approaching course (9)

Answer: SIDETRACK (i.e. “divert”). Solution is SIDE (i.e. “sports team”) followed by TRACK (i.e. “course”).

36. Openings in colonnade showing dull interior (7)

Answer: STOMATA (i.e. “openings”). Solution is STOA (i.e. “colonnade”) wrapped around MAT (i.e. “dull” – can be spelled “matte”, “matt” or “mat”), like so: STO(MAT)A.

37. Woman, fantastic, needing time to appear earlier (5)

Answer: GRETA (i.e. “woman”). Solution is GREAT (i.e. “fantastic”) with the T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”) moved back a notch (indicated by “…to appear earlier”).

38. Train ferries coin between terminals in Stoke and Carlisle (7)

Answer: EDUCATE (i.e. “train”). Solution is DUCAT (i.e. “coin”) placed “between” E and E (i.e. “terminals in Stoke and Carlisle”, i.e. the last letters of “Stoke” and “Carlisle”), like so: E-(DUCAT)-E.

40. Over there participating in activity on Derwent (6)

Answer: YONDER (i.e. “over there”). “Participating in” indicates the solution is hidden in the clue, like so: ACTIVIT(Y ON DER)WENT.

41. Dump Beethoven’s Fifth amid unknown music (8)

Answer: ANTIPHON (i.e. “music”). Solution is TIP (i.e. “dump”) and H (i.e. “Beethoven’s fifth”, i.e. the fifth letter of “Beethoven”, ignoring the misleading capitalisation) placed “amid” ANON (i.e. “unknown”, i.e. an abbreviated form of “anonymous”), like so: AN(TIP-H)ON. This has appeared a few times now, making this one an easier get than it ought to have been.

44. Tackle problem resolutely – emulate matador’s hands-on approach? (4,3,4,2,3,5)

Answer: TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS. Solution satisfies “tackle problem resolutely” and “emulate matador’s hands-on approach”.

48. Citadel with excellent fencing or one with stronger premises (1,8)

Answer: A FORTIORI (Latin for “with stronger premises”). Solution is FORT (i.e. “citadel”) placed in or being “fenced” by AI (i.e. “excellent”, i.e. A1 with the 1 replaced by the Roman numeral I) and then followed by OR and I (i.e. another Roman numeral “one”), like so: A(FORT)I-OR-I. More for the classicists, there.

50. Piece in good works about divine persons (7)

Answer: ODDMENT (i.e. “piece”). Solution is OT (i.e. “good works”, specifically the Old Testament of The Bible) wrapped “about” DD (i.e. “divine”, i.e. a recognised abbreviation of “Divinitatus Doctor” I’ve seen used in a few puzzles recently) and MEN (i.e. “persons”), like so: O(DD-MEN)T.

53. Far side of the lake is spooky (5)

Answer: EERIE (i.e. “spooky”). Solution is E (i.e. “far side of the”, i.e. the last letter of “the”) followed by the Great “Lake” ERIE. Horror writer Steve Rasnic Tem would be proud.

54. Nausea presumably coming in waves (11)

Answer: SEASICKNESS. Clue riffs on how “waves” can also mean the waves of the sea. You get the idea.

55. Legendary abductor greeting solitary king and churchgoer (11)

Answer: PARISHIONER (i.e. “churchgoer”). Solution is PARIS (i.e. “legendary abductor” of Helen of Troy in Greek mythology – yet more for the classicists) followed by HI (i.e. “greeting”) then ONE (i.e. “solitary”) and R (i.e. “king”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “Rex”).

56. Most neat, one passes on dry clothes (7)

Answer: TIDIEST (i.e. “most neat”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and DIES (i.e. “passes on”) placed in or being “clothed” by TT (i.e. “dry”, i.e. a recognised abbreviation of “tee-total”), like so: T(I-DIES)T.

57. Secret repositioning with parking reserved for staff (7)

Answer: SCEPTRE (i.e. “staff”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “repositioning”) of SECRET wrapped around or “reserving” P (a recognised abbreviation of “parking” used in signage), like so: SCE(P)TRE.

58. Sound advice to boating companion, graceful creature (3,4)

Answer: ROE DEER (i.e. “graceful creature”). “Sound” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of ROW DEAR (i.e. “advice to boating companion”).

Down clues

1. Bare man thrown in Welsh river (6)

Answer: UNMASK (i.e. “[to] bare”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “thrown”) of MAN placed “in” USK (i.e. “Welsh river”), like so: U(NMA)SK.

2. Club in weapons collection (7)

Answer: ARSENAL. Solution satisfies “[football] club” and “weapons collection”.

3. Sail low – new angle right (9)

Answer: MOONRAKER (i.e. “sail”). Solution is MOO (i.e. to “low” – setters love referring to cows as “lowers” in their clues) followed by N (a recognised abbreviation of “new”), then RAKE (i.e. “angle” – one of several of rake’s definitions) and R (a recognised abbreviation of “right”).

4. Gloomy doctor given attention (5)

Answer: DREAR (i.e. “gloomy”). Solution is DR (a recognised abbreviation of “doctor”) followed by EAR (i.e. “attention”).

5. Official verses and unfinished scores (8)

Answer: LINESMAN (i.e. “official” of some sports games). Solution is LINES (i.e. “verses”) followed by MANY (i.e. “scores”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “unfinished”), like so: LINES-MAN.

6. Almost set one, maybe two bones? (5)

Answer: RADII (i.e. “maybe two bones”, referring to the plural form of a “radius” bone). Solution is RADIO (i.e. device or “set”) with the final letter removed (indicated by “almost”) and followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: RADI-I.

7. Shambles in area in Sicilian city (7)

Answer: MESSINA (i.e. “Sicilian city”). Solution is MESS (i.e. “shambles”) followed by IN and A (a recognised abbreviation of “area”).

8. Demented alcoholic stage concerned with final events (14)

Answer: ESCHATOLOGICAL (i.e. “concerned with final events” in theology). “Demented” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of ALCOHOLIC STAGE.

9. Sweet roll with chopped dates good for diet (9)

Answer: BUNDESTAG (i.e. “diet” – a diet can mean parliament, in this case the one in Germany). Solution is BUN (i.e. “sweet roll”) followed by an anagram (indicated by “chopped”) of DATES, then G (a recognised abbreviation of “good”), like so: BUN-DESTA-G.

10. Unstressed syllable in school was cut (5)

Answer: SCHWA (i.e. “unstressed syllable”). Solution is SCH (a recognised abbreviation of “school”) followed by WAS once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “cut”), like so: SCH-WA. Made-to-fit rubbish to help the setter out of a tight spot, but thankfully the wordplay was pretty obvious.

11. Prepared for war theatre, MOD ordered choppers (5,2,3,5)

Answer: ARMED TO THE TEETH (i.e. “prepared for war”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “ordered”) of THEATRE MOD followed by TEETH (i.e. “choppers”), like so: ARMEDTOTHE-TEETH.

12. Female following obese man sent north (7)

Answer: DISTAFF (i.e. “female” side of a family, it says here. The male side, in case you were wondering, is the spear side). Solution is F (a recognised abbreviation of “female” – a bit of recursion there) followed by FAT SID (i.e. “obese man”). The whole is then reversed (indicated by “sent north” – this being a down clue), like so: DIS-TAF-F.

19. Subject of ace supporter nursing broken leg (7)

Solution: ALGEBRA (i.e. “subject”). Solution is A (a recognised abbreviation of “ace” used on playing cards) and BRA (i.e. “supporter”) wrapped around or “nursing” an anagram (indicated by “broken”) of LEG, like so: A-(LGE)-BRA.

20. Some elite academic betrayal, maybe, better for logic? (9)

Answer: OUTREASON (i.e. “[to] better [someone] for logic”). The solution, as far as I can make out, when read as OU TREASON, kind-of-perhaps-maybe-ish satisfies “some elite academic betrayal, maybe” – OU being the Open University. Not 100% sure, if I’m honest, given that the three dictionaries I have (Chambers, Oxford and an old Collins Concise) do not accept outreason as a word. Nor does Microsoft Word by the looks of it. If this turns out to be the solution, then, frankly, what a crock of shit.
[EDIT: Thanks to Mick and Sue in the comments for highlighting that OU is more likely to be Oxford University given the mention of “elite”. That’s not to belittle anyone bettering themselves through the Open University, mind. It’s just the prejudice of this particular setter. – LP]

21. Obtains inside information given rise in savings (4,3)

Answer: NEST EGG (i.e. “savings”). Solution is GETS (i.e. “obtains”) placed “inside” of GEN (i.e. “information”) and the whole then reversed (indicated by “given rise” – this being a down clue), like so: NE(STEG)G. A rare clue in this puzzle that scans really well.

22. Welshman, embracing English church, to disappear slowly (8)

Answer: EVANESCE (i.e. “to disappear slowly”). I’m not 100% sure but my solution is EVAN (i.e. “Welshman”) followed by a possessive E’S (i.e. “embracing English”), then CE (i.e. “church”, specifically the Church of England). I sincerely hope a better solution comes to light because, as it stands, this is another clue to file under “crock of shit”.
[EDIT: Thanks to Steve in the comments for nailing this one. Welshman is EVANS, not EVAN. When wrapped around E for “English”, and followed by CE as described, you get EVAN(E)S-CE. Cheers, Steve! – LP]

24. Mad about noisy estate outside fantasy realm (5-6-4)

Answer: CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND (i.e. “fantasy realm”). Solution is C (a recognised abbreviation of circa, i.e. “about”), LOUD (i.e. “noisy”) and LAND (i.e. “estate”) all placed “outside” of CUCKOO (i.e. “mad”), like so: C-LOUD-(CUCKOO)-LAND.

26. Find nightclub dead (9)

Answer: DISCOVERY (i.e. “find”). Solution is DISCO (i.e. “nightclub”) followed by VERY (i.e. “dead” as in being dead tired of this setter already).

28. Whence one cross, in traditional tales, drops from sky (8)

Answer: LORRAINE, referring to a two-barred “cross” used in heraldry. LORRAINE is also a region of France from “whence” it came. Solution is RAIN (i.e. “drops from sky”) placed “in” LORE (i.e. “traditional tales”), like so: LOR(RAIN)E.

29. Company after £500 in shady deal (6,8)

Answer: MONKEY BUSINESS (i.e. “shady deal”). Solution is BUSINESS (i.e. “company”) placed “after” MONKEY (i.e. “£500” in Cockneyland).

31. Perhaps wide court passage (7)

Answer: EXTRACT (i.e. “passage”). Solution is EXTRA (i.e. “perhaps wide”, referring to an extra run given in cricket for wide deliveries, among other things) followed by CT (a recognised abbreviation of “court”).

34. Plug firm (7)

Answer: STAUNCH. Solution satisfies “plug” as in to staunch bleeding and “firm” as in a staunch believer of something.

39. Energy indeed has missile right out in orbit (3,6)

Answer: EYE SOCKET (i.e. “orbit”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “energy”) followed by YES (i.e. “indeed”) and ROCKET (i.e. “missile”) once the R has been removed (indicated by “right out”, R being a recognised abbreviation of “right”), like so: E-YES-OCKET.

42. Hebrew king brought up in island location (9)

Answer: ISRAELITE (i.e. “Hebrew”). Solution is LEAR (i.e. “king”, i.e. Shakespeare’s King Lear) which is reversed (indicated by “brought up” – this being a down clue) and placed “in” I (a recognised abbreviation of “island”) and SITE (i.e. “location”), like so: I-S(RAEL)ITE.

43. Sandalwood used for this stretcher? (8)

Answer: SHOETREE, a support placed in shoes to help keep their shape, i.e. “stretcher”. Clue riddles on how “sandals” are a kind of SHOE and “wood” comes from a TREE. You get the idea.

44. Bird coming round managed second journey (7)

Answer: TRANSIT (i.e. “journey”). Solution is TIT (i.e. “bird”) wrapped or “coming round” RAN (i.e. “managed”) and S (a recognised abbreviation of “second”), like so: T(RAN-S)IT.

45. Gander appears with eagle’s wings (4-3)

Answer: LOOK-SEE (i.e. “gander”). Solution is LOOKS (i.e. “appears”) followed by E and E (i.e. “eagle’s wings”, i.e. the first and last letters of “eagle”).

46. One in medical administration’s year with cartel in south east (7)

Answer: SYRINGE (i.e. “one [used] in medical administration” of, say, a vaccine). Solution is Y (a recognised abbreviation of “year”) and RING (i.e. “cartel”) both placed “in” SE (a recognised abbreviation of “south east”), like so: S(Y-RING)E.

47. Monkey’s mistake, sheltering under tree top (6)

Answer: TERROR (i.e. “monkey”, as in a scamp or rascal). Solution is ERROR (i.e. “mistake”) “sheltering under” T (i.e. “tree top”, i.e. the first letter of “tree”), like so: T-ERROR.

49. Material either of two writers sent up (5)

Answer: TOILE (i.e. “material”). Solution is ELIOT (i.e. “either of two writers”, being George and T.S.) reversed (indicated by “sent up” – this being a down clue).

51. Tyrant dropping sulphur in warehouse (5)

Answer: DEPOT (i.e. “warehouse”). Solution is DESPOT (i.e. “tyrant”) with the S removed (indicated by “dropping sulphur” – S being the chemical symbol of “sulphur”).

52. Stunner posed again looking northward (5)

Answer: TASER (i.e. “stunner”). Solution is RESAT (i.e. “posed again”) reversed (indicated by “looking northward” – this being a down clue).

A noticeable dip in quality this week. Had to happen at some point. You can find my completed grid for what it’s worth, along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. Some are flakier than a le[REDACTED IN THE INTEREST OF GOOD TASTE]ck, so watch out.

Before all that nonsense, some me-time. If you’ve got a Times Jumbo Cryptic that is showing a few gaps then check out my Just For Fun page, where you’ll find posts covering the last 70-odd puzzles. While you’re buggering about the place, take a butchers at my Reviews page. I’m slowly working my way through the Best New Horror series, and will chuck a fresh review on here shortly. There’s even a story of mine knocking around here somewhere, just to show it’s not all crosswords here. (Okay, okay, it’s mostly crosswords.)

Anyway, enough of the guff. To (some of) the answers!

LP

Across clues

1. Regarding meals, grand and rather more than substantial! (13)

Answer: GASTRONOMICAL (i.e. “regarding meals”). Solution is G (a recognised abbreviation of “grand”) followed by ASTRONOMICAL (i.e. “rather more than substantial”).

8. Circulating air is linked to expert forecast (9)

Answer: PROGNOSIS (i.e. “forecast”). Solution is SONG (i.e. “air”) reversed (indicated by “circulating”) and IS both placed after (weakly indicated by “linked to”) PRO (i.e. “expert”), like so: PRO-GNOS-IS.

13. Tailor inclined to get behind promotional material (5)

Answer: ADAPT (i.e. “tailor”). Solution is APT (i.e. “inclined”, as in “he was apt to say boo to geese as he was a bit weird like that”) placed “behind” AD (i.e. “promotional material”), like so: AD-APT.

14. Awkward behaviour necessarily limiting fellow (11)

Answer: PERFORMANCE (i.e. “awkward behaviour”). Solution is PERFORCE (i.e. “necessarily”) wrapped around or “limiting” MAN (i.e. “fellow”), like so: PERFOR(MAN)CE. Not a classic.

15. Computer component absorbing programmer’s latest tweet (5)

Answer: CHIRP (i.e. “tweet”). Solution is CHIP (i.e. “computer component”) wrapped around or “absorbing” R (i.e. “programmer’s latest”, i.e. the last letter of “programmer”), like so: CHI(R)P.

16. Equivocal with celebrity heading off to accept major opening in university (9)

Answer: AMBIGUOUS (i.e. “equivocal”). Solution is FAMOUS (i.e. “celebrity”) with the initial letter removed (indicated by “heading off”) and the remainder wrapped around or “accepting” BIG (i.e. “major”) and U (i.e. “opening in university”, i.e. the first letter of “university”), like so: AM(BIG-U)OUS.

17. Rebellion? Show hesitation, deposing leading pair (4)

Answer: TEND. This is a complete guess, I’m afraid. The clue seems to suggest the solution is derived by removing or “deposing” the first two letters or “leading pair” of a six-letter word meaning “show hesitation” which fits the letters **T*N*. The best I’ve got at the moment is EXTEND, but I can’t square TEND with “rebellion”. Also, if the solution was TEND then its proximity to the similar-sounding TENDER IS THE NIGHT would suggest poor grid construction from the setter. So, yeah, this is very likely incorrect. If some kind soul swings by with the proper solution then I’ll update the post, but for now I’m going to get on with my weekend.
[EDIT: The solution to this one was TINY, as suggested by a number of commenters. That would be MUTINY (i.e. “rebellion”) with the “leading pair” of letters “deposed”. I’m still none the wiser why this would be “show hesitation”, though. – LP]
[FURTHER EDIT: A big thank you to Sue and Steve in the comments for clearing this one up. It seems the clue was incorrect and should have been: “Small-scale rebellion, deposing leading pair (4)”. This then gives you MUTINY, from which you then remove the “leading pair” of letters, MU, to leave TINY, i.e. “small-scale” – LP]

18. Criminal bid to secure target (8)

Answer: OFFENDER (i.e. “criminal”). Solution is OFFER (i.e. “bid”) wrapped around or “securing” END (i.e. “target”), like so: OFF(END)ER.

20. Over a year to adopt updated description of some streets? (3-3)

Answer: ONE-WAY (i.e. “description of some streets”). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “over” used in cricket), A and Y (ditto “year”) wrapped around or “adopting” NEW (i.e. “updated”), like so: O-(NEW)-A-Y.

21. Novel proposal – this thing is dodgy, involving energy (6,2,3,5)

Answer: TENDER IS THE NIGHT (i.e. “novel” by F. Scott Fitzgerald). Solution is TENDER (i.e. “proposal”) followed by an anagram (indicated by “is dodgy”) of THIS THING once it has been wrapped around or “involving” E (a recognised abbreviation of “energy”), like so: TENDER-ISTH(E)NIGHT.

24. Payment seeing English name in memorial replaced by Latin (9)

Answer: EMOLUMENT (i.e. “payment”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) followed by MONUMENT (i.e. “memorial”) once the first N (a recognised abbreviation of “name”) has been “replaced by” L (ditto “Latin”), like so: E-MO(N)UMENT => E-MO(L)UMENT.

26. Tinkers reduced thoughtless cries, making no repetition (7)

Answer: RASCALS (i.e. “tinkers”). Solution is RASH (i.e. “thoughtless”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “reduced”) and followed by CALLS (i.e. “cries”) once one of the Ls has been removed (indicated by “making no repetition”), like so: RAS-CALS.

27. Teaching graduate recalled it in a change to account (5)

Answer: DEBIT (i.e. “a change to account”). Solution is BED (i.e. “teaching graduate”, specifically a Bachelor of Education) reversed (indicated by “recalled”) and followed by IT, like so: DEB-IT.

29. A wonderful time with colourful characters? (3-6,3)

Answer: RED-LETTER DAY (i.e. “a wonderful time”). Solution riffs on how red letters can be described as “colourful characters”. A recent repeat.

31. Money went quickly leading to return of extravagant artist (10)

Answer: Jacopo TINTORETTO (i.e. “artist”). Solution is TIN (a slang word for “money”) followed by TORE (i.e. “went quickly”) and OTT (i.e. “extravagant”, i.e. an abbreviation of “over the top”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “return of…”), like so: TIN-TORE-TTO. Chalk one to by Bradfords here, as there have been a few artists over the years.

33. Illuminated slab, though not one to carry representation of constellation (6,4)

Answer: LITTLE BEAR (i.e. “constellation”). Solution is LIT (i.e. “illuminated”) followed by TILE (i.e. “slab”) once the I has been removed (indicated by “though not [Roman numeral] one”), and then BEAR (i.e. “to carry”), like so: LIT-TLE-BEAR.

35. Examination body in good successful result means to get on (8,4)

Answer: BOARDING PASS (i.e. “means to get on” a plane). Solution is BOARD (i.e. “examination body”) followed by IN, then G (a recognised abbreviation of “good”) and PASS (i.e. “successful result”).

38. English education requirements including nothing wrong (5)

Answer: ERROR (i.e. “wrong”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) followed by RRR (i.e. “education requirements”, being the three Rs: reading, writing and arithmetic – the fact only one of those words ever began with an R still bugs the shit out of me today. Yes, I’m weird…) once it is wrapped around or “including” O (i.e. “nothing”), like so: E-RR(O)R.

39. Take clothing off, having kinky fun with popular music (7)

Answer: UNFROCK (i.e. “take clothing off”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “kinky”) of FUN followed by ROCK (i.e. “popular music”), like so: UNF-ROCK.

40. Strategic manœuvring after losing lead to European is a fag (9)

Answer: CIGARETTE (i.e. “fag”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “manœuvring”) of STRAGETIC once the S has been removed (indicated by “after losing head”), and followed by E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”), like so: CIGARETT-E.

42. Participant in trial answers architect after demolition (9,7)

Answer: CHARACTER WITNESS (i.e. “participant in trial”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “after demolition”) of ANSWERS ARCHITECT.

44. What cuts up first bit of coal brought in by coal supplier? (6)

Answer: MINCER (i.e. “what cuts up”). Solution is C (i.e. “first bit of coal”, i.e. the first letter of “coal”) placed “in” MINER (i.e. “coal supplier”), like so: MIN(C)ER.

47. What viola uses, upset at cello getting loud (4,4)

Answer: ALTO CLEF (i.e. “what viola uses”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “upset”) of AT CELLO followed by F (a recognised abbreviation of fortissimo or “loud” in musical lingo), like so: ALTOCLE-F.

49. Pellet or its victim? (4)

Answer: SLUG. Solution satisfies “pellet” and “[pellet’s] victim”.

50. Giving energy to an island marriage (9)

Answer: ANIMATING (i.e. “giving energy to”). Solution is AN, then I (a recognised abbreviation of “island”) and MATING (i.e. “marriage”).

52. Walk miles, getting snared (5)

Answer: TRAMP (i.e. “walk”). Solution is M (a recognised abbreviation of “miles”). “Getting snared” indicates this is placed amid a TRAP, like so: TRA(M)P.

53. Vehicle getting a run in University bus service is blue (11)

Answer: ULTRAMARINE (i.e. “blue”). Solution is TRAM (i.e. “vehicle”), A and R (a recognised abbreviation of “run” used in a number of ball games) all placed “in” U (a recognised abbreviation of “university”) and LINE (i.e. “bus service”), like so: U-L(TRAM-A-R)INE.

54. US lawyer in one US state almost backing another (5)

Answer: IDAHO (i.e. “another [US state]”). Solution is DA (i.e. “US lawyer”, specifically a District Attorney) placed in OHIO (i.e. “US state”) once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “almost”) and the remainder reversed (indicated by “backing”), like so: I(DA)HO.

55. Amateur behind nonsense seen by that woman in town (9)

Answer: ROTHERHAM (i.e. “town”). Solution is HAM (i.e. “amateur”) placed “behind” ROT (i.e. “nonsense”) and HER (i.e. “that woman”), like so: ROT-HER-HAM.

56. Sonatina tunes broadcast with no delay (13)

Answer: INSTANTANEOUS (i.e. “with no delay”). “Broadcast” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SONATINA TUNES.

Down clues

1. Hispanic dish about to be introduced to Pacific island with cheer from Spain (9)

Answer: GUACAMOLE (i.e. “Hispanic dish”). Solution is CA (i.e. “about”, i.e. a recognised abbreviation of “circa”) placed in or “introduced to” GUAM (i.e. “Pacific island”) and then followed by OLE (i.e. “cheer from Spain”), like so: GU(AC)AM-OLE.

2. Feign anger, dismissing one in drag? (7)

Answer: SHAMBLE (i.e. “drag”, as in to move laboriously). Solution is SHAM (i.e. “feign”) followed by BILE (i.e. “anger”) once the I has been removed (indicated by “dismissing [Roman numeral] one”), like so: SHAM-BLE.

3. Upset over our rag including first sight of this photo print (11)

Answer: ROTOGRAVURE (i.e. “photo print”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “upset”) of OVER OUR RAG wrapped around or “including”) T (i.e. “first sight of this”, i.e. the first letter of “this”), like so: RO(T)OGRAVURE. Another nod to my Bradfords. The wordplay was obvious, but so was the fact this was going to be a shitty word I didn’t know. I’ll probably now see this in everything I read for the next three weeks.

4. No pressure in seizing power in uprising in Asian country (6)

Answer: NIPPON (i.e. “Asian country”, i.e. Japan). Solution is NO, P (a recognised abbreviation of “pressure”) and IN all wrapped around or “seizing” P (a recognised abbreviation of “power”), like so: NI-(P)-P-ON.

5. Steersman, confused – one’s not worth following up (5-4)

Answer: MARE’S-NEST, which is “a supposedly worthwhile discovery that turns out to have no real value” (Chambers) (i.e. “one’s not worth following up”). “Confused” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of STEERSMAN.

6. The fool Edward, overlooking the best treat in Devon (7,5)

Answer: CLOTTED CREAM (i.e. “treat in Devon”). Solution is CLOT (i.e. “the fool”) followed by TED (shortened form of “Edward”) both placed above or “overlooking” – this being a down clue – CREAM (i.e. “the best”).

7. Girl holding overturned garden ornament beginning to revive plant (5,5)

Answer: LEMON GRASS (i.e. “plant”). Solution is LASS (i.e. “girl”) wrapped around or “holding” GNOME (i.e. “garden ornament”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “overturned”) and R (i.e. “beginning to revive”, i.e. the first letter of “revive”), like so: L(EMONG-R)ASS.

8. Mount is fraudulent, having no height (4)

Answer: PONY (i.e. a horse or “mount”). Solution is PHONY (i.e. “fraudulent”) with the H removed (indicated by “having no height”, H being a recognised abbreviation of “height”).

9. Unavoidable item yonder? (3,2,5,6)

Answer: ONE OF THOSE THINGS. Solution satisfies “unavoidable” and “item yonder”.

10. Hot in Mediterranean resort? It’s not for everyone (5)

Answer: NICHE (i.e. “it’s not for everyone”). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “hot”) placed in NICE (i.e. “Mediterranean resort”), like so: NIC(H)E.

11. Party to appreciate after quiet home (7)

Answer: SHINDIG (i.e. “party”). Solution is DIG (i.e. “to appreciate”) placed “after” SH (i.e. “quiet”) and IN (i.e. at “home”), like so: SH-IN-DIG.

12. Our site’s up – it’s running? Keeping fingers crossed, perhaps (13)

Answer: SUPERSTITIOUS (i.e. “keeping fingers crossed, perhaps”). “Running” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of OUR SITE’S UP IT’S.

19. French are less sanguine about one garden feature (8)

Answer: ESPALIER (i.e. “garden feature”). Solution is ES (i.e. “French are”, i.e. the French for “are”) followed by PALER (i.e. “less sanguine”) once it has been placed “about” I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: ES-PAL(I)ER. One that needed a bit of brute force using my Chambers.

22. Managed to turn up without detective – a low point (5)

Answer: NADIR (i.e. “a low point”). Solution is RAN (i.e. “managed”) reversed (indicated by “to turn up” – this being a down clue) and wrapped around or “without” DI (i.e. “detective”, specifically a Detective Inspector), like so: NA(DI)R.

23. Avoid the issue, something commoner amongst rural constabulary? (4,5,3,4)

Answer: BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH (i.e. “avoid the issue”). Solution riffs on how a constabulary’s patch is called a “beat”. You might find a “bush” on a common. Something like that, anyway. Not a classic.

25. One more mature Democrat brought in support for weaponry? Not initially (7)

Answer: OLDSTER (i.e. “one more mature”). Solution is D (a recognised abbreviation of “Democrat”) “brought in” to HOLSTER (i.e. “support for weaponry”) once the initial letter has been removed (indicated by “not initially”), like so: OL(D)STER.

28. Only took in some small feature of film (3,4)

Answer: BIT PART. Solution satisfies “only took in some” and “small feature of film”.

29. Unsettling transport provided by smart car and boat (6-7)

Answer: ROLLER-COASTER (i.e. “unsettling transport”). Solution is ROLLER (i.e. “smart car”, specifically a Rolls Royce) followed by COASTER (i.e. “boat”).

30. Again declare English will invest in service company (8)

Answer: REAFFIRM (i.e. “again declare”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) placed or “invested” in RAF (i.e. “service”, specifically the Royal Air Force) and followed by FIRM (i.e. “company”), like so: R(E)AF-FIRM.

32. It reflects visit on schooner around capital of Greece (7-5)

Answer: LOOKING-GLASS (i.e. “it reflects”). Solution is LOOK IN (i.e. “visit”) and GLASS (i.e. “schooner” – can mean a drinking glass or a boat) placed “around” G (i.e. “capital of Greece”, i.e. the first letter of “Greece”), like so: LOOK-IN-(G)-GLASS.

34. The French artist captures very insectile form (5)

Answer: LARVA (i.e. “insectile form”). Solution is LA (i.e. “the French”, i.e. the French for “the”) and RA (i.e. “artist”, specifically a Royal Academician) placed around or “capturing” V (a recognised abbreviation of “very”), like so: LA-R(V)A.

36. Some will leave country, one country in process of growth (11)

Answer: GERMINATION (i.e. “process of growth”). Solution is GERMANY (i.e. “country”) with the ANY (i.e. “some”) removed (indicated by “will leave”), and the remainder followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and NATION (i.e. “country”), like so: GERM-I-NATION.

37. Second criticism before I pin up Italian artist (10)

Answer: Amedeo MODIGLIANI (i.e. “Italian artist”). Solution is MO (i.e. “second”, both referring to a short period of time) followed by DIG (i.e. “criticism”, as in a dig in the ribs). These are then followed by and I and NAIL (i.e. “pin”) once they have been reversed (indicated by “up” – this being a down clue), like so: MO-DIG-LIAN-I. Another success for my Bradfords. What’s better than one dead Italian artist in a crossword grid? Two dead Italian artists, of course! Actually, no. No it isn’t, setter.

40. Fellow performer I caught going to a country in the Americas (5,4)

Answer: COSTA RICA (i.e. “country in the Americas”). Solution is CO-STAR (i.e. “fellow performer”) followed by I, then C (a recognised abbreviation of “caught” used in a number of ball games) and A.

41. Outrageous for one holy man to spurn sources of lechery and immorality (9)

Answer: EGREGIOUS (i.e. “outrageous”). Solution is EG (i.e. “for one”, i.e. “e.g.”) followed by RELIGIOUS (i.e. “holy man”) once the L and first I have been removed (indicated by “to spurn sources of lechery and immorality”, i.e. the first letters of “lechery” and “immorality”), like so: EG-REGIOUS.

43. Evoke rising cheers over region (7)

Answer: ATTRACT (i.e. “evoke”). Solution is TA (i.e. “cheers”, both forms of thanks) which is reversed (indicated by “rising” – this being a down clue) and followed by TRACT (i.e. “region”), like so: AT-TRACT.

45. Marx enthralling a head of Government in US city (7)

Answer: CHICAGO (i.e. “US city”). Solution is CHICO, one of The “Marx” Brothers, wrapped around or “enthralling” A and G (i.e. “head of Government”, i.e. the first letter of “Government”), like so: CHIC(A-G)O.

46. Distract pickpocket before start of theft (6)

Answer: DIVERT (i.e. “distract”). Solution is DIVER (i.e. “pickpocket”, as in one who dives in pockets) placed “before” T (i.e. “start of theft”, i.e. the first letter of “theft”), like so: DIVER-T.

48. Taking up spades, manages small wood (5)

Answer: COPSE (i.e. “small wood”). Solution is COPES (i.e. “manages”) with the S (a recognised abbreviation of “spades” used in card games) nudged or “taken up” a notch – this being a down clue.

51. Support couple leaving island, adopting son (4)

Answer: STEM (i.e. “support”). Another guess, I’m afraid. There are a handful of words that fit the letters *T*M, but this seems the most likely. Could also be ITEM for a “couple”, but this seems less likely otherwise “couple” would be the first word of the clue. Again, if someone wanders by shedding light on this clue then I’ll update the post. Until then, I’m outta here.
[EDIT: Back again! Thanks to zouzoulap in the comments for clearing this one up. I was on the right lines, but didn’t really join the dots, to mix my metaphors. The solution is ITEM (i.e. “couple”) with the I (a recognised abbreviation of “island”) replaced by S (ditto “son”), like so: (I)TEM => (S)TEM. Thanks, Z! – LP]

A pretty good one this week that I’d have cracked a lot sooner had I not written GLISTER when I’d meant GLISTEN. (Shakes head at previous me.) As ever, you can find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them useful.

Some housekeeping, if you’ll forgive the intrusion. If you’ve got a previous Times Jumbo Cryptic that’s been giving you sleepless nights then you’ll find links to a whole bunch of solutions on my Just For Fun page. While you’re here, I’ve also got a bunch of book reviews to shove under your nose. All being well I’ll have a review of Best New Horror 13 up shortlyish, you lucky, lucky people. If you’d like a half-hour diversion, I’ve also got a story of mine knocking about the place for you. Generous to a fault, me, I know, I know.

Right then, to the answers!

Yours in cruciverbalism,

LP

Across clues

1. Pompous worker chasing two mischievous children in class (4-9)

Answer: SELF-IMPORTANT (i.e. “pompous”). Solution is ANT (i.e. “worker”) placed after or “chasing” ELF and IMP (i.e. “two mischievous children”) once they have been placed “in” SORT (i.e. “class”), like so: S(ELF-IMP)ORT-ANT.

8. Soldier’s one bloodsucker, mostly – like this? (9)

Answer: PARASITIC (i.e. “bloodsucker…like this”). Solution is PARA’S (i.e. “soldier’s”) followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and TICK (i.e. “bloodsucker”) once its last letter has been removed (indicated by “mostly”), like so: PARA’S-I-TIC.

13. A long letter (5)

Answer: AITCH (i.e. the “letter” H). Solution is A followed by ITCH (i.e. to “long” for).

14. Anger about recurrent motif in press writing (9)

Answer: REPORTAGE (i.e. “press writing”). Solution is RAGE (i.e. “anger”) placed “about” TROPE (i.e. “motif”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “recurrent” – one of the word’s lesser-used meanings), like so: R(EPORT)AGE.

15. Shine, displaying knowledge about series of items (7)

Answer: GLISTEN (i.e. “shine”). Solution is GEN (i.e. “knowledge”) placed “about” LIST (i.e. “series of items”), like so: G(LIST)EN.

16. Man can live ultimately on fish oil (12)

Answer: BRILLIANTINE (i.e. “[hair] oil”). Solution is IAN (i.e. “man”), TIN (i.e. “can”) and E (i.e. “live ultimately”, i.e. the last letter of “live”) placed “on” or after BRILL (i.e. “fish”), like so: BRILL-IAN-TIN-E.

17. Exercises calm about time for deadly epidemic (10)

Answer: PESTILENCE (i.e. “deadly epidemic”). Solution is PE (i.e. “exercises”, specifically Physical Education), followed by SILENCE (i.e. “calm”) once it has been placed “about” T (a recognised abbreviation of “time”), like so: PE-S(T)ILENCE.

18. Scoffed about long time to pump in gas (6)

Answer: AERATE (i.e. “to pump in gas”). Solution is ATE (i.e. “scoffed”) placed “about” ERA (i.e. “long time”), like so: A(ERA)TE.

19. Tiny edit affected equation (8)

Answer: IDENTITY (i.e. an “equation” true for all values of the symbols involved (Chambers)). “Affected” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of TINY EDIT.

21. Appoint a small board to give public information (6)

Answer: ASSIGN (i.e. “appoint”). Solution is A then S (a recognised abbreviation of “small”) and SIGN (i.e. “board to give public information”).

24. Improbity in the synod is out of order (10)

Answer: DISHONESTY (i.e. “improbity”). “Out of order” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of THE SYNOD IS.

26. Sloshed inebriate outside reception room, forgetting name? (5,2,1,4)

Answer: DRUNK AS A LORD (i.e. “sloshed”). Solution is DRUNKARD (i.e. “inebriate”) wrapped around or “outside” of SALON (i.e. “reception room”) once the N has been removed (indicated by “forgetting name”, N being a recognised abbreviation of “name”), like so: DRUNKA(SALO)RD.

29. Contest unpaid pounds (4)

Answer: DUEL (i.e. “contest”). Solution is DUE (i.e. “unpaid”) followed by L (a recognised abbreviation of “pounds” of weight).

30. Basil, say, a sentimental lover missing the point? (8)

Answer: AROMATIC (i.e. “basil, say”, as in an aromatic herb). Solution is A ROMANTIC (i.e. “a sentimental lover”) once the N has been removed (indicated by “missing the [compass] point”, N being a recognised abbreviation of “north”).

31. What’s fallen out of second sack (8)

Answer: SPILLAGE (i.e. “what’s fallen out”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “second”) followed by PILLAGE (i.e. “[to] sack”).

34. Relating to courts female emperor overturned thus (8)

Answer: FORENSIC (i.e. “relating to courts”). Solution is F (a recognised abbreviation of “female”) followed by NERO (i.e. “emperor”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “overturned”), then followed by SIC (i.e. “thus”), like so: F-OREN-SIC.

35. Broadcast by queen holds nothing about what took her abroad? (8)

Answer: AIRLINER (i.e. “what took her abroad”). Solution is AIR (i.e. “broadcast”) and ER (i.e. “queen”, specifically Elizabeth Regina) wrapped around or “holding” NIL (i.e. “nothing”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “about”), like so: AIR-(LIN)-ER.

36. Desire Shakespeare casually expressed (4)

Answer: WILL. Solution satisfies “desire” and “Shakespeare casually expressed”, being a shortened form of William.

39. English farm animals and cat I’m making upset – briefly amusing (12)

Answer: EPIGRAMMATIC (i.e. “amusing”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) followed by PIG and RAM (i.e. “farm animals”) and an anagram (indicated by “making upset”) of CAT I’M, like so: E-PIG-RAM-MATIC.

40. Relaxed about wet weather that’s rather cold (10)

Answer: RESTRAINED (i.e. “rather cold” in demeanour). Solution is RESTED (i.e. “relaxed”) placed “about” RAIN (i.e. “wet weather”), like so: REST(RAIN)ED.

43. Area of ten by ten in the middle of cemetery (6)

Answer: EXTENT (i.e. “area”). Solution is X (i.e. the first “ten” of the clue) and TEN placed “in” ET (i.e. “the middle of cemetery”, i.e. the middle two letters of “cemetery”), like so: E(X-TEN)T.

44. Act roughly in factory dance (8)

Answer: WORKSHOP (i.e. “act roughly”, as in to work through something by trying stuff out, a bit like sandboxing in computing). Solution is WORKS (i.e. “factory”) followed by HOP (i.e. “dance”).

45. Fool holding gang’s possessions (6)

Answer: ASSETS (i.e. “possessions”). Solution is ASS (i.e. “fool”) wrapped around or “holding” SET (i.e. “gang”), like so: AS(SET)S.

49. Reprimand tons with cheap disposal not having succeeded (7-3)

Answer: TELLING-OFF (i.e. “reprimand”). Solution is T (a recognised abbreviation of “tons”) followed by SELLING OFF (i.e. “cheap disposal”) once the S has been removed (indicated by “not having succeeded”, S being a recognised abbreviation of “succeeded”), like so: T-ELLING-OFF.

51. Stadium boxer swinging, using both left and right (12)

Answer: AMBIDEXTROUS (i.e. “using both left and right” hands). “Swinging” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of STADIUM BOXER. Excellent clue!

53. One cruelly killed a long time after deed (7)

Answer: ACTAEON (i.e. “one cruelly killed” in Greek mythology, when he was turned into a stag and torn to pieces by his frenzied hounds. Lovely.) Solution is A and EON (i.e. “long time”) placed “after” ACT (i.e. “deed”), like so: ACT-A-EON. One gotten from the wordplay.

54. Bolshevik cunning is possessed by worker (9)

Answer: ANARCHIST (i.e. “Bolshevik”). Solution is ARCH (i.e. “cunning”) and IS placed in or “possessed by” ANT (i.e. “worker”), like so: AN(ARCH-IS)T.

55. Like some yoghurt to follow over fruit? (5)

Answer: OLIVE (i.e. “fruit”). Solution is LIVE (i.e. “like some yoghurt”) placed after or “following” O (a recognised abbreviation of “over” used in cricket), like so: O-LIVE.

56. Turn out upper-class in gallery after literary evening (9)

Answer: EVENTUATE (i.e. “turn out”). Solution is U (a recognised abbreviation of “upper-class”) placed “in” TATE (i.e. “gallery”) and the whole then placed “after” EVEN (i.e. a poetic or “literary [form of] evening”), like so: EVEN-T(U)ATE.

57. Spiritual awakening is nettling he-men, unfortunately (13)

Answer: ENLIGHTENMENT (i.e. “spiritual awakening”). “Unfortunately” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of NETTLING HE-MEN.

Down clues

1. Climbing rodents get on ship to leave port? (9)

Answer: STARBOARD (i.e. “to leave port” – a commenter on a previous post made the point that “not port” on a ship needn’t automatically mean “starboard”. You’ve got midships, for example. He wasn’t keen on a clue that tried to get away with this, so I reckon he won’t be too impressed by this one either!) Solution is RATS (i.e. “rodents”) reversed (indicated by “climbing”, this being a down clue) followed by BOARD (i.e. “get on ship”), like so: STAR-BOARD.

2. Religious reformer imprisons one who will fret? (7)

Answer: LUTHIER (i.e. “who will fret” – a luthier is a maker of guitars and lutes, instruments with fretboards). Solution is Martin LUTHER (i.e. “religious reformer”) wrapped around or “imprisoning” I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: LUTH(I)ER.

3. Inspiration Henry found in island race (10)

Answer: INHALATION (i.e. “inspiration”, as in to breathe in). Solution is HAL (an alternative form of “Henry”) placed or “found in” I (a recognised abbreviation of “island”) and NATION (i.e. “race”), like so: I-N(HAL)ATION.

4. Hard up, wretched in seclusion (6)

Answer: PURDAH (i.e. “seclusion”). “Wretched” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of HARD UP.

5. What’s pirate suffering splitting share being brought home? (12)

Answer: REPATRIATION (i.e. “being brought home”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “suffering”) of PIRATE placed in or “splitting” RATION (i.e. “share”), like so: R(EPATRI)ATION.

6. Deliverer of order arrives carrying cooker (8)

Answer: ARRANGER (i.e. “deliverer of order”). Solution is ARR (a recognised abbreviation of “arrives” seen on timetables) wrapped around or “carrying” RANGE (i.e. “cooker”), like so: AR(RANGE)R.

7. Horses harnessed together: the second is out of energy (4)

Answer: TEAM (i.e. “horses harnessed together”). Solution is STEAM (i.e. “energy”) with the S removed (indicated by “the second is out of…” – S being a recognised abbreviation of “second”).

8. Oddly need priest to get ordained in advance (10)

Answer: PREDESTINE (i.e. “get ordained in advance”). “Oddly” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of NEED PRIEST.

9. Not quite in line with the latest ideas, okay? (6)

Answer: RIGHTO (i.e. “okay”). Solution is RIGHT ON (i.e. “in line with the latest ideas”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “not quite”).

10. Indecision of foolish girl embracing Henry more than once (12)

Answer: SHILLYSHALLY (i.e. “indecision”). Solution is SILLY (i.e. “foolish”) and SALLY (i.e. “girl”) once they have both (indicated by “more than once”) been wrapped around or “embracing” H (a recognised abbreviation of “Henry”, a unit of measurement that seems to be flavour of the month for setters), like so: S(H)ILLY-S(H)ALLY.

11. Giant bird sank, lacking wings (5)

Answer: TITAN (i.e. “giant”). Solution is TIT (i.e. “bird”) followed by AN (i.e. “sank, lacking wings”, i.e. the word “sank” with the first and last letters removed).

12. Abode ripe for demolition? Felon might hang about here? (9,4)

Answer: CONDEMNED CELL. Solution riffs on how “condemned” can describe a building earmarked for “demolition” as well as a “felon” awaiting execution, punningly referenced by “might hang about here”. You get the idea.

20. Go quickly up, sick over a Spanish omelette (8)

Answer: TORTILLA (i.e. “Spanish omelette”). Solution is TROT (i.e. “go quickly”) reversed (indicated by “up” – this being a down clue) and followed by ILL (i.e. “sick”) and A, like so: TORT-ILL-A.

22. One remedy that has answer for universal solitude (9)

Answer: ISOLATION (i.e. “solitude”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) followed by SOLUTION (i.e. “remedy”) once the U (a recognised abbreviation of “universal” used in film certification) has been replaced by (indicated by “has…for”) A (a recognised abbreviation of “answer”, as in Q&A), like so: I-SOL(U)TION => I-SOL(A)TION

23. Millions lost by metal plant (8)

Answer: GERANIUM (i.e. “plant”). Solution is GERMANIUM (i.e. “metal”) once the middle M has been removed (indicated by “millions lost”, M being a recognised abbreviation of “millions”).

25. Succeeded with fruit as new flavour (9)

Answer: SPEARMINT (i.e. “flavour”). Solution is S (a recognised abbreviation of “succeeded”) followed by PEAR (i.e. “fruit”) and MINT (i.e. “as new”).

27. With which Hook starts in the role of buccaneer (8)

Answer: ASPIRATE, which is to pronounce one’s aitches (i.e. “with which Hook starts”). When read as AS PIRATE the solution also satisfies “in the role of buccaneer”.

28. Reptile is back, large one coming in to lie in the sun (8)

Answer: BASILISK (i.e. “reptile”). Solution is IS reversed (indicated by “back”), L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”) and I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), placed “in” BASK (i.e. “to lie in the sun”), like so: BA(SI-L-I)SK.

29. Distinguish if iron ripped apart with current in time (13)

Answer: DIFFERENTIATE (i.e. “distinguish”). Solution is IF, FE (chemical symbol for “iron”), RENT (i.e. “ripped apart”) and I (a recognised abbreviation of an electrical “current” used in physics) all placed “in” DATE (i.e. “time”), like so: D(IF-FE-RENT-I)ATE.

32. Determined current passing round grid, initially (12)

Answer: INTRANSIGENT (i.e. “determined”). Solution is I (a recognised abbreviation of “current” as we’ve just covered) followed by TRANSIENT (i.e. “passing”) once it has been placed “round” G (i.e. “grid, initially”, i.e. the first letter of “grid”), like so: I-TRANSI(G)ENT.
[EDIT: Thanks to Richard in the comments for correcting this one. “Current” is IN, not I, so the solution is IN-TRANSI(G)ENT. Time was getting on when I wrote this bit! Thanks again, Richard! – LP]

33. Change ringers, inept and full of boldness (12)

Answer: ENTERPRISING (i.e. “full of boldness”). “Change” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of RINGERS INEPT.

37. Came across old uniform cloth for staff in military design (10)

Answer: CAMOUFLAGE (i.e. “military design”). Solution is CAME wrapped around or placed “across” O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”), U (“uniform” in the phonetic alphabet) and FLAG (i.e. “cloth for staff”), like so: CAM(O-U-FLAG)E.

38. Instrument surgeon initially inserted in low spine (6,4)

Answer: BASSET HORN (i.e. “instrument”). Solution is S (i.e. “surgeon initially”, i.e. the first letter of “surgeon”) placed “in” BASE (i.e. “low”) and followed by THORN (i.e. “spine”), like so: BA(S)SE-THORN. One gotten from the wordplay.

41. Cover song about street woman (9)

Answer: DUSTSHEET (i.e. “cover”). Solution is DUET (i.e. “song”) placed “about” ST (a recognised abbreviation of “street”) and SHE (i.e. “woman”), like so: DU(ST-SHE)ET.

42. Caught Michael shaking for addictive drug (8)

Answer: CHEMICAL (i.e. “addictive drug”). Solution is C (a recognised abbreviation of “caught” used in a number of ball games) followed by an anagram (indicated by “shaking”) of MICHAEL, like so: C-HEMICAL.

46. European cause is possibly controversial (7)

Answer: EMOTIVE (i.e. “possibly controversial”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) followed by MOTIVE (i.e. “cause”).

47. As told, look after united country (6)

Answer: UGANDA (i.e. “country”). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “as told”) of GANDER (i.e. “look”) placed “after” U (a recognised abbreviation of “united”), like so: U-GANDA.

48. Let It Be holds record for group (6)

Answer: SEPTET (i.e. “group” of seven). Solution is STET (i.e. “let it be” – when you cross something out you didn’t mean to, you’d write STET to show this) wrapped around or “holding” EP (i.e. an Extended Play “record”), like so: S(EP)TET. A clue that scans rather well.

50. Left one article in moving supply (5)

Answer: LITHE (i.e. “moving supply” – supply being the adverb form of “supple”. Sneaky, yes?). Solution is L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and THE (i.e. “article”).

52. Record finish for a race (4)

Answer: TAPE. Solution satisfies “record”, as in to tape something, and “finish for a race”.

It seems we’re heading towards stinkerdom again with a grid riddled with exotic solutions and a bunch of dead guys, not to mention a handful of overly vague and tenuous clues. Hardly my favourites. Now that the dust has settled, though, I can’t say this one was too bad. We’ve certainly seen worse.

Anyway, before we get all misty-eyed and I pull up a chair to talk some more, let’s get down to why you’ve come here. The answers! You’ll find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them useful.

As ever, a spot of hawking before we jump in. If you’ve got a pesky Times Jumbo Cryptic that’s eluded your grey matter lately then you might find some satisfaction in my Just For Fun page. If you’d like to give an old alter-ego an ego boost, you could do a lot worse than browsing a few book reviews knocking about the place, or, if you’ve got 20 minutes to kill, a short(ish) story of mine.

Anyway, before I start pulling out the family photos and you get all eyeing-the-exits, let’s get down to why you’ve come here.

To the answers!

LP

Across clues

1. Supporters, British, stopping Polish players (5,4)

Answer: BRASS BAND (i.e. “players”). Solution is BRAS (i.e. “supporters”) followed by B (a recognised abbreviation of “British”) once it has been placed in or “stopping” SAND (i.e. “[to] polish”), like so: BRAS-S(B)AND.

6. Minor injury certainly no handicap (7)

Answer: SCRATCH. Solution satisfies “minor injury” and “no handicap” – golf players with no handicap will start from a zero score, i.e. start from scratch. “Certainly” seems a redundant word, so there might be something extra I’ve missed.

10. Elm in court outside a hotel (5)

Answer: WAHOO (i.e. a variety of “elm”, it says here). Solution is WOO (i.e. “[to] court”) wrapped around or placed “outside” of A and H (“hotel” in the phonetic alphabet), like so: W(A-H)OO.

13. Poor parrots: they’ve no more fun! (3,6,4)

Answer: THE PARTY’S OVER (i.e. “no more fun”). “Poor” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of PARROTS THEY’VE.

14. Mole dwells across river bank (5,4)

Answer: LIVER SPOT (i.e. “mole” – too tenuous for me. While they are both marks found on the skin, I’d argue moles and liver spots are not the same. You don’t see many kids with liver spots, do you?) Solution is LIVES (i.e. “dwells”) wrapped around or placed “across” R (a recognised abbreviation of “river”) and followed by POT (i.e. “bank”, as in a pot of money), like so: LIVE(R)S-POT. Ho hum.

15. Recalled church matter being out of place (7)

Answer: ECTOPIC, meaning “in an abnormal position” (i.e. “out of place”). Solution is CE (i.e. “church”, specifically the Church of England) which is reversed (indicated by “recalled”) followed by TOPIC (i.e. “matter”), like so: EC-TOPIC. One gotten from the wordplay and a brute force of my Chambers.

16. Ring to cancel film (7)

Answer: ANNULET (i.e. “ring”). Solution is ANNUL (i.e. “cancel”) followed by ET (i.e. “film”, specifically ET: The Extra-Terrestrial).

17. Ball game, I sense, doing massive harm (7)

Answer: RUINOUS (i.e. “doing massive harm”). Solution is RU (i.e. “ball game”, specifically Rugby Union) followed by I and then NOUS (i.e. “sense”).

18. New arrangement for writers bears fruit (12)

Answer: STRAWBERRIES (i.e. “fruit”). “New arrangement for” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of WRITERS BEARS.

20. Meeting place in New Zealand at first overused, sadly (10)

Answer: RENDEZVOUS (i.e. “meeting place”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “sadly”) of NZ (i.e. “New Zealand at first”) and OVERUSED.

23. Secret miscreant kept from head (5)

Answer: INNER (i.e. “secret”). Solution is SINNER (i.e. “miscreant”) with the initial letter removed (indicated by “kept from head”).

24. Hours in science laboratory being oddly ignored put out Soviet leader (9)

Answer: Konstantin CHERNENKO (i.e. “Soviet leader” immediately before Gorbachev). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “hours”) placed “in” CERN (i.e. “science laboratory”, specifically the European Organisation of Nuclear Research. Also the birthplace of the world wide web, thanks to Sir Tim Berners-Lee) and followed by EN (i.e. “being oddly ignored”, i.e. the word BEING with the odd letters removed) and then KO (i.e. “put out”, as in to knock someone out), like so: C(H)ERN-EN-KO. One gotten from the wordplay.

25. Share personal perspective on what’s expected (7)

Answer: PARTAKE (i.e. “share”). Solution is TAKE (i.e. “personal perspective”) placed after PAR (i.e. “what’s expected”), like so: PAR-TAKE.

26. We cancel short journey to find convenience store (3-4,4)

Answer: ONE-STOP SHOP (i.e. “convenience store”). Solution is ONE STOPS (i.e. “we cancel”) followed by HOP (i.e. “short journey”), like so: ONE-STOPS-HOP.

28. In a way, uproar something we can learn from (11)

Answer: INSTRUCTION (i.e. “something we can learn from”). Solution is IN followed by ST (i.e. “a way”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of a “street”) and then RUCTION (i.e. “uproar”).

30. Follower of popular opinion, note, Strasbourg politician with letter (11)

Answer: TIMEPLEASER (i.e. “follower of popular opinion”, often cynically). Solution is TI (i.e. “note”, in the doh-ray-me fashion) followed by MEP (i.e. “Strasbourg politician”, specifically a Member of the European Parliament) and then LEASER (i.e. “letter”, both descriptive of a landlord). Cool word. I like it.

32. Salesman sulks, cross, turning to see waiting journalist? (11)

Answer: DOORSTEPPER (i.e. “[door-to-door] salesman”). Solution is PETS (i.e. “sulks”) and ROOD (i.e. “[Christ’s] cross”) both reversed (indicated by “turning”). That get’s me DOOR-STEP. As for the PER bit, I’m knackered. Anyone know why this would be “to see waiting journalist”?
[EDIT: Thanks to Gareth in the comments for clarifying this one. It turns out I’d misread a clump of definitions in my Chambers, and that a DOORSTEPPER was a “waiting journalist”. Salesman would therefore be a REP, which, when reversed with the others, gets you DOOR-STEP-PER. Thanks, Gareth! – LP]

34. Place for young and old train staff: Home Counties line? (7)

Answer: NURSERY (i.e. “place for young”). Solution is NUR (i.e. “old train staff”, specifically the National Union of Railwaymen, dissolved in 1990) followed by SE (i.e. “home counties”, i.e. the South East of England) and RY (a recognised abbreviation of “railway”, i.e. “line”).

36. Recovering, if diminished: lampoon them endlessly (2,3,4)

Answer: ON THE MEND (i.e. “recovering”). “If diminished” indicates the solution has been hidden in the clue, like so: LAMPO(ON THEM END)LESSLY.

38. Shackles press with these (5)

Answer: IRONS. Solution satisfies “shackles” and “press with these”.

39. One predicting a storm, perhaps, if indeed listened to (7,3)

Answer: WEATHER EYE (i.e. “one predicting a storm, perhaps”). Solution comprises homophones (indicated by “listened to”) of WHETHER (i.e. “if”) and AYE (i.e. “indeed”).

41. Win big game following exclusive article (5,3,4)

Answer: SCOOP THE POOL (i.e. “win big”). Solution is POOL (i.e. “game”) placed after or “following” SCOOP (i.e. “[newspaper] exclusive”) and THE (i.e. “article”). I get the phrase but can’t recall seeing or hearing its use all that often.

45. Appropriate company to tour capitals presenting opera (7)

Answer: NABUCCO (i.e. “opera” by Verdi. No, me neither.) Solution is NAB (i.e. to steal or “appropriate”) and CO (a recognised abbreviation of “company”) wrapped around or “touring” UC (i.e. “capitals”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of Upper Case), like so: NAB-(UC)-CO. Made. To. Fit.

46. Cunning US president with backing of forty on the left (7)

Answer: FOXLIKE (i.e. “cunning”). Solution is IKE (i.e. nickname of “US president” Dwight Eisenhower) with both OF reversed (indicated by “backing”) and XL (i.e. “[Roman numerals] forty”) placed “on the left” of it, like so: FO-XL-IKE.

47. Moslem doctrine to be poorly interpreted at first (7)

Answer: ISMAILI (i.e. “Moslem”, specifically “one of a sect of Shiite Muslims that recognises Ismail, son of the sixth imam, as the true seventh imam” (Chambers). So there you go.) Solution is ISM (i.e. “doctrine”) followed by AIL (i.e. “to be poorly”) and I (i.e. “interpreted at first”, i.e. the first letter of “interpreted”). One gotten purely from the wordplay.

49. Lasting mark left by short old Greek composer (9)

Answer: SCARLATTI (i.e. “composer” – there are a few to choose from, it seems). Solution is SCAR (i.e. “lasting mark”) followed by L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) and ATTIC (i.e. “old Greek” – Attic being of Attica, the region around Athens) once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “short”), like so: SCAR-L-ATTI. Another gotten partially from the wordplay, once I’d started typing “composer scarl” into Google. Who needs knowledge, eh, folks?

50. In this selection process keen that woman should block top illustrator? (13)

Answer: CHERRYPICKING (i.e. “selection process”). Solution is CRY (i.e. to mourn or “keen”) wrapped around or “blocked” by HER (i.e. “that woman”) and followed by PIC KING (i.e. “top illustrator”, PIC being short for “picture”), like so: C(HER)RY-PIC-KING.

52. Wed, perhaps, without dread, vacuous PA (5)

Answer: DADDY (i.e. “pa” – ignore the misleading uppercase text). Solution is DAY (i.e. “Wed, perhaps”, being a recognised abbreviation of Wednesday) wrapped around or placed “without” DD (i.e. “dread, vacuous”, i.e. the word “dread” with all its middle letters removed), like so: DA(DD)Y. One of those clues that has you facepalming the moment you twig it. Well played.

53. City, close to championship, continue to be relaxed? (7)

Answer: PRESTON (i.e. “city”). Solution is P (i.e. “close to championship”, i.e. the last letter of “championship”) followed by REST ON (i.e. “continue to be relaxed”).

54. Henry abused his power to punish severely (9)

Answer: HORSEWHIP (i.e. “punish severely”). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “Henry”, a unit of measurement we’ve seen used in another grid recently) followed by an anagram (indicated by “abused”) of HIS POWER, like so: H-ORSEWHIP. A clue that scans rather well.

Down clues

1. Prepares for fried dish or buffets (7)

Answer: BATTERS. Solution satisfies “prepares for fried dish” and “buffets”. Another well-worked clue.

2. Leaves stripper to run after a lowdown female (5,6)

Answer: AGENT ORANGE, a defoliant used as a chemical agent in the Vietnam war (i.e. “leaves stripper”). Solution is TO and R (a recognised abbreviation of “run” used in several ball games) placed “after” A and GEN (i.e. “lowdown”), then followed by ANGE (i.e. “female”, being a shortened form of Angela), like so: A-GEN-TO-R-ANGE.

3. Maidenhead maybe wanted in exchange for Slough (5)

Answer: SWAMP (i.e. “slough” – ignore the misleading capitalisation). Solution is M (i.e. “Maidenhead”, i.e. the first letter of “maiden”) placed “in” SWAP (i.e. “exchange”), like so: SWA(M)P.

4. A Conservative out to break with EU prompt! (7)

Answer: AUTOCUE (i.e. “prompt”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “to break”) of A, C (a recognised abbreviation of “Conservative”), OUT and EU. Cleverly done.

5. Some French boy (3)

Answer: DES. Solution satisfies “some French”, i.e. the French for “of the” or “some”, and “boy”, as in a boy’s name. My French extends little beyond un, deux, trois and Le Piat D’or, but this feels like another tenuous clue.

6. A number spotted, happening to be paying visit (9)

Answer: SEVENTEEN (i.e. “a number”). Solution is SEEN (i.e. “spotted”) wrapped around or being “paid a visit” by EVENT (i.e. “happening”), like so: S(EVENT)EEN.

7. Hardly ever is gran’s meat lean (6)

Answer: RARELY (i.e. “hardly ever”). Another where the setter loses me, so watch out. I get that meat can be prepared “rarely”, but that about all the heat I’m getting from this one.
[EDIT: Gareth comes to the rescue again here, pointing out that the solution is RA-RELY, comprising RA (i.e. “Gran’s meat”, i.e. the middle letters of “gran”) and RELY (i.e. “lean [on]”). Thanks, Gareth! – LP]

8. An age to cultivate some neat approach in (4,3,4,4,4)

Answer: TILL THE COWS COME HOME, denoting a long time (i.e. “an age”). Solution is TILL (i.e. “to cultivate [land]”) followed by THE COWS (i.e. “some neat” – an alternative meaning of “neat” covers cattle such as cows and oxen) then COME (i.e. “approach”) and HOME (i.e. “in”, as in “at home”).

9. Hung around with over-edacious hosts (7)

Answer: HOVERED (i.e. “hung around”). “Hosts” indicates the solution is hidden in the clue, like so: WIT(H OVER-ED)ACIOUS.

10. With place for page, it’s a sound organ or piano! (9)

Answer: WURLITZER (i.e. “organ or piano”). Solution is W (a recognised abbreviation of “with”) followed by URL (i.e. “place for [web]page”, short for a Uniform Resource Locator) then a homophone (indicated by “sound”) of IT’S A.

11. 3 lovers of trendy music and books in need of foreign friend (11)

Answer: HIPPOPOTAMI (i.e. “3 lovers” – the answer to 3d is SWAMP. Another one that is too vague for my liking). Solution is HIP (i.e. “trendy”) followed by POP (i.e. “music”), then OT (i.e. “books”, specifically the Old Testament of The Bible) and AMI (i.e. “foreign friend” – the French for “friend” being “ami”). Next!

12. Grass is overheard identifying conspirator (5)

Answer: Titus OATES, who fabricated a plot to kill Charles II (i.e. “conspirator”). “Is overheard” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of OATS (i.e. “grass”). A well-worked clue, but I’d no idea who this was. (Pats Google gently.)

16. Book is bio my foster father and I twice reworked (1,5,7,2,4)

Answer: A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIME (i.e. a well-known “book” by Professor Stephen Hawking). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “reworked”) of BIO MY FOSTER FATHER, I and I (indicated by “I twice”).

19. Monitor calls on regulator to support women’s group (7)

Answer: WIRETAP (i.e. “monitor calls”). Solution is RE (i.e. “on”, i.e. about – think email responses) and TAP (i.e. “regulator”) both preceded (indicated by “to support” – this being a down clue) by WI (i.e. “women’s group”, specifically the Women’s Institute), like so: WI-RE-TAP.

21. It’s something in S Africa to catch wild bears with nets (9)

Answer: STEENBRAS (i.e. “it’s something in S Africa to catch”, namely a kind of fish. Big buggers too, if Google Images is any judge.) “Wild” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of BEARS and NETS. The wordplay was fairly obvious, but only gotten once I’d solved all the intersecting letters.

22. Way of paying complete with pen and pad, finally (2,4)

Answer: IN KIND (i.e. “way of paying”). Solution is INK IN (i.e. “complete with pen”) followed by D (i.e. “pad, finally”, i.e. the last letter of “pad”).

23. Pass papers on, and empty textbook, immediately (1,4,4)

Answer: I DON’T KNOW (i.e. “pass”). Solution is ID (i.e. identification “papers”) followed by ON, then TK (i.e. “empty textbook”, i.e. the word “textbook” with all of its middle letters removed) and NOW (i.e. “immediately”).

24. Like some metal to get hold of annually? (7)

Answer: COPPERY (i.e. “like some metal”). Solution is COP (i.e. “to get hold of”) followed by PER Y (i.e. “annually”, with Y being a recognised abbreviation of “year”, i.e. per year).

25. Put out of pub, ancient one associated with The Sun’s top journalist (7)

Answer: PHRASED (i.e. “put”). Solution is PH (i.e. “pub”, specifically a Public House) followed by RA (i.e. “ancient one associated with the sun” – ignoring the misleading capitalisation – referring to the sun god Ra) then S (i.e. “the sun’s top”, i.e. the first letter of “sun” – a nice bit of recycling) and ED (i.e. “journalist”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of an “editor”).

27. Potentially even state celebration should involve one (6)

Answer: PARITY (i.e. “potentially even state”). Solution is PARTY (i.e. “celebration”) wrapped around or “involving” I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”), like so: PAR(I)TY.

29. Shift from English – earlier try to abandon science (7)

Answer: CHEMISE (i.e. “shift”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “English”) with CHEMISTRY (i.e. “science”) placed “earlier” once the TRY has been removed (indicated by “try to abandon”), like so: CHEMIS-E.

31. Middle-of-the-road leader on the right dismissed hawk (6-5)

Answer: MORTAR-BOARD (i.e. “hawk” – this can be a board upon which plasterers hold plaster or mortar while they work. Hmm. You learn something every day in this game.) Solution is MOR (a recognised abbreviation of “middle-of-the-road”) followed by STARBOARD (i.e. “on the right [of a ship]”) once its initial letter has been removed (indicated by “leader…dismissed”), like so: MOR-TARBOARD.

33. Still to determine its outcome? (5,6)

Answer: PHOTO FINISH (i.e. “outcome”). Solution riffs on how photographs or “stills” are used “to determine” who won a race. You get the idea.

35. European city hall condemned, rightly (9)

Answer: ETHICALLY (i.e. “rightly”). Solution is E (a recognised abbreviation of “European”) followed by an anagram (indicated by “condemned”) of CITY HALL, like so: E-THICALLY.

37. A mathematician’s large audience excited (9)

Answer: EUCLIDEAN (i.e. “a mathematician’s”, i.e. pertaining to the Ancient Greek mathematician Euclid). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “excited”) of L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”) and AUDIENCE.

40. Wretched uprising, frequently coming in place of protest? (7)

Answer: ROOFTOP (i.e. “place of protest”). Solution is POOR (i.e. “wretched”) reversed (indicated by “uprising” – this being a down clue) and wrapped around or allowing to “come in” OFT (i.e. “frequently”), like so: RO(OFT)OP.

42. Excursionist, one setting off? (7)

Answer: TRIPPER. Solution satisfies “excursionist” and “one setting off [an alarm]”.

43. Confined to bed – but no more stories? (5,2)

Answer: LYING UP. Solution satisfies “confined to bed” and “no more stories”, i.e. no more lies.

44. Missile briefly guided northwards, and across France (6)

Answer: EXOCET (i.e. “missile”). Solution is COXED (i.e. “guided”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “briefly”) and the remainder reversed (indicated by “northwards” – this being a down clue) and followed by ET (i.e. “and across France”, i.e. the French for “and”), like so: EXOC-ET.

45. Edged forward and picked up bouquet? (5)

Answer: NOSED. Solution satisfies “edged forward” and smelled, i.e. “picked up bouquet”.

48. Exam’s ending with long, hard paper (5)

Answer: MACHE (i.e. “hard paper”). Solution is M (i.e. “exam’s ending”, i.e. the last letter of “exam”) followed by ACHE (i.e. “long”).

51. Cheer swift runner coming up – not quite to the echo (3)

Answer: RAH (i.e. “cheer”). Solution is HARE (i.e. “swift runner”) with the E removed (indicated by “not quite to the echo” – echo being E in the phonetic alphabet) and the remainder reversed (indicated by “coming up” – this being another down clue).

A welcome one-off switch to the 27×27 jumbo grids of old as The Times celebrates 90 years of their cryptic crossword. This one was very well done, with a lot of clues and solutions themed around the number 90 or the year 1930 or crosswords in general.

You can find my completed grid below along with explanations of my solutions where I have them. I hope you find them useful. A little housekeeping before we jump in. If you have a previous Times Jumbo Cryptic that’s showing a few gaps then my Just For Fun page is the place to head. If horror stories are your bag then I have a few Reviews knocking about the place, and even a story of my own.

Right, that’s enough gabbing. To the answers! Meanwhile, after rattling out over 4,000 words of solutions over the last however many hours, I’m going to place these aching fingertips of mine into an ice bath. TTFN!

LP

Across clues

1. The number for today’s 45? (5,8,2,3)

Answer: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU (i.e. a song or “number”). The solution to 45d is TIMES CROSSWORD, and this puzzle celebrates its 90th birthday. The first of many themed clues.

10. Ninety-ton load originally transported with great diligence (8)

Answer: INTENTLY (i.e. “with great diligence”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “transported”) of NINETY, T (a recognised abbreviation of “ton”) and L (i.e. “load originally”, i.e. the first last of “load”). Themed.

16. Miss, perhaps, loch, with fog to the west (5)

Answer: HAZEL (i.e. “miss, perhaps”, i.e. a girl’s name). Solution is L (a recognised abbreviation of “loch”) with HAZE (i.e. “fog”) placed before or “to the west” of it, like so: HAZE-L.

17. Came out with partner once requested? (9)

Answer: EXCLAIMED (i.e. “came out with”). Solution is EX (i.e. “partner once”) followed by CLAIMED (i.e. “requested”). Note the XC in the solution, being the Roman numerals for 90.

18. Drag couple, pushing wife back (3)

Answer: TOW (i.e. “drag”). Solution is TWO (i.e. “couple”) with the W (a recognised abbreviation of “wife”) sent to the “back”.

19. Carbon copy perfectly covers a composition (7)

Answer: TOCCATA (i.e. “composition”). Solution is CC (i.e. “carbon copy”) placed in or “covered by” TO A T (i.e. “perfectly”) and followed by A, like so: TO-(CC)-A-T-A. An easier get thanks to this solution appearing relatively recently in puzzle 1417.

20. Times cryptic has bagged large one (9)

Answer: MILESTONE. Solution is an anagram (indicated by “cryptic”) of TIMES wrapped around or “bagging” L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”) and followed by ONE, like so: MI(L)EST-ONE. In the general context of the puzzle, the Times crossword can be said to have passed a significant milestone. Good clue!

21. Piano master given one month by notorious landlord (11)

Answer: Sergei RACHMANINOV (i.e. “piano master”). Solution is I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and NOV (i.e. “month”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of November) both preceded “by” Peter RACHMAN (i.e. “notorious landlord”, who exploited and threatened his tenants to such an extent that his name became synonymous with the practice), like so: RACHMAN-I-NOV. Helpfully, today’s Times feedback column contained a piece on the accepted spelling(s) of Rachmaninov. Which was nice.

23. See, in singular working method, way to extend playtime (3-2)

Answer: SLO-MO (i.e. “way to extend playtime”). Solution is LO (i.e. “see”, as in “lo and behold”) placed “in” between S (a recognised abbreviation of “singular”) and MO (i.e. “working method”, or Modus Operandi), like so: S-(LO)-MO.

24. Flash detective with Latin touch (7)

Answer: MODICUM (i.e. “touch”). Solution is MO (i.e. “flash”, both descriptive of a short period of time) followed by DI (i.e. “detective”, specifically a Detective Inspector) and CUM (i.e. “with Latin”, i.e. the Latin for “with”).

25. In short, why you can’t ring chemist (5)

Answer: Alfred NOBEL (i.e. “chemist”). Solution is NO BELL (i.e. “why you can’t ring”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “in short”).

26. Forward social security packs for one (5)

Answer: SASSY (i.e. “forward”). Solution is SS (a recognised abbreviation of “social security”) placed in or “packing” SAY (i.e. for example or “for one”), like so: SA(SS)Y.

28. Advance payments: one way to get by (7)

Answer: SUBSIST (i.e. “to get by”). Solution is SUBS (i.e. “advance payments”) followed by I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) and ST (i.e. “way”, specifically a recognised abbreviation of “street”).

29. “Meet in Colorado” – I like this clue! (4,6)

Answer: COME ACROSS (i.e. “meet”). Solution is CO (a recognised abbreviation of “Colorado”) followed by ME (i.e. “I” from the point of view of the setter) and ACROSS (i.e. “like this clue”, this being an across clue).

31. Running to ground, maybe, voracious predator turning on swallow (8)

Answer: DOWNFLOW (i.e. “swallow”). This feels a bit weak to me – I’d argue swallowing is a positive action and a downflow to be passive. I could also be overthinking this. Either way, watch out. My solution is DOWN (i.e. “running to ground, maybe” – if you are running prey to ground then you are downing them) followed by WOLF (i.e. “voracious predator”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “turning”), like so: DOWN-FLOW.
[EDIT: Thanks to Mick in the comments for offering a better explanation of this one. The operative phrase here is “running to ground, maybe”, not “swallow”, as in water flowing or running down to the ground. The solution is therefore DOWN (i.e. “swallow”) placed before WOLF, as described above. – LP]

33. Grand performance’s finale for circus clown (7)

Answer: AUGUSTE (i.e. “circus clown”). Solution is AUGUST (i.e. “grand”) followed by E (i.e. “performance’s finale”, i.e. the last letter of “performance”).

35. Cricket team after hotel (5)

Answer: INDIA. Solution satisfies “cricket team” and “after hotel”, referring to the phonetic alphabet where Hotel is H and India is I.

37. Hard test occurring at regular intervals (5)

Answer: HORAL, which describes something happening every hour (i.e. “at regular intervals”). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “hard” used in pencil grading) followed by ORAL (i.e. “test”). One gotten through the wordplay, if I’m honest.

38. Children’s doctor lacking energy to work out (4)

Answer: SUSS (i.e. “to work out”). Solution is children’s author Dr SEUSS (i.e. “children’s doctor”) with the E removed (indicated by “lacking energy”, E being a recognised abbreviation of “energy”). A small nod to the theme, given how solvers suss cryptic clues.

39. Touching, moving letters from dog trainer (2,6,2)

Answer: IN REGARD TO (i.e. “touching [on]”). “Moving letters from” indicates anagram. Solution is anagram of DOG TRAINER.

41. Hot, wearing kit attached to mat – it’s 90 degrees! (5-5)

Answer: RIGHT-ANGLE (i.e. “it’s 90 degrees” – a nod to the puzzle’s theme again). Solution is H (a recognised abbreviation of “hot”) placed in between or “wearing” RIG (i.e. “kit”) and TANGLE (i.e. “[to] mat”), like so: RIG-(H)-TANGLE.

43. Extravagant Times clue for “Einstein”? (7,8)

Answer: NAUGHTY NINETIES, referring to the 1890s, not the comparatively staid 1990s. Anyway, “extravagant times” – ignore the misleading capitalisation. “Clue for ‘Einstein’” indicates the solution forms a cryptic clue for “Einstein” – an anagram of NINETIES, with “naughty” being an anagram indicator. Clever stuff. I like it.

46. Some of our best, and biggest, friends win dosh and flourish, unexpectedly (5,10)

Answer: IRISH WOLFHOUNDS (i.e. “some of our best, and biggest, friends” – referring to dogs being man’s best friend and how Irish wolfhounds are big old buggers. I’m not much of a dog person, but I have always had a soft spot for Irish wolfhounds. I’d get one but its kennel would be bigger than my house.) “Unexpectedly” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of WIN DOSH and FLOURISH.

49. Singles that are old: at least 90 (5-5)

Answer: FORTY-FIVES (i.e. “[vinyl record] singles that are old” – ask your parents, kids). Solution also satisfies “at least 90”, 90 being the first multiple of 45. Another nod to the puzzle’s theme, there.

53. Country girl left a party held by Queen Victoria (2,8)

Answer: EL SALVADOR (i.e. “country”). Solution is ELSA (i.e. “girl”) followed by L (a recognised abbreviation of “left”) and A DO (i.e. “a party”) once it has been placed in or “held by” VR (i.e. “Queen Victoria”, or Victoria Regina), like so: ELSA-L-V(A-DO)R. After clean missing GABON in last week’s puzzle, I was pleased to quickly nail this one.

54. What solvers are keen to fill? Not quite keen, on reflection (4)

Answer: GRID (i.e. “what solvers are keen to fill”). Solution is DIRGE (i.e. “keen” – an alternative definition describes this as a “lamentation over the dead” (Chambers)) with the last letter removed (indicated by “not quite”). The remainder is then reversed (indicated by “on reflection”). Another good clue, and another small nod to the theme.

56. Live outside Rugby by backward out-of-town area (5)

Answer: EXURB (i.e. “out-of-town area”). Solution is BE (i.e. “live”) placed around or “outside” of RU (i.e. “rugby”, specifically Rugby Union) and X (i.e. “by”, as in the multiplication symbol), and the whole reversed (indicated by “backward”), like so: E(X-UR)B. One gotten solely through the wordplay. Cool word, though.

58. Film for setter? (5)

Answer: LAYER. Solution satisfies “film” and “setter”, as in one who sets or lays something.

60. For a song in Italian, what a carry on! (7)

Answer: CHEAPLY (i.e. “for a song”). Solution is CHE (i.e. “in Italian, what”, i.e. the Italian of “what” – thank goodness for Google Translate, eh, folks?) followed by A and PLY (i.e. to make one’s way or “carry on”).

62. Sanction attendant to find a place for 45, most days (4,4)

Answer: BACK PAGE (i.e. “a place for 45, most days” – another themed clue, the solution to 45d is TIMES CROSSWORD, which is often found on the back page of the newspaper). Solution is BACK (i.e. “sanction”) followed by PAGE (i.e. “[boy] attendant”).

63. Explains and edits a clue after revision (10)

Answer: ELUCIDATES (i.e. “explains”). “After revision” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of EDITS A CLUE. Another nicely worked little nod to the crossword theme.

66. Charged to company blessed person’s expenses! (7)

Answer: ONCOSTS (i.e. “expenses”). Costs, then. Anyway, solution is ON (i.e. “charged”) followed by CO (a recognised abbreviation of “company”) and ST’S (i.e. “blessed person’s”, being a recognised abbreviation of “saint” made possessive).

68. Sudden attack, somewhat uncivil, ungentlemanly (5)

Answer: LUNGE (i.e. “sudden attack”). “Somewhat” indicates solution is hidden in the clue, like so: UNCIVI(L UNGE)NTLEMANLY.

70. Place mostly full of parasites to get caught in (5)

Answer: LOCUS (i.e. the “place” of something). Solution is LOUSY (i.e. “full of parasites”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “mostly”) and the remainder wrapped around or “getting” C (a recognised abbreviation of “caught” used in several ball games), like so: LO(C)US.

71. Roughly holds sibling’s body (7)

Answer: CHASSIS (i.e. “body”). Solution is C (i.e. “roughly”, as in a recognised abbreviation of “circa”) followed by HAS (i.e. “holds”) and SIS (i.e. “sibling”, being a shortened form of “sister”).

73. Mostly when jumbo appears easy, oddly is gratifying (5)

Answer: SATES (i.e. “is gratifying”). Solution is SAT (i.e. “mostly when jumbo appears” – keeping with the theme of the puzzle, this refers to a shortened form of Saturday, when the Times Jumbo is usually published) followed by ES (i.e. “easy, oddly”, i.e. the odd letters of EASY). Another good clue!

74. It’s change you must accept from extremely lovable female carer! (5,6)

Answer: LEGAL TENDER (i.e. “it’s change you must accept”). Solution is LE (i.e. “extremely lovable”, i.e. the first and last letters of “lovable”) followed by GAL (i.e. “female”) and TENDER (i.e. “carer”). Another good ‘un.

76. Plant from study picked up at front of shop (4,5)

Answer: REED GRASS (i.e. “plant”). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “picked up”) of READ (i.e. “study”) placed in “front of” GRASS (i.e. to “shop” someone to the police).

78. Like 9 and 0, for instance – neither one thing nor the other to Shakespeare (3-4)

Answer: ODD-EVEN. Solution satisfies “like 9 and 0, for instance” (I’ll let the debate about whether 0 is an even number rage elsewhere) and “neither one thing nor the other to Shakespeare”, referring to a quote from Othello about midnight: “at this odd-even and dull watch o’ the night”.

79. House-sitter concealing a plot (3)

Answer: MAP (i.e. “plot”). Solution is MP (i.e. “house-sitter”, specifically a Member of Parliament who sits in the House of Commons) wrapped around or “concealing” A, like so: M(A)P.

80. (Ad)dressing down? (7-2)

Answer: TALKING-TO. Solution satisfies “dressing down” and, without the hyphen, “addressing”.

82. One appearing in drag – one in Pirandello? (5)

Answer: LUIGI “Pirandello”, Italian dramatist. No, me neither. Solution is LUG (i.e. “drag”) with I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) “appearing in” it and then followed by another I (ditto “one”), like so: LU(I)G-I. The second “in” seems unfairly misleading here, suggesting solvers also squeeze the second I into LUG. Either way, not a classic.

83. Senior women, old, long in post, going back (8)

Answer: DOYENNES (i.e. “senior women”). Solution is O (a recognised abbreviation of “old”) and YEN (i.e. to yearn or “long” for) placed “in” SEND (i.e. “[to] post”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “going back”), like so: D(O-YEN)NES.

84. What’s seen end of Romanov – our one irrefutably cryptic! (8,10)

Answer: FEBRUARY REVOLUTION (i.e. “what’s seen end of Romanov [dynastic rule in Russia]”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “cryptic”) of V (i.e. “end of Romanov”, i.e. the last letter of “Romanov”) and OUR ONE IRREFUTABLY. Nicely played.

Down clues

1. Gases with unpleasant smell in flat (2-3)

Answer: HO-HUM (i.e. uninteresting or “flat”). Solution is H and O (i.e. “gases”, specifically chemical symbols for hydrogen and oxygen) followed by HUM (i.e. “unpleasant smell”).

2. Revolutionary poser with unknown values being tried for Brain-teasers’ World (9)

Answer: PUZZLEDOM (i.e. “brain-teasers’ world” – ignore the misleading capitalisation). Solution is MODEL (i.e. “poser”) followed by Z and Z (i.e. “unknown values” – setters love referring to X, Y and Z in their solutions as “unknowns”), then UP (i.e. “being tried”, i.e. being up in court). The whole is then reversed (indicated by “revolutionary”), like so: PU-ZZ-LEDOM.

3. Bag for yellow sock lay abandoned (4,3)

Answer: YOLK SAC (i.e. “bag for [egg] yellow”). “Abandoned” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of SOCK LAY.

4. Fateful day when leader’s abandoned pair flanking demo? (4,2,5)

Answer: IDES OF MARCH (i.e. “fateful day” for Julius Caesar). Solution is SIDES OF MARCH (i.e. “pair flanking demo”) with the first letter removed (indicated by “leader’s abandoned”).

5. What could be long under end of snout (5)

Answer: TACHE, a contraction of “moustache”, i.e. “what could be … under end of snout”). Solution is ACHE (i.e. to “long” for) placed “under” T (i.e. “end of snout”, i.e. the last letter of “snout”), like so: T-ACHE. Another clue nicely played.

6. Tirade sent up charity race (8)

Answer: DIATRIBE (i.e. “tirade”). Solution is AID (i.e. “charity”) reversed (indicated by “sent up” – this being a down clue) and followed by TRIBE (i.e. “race”), like so: DIA-TRIBE.

7. Regularly sampled syrup, my, that’s tasty! (3)

Answer: YUM (i.e. “that’s tasty”). “Regularly sampled” indicates the solution is derived by taking every other letter of SYRUP MY.

8. What solver may refer to when looking up identical medical conditions (7)

Answer: OEDEMAS (i.e. “medical conditions”). Solution is OED (i.e. “what solver may refer to”, specifically the Oxford English Dictionary) followed by SAME (i.e. “identical”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “when looking up” – this being a down clue), like so: OED-EMAS. One gotten purely through the wordplay.

9. Many Times newspaper plugs unsettled one (5)

Answer: OFTEN (i.e. “many times” – ignore the misleading capitalisation). Solution is FT (i.e. “newspaper”, specifically the Financial Times) placed in or “plugging” an anagram (indicated by “unsettled”) of ONE, like so: O(FT)EN.

11. Locals show up in nanoseconds! (7)

Answer: NATIVES (i.e. “locals”). Solution is EVITA (i.e. musical “show”) which is reversed (indicated by “up” – this being a down clue) and placed “in” NS (a recognised abbreviation of “nanoseconds”), like so: N(ATIVE)S.

12. A case perhaps for charging, out of old tax, interest on deposit (6,7)

Answer: EXCESS BAGGAGE (i.e. “a case perhaps for charging”). Solution is EX (i.e. “old”), followed by CESS (i.e. “tax” – a new one on me, but it’s there in the dictionary), then BAG (i.e. “interest”, as “reading horror stories is my bag”) and GAGE (an archaic word for a pledge, i.e. “deposit” – another new one on me). Another solution with the numerals XC (i.e. 90).

13. Is to cease manufacturing warm coats for mothers-to-be? (3,6)

Answer: TEA COSIES (i.e. “warm coats for mothers-to-be” – this refers to a popular phrase “shall I be mother” when someone’s pouring a cuppa). “Manufactured” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of IS TO CEASE.

14. 1930 for Chinese show in Birmingham with parts exchanged… (4,2,3,5)

Answer: YEAR OF THE HORSE (i.e. “1930 for Chinese”). Solution is HORSE OF THE YEAR (i.e. “show in Birmingham”) with the YEAR and HORSE “parts exchanged”. Another nod to the puzzle’s theme.

15. …This year keen for some cricket? (6-6)

Answer: TWENTY-TWENTY. This seems a triple-header, being “this year” (i.e. 2020), “keen” (relating to 20-20 vision, perhaps) and “some cricket” (being the popular short-short form of the game). Most of these Jumbo Cryptics will be collected and republished in a few years’ time, so this clue might not work so well in future.

22. Insensitive request for a ring – receiving different sort (7)

Answer: CALLOUS (i.e. “insensitive”). Solution is CALL US (i.e. “request for a ring”) wrapped around or “receiving” O (i.e. a “different sort” of ring), like so: CALL-(O)-US.

24. Host nabbing posh family to help out (4,2)

Answer: MUCK IN (i.e. “to help out”). Solution is MC (i.e. “host”, specifically a Master of Ceremonies) wrapped around or “nabbing” U (i.e. “posh”, being a recognised abbreviation of the upper class – another favourite tell of some setters) and followed by KIN (i.e. “family”), like so: M(U)C-KIN.

25. Overheard refusals to touch kid’s hankie (4,3)

Answer: NOSE RAG (i.e. “hankie”). Solution is a homophone (indicated by “overheard”) of NOES (i.e. “refusals”) placed beside or “touching” RAG (i.e. “[to] kid”).

27. Only be doing this having put away volume (4)

Answer: SOLE (i.e. “only”). Solution is SOLVE (i.e. “be doing this” from the point of view of us solvers when faced with this clue) with the V removed (indicated by “having put away volume” – V being a recognised abbreviation of “volume”).

30. Crawling out, mostly quiet (5)

Answer: AWASH (i.e. “crawling”). Solution is AWAY (i.e. “out”) with the last letter removed (indicated by “mostly”) and followed by SH (i.e. “quiet”), like so: AWA-SH.

32. Feeds small numbers at college, in High School (4-3)

Answer: NOSH-UPS (i.e. “feeds”). Solution is NOS (i.e. “small numbers”, i.e. a contraction of the word “numbers”) followed by UP (i.e. “at college” – another favourite of some solvers) once it has been wrapped around or placed “in” HS (a recognised abbreviation of “High School”), like so: NOS-H(UP)S.

33. The last word? Just what one needs? Yes, primarily (7)

Answer: AMENITY. Pure guess this, as I’ve no idea what the setter is playing at here. Amenity is a pleasantness or pleasing characteristic, neither sense of the word I can seem to crowbar into this clue. You might want to take this with a pinch of salt. My solution is AMEN (i.e. “the last word”) followed by IT (i.e. “just what one needs” – I mean, yeah, kinda, I guess I see it, but…) and Y (i.e. “yes, primarily”, i.e. the first letter of “yes”). There’s probably some quotation or something clever I’m missing that sheds light on this.

34. A game for the 45’s birthday party? (6)

Answer: CLUEDO (i.e. “a game”). The solution to 45d is TIMES CROSSWORD, so, when read as a CLUE DO – a do being a “party” – then the solution satisfies the clue.

36. There are stories from Welshman appearing in The Times etc (7)

Answer: DAILIES (i.e. newspapers such as “The Times etc”). When read as DAI LIES the solution also satisfies “stories from Welshman”.

40. Derby game involves four sort of shooting (5-2)

Answer: DRIVE-BY (i.e. “sort of shooting”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “game” as in something gamy or gone off) of DERBY wrapped around or “involving” IV (i.e. “[Roman numerals] four”), like so: DR(IV)EBY.

42. In turning up sibyl, a monastery’s deviant (7)

Answer: ANOMALY (i.e. “deviant”). “In” indicates the solution is hidden in the clue, while “turning up” indicates the solution has been reversed – this being a down clue – like so: SIB(YL A MONA)STERY’S.

43. Less likely to spot one putting on one’s coat? (7)

Answer: NONDRIP. Solution riddles on people being less likely to be dripped on or “spotted” when “putting on” a coat of non-drip paint. That’s it, unless I’m missing something especially clever. Shouldn’t this solution have been hyphenated?

44. Removed from board, sulked (6)

Answer: HUFFED. Solution satisfies “removed from [draughts] board” – according to my Chambers, to huff is “to remove from the board for failing to make a possible capture” (blimey, who knew draughts was so complicated?) – and “sulked”.

45. This enigmatic item’s put out along with news (5,9)

Answer: TIMES CROSSWORD (i.e. “this”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “enigmatic”) of ITEM’S followed by CROSS (i.e. “put out”) and WORD (i.e. “the news”), like so: TIMES-CROSS-WORD. A more obvious nod to the puzzle’s theme.

47. 1930, where fifty percent of history is still (4,4,5)

Answer: HALF PAST SEVEN (i.e. “1930” as shown on a twenty-four-hour clock). Solution is HALF (i.e. “fifty percent”) followed by PAST (i.e. “of history”) then ‘S (a contraction of “is” – not keen on this, but there you go) and EVEN (i.e. “still”). Another themed clue.

48. Base bachelor quite keen for 90-minute affair (8,4)

Answer: FOOTBALL GAME (i.e. “90-minute affair”). Solution is FOOT (i.e. “base”) followed by B (a recognised abbreviation of “bachelor”) and ALL GAME (i.e. “quite keen”). Another themed clue.

50. Disturbances after polling bringing change in Russia (7)

Answer: ROUBLES (i.e. “change in Russia”). Solution is TROUBLES (i.e. “disturbances”) after the first letter has been removed (indicated by “polling” – the act of cutting the tops of trees).

51. Ticked over five hundred large – that is five hundred – boxes! (5)

Answer: IDLED (i.e. “ticked over”). Solution is D (i.e. “[Roman numeral] five hundred”) and L (a recognised abbreviation of “large”) placed in or “boxed” by IE (i.e. “that is”, i.e. er… “i.e.”) and D (again, “five hundred”), like so: I(D-L)E-D.

52. Emergency or upset thus besetting teacher (6)

Answer: CRISIS (i.e. “emergency”). Solution is SIC (i.e. “thus”) wrapped around or “besetting” SIR (i.e. “teacher”) and the whole reversed (indicated by “upset” – this being a down clue – like so: C(RIS)IS.

55. Might the setters pull a fast one? (7)

Answer: DOGSLED. Solution riddles on setters being a breed of dog, though I’m not entirely sure they’d be able to pull a dogsled with much speed! That’s it, unless I’m missing something clever.

57. Stick with this game – a version you’re still saddled with? (7,4)

Answer: BICYCLE POLO. Another riddly clue, this time riffing on how you would have a “stick with this game”. Bikes have “saddles”, as you’d have with horse-based polo. You get the idea.

59. Examine origins of special crossword at ninety (4)

Answer: SCAN (i.e. “examine”). “Origins of” indicates the solution is derived by taking the initial letters of SPECIAL CROSSWORD AT NINETY. Another themed clue.

61. Fervently, finally celebrated elite puzzling across 90 years (9)

Answer: EXCITEDLY (i.e. “fervently”). Solution is an anagram (indicated by “puzzling”) of D (i.e. “finally celebrated”, i.e. the last letter of “celebrated”) and ELITE wrapped around or placed “across” XC (i.e. “[Roman numerals for] 90”) and then followed by Y (a recognised abbreviation of “years”), like so: E(XC)ITEDL-Y. Another themed clue.

64. Conductor’s inaction’s outrageous (9)

Answer: Arturo TOSCANINI (i.e. “conductor”). “Outrageous” indicates anagram. Solution is an anagram of INACTION’S. One I knew, weirdly!

65. Want to leave mark on financial institutions (8)

Answer: SCARCITY (i.e. “want”). Solution is SCAR (i.e. “to leave mark”) followed by CITY (i.e. “financial institutions”).

67. Offend Anglicans, passing round half of lewd gag (7)

Answer: SILENCE (i.e. “gag”). Solution is SIN (i.e. “offend”) and CE (i.e. “Anglicans”, i.e. the Church of England) wrapped “round” LE (i.e. “half of lewd”, specifically the first half of “lewd”), like so: SI(LE)N-CE.

69. Old German prince’s shocking treatment, in part after rising (7)

Answer: ELECTOR (i.e. “old German prince” – no, me neither). Solution is ECT (i.e. “shocking treatment”, specifically Electroconvulsive Therapy) placed “in” ROLE (i.e. “part”) once it has been reversed (indicated by “after rising” – this being a down clue), like so: EL(ECT)OR. One gotten from the wordplay alone. I suspect the next five things I read will be coincidentally stuffed full of electors.

72. Writer in The Guardian, or in Le Monde (7)

Answer: Maya ANGELOU (i.e. “writer”). Solution is ANGEL (i.e. “guardian” – ignore the misleading capitalisation) followed by OU (i.e. “or in Le Monde”, Le Monde is a French newspaper, the French for “or” is “ou”. Another gotten solely from the wordplay and a quick check on Wikipedia.

75. Drinks picked up with ear drop (5)

Answer: LAPSE (i.e. “drop”). “Picked up with ear” indicates homophone. Solution is a homophone of LAPS (i.e. “drinks”).

76. Like a difficult jumbo, not like the others? (5)

Answer: ROGUE. Solution satisfies “like a difficult jumbo”, as in a rogue elephant, and “not like the others”. Another themed clue.

77. Twig, at last, Times Cryptic Number One’s being recalled! (5)

Answer: SCION (i.e. “twig”). Solution is S and C (i.e. “at last, Times Cryptic”, i.e. the last letters of “Times” and “Cryptic”) followed by NO (a contraction of “number”) and I (i.e. “[Roman numeral] one”) once they have been reversed (indicated by “being recalled”), like so: S-C-(I-ON). Another themed clue.

81. Field of grass bound to need cutting (3)

Answer: LEA (i.e. “field of grass”). Solution is LEAP (i.e. “bound”) once the last letter has been removed (indicated by “to need cutting”).