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Explanations: No. 14787 – Wednesday, 23 May 2012

May 23, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 First to see rubbish army band (6)
S-TRIPE
First to “s-ee” (S) rubbish (TRIPE) = STRIPE: army band.
4 Rush to prepare breakfast items sometimes (8)
SCRAMBLE
Rush (SCRAMBLE) to prepare breakfast items sometimes (SCRAMBLE … eggs).
9 Idolise commercial muck! (6)
AD-MIRE
Commercial (AD) muck (MIRE) = ADMIRE: idolise.
10 Completely fail to be strong, everyone lacking fizz (4,4)
F-ALL FLAT
Strong (F) everyone (ALL) lacking fizz (FLAT) to be = FALL FLAT: completely fail.
12 Australian native gets decisive end to fight in style of pessimistic investor (5,4)
KO-A-LA BEAR
Decisive end to fight (KO) in style of (A LA) pessimistic investor (BEAR) gets = KOALA BEAR: Australian native.
13 Dairy product for 21-across (5)
CREAM
Dairy product (CREAM) for “ELITE” (CREAM)
14 Crazy, plus does a runner leaving essential details (4,3,5)
NUTS AND BOLTS
Crazy (NUTS) plus (AND) does a runner (BOLTS) leaving = NUTS AND BOLTS: essential details.
18 One way or the other, it’s Robert (3,2,3,4)
BOB UP AND DOWN
It’s Robert (BOB) one way or the other (UP AND DOWN) = BOB UP AND DOWN.
A doubly cryptic definition, as BOB is a palindrome.
21 Select some hotel items (5)
-ELITE-
Some “hot-EL ITE-ms” = ELITE: select.
22 Grounds to dole out beer (9)
RATION-ALE
To dole out (RATION) beer (ALE) = RATIONALE: grounds.
24 Didn’t go rush around ocean (8)
RE(MAIN)ED
Rush (RE-ED) around “ocean” (MAIN) = REMAINED: didn’t go.
25 Stir about court inflexible with rules (6)
STRI-CT
“Stir” about (STRI) court (CT) = STRICT: inflexible with rules.
26 Discuss poetry in prison? (8)
CON-VERSE
Poetry in prison? (CON VERSE) = CONVERSE: discuss.
27 Threaten collapse this summer? (6)
TOTTER
Threaten collapse (TOTTER) this “summer?” (TOTTER).

Down
1 Go across, with ruler paddling (8)
SPAN-KING
Go across (SPAN) with “ruler” (KING) = SPANKING: paddling.
2 Barricades made from horns and wool? (8)
RAM-PARTS
Horns and wool? (RAM PARTS) made from = RAMPARTS: barricades.
3 Jacket Father used around boat (5)
P(ARK)A
Father (P-A) used around “boat” (ARK) = PARKA: jacket.
5 Some can communicate via crystal no differently (12)
CLAIRVOYANTS
“Via crystal no” differently = CLAIRVOYANTS: some can communicate via crystal (balls).
6 Bertie found leaving set aside (9)
AL-LOCATED
Bertie (AL) found (LOCATED) leaving = ALLOCATED: set aside.
7 First from batch, more aged and less likely to shrink (6)
B-OLDER
First from “b-atch” (B) more aged (OLDER) and = BOLDER: less likely to shrink.
8 Hospital department to ring doctor and enter into plot? (6)
ENT-O-MB
Hospital department (ENT) to “ring” (O) doctor (MB) and = ENTOMB: enter into plot?
11 A, D, E & H (12)
HEAD-QUARTERS
The letters A, D, E & H are all QUARTERS of the word HEAD = HEADQUARTERS.
15 When to do penance back then? (2,3,4)
AT-ONE TIME
When to do penance? (ATONE TIME) = AT ONE TIME: back then.
16 He might censor exam in a fog (8)
M(ORAL)IST
In “a fog” (M-IST) exam (ORAL) = MORALIST: he might censor.
17 First to take in a less slovenly beast (8)
A-N(T)EATER
In “a less slovenly” (A N-EATER) first to “t-ake” (T) = ANTEATER: beast.
19 Relatively new kind of unit got together with old force (6)
MET-RIC
Got together (MET) with “old force” (RIC) = METRIC: relatively new kind of unit.
20 One flying first class managed about a thousand (6)
AI-R(M)AN
First class (AI) managed, ‘ran’, about a thousand, ‘M’ [R(M)AN].
23 Better you reported politician in two different circles (5)
O(U-TD)O
In “two different circles” (O-O) “you” reported, “politician” (U-TD) = OUTDO: better.
Explanations: No. 14786 – Tuesday, 22 May 2012

May 22, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
8 County post office machine (6)
CO-PIER
County (CO) post (PIER) = COPIER: office machine.
9 Least understood round Father at mission (8)
O-PA-QUEST
Round (O) Father (PA) at “mission” (QUEST) = OPAQUEST: least understood.
10 Long for highest honour around hospital (4)
AC(H)E
Highest honour (AC-E) around “hospital” (H) for = ACHE: long.
11 Is slandered externally? Not true! (10)
M(IS)ALIGNED
Slandered (M-ALIGNED) external to “is” (IS) = MISALIGNED: not true.
12 Urge onward and support the Spanish (6)
PROP-EL
Support (PROP) “the” Spanish (EL) and = PROPEL: urge onward.
14 A priest with worker’s reward to evaluate (8)
A-PP-RAISE
A priest (A PP) with “worker’s reward” (RAISE) = APPRAISE: to evaluate.
15 M A R K (6,3,6)
MARK is THE GOSPEL, and here is SPREAD out = SPREAD THE GOSPEL.
18 Disappointment for me in part of Northern Ireland (8)
CO(ME)DOWN
In “part of Northern Ireland” (CO DOWN) me (ME) for = COMEDOWN: disappointment.
20 Reading what nudists have? (6)
LESS-ON
What nudists have? (LESS ON) = LESSON: reading (at a church service).
22 Engineers seldom glad to get top awards (4,6)
GOLD MEDALS
Engineers “seldom glad” to get = GOLD MEDALS: top awards.
24 Like a churl regretted being heard (4)
RUDE
Regretted (RUED) being heard = RUDE: like a churl.
25 Adolescent one set out to be hardest to see, maybe (8)
TEEN-I-EST
Adolescent (TEEN) one (I) “set” out (EST) to be = TEENIEST: hardest to see, maybe.
26 Little hole I reportedly rented (6)
EYE-LET
“I” reportedly (EYE) rented (LET) = EYELET: little hole.

Down
1 Agree to see prisoner, worthless dog (6)
CON-CUR
Prisoner (CON) worthless dog (CUR) to see = CONCUR: agree.
2 Penalty imposed for doing bad or good (4)
FINE
Penalty imposed for doing bad (FINE) or “good” (FINE).
3 Raised again and again about a million and shuddered (8)
TRE(M)BLED
Raised again, and again (TRE-BLED) about “a million” (M) and = TREMBLED: shuddered.
4 Weep, upset over second one in charge (4)
BOS-S
Weep, ‘sob’, upset (BOS) over “second” (S) = BOSS: one in charge.
5 Telephone and everything is in the trophy (4,2)
C(ALL) UP
In “the trophy” (C-UP) is “everything” (ALL) and = CALL UP: telephone.
6 They cut out some light and serenaded young girls (10)
SUNG-LASSES
Serenaded (SUNG) young girls (LASSES) and = SUNGLASSES: they cut out some light.
7 Fools witness, one who is charged (8)
ASSES-SEE
Fools witness (ASSES SEE) = ASSESSEE: one who is charged.
13 Role-playing before acting like shepherd (10)
PRE-TENDING
Before (PRE-) acting like shepherd (TENDING) = PRETENDING: role-playing.
14 Article about woman visibly frightened (5)
A(SHE)N
Article (A-N) about “woman” (SHE) = ASHEN: visible frightened.
16 Does badly after rugby player asked for a hand (8)
PROP-OSED
After “rugby player” (PROP) “does” badly (OSED) = PROPOSED: asked for hand (in marriage).
17 Lass with ugly shoes worn in bad weather (8)
GAL-OSHES
Lass (GAL) with “ugly ‘shoes’” (OSHES) = GALOSHES: shoes worn in bad weather.
19 First to bid on peer review (6)
OPENER
“On peer” review = OPENER: first to bid.
21 Lots of curly-haired dogs spared initially (6)
-OODLES
Curly-haired dogs (P-OODLES) spared initially (-P, spared the initial letter) of = OODLES: lots.
23 One after John doesn’t sit around (4)
ACTS
One after John, in the Bible (ACTS) doesn’t sit around (ACTS).
24 Rush those starting really early each day (4)
R-E-E-D
Those starting r-eally (R) e-arly (E) e-ach (E) d-ay (D) = REED: rush.
Explanations: No. 14785 – Monday, 21 May 2012

May 21, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
8 Positive response to German parts of window by East Asian (8)
JA-PANES-E
Positive response to German (JA) parts of window (PANES) by “East” (E) = JAPANESE: Asian.
9 Frozen stiff after flying start (6)
F-RIGID
After “f-lying start” (F) stiff (RIGID) = FRIGID: frozen.
10 Meaning to show trendy circus spot (6)
IN-TENT
Trendy (IN) circus spot (TENT) to show = INTENT: meaning.
11 The one here about street by the French plants (8)
THI(ST-LE)S
The one here (THI-S) about “street” by “the” French (ST-LE) = THISTLES: plants.
12 She will shortly get victory in Europe set aside (6)
SHE’L-VE
She will, ‘she’ll’, shortly (SHE’L-) get “Victory in Europe” (VE) = SHELVE: set aside.
13 Half of them taking bananas and cheese (8)
EM-MENTAL
Half of “th-em” (EM) taking “bananas” (MENTAL) and = EMMENTAL: cheese.
15 Exceptional steak order (4)
RARE
Exceptional (RARE) steak order (RARE).
17 Not many worked top to bottom, for example (7)
ANTONYM
“Not many” worked = ANTONYM: “top” to “bottom”, for example.
19 Tested for quality bananas, say, edible in part (7)
-ASSAYED-
“banan-AS SAY ED-ible” in part = ASSAYED: tested for quality.
22 One drawn to light from other part (4)
-MOTH-
“fro-M OTH-er” part = MOTH: one drawn to light.
24 Allow to represent (5,3)
STAND FOR
Allow (STAND FOR) to represent (STAND FOR).
27 A stone-fish, off course (6)
A-ST-RAY
A (A) stone (ST) fish (RAY) = ASTRAY: off course.
29 Last to feel distress and experience neglect (8)
L-ANGUISH
Last to “fee-l” (L) distress (ANGUISH) and = LANGUISH: suffer neglect.
30 How to get into nudist camp with no room to spare? (6)
BARELY
How to get into nudist camp? (BARELY) with no room to spare (BARELY).
31 Fifty-one entering capital … capital! (6)
BER(LI)N
Entering “capital” (BER-N) fifty-one (LI) = BERLIN: capital.
32 Chips with no starter, fish and wine (8)
RIES-LING
Chips, ‘f-ries’, with no starter (-RIES) fish (LING) and = RIESLING: wine.

Down
1 Send up a meal outside (6)
L(A)UNCH
Meal (L-UNCH) outside “a” (A) = LAUNCH: send up.
2 Loss for the French gives victory for some Swedes (8)
WATERLOO
Loss for the French (WATERLOO) gives “victory for some Swedes”, ABBA’s Eurovision win (WATERLOO).
3 Wary about hat design that’s tough but flexible (8)
LE(ATH)ERY
Wary (LE-ERY) about “hat” design (ATH) that’s = LEATHERY: tough but flexible.
4 Not this, not that, therein not right (7)
NEITHER
“Therein” not right = NEITHER: not this, not that.
5 Maintain a strong company (6)
A-F-FIRM
A (A) strong (F) company (FIRM) = AFFIRM: maintain.
6 Like ‘Vampire Victim, Part X’ (6)
BIT-TEN
Part (BIT) X (TEN) = BITTEN: like vampire victim.
7 A learner I scold for free! (8)
L-I-BERATE
A learner (L) I scold (I BERATE) for = LIBERATE: free.
14 Trim location last to go for essential part (4)
MEAT-
Trim location (MEAT-H) last to go, for = MEAT: essential part.
16 It’s loaded in the morning by Maureen (4)
AM-MO
The morning (AM) by “Maureen” (MO) in = AMMO: it’s loaded.
18 Announce amounts charged after dark to produce fertilizers (8)
NITRATES
Amounts charged after dark (NIGHT RATES) announced, to produce = NITRATES: fertilizers.
20 Quietly and easily walks from a right mess (8)
SH-AMBLES
Quietly (SH) and “easily walks” (AMBLES) from = SHAMBLES: a right mess.
21 Looking for everything nevertheless (5,3)
AFTER ALL
Looking for everything (AFTER ALL) nevertheless (AFTER ALL).
23 Supplier of fruit or vegetable (7)
OR-CHARD
Or (OR) vegetable (CHARD) = ORCHARD: supplier of fruit.
25 Carp found by setting horse in river (6)
NI(GG)LE
Setting in “river” (NI-LE) horse (GG) found by = NIGGLE: carp.
26 One listed on Facebook just before Saturday start (6)
FRI-END
Just before Saturday start (FRI-END) = FRIEND: one listed on Facebook.
28 Crooked lion in Narnia heading for trouble (6)
ASLAN-T
Lion in Narnia (ASLAN) heading for “t-rouble” (T) = ASLANT: crooked.
Explanations: No. 14784 – Saturday, 19 May 2012

May 20, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed this weekend’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 Measure taken to avoid making suit hard to pin down (7,6)
EVASIVE ACTION
Hard to pin down (EVASIVE) suit (ACTION) = EVASIVE ACTION: measure taken to avoid.
10 Words on a crest about an item of furniture (7)
OTTOM-AN
Words on a crest, ‘motto’, about (OTTOM) an (AN) = OTTOMAN: item of furniture.
11 Demand too much of public in front of a cross (7)
OVERT-A-X
Public (OVERT) in front of “a” (A) cross (X) = OVERTAX: demand too much of.
12 Mark of ruler popular with church (4)
IN-CH
Popular (IN) with “church” (CH) = INCH: mark of ruler.
13 Party with crooked property for her (5)
DO-WRY
Party (DO) with “crooked” (WRY) = DOWRY: property for her.
15 Mideast bigwig in harem I recall (4)
-EMIR-
In “har-EM I R-ecall” = EMIR: Mideast bigwig.
17 Colour of feature displayed by robin’s left wing (3)
RED
Colour of feature displayed by robin, its breast (RED) left wing (RED).
19 Red wine ingredient comes from lying in sun mostly (6)
TANNIN-
Lying in sun (TANNIN-G) mostly (just keep most of the letters), comes from = TANNIN: red wine ingredient.
21 Wee Thomas is in first class with Charlie on the radio (6)
A(TOM)I-C
Thomas, ‘Tom’ is in first class, ‘AI’ is [A(TOM)I] with “Charlie” on the radio, from the phonetic alphabet (C) = ATOMIC: wee.
22 Poem about current fashion designer (7)
VERS(AC)E
Poem (VERS-E) about “current” (AC) = VERSACE: fashion designer.
23 A priest allowed little code (6)
A-PP-LET
A priest (A PP) allowed (LET) = APPLET: little code.
25 Word of advice about a flight on Aer Lingus from Asian city (6)
T(A)IP-EI
Word of advice, ‘tip’ about ‘a’ [T(E)IP] flight on Aer Lingus (EI) from = TAIPEI: Asian city.
27 Only odd bits of ghetto are secure (3)
G-E-T
Only odd bits of “ghetto” (odd letters from G-h-E-t-T-o) are = GET: secure.
29 Last ones in flat to cover the rent (4)
T-O-R-E
Last ones in fla-t (T) t-o (O) cove-r (R) th-e (E) = TORE: rent.
30 Artist with five hundred and ten kind of waves (5)
RA-D-IO
Artist (RA) with “five hundred” (D) and “ten” (IO) = RADIO: kind of waves.
31 Fellows surrounding a medium (4)
ME(A)N
Fellows (ME-N) surrounding “a” (A) = MEAN: medium.
34 Like ones directing in a vehicle (2,5)
ON BOARD
Like ones directing (ON BOARD) in a vehicle (ON BOARD).
35 Composer encountered in South Africa and North America (7)
S(MET)A-NA
Encountered, ‘met’, in South Africa, ‘SA’ {S(MET)A] and “North America” (NA) = SMETANA: composer.
36 Extremists at core, in breaking up, ram sign (13)
REACTION-ARIES
“At core, in” breaking up (REACTION) ram sign (ARIES) = REACTIONARIES: extremists.

Down
2 Religious centre provides container for wine – one tin (7)
VAT-I-CAN
Container for wine (VAT) one (I) tin (CAN) provides = VATICAN: religious centre.
3 ;-: (4)
SEMI
;-: (SEMI-COLON minus COLON) = SEMI.
4 Traveller drove off around the North (6)
VE(N)DOR
“Drove” off (VE-DOR) around “the North” (N) = VENDOR: traveller.
5 Sailor getting boat’s propeller and hundreds the same as 34-across (6)
AB-OAR-D
Sailor (AB) getting “boat’s propeller” (OAR) and “hundreds” (D) = ABOARD: the same as ON BOARD.
6 Unnamed ones will reveal article by end of day (4)
THE-Y
Article (THE) by “end of da-y” (Y) will reveal = THEY: unnamed ones.
7 Best to choose a single mother (7)
OPT-I-MUM
To choose (OPT) a single (I) mother (MUM) = OPTIMUM: best.
8 One might get driven here for praising poet in drawing (2,11)
T(O DIST)RACTION
In “drawing” (T-RACTION) praising poet (ODIST) for = TO DISTRACTION: one might get driven here.
9 Old partner with pull in hospital, enthusiast for exchanging equipment in kitchen (10,3)
EX-TRACTION FAN
Old partner (EX) with “pull in hospital” (TRACTION) enthusiast (FAN) for = EXTRACTION FAN: (air) exchanging equipment in kitchen.
14 Being well short, she had failed to pay (7)
WEL-SHE’D
Being “wel-l” short (WEL) she had (SHE’D) = WELSHED: failed to pay.
16 Was one dealing with Faust when upset (5)
LIVED
One dealing with Faust (DEVIL) when upset = LIVED: was.
18 Appropriate material for girder, one’s told (5)
STEAL
Material for girder (STEEL) one’s told = STEAL: appropriate.
20 Realise one is dividing the court (3)
NET
Realise (NET) one is dividing the (tennis) court (NET).
21 Diplomacy without a leader is a charade (3)
-ACT
Diplomacy (T-ACT) without a leader (-T, drop the leading letter) is = ACT: a charade.
24 Standard, clever teaching device (7)
PAR-ABLE
Standard (PAR) clever (ABLE) = PARABLE: teaching device.
26 Under a little pressure, tell clergyman (7)
P-RELATE
Under “a little pressure” (P) tell (RELATE) = PRELATE: clergyman.
27 Half go with greeting for Indian leader (6)
G-AND-HI
Half “g-o” (G) with (AND) greeting (HI) for = GANDHI: Indian leader.
28 Connects the first that is wrong (4,2)
T-IE-S IN
“T-he” first (T) that is (IE) wrong (SIN) = TIES IN: connects.
32 Lake in Geneva swallows one of the flock (4)
LA(I)C
“Lake” in Geneva (LA-C) swallows “one” (I) = LAIC: of the flock.
33 First in band ever to get harp, maybe (4)
B-E’ER
First in “b-and” (B) ever (E’ER) to get = BEER: Harp, maybe.
Explanations: No. 14783 – Friday, 18 May 2012

May 18, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 Order for one into stout (4)
F(I)AT
Into “stout” (F-AT) one (I) for = FIAT: order.
4 K severely criticises big contracts (5,5)
GRAND SLAMS
K (GRAND) severely criticises (SLAMS) = GRAND SLAMS: big (bridge) contracts.
9 One really funny yell (6)
SCREAM
One really funny (SCREAM) yell (SCREAM).
10 Falling for flashy jewel in the navel? (8)
TUM-BLING
Flashy jewel in the navel? (TUM-BLING) for = TUMBLING: falling.
11 Experts initially leave male, one with a swelling of the head (8)
E-GO-MAN-I-A
“E-xperts” initially (E) leave (GO) male (MAN) “one” with “a” (I-A) = EGOMANIA: swelling of the head.
12 Put in order for new starter before gone from plate (6)
N-EATEN
“N-ew” starter (N) before “gone from the plate” (EATEN) for = NEATEN: put in order.
13 Sub captain’s order in sleazy pub? (4)
DIVE
Sub captain’s order (DIVE) in “sleazy pub” (DIVE).
15 Give nod to eco-friendly smoker’s request (5,5)
GREEN LIGHT
Eco-friendly (GREEN) smoker’s request (LIGHT) = GREEN LIGHT: give nod to.
17 Pedestrian crossing to find halfpenny, perhaps (10)
FOOTBRIDGE
Pedestrian crossing (FOOTBRIDGE) to find Halfpenny (Bridge) perhaps (FOOTBRIDGE).
19 Note about being put out (4)
SO-RE
Note (SO) about (RE) being = SORE: put out.
20 Leaders from Spain and France are revelling in exotic holiday (6)
S-A-F-A-R-I
Leaders from S-pain (S) a-nd (A) F-rance (F) a-re (A) r-evelling (R) i-n (I) = SAFARI: exotic holiday.
22 Warnings of course, even predicted (8)
FORES-E’EN
Warnings of (golf) course (FORES) even (E’EN) = FORESEEN: predicted.
25 Snake seen by our beach before Clare Regatta (4-4)
BOA-T RA-CE
Snake (BOA) seen by “our beach” (TRA) before “Clare” (CE) = BOAT-RACE: regatta.
26 Sound restraint on horse for a wedding (6)
BRIDAL
Restraint on horse (BRIDLE) sound = BRIDAL: for a wedding.
27 Let outside or, that is, set straight again (10)
RE(OR-IE)NTED
Let (RE-NTED) outside “or” “that is” (OR-IE) = REORIENTED: set straight again.
28 Like a starless sky in the Kingdom (4)
IN-KY
In (IN) the Kingdom, ‘Kerry’ (KY) = INKY: like a starless sky.

Down
2 Disguised gin and tonic cocktail round (9)
INCOGNIT-O
“Gin” and “tonic” cocktail (INCOGNIT) round (O) = INCOGNITO: disguised.
3 Neither manufacturer provides heat unit (5)
-THERM-
“nei-THER M-anufacturer” provides = THERM: heat unit.
4 Urchin on street from endless casino activity (5)
GAMIN-
Casino activity (GAMIN-G) endless, from = GAMIN: urchin on street.
5 Put into motion series of scenes you said had bite (7)
ACT-U-ATE
Series of scenes (ACT) “you” said (U) had bite (ATE) = ACTUATE: put into motion.
6 Maybe waltz around circle with least amount of control (9)
D(O-MIN)ANCE
Maybe waltz (D-ANCE) around “circle” with “least amount of” (O-MIN) = DOMINANCE: control.
7 Rock songs for evening performances? (9)
LULLABIES
LULLABIES are often “performed” in the “evening” while “rocking” the baby to sleep.
Just a cryptic definition …
8 Fellow sees only half the parsonage (5)
MAN-SE-
Fellow (MAN) “se-es”, only half (SE) = MANSE: the parsonage.
14 One pulling out old farm equipment (9)
EX-TRACTOR
Old farm equipment (EX-TRACTOR) = EXTRACTOR: one pulling out.
15 Representing great men, I begin to develop (9)
GERMINATE
Representing “great men, I” = GERMINATE: begin to develop.
16 DEETS (9)
HORSE-BACK
DEETS is STEED, a ‘HORSE’, written ‘BACK’ = HORSEBACK.
18 Turn away from learner failing outside (7)
DEF(L)ECT
Failing (DEF-ECT) outside “learner” (L) from = DEFLECT: turn away.
21 Superior to sailor, not completely finished (5)
AB-OVE-
Sailor (AB) finished, ‘ove-r’, not completely (OVE-) = ABOVE: superior to.
23 Fanatical police action securing a billion (5)
RA(B)ID
Police action (RA-ID) securing “a billion” (B) = RABID: fanatical.
24 Counsel providing one section in library (3-2)
SC-IF-I
Counsel (SC) providing (IF) one (I) = SCI-FI: section in library.
Explanations: No. 14782 – Thursday, 17 May 2012

May 17, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 Showing indecision he is the one colonist with only half (10)
HE’S-IT-ANT-LY
He is the one (HE’S IT) colonist (ANT) with “on-ly” half (LY) = HESITANTLY: showing indecision.
6 Drill for one who isn’t the life of the party (4)
BORE
Drill (BORE) for “one who isn’t the life of the party” (BORE).
10 A second little bit to strike down (5)
S-MITE
A second (S) little bit (MITE) = SMITE: to strike down.
11 Well I never desire one of those (5,4)
FANCY THAT
Desire (FANCY) one of those (THAT) = FANCY THAT: well I never.
12 One in competition at the end for part of fish given to elite (8)
FIN-A-LIST
Part of fish (FIN) given to “elite” (A-LIST) for = FINALIST: one in competition at the end.
13 Less excited about small rug from the East (5)
TAMER
“About” “small rug” (RE MAT) from the East, read in the other direction = TAMER: less excited.
15 Country road reconstructed with old European money at first (7)
ECU-ADOR
“Old European money” at first (ECU) “road” reconstructed (ADOR) = ECUADOR: country.
17 Snowball fight? (4,3)
COLD WAR
Just a cryptic definition, an old chestnut …
19 Correct about the Spanish Kindle, again (7)
R(EL)IGHT
Correct (R-IGHT) about “the” Spanish (EL) = RELIGHT: kindle, again.
21 Has an aggressive approach towards current expenditures? (7)
AC-COSTS
Current (AC) expenditures (COSTS) = ACCOSTS: has an aggressive approach towards?
22 Not very hard for copper reluctant to meet people (5)
CU-SHY
Copper (CU) reluctant to meet people (SHY) for = CUSHY: not very hard.
24 Editor flushed with stage presence (8)
RED-ACTOR
Flushed (RED) with “stage presence” (ACTOR) = REDACTOR: editor.
27 I am in a race to produce energy (9)
AN(I’M)ATION
In “a race” (A N-ATION) I am (I’M) to produce = ANIMATION: energy.
28 Man who goes deep for fish close to Mayo (5)
BASS-O
Fish (BASS) close to “May-o” (O) for = BASSO: man who goes deep.
29 Light gas one mixed with nitrogen (4)
NEO-N
“One” mixed (NEO) with “nitrogen” (N) = NEON: light gas.
30 A lot less than one hole for a drink of course? (10)
NINETEENTH
A lot less than one (NINETEENTH) hole for a drink of (golf) course (NINETEENTH).

Down
1 One throwing party for legion (4)
HOST
One throwing party (HOST) for “legion” (HOST).
2 Religious head of school takes Greek character to church service (9)
S-PI-RITUAL
Head of “s-chool” (S) takes “Greek character” (PI) to “church service” (RITUAL) = SPIRITUAL: religious.
3 Letters from front he takes first to Thermopylae? (5)
THETA
Letters from “fron-T HE TA-kes” = THETA: first to Thermopylae? (theta is the Greek “th” sound).
4 Start to notice if level is cooler (7)
N-IF-TIER
Start to “n-otice” (N) if level (IF TIER) is = NIFTIER: cooler.
5 Eccentric in a cult (7)
LUNATIC
Eccentric “in a cult” = LUNATIC: eccentric.
7 Go back with poor actor producing our old writing (5)
OG-HAM
“Go” back (OG) with “poor actor” (HAM) producing = OGHAM: our old writing.
8 Venture to type in ‘use a lever’ (10)
ENTER-PRISE
To type in (ENTER) use a lever (PRISE) = ENTERPRISE: venture.
9 Higher pressure number is costly to adjust (8)
SYSTOLIC
“Is costly” to adjust = SYSTOLIC: higher (blood) pressure number.
14 The French run with cheap bananas for little one (10)
LE-PRECHAUN
“The” French (LE) “run” with “cheap” bananas (PRECHAUN) for = LEPRECHAUN: little one.
16 Maybe boxer carries this facility when full? (5,3)
DOGGY BAG
Maybe boxer carries this? (DOGGY BAG) facility when full? (DOGGY BAG).
18 State not completely sage argument against wrong (9)
WIS-CON-SIN
Sage, ‘wis-e’, not completely (WIS) argument against (CON) wrong (SIN) = WISCONSIN: state (in the US).
20 Ends part of the school year at home, with illness initially (7)
TERM-IN-I
Part of the school year (TERM) at home (IN) with “I-llness” initially (I) = TERMINI: ends.
21 Not so fast with initial stake (7)
AND-ANTE
With (AND) initial stake (ANTE) = ANDANTE: not so fast.
23 Sly, not quite to the end, I leave town (5)
SL-I-GO
“Sl-y” not quite to the end (SL) I leave (I GO) = SLIGO: town.
25 Charlie on the radio qualified for television option (5)
C-ABLE
“Charlie” on the radio, in the phonetic alphabet (C) qualified (ABLE) for = CABLE: television option.
26 You don’t say and become quiet (4)
GO-SH
Become (GO) quiet (SH) and = GOSH: you don’t say.
Explanations: No. 14781 – Wednesday, 16 May 2012

May 16, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 Somewhat standard religious community? (6)
PAR-ISH
Somewhat standard? (PAR-ISH) = PARISH: religious community.
4 An ocean of room at top to hold local area network (8)
AT(LAN)TIC
Room at top (AT-TIC) to hold “local area network” (LAN) of = ATLANTIC: an ocean.
9 A street artist, beginning to look like star (6)
A-ST-RA-L
A street (A ST) artist (RA) beginning to “l-ook” (L) = ASTRAL: like star.
10 After a month, artist can prepare food this way maybe (2,6)
AU G-RA-TIN
After “a month” (AUG) artist (RA) can (TIN) = AU GRATIN: prepare food this way maybe.
12 Triple most of the coral formation getting on in years (9)
TH-REEF-OLD
Most of “th-e” (TH) coral formation (REEF) getting on in years (OLD) = THREEFOLD: triple.
13 ‘Doctor Kildare’ article included Donald Duck, maybe (5)
DR(A)KE
“Doctor” “Kildare” (DR-KE) “article” included (A) = DRAKE: Donald Duck, maybe.
14 Substitute with bride provides space for late arrivals, perhaps (8,4)
STAND-IN-G ROOM
Substitute with bride (STAND-IN GROOM) provides = STANDING ROOM: space for late arrivals, perhaps.
18 Record number happening, with you all in sight (7-5)
S(EVENT-Y-E)IGHT
In “sight” (S-IGHT) “happening” with “you all” (EVENT-YE) = SEVENTY-EIGHT: “record” and “number”.
21 More behind on the boat following? (5)
AFT-ER
“More behind”, on the boat? (AFT-ER) = AFTER: following.
22 Unlikely to get burned if wrong about geometry exercise (9)
FI-RE-PROOF
“If” wrong (FI) about (RE) geometry exercise (PROOF) = FIREPROOF: unlikely to get burned.
24 Reduce expenses concerned with soldiers’ line of defence (8)
RE-TRENCH
Concerned with (RE) soldiers’ line of defence (TRENCH) = RETRENCH: reduce expenses.
25 Meat featured in Escalopes a la Milanesa (6)
-SALAMI-
Featured in “escalope-S A LA MI-lanesa” = SALAMI: meat.
26 So half take little trial and most like dessert wine (8)
S-WEE-TEST
“S-o” half (S) take “little trial” (WEE TEST) and = SWEETEST: most like dessert wine.
27 Berlioz to friends is bully (6)
HECTOR
Berlioz, to friends (HECTOR) is “bully” (HECTOR).

Down
1 Use leverage hosting part of play to rehearse (8)
PR(ACT)ISE
Use leverage (PR-ISE) hosting “part of play” (ACT) = PRACTISE: to rehearse.
2 Decompose song by northern club member (8)
ROT-ARIA-N
Decompose (ROT) song (ARIA) by “northern” (N) = ROTARIAN: club member.
3 Run from pianist suggesting second cold beer (5)
S-C-ALE
Second (S) cold (C) beer (ALE) suggesting = SCALE: run from pianist.
5 ST/TH or M (12)
TH-UNDER-ST-OR-M
ST/TH (TH UNDER ST) or M (OR M) = THUNDERSTORM.
6 Are heartless staff over European capital’s transportation hub? (9)
A-E-ROD-ROME
“a-r-e” heartless (A-E) staff (ROD) over “European capital” (ROME) is = AERODROME: transportation hub.
7 Bird, by Scottish male painter (6)
TIT-IAN
Bird (TIT) by “Scottish male” (IAN) = TITIAN: painter.
8 Deliberate removal of one from tree (6)
CON-FER
Tree (CON-I-FER) with “one” removed (-I) = CONFER: deliberate.
11 Production from Foley artist using personal property that’s in good shape (5,7)
SOUND EFFECTS
Production from Foley artist (SOUND EFFECTS) using “personal property that’s in good shape” (SOUND EFFECTS).
15 Retired, as working is most depressing (9)
DREARIEST
“Retired, as” working = DREARIEST: most depressing.
16 Unaware it’s one small number in funding award (8)
I-G(NO)RANT
One (I) small number, ‘no’, in funding award, ‘grant’ [G(NO)RANT] it’s = IGNORANT: unaware.
17 Possibly suffer with it being more pompous (8)
STUFFIER
Possibly “suffer” with “it” being = STUFFIER: more pompous.
19 Sign he’s leaving book of synonyms (6)
T-AURUS
Book of synonyms (T-HES-AURUS) “he’s” leaving (-HES) = TAURUS: sign.
20 Figure you say, to split say (6)
STAT(U)E
Say (STAT-E) split by “you” say (U) = STATUE: figure.
23 Follow leader from mountain back to Clare? (5)
PLA-CE
Mountain, ‘alp’, back (PLA) to “Clare” (CE) from = PLACE: follow leader? (coming second in a race, following the leader).
Explanations: No. 14780 – Tuesday, 15 May 2012

May 15, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
8 Half of Dev’s party note welcome for us (6)
Half of Dev’s party, ‘Fianna Fáil’ (FAIL) note (TE) = FAILTE: “welcome” for us.
9 One over private about the body (8)
CORPORAL
One over private (CORPORAL) about the body (CORPORAL).
10 Tempting food article, in part (4)
B(A)IT
In “part” (B-IT) article (A) = BAIT: tempting food.
11 Indicating in advance demise of harbour? (10)
PORT-ENDING
Demise of harbour? (PORT ENDING) = PORTENDING: indicating in advance.
12 Make fun of the first afternoon service maybe? (3,3)
TEA SE-T
Make fun of (TEASE) “t-he” first (T) = TEA SET: afternoon service maybe.
14 History exam about the country (8)
PAST-ORAL
History (PAST) exam (ORAL) = PASTORAL: about the country.
15 Forego adage to be obvious (2,7,6)
GO WITHOUT SAYING
Forego adage (GO WITHOUT SAYING) to be obvious (GO WITHOUT SAYING).
18 Start attacking welcoming feature of room (4,4)
OPEN FIRE
Start attacking (OPEN FIRE) welcoming feature of room (OPEN FIRE).
20 Legal setting announced for arrested (6)
CAUGHT
Legal setting (COURT) announced, for = CAUGHT: arrested.
22 Might Della disheartened by her support use these to brighten up? (10)
CAN-DELA-BRA
Might (CAN) “de-l-la” disheartened (DE-LA) by “her support” (BRA) = CANDELABRA: use these to brighten up.
24 A steady violin player in recital (4)
BEAU
Violin player (BOW) in recital = BEAU: a steady.
25 Tired carrying Penny on from clubs, perhaps (8)
WEA(P-ON)RY
Tired (WEA-RY) carrying “Penny” “on” (P-ON) from = WEAPONRY: clubs, perhaps.
26 Lifts inside hotel, at escalator (6)
-ELATES-
Inside “hot-EL AT ES-calator” = ELATES: lifts.

Down
1 To a friend, the highest honour is showing such a magnificent home (6)
PAL-ACE
To “a friend” (PAL) the highest honour (ACE) is showing = PALACE: such a magnificent home.
2 Left in bed, a blood problem maybe (4)
C(L)OT
In “bed” (C-OT) left (L) = CLOT: a blood problem maybe.
3 Send off some French aid to stop smoking, maybe (8)
DES-PATCH
“Some” French (DES) aid to stop smoking, maybe (PATCH) = DESPATCH: send off.
4 Hair-raising, missing the last mark (4)
SCAR-
Hair-raising (SCAR-Y) missing the last (-Y) = SCAR: mark.
5 Maybe alphabetises list taken while waiting? (6)
ORDERS
Maybe alphabetises (ORDERS) list taken while waiting, as a waiter (ORDERS).
6 Promoting health? Atta boy! (4,3,3)
GOOD FOR YOU
Promoting health (GOOD FOR YOU) Atta boy! (GOOD FOR YOU!)
7 Chief thanks home support (8)
MAIN-TA-IN
Chief (MAIN) thanks (TA) home (IN) = MAINTAIN: support.
13 Hops around pub yard and barely gets wet? (6-4)
SK(INN-YD)IPS
Hops (SK-IPS) around “pub” “yard” (INN-YD) and = SKINNY-DIPS: barely gets wet?
14 Page ill-mannered Victorian, perhaps (5)
P-RUDE
Page (P) ill-mannered (RUDE) = PRUDE: Victorian, perhaps.
16 Harped on about being left alone (8)
ORPHANED
“Harped on” about, being = ORPHANED: left alone.
17 Note on boxes supplied by philosopher (8)
SO-CRATES
Note (SO) on “boxes” (CRATES) supplied by = SOCRATES: philosopher.
19 Like Ireland to be one’s country? (6)
I’S-LAND
One’s (I’S) country (LAND) to be = ISLAND: like Ireland.
21 Recovered and soundly won the ball in the scrum (6)
HEALED
Won the ball in the scrum (HEELED) soundly, and = HEALED: recovered.
23 Early men found in empty bogs around Offaly? (4)
B(OY)S
Empty “b-og-s” (B-S) around “Offaly” (OY) found in = BOYS: early men?
24 Say too much at start of big political party (4)
B-LAB
At “start of ‘b-ig’” (B) political party (LAB) = BLAB: say too much.
Explanations: No. 14779 – Monday, 14 May 2012

May 14, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed today’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
8 Private meeting for eleven? (3-2-3)
ONE-ON-ONE
Eleven, ‘11’? (ONE ON ONE) for = ONE-ON-ONE: private meeting.
9 Town beach in Ireland, by river (6)
TRA-LEE
“Beach” in Ireland (TRA) by “river” (LEE) = TRALEE: town.
10 In Paris I return spar from boat that’s discarded at sea (6)
JE-TSAM
In Paris “I” (JE) spar from boat, ‘mast’, return (TSAM) = JETSAM: that’s discarded at sea.
11 Cross the line leaving hair around hot tub (8)
TRES(SPA)S
Hair (TRES-S) around “hot tub” (SPA) leaving = TRESPASS: cross the line.
12 Detain one northern seabird (6)
I-N-TERN
One (I) northern (N) seabird (TERN) = INTERN: detain.
13 Make queen hornet deviate to northeast (8)
ENTHRO-NE
“Hornet” deviate (ENTHRO) to “northeast” (NE) = ENTHRONE: make queen.
15 Officer with a drink (4)
COL-A
Officer (COL) with “a” (A) = COLA: drink.
17 XXX (7)
HUNDRED
X (TEN) X (TIMES) X (TEN) = HUNDRED.
19 Weapon hit opposite French island (7)
MISS-ILE
“Hit” opposite (MISS) French “island” (ILE) = MISSILE: weapon.
22 Judge from Ardee magistrate (4)
-DEEM-
From “ar-DEE M-agistrate” = DEEM: judge.
24 Muralist worked to exhibit selfless quality (8)
ALTRUISM
“Muralist” worked, to exhibit = ALTRUISM: selfless quality.
27 Look over a trick for gym class (6)
PE-RUSE
A trick for gym class (PE RUSE) = PERUSE: look over.
29 One can play this male party line endlessly (8)
MAN-DO-LIN-
Male party (MAN DO) “lin-e” endlessly (LIN) = MANDOLIN: one can play this.
30 Reproves church at the middle of the month (6)
CH-IDES
Church (CH) at “the middle of the month” (IDES) = CHIDES: reproves.
31 Brave lady drops Ecstasy in the end, the drug (6)
HEROIN-
Brave lady (HEROIN-E) drops “Ecstasy” in the end (drop the last “E”) = HEROIN: the drug.
32 Object after support for ball is getting ready to bite, perhaps (8)
TEE-THING
After “support for ball” (TEE) object (THING) is = TEETHING: getting ready to bite, perhaps.

Down
1 Article by college VIP from Peru, perhaps (6)
AN-DEAN
Article (AN) by “college VIP” (DEAN) = ANDEAN: from Peru, perhaps.
2 Toilet spotted by old Penny, it’s not tied up? (5,3)
LOO-SE EN-D
Toilet (LOO) spotted (SEEN) by “old Penny” (D) = LOOSE END: it’s not tied up?
3 Arrive to house fellows, 100 to start (8)
COM(MEN-C)E
Arrive (COM-E) to house “fellows” “100” (MEN-C) = COMMENCE: to start.
4 First book in the Bible to support of course one learning to be polite (7)
GEN-TEE-L
First book in the Bible (GEN) to support of (golf) course (TEE) one learning (L) to be = GENTEEL: polite.
5 Be heard in a trial if all goes your way (2,4)
A-T (B)EST
In “a trial” (A T-EST) “be” heard (B) = AT BEST: if all goes your way.
6 Hold back basket with cover (6)
HAMPER
Hold back (HAMPER) basket with cover (HAMPER).
7 Close tightly around a boy only at certain times of the year (8)
SE(A-SON)AL
Close tightly (SE-AL) around “a boy” (A SON) = SEASONAL: only at certain times of the year.
14 Identify fellow turning up, last to arrive (4)
NAM-E
Fellow, ‘man’, turning up (NAM) last to “arriv-e” (E) = NAME: identify.
16 Love a theologian’s chances (4)
O-DD’S
Love (O) a theologian’s (DD’S) = ODDS: chances.
18 Happy Rich transferred file (8)
UP-LOADED
Happy (UP) rich (LOADED) = UPLOADED: transferred file.
20 Little rascal made scene perhaps and had quite an effect (8)
IMP-ACTED
Little rascal (IMP) made scene, perhaps (ACTED) and = IMPACTED: had quite an effect.
21 Unembellished paintings turned up in vision (8)
S(TRA)IGHT
In “vision” (S-IGHT) paintings, ‘art’, turned up (TRA) = STRAIGHT: unembellished.
23 Come forth to find 14-down upset and consumed (7)
EMAN-ATE
NAME upset (ENAM) and “consumed” (ATE) to find = EMANATE: come forth.
25 Glowing being extremely popular (3,3)
RED HOT
Glowing (RED HOT) being “extremely popular” (RED HOT).
26 Not going anywhere, I would fish (6)
I’D-LING
I would (I’D) fish (LING) = IDLING: not going anywhere.
28 Going out with discernment (6)
SEEING
Going out with (SEEING) discernment (SEEING).
Explanations: No. 14778 – Saturday, 12 May 2012

May 13, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | by Roy Earle

I hope you enjoyed this weekend’s puzzle!

Roy

Across
1 Gambler’s opponent often taking time out for crime (13)
HOUSE-BREAKING
Gambler’s opponent often (HOUSE) taking time out (BREAKING) for = HOUSEBREAKING: crime.
10 At home it may be perfect to be highly emotional (7)
IN-TENSE
At home (IN) it may be perfect (TENSE) to be = INTENSE: highly emotional.
11 Concerned with command to organise differently (7)
RE-ORDER
Concerned with (RE) command (ORDER) = REORDER: to organise differently.
12 A joke on reflection is crazy (4)
GAGA
A joke (A GAG) on reflection, is = GAGA: crazy.
13 Say! Like a day for tanning, young man? (5)
SONNY
Like a day for tanning (SUNNY) say = SONNY: young man.
15 Endless enjoyment joining ship to create bother (4)
FU-SS
Enjoyment, ‘fu-n’, endless (FU) joining “ship” (SS) = FUSS: to create bother.
17 Approval for university teacher from the right (3)
NOD
University teacher (DON) from the right (read the other way) for = NOD: approval.
19 One making enclosure and using foil (6)
FENCER
One making enclosure (FENCER) and “one using foil” (FENCER).
21 Like us the Spanish write it backwards in copy (6)
C(EL-TI)C
In “copy” (C-C) “the” Spanish, write “it” backwards (EL-TI) = CELTIC: like us.
22 Of course a warning with cutting tool is anticipated (7)
FORE-SAW
Of (golf) course a warning (FORE) with “cutting tool” (SAW) is = FORESAW: anticipated.
23 Leaderless men took action and followed (6)
-EN-SUED
Leaderless “m-en” (EN) took action (SUED) and = ENSUED: followed.
25 Lack the French part of a compass (6)
NEED-LE
Lack (NEED) “the” French (LE) = NEEDLE: part of the compass.
27 Fishy to see disreputable paper retreating? (3)
Disreputable paper (RAG) retreating, to see = GAR: fishy?
29 Turn over part of house to find anchor (4)
MOOR
Part of house (ROOM) turn over, to find = MOOR: anchor.
30 100 to date, worked to get one training (5)
C-ADET
100 (C) to “date” worked (ADET) to get = CADET: one training.
31 Support footballer’s position (4)
BACK
Support (BACK) footballer’s position (BACK).
34 Got to communist holding every one (7)
R(EACH)ED
Communist (R-ED) holding “every one” (EACH) = REACHED: got to.
35 Not taken in you say ‘put in order!’ (7)
U-NEATEN
“You” say (U) put in order (NEATEN) = UNEATEN: not taken in.
36 Considering, then contemplating? (8,5)
THINKING TWICE
Considering (THINKING) then “contemplating” (THINKING) = THINKING TWICE.

Down
2 Figure commanding officer brought up tango-dancing (7)
OC-TAGON
Commanding officer, ‘CO’, brought up (OC) “tango” dancing (TAGON) = OCTAGON: figure.
3 Sound made by swans and nesting eagles at first (4)
S-A-N-E
At first, s-wans (S) a-nd (A) n-esting(N) e-agles (E) made by = SANE: sound.
4 Brother gets short memo about French language (6)
BR-ETON
Brother (B) gets short memo, ‘note’, about (ETON) = BRETON: French language.
5 Make a mistake with messenger’s job (6)
ERR-AND
Make a mistake (ERR) with (AND) = ERRAND: messenger’s job.
6 Be certain about making a thousand at once (4)
K-NOW
A thousand (K) at once (NOW) making = KNOW: be certain about.
7 Absolutely bound to set straight (2,5)
NO DOUBT
“Bound to” set straight = NO DOUBT: absolutely.
8 Keg, for kind man playing ‘Hamlet’ (4,2,7)
KING OF DENMARK
“Keg, for kind man” playing = KING OF DENMARK: Hamlet.
9 Getting support from second source angry with attacking king (5-8)
CROSS-CHECKING
Angry (CROSS) with “attacking king” (CHECKING) = CROSS-CHECKING: getting support from second source.
14 Where to write the number taped has been changed (7)
NO-TEPAD
The number (NO) “taped” has been changed (TEPAD) = NOTEPAD: where to write.
16 Direct elsewhere heading north or south (5)
REFER
Direct elsewhere (REFER) heading north or south (REFER is a palindrome).
18 Not as many revealed by strong pitcher (5)
F-EWER
Strong, forte (F) pitcher (EWER) revealed by = FEWER: not as many.
20 Staff showing nothing in Ardee (3)
R(O)D
In “ar-dee” (R-D) nothing (O) showing = ROD: staff.
21 Is able to head off medical examination (3)
-CAN
Medical examination (S-CAN) head off (-S, take off the first letter) = CAN: is able to.
24 Stand by moats around church (7)
STOMA-CH
By “moats” around (STOMA) church (CH) = STOMACH: stand.
26 Doctor starts as muscle spasm is severe (7)
DR-AS-TIC
“Doctor” starts (DR) as muscle spasm (AS TIC) is = DRASTIC: severe.
27 Force one to go south of Italian lake (6)
GARDA-I
Italian lake (GARDA) “one” south of it, below it (I) = GARDAI: force.
28 Put up again with wildebeest, her being upset (6)
REHUNG
With “wildebeest”, “her” (GNU-HER) being upset = REHUNG: put up again.
32 Oriental country without a place for a Van Dyke (4)
CHIN-
Oriental country (CHIN-A) without “a” (-A) = CHIN: place for a Van Dyke (the beard).
33 Catty remark from home owner? (4)
-MEOW-
From “ho-ME OW-ner” = MEOW: catty remark.

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