The latest crossword puzzle, No 17,585, is ready for enthusiasts who are looking forward to testing their skills. This crossword features a variety of clues across and down, challenging players to fill in words based on hints provided.
Across Clues
The puzzle begins with a simple 4-letter word for “gawk”. Moving on to 8 across, players will need to rearrange the word “rail” to find the currency of Turkey, consisting of 4 letters. A more substantial 8-letter word is required for a “structure for hangings” at 3 across, while at 9 across, solvers must think of an 8-letter term for a “space rock”. A long 10-letter answer is sought for a “small European country” provided at 11 across, and “passion” needs a 6-letter solution at 14 across. Others include: “gobble up voraciously” (6 letters) at 15 across, “too patriotic?” (10 letters) at 17 across, and “warm and wet?” (8 letters) at 20 across. Peace is symbolised by a 4-letter “bird” at 21 across, while at 22 across, an 8-letter answer for “womankind and mankind” is needed. Lastly, “stop from having puppies, say” is a 4-letter query at 23 across.
Down Clues
Begin the down clues with a common household item described as a “decorative thin sheet” in 4 and 4 letters at 1 down. At 2 down, an 8-letter solution for “bleach” is required, while at 4 down, the term describing the “world or universe as an orderly or systematic whole” should be expressed in 6 letters. “Design with three petals” represents a 5-2-3 letter answer at 5 down. Musical enthusiasts need to identify a 4-letter “orchestral instrument” at 6 down, followed by identifying an “extinct bird” also in 4 letters at 7 down. For those with knowledge of armaments, 10 down seeks a 10-letter answer for “gun-charging items”. The task of deciphering “flattery” into two parts, each 4 letters, is posed at 12 down, while those familiar with fragile materials must solve “fragile plates etc” in 8 letters at 13 down. At 16 down, something “horrified” needs to be solved in 6 letters. Finally, something requiring scratching at 18 down and a “contemptible wriggler” both need 4-letter solutions at 18 and 19 down, respectively.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.