A new set of crossword challenges, titled Quick Crossword No 17,558, is now available. Enthusiasts can access these puzzles through the Guardian app for an enhanced experience or download the PDF version. This crossword test includes a mix of verbal clues that lead to words with varying length and complexity.
Across Clues
The puzzle across clues begin with a 13-letter term for a regular speech feature at 1 across. At 8 across, participants must find a phrase (3,4 letters) hinting at friends made on paper, while at 9 across they are tasked with discovering a 5-letter synonym for ‘sycophant’. Moving to 10 across, the goal is to fill a 4-letter term that means ‘killed in large numbers’. At 11 across, an 8-letter word is needed for ‘tree-dwelling’.
Other notable clues include a 6-letter synonym for ‘shrewd’ at 13 across and another 6-letter word indicating ‘deliberately avoid’ at 14 across. Participants must find an 8-letter solution for ‘retreat’ at 17 across and a 4-letter description of a ‘wide expanse of uncultivated ground’ at 19 across. The clue for 21 across combines ‘adhesive’ with ‘tasteless’ for a 5-letter word. At 22 across, a 7-letter phrase is required for ‘Masonic or mayoral fancy dress’. Finally, at 24 across, solvers search for a 13-letter term referring to ‘microscopic’.
Down Clues
The down clues are equally challenging, starting with a 3-letter word for ‘price or shower’ at 1 down. At 2 down, a 7-letter term synonymous with ‘merciful’ is sought. Other indications include a 4-letter word at 3 down for ‘so-so’ and a 6-letter term at 4 down for ‘dubious’. Clue 5 down demands a 3-5 letter word for ‘non-mainstream film’, and 6 down seeks a 5-letter description for ‘dopy’.
Another highlight is a 9-letter phrase for ‘spring blossom’ located at 7 down. At 10 down, participants must unravel a 9-letter answer that fits ‘strap, squash or junction’. Clue 12 down consists of a phrase with 6 letters and 2 letters that suggest the idea of ‘don’t get carried away!’. For 15 down, a 7-letter synonym for ‘gangster’ is required, while 16 down involves a 6-letter ‘tempting vegetable’. Clue 18 down challenges participants to find a 5-letter word for ‘coffee that won’t keep you up’, followed by a 4-letter word at 20 down for ‘an eternity’. Lastly, 23 down is a 3-letter term referring to ‘everyone’.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.