A cryptic crossword puzzle is currently available and contains a series of intriguing clues designed to challenge your problem-solving skills. This puzzle includes both across and down clues, each with varying numbers of letters for the answers.
Across Clues
The puzzle begins with a 6-letter word for “Plain starter of meal daddy’s eating.” An 8-letter solution is required for “At court, a new sovereign,” while “Having cooked bean soup, one requires attendance” also demands an 8-letter response. Another clue, “Take another attitude to rest,” expects a 6-letter answer.
Among the more curious clues is “Once Standard English no longer heard at opening of Parliament” which seeks a 12-letter answer composed of two parts (6,6). A 4-letter word describes a “Slippery equine,” and an 8-letter response fits “18 on a course that is dry.” For the entry “Typically male slob struggling with hike,” an 8-letter solution is sought.
Contributors will need a 4-letter answer for “Drop tools here,” and a challenging 12-letter word is needed for “Tense morning working for Europeans.” For “Try to stop celebrity endlessly showing sexual urge,” the expected length is 6 letters. “Old records from accomplished country singer” requires an 8-letter answer. Solvers should think of an 8-letter solution to “Raise the hinge that’s wonky,” and a 6-letter answer is needed for “Make a mess of motorway gradient.”
Down Clues
The down clues begin with a simple 4-letter word for “No place for pandemic, just fever.” A more complex 9-letter answer is needed for “Whippersnapper very quietly suppressing single sound from mouse.” Then, “Appeared to do this from Nice beach?” requires a 6-letter response.
There is a 15-letter phrase constructing “Contrary to inclination, objecting to Scotch?” The birds in “most of the riverside plants” represent an 8-letter answer, while “Manage to get round small group of trees” asks for a 5-letter solution. A 10-letter answer suits “Move cat aside, keeping very connected.”
In more enigmatic terms, “Killer’s destiny in being caught by subterfuge” requires a 10-letter response. “Alumni’s pub evening is a thing!” calls for a 9-letter answer. Participants must unravel “Initial contribution to thread that gives clear directions,” an 8-letter query.
Other puzzling down questions include “Relax on firm topper on mattress for programme” expecting a 6-letter word and “Securing hearing without resistance” needing a 5-letter response. Lastly, “Enthusiasm in the heart of Commonwealth country” is shortened to a 4-letter answer.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.