Introducing the News in Clues
Prepare to be perplexed! Join us as we dive into the world of cryptic crossword clues and unravel the mysteries that lie within. In this edition, we have a special appearance from our current leader. Can you figure out the clues correctly? Let’s find out together!
Clue 1: Politician’s predicament: inadequate, hiding, and in danger (5,5)
[Wordplay: Remove the last letter from ‘slightly inadequate’ (HIS) and reverse the synonym for ‘hole’, then place both inside the synonym for ‘jeopardy’]
[HI + SUNA in RISK]
[Definition: politician]
Note: Although this clue appears to suggest “Rishi Sunak,” it’s actually a clever twist created by the setter, Paul. He has purposely distorted the phrase “hole up” to confuse solvers.
Moving on to the next clue, we have an interesting reference to the year 2023:
Clue 2: Opposed to biblical texts produced by ChatGPT? (4)
[Wordplay: Insert the abbreviation for certain biblical ‘books’ within what ChatGPT represents (‘?’)]
[NT in AI]
[Definition: against]
This clue hints at the answer ANTI and provides us with a glimpse into what could be considered popular in 2023. Exciting, isn’t it?
Now, let’s explore the concept of “things” within crossword clues. While a HAM SANDWICH might make its way into a grid, a TASTY SANDWICH may not. This leads us to question the boundaries and potential for words like UNDERCLUE, UNDERAPPLE, or OVERBREAD.
But within the clues themselves, the rules seem to shift. Let’s return to Paul and his puzzling jigsaw-style clue:
Clue 3: Why can’t I lie down on a mat without a variety of food in containers? (8)
[Wordplay: Reason for not lying down on a mat, without the letter ‘A’]
[YOGA HURTS – A]
[Definition: variety of food in containers?]
So, the answer is YOGHURTS, derived from YOGAHURTS. This type of twist shouldn’t occur too often, but when it does, it adds to the excitement and showcases the setter’s wit. And let’s not forget, it’s always helpful when the first letter is provided for us. You can find the complete solution to this puzzle on our website!
In a nostalgic nod to 2009, when a controversy arose over the spelling of “yoghurt” and the “H” seemed destined to disappear, we find that the Guardian still upholds the traditional “yoghurt” spelling. But where does this peculiar spelling come from? The word’s etymology is a fascinating blend of Turkish, Italian, French, Dutch, German, and Greek influences.
Personally, I would miss the “gh” in yoghurt, as it adds charm to the word and symbolizes a diverse linguistic history. If I had to choose, I would suggest going back to the 20th-century spelling of “yaourt.” After all, how often do we get the chance to use the spellbinding combination of “aou”?
Now, it’s time for a challenge! How would you clue the word AFGHAN, paying tribute to the enigmatic “gh”?
Before we conclude, let’s congratulate our clue-writing competition winners. Poorsub receives the audacity award for their bold and imaginative clue for MARZIPAN. GappyTooth’s clue, “The outskirts of Battenberg,” and ComedyPseudonym’s recipe-like clue, “Firstly mix almonds, rub zest into paste, and now you’ve made this,” are also runners-up. However, the winner is Newlaplandes with their poignant and misleading clue, “Sweet old lady managed to swallow fly?”
Remember to share your entries and any noteworthy cryptic finds and picks in the comments section. We appreciate your contributions!
And for those seeking more mind-bending puzzles, be sure to explore our collection of explainers, interviews, and other insightful content at alanconnor.com. You can also order a copy of Alan Connor’s The Shipping Forecast Puzzle Book, a delightful mix of cryptic and non-cryptic challenges, from the Guardian Bookshop. Happy solving!
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