For those who relish brain teasers and the satisfaction of cracking complex puzzles, The Hindu Sunday Magazine has once again delivered a stimulating challenge with its Sunday Crossword No. 3313. With its stimulating and layered clues, this crossword puzzle encapsulates a mix of wit, language skills, and general knowledge. Here’s a detailed exploration of the clues to help you navigate this intricate puzzle.
Across:
1. Finally enjoy prize after good turn (6)
– Starting off with a satisfying clue, the word ‘finally’ is essential as it indicates the last letter of ‘enjoy’ must come into play. The ‘good turn’ suggests a charitable act or favorable direction, intertwined with the sense of pleasure from a ‘prize.’ Deciphering this clue might reveal a succinct yet captivating word.
4. Perhaps clubs holding all that remains: hands seen at ends of these? (8)
– Here, ‘perhaps clubs’ could be a nod towards a type of group or affiliation. The phrase ‘all that remains’ might hint at remnants or leftovers, while ‘hands at ends of these’ adds another layer by insinuating something we recognize by its extremities. Scrutinizing this clue requires linking abstract thought and literal interpretation.
9. Section of certain material one may wish to escape (6)
– A tantalizing clue that plays on the phrase ‘section of certain material.’ This might be pointing towards a part of a larger whole, possibly something confined or restrictive, hence the desire to ‘escape.’ The word likely denotes both a physical and metaphorical compartmentalization.
10. Somewhere in Mexico, a Catholic by cupola, trembling (8)
– This geographical clue necessitates pinpointing a Mexican locale. ‘A Catholic by cupola’ beckons consideration of well-known religious architecture or cities rich in Catholic heritage, and ‘trembling’ indicates a state of unsettled movement or vibration, intriguing our mental and cultural faculties.
11. Good old crossword setter: lad’s flipping getting top award (4,5)
– This clue portrays a tribute to a ‘good old’ puzzle-maker. The phrase ‘lad’s flipping’ implies reversing or rearranging, leading towards obtaining a prestigious accolade. Deep appreciation and knowledge of crossword history could be an asset here.
13. River creature getting closer in Cockney’s game (5)
– With a hint of regional dialect, specifically ‘Cockney,’ this clue marries geography and fauna. ‘River creature’ implies an aquatic life form, and ‘getting closer’ might relate to familiar Cockney expressions. This clue melds linguistic dexterity with environmental understanding.
14. Leisure activity from which you may hope to be dropped? (9,4)
– This extended clue revolves around a pastime, possibly something precarious or athletic, from which being ‘dropped’ features prominently. The wording suggests an inherent risk or competitive element in the activity described.
17. Esther shortly dons formal footwear, makes timely investment (6,3,4)
– A multifaceted clue that incorporates a truncated name ‘Esther’ and the formality of specific footwear. ‘Makes timely investment’ suggests financial acumen or strategic purchases, making this a challenging intersection of character and context.
20. After a month, publication rejected letter from Athens (5)
– This clue intertwines a temporal element ‘after a month’ with media ‘publication’ and classical references via a presumably Greek letter. ‘Rejected’ implies reversal or negation, requiring a comprehensive lateral approach.
21. Traditionalists hold out with loco beliefs in the end (3,6)
– ‘Traditionalists’ could hint at conservative viewpoints. ‘Hold out’ and ‘loco’ (crazy or train-related) implies steadfast endurance or peculiar disposition, blending human behavior and ideology.
23.
. English books thrice rejected, embroiling English again in confrontation (3-2-3)
– This complex clue involves ‘English books’ (Biblical references or literary sources) ‘thrice rejected,’ indicating repeated negations, with ‘again’ suggesting reiteration in a dispute or ‘confrontation.’ Knowledge of literature enhances solving this puzzle.
24. Dog tooth (6)
– Direct and pithy, this clue could relate to a dog breed renowned for its teeth, compulsorily linking common knowledge with specificity.
25. Secret agent’s drinking in pub by Earl’s woodland (8)
– This narrative clue incorporates espionage ‘secret agent,’ social venues ‘pub,’ and noble titles ‘Earl’s’ leading to a natural setting ‘woodland.’ It requires a blend of social and environmental understanding.
26. Plays safe in t-shirts, to some extent (6)
– This clever clue integrates casual wear ‘t-shirts’ with cautiousness ‘plays safe,’ hinting at a term depicting partial coverage or approach.
Down:
1. Leave a fitness class, finding yourself off the deep end (5,3)
– Combined physical activity ‘fitness class’ and a title ‘off the deep end,’ this clue suggests a phrase connected to sudden immersion or unexpected circumstances.
2. One with a compass – point’s lost by him? (7)
– Compass references directional accuracy and the ‘point lost’ implies disorientation or deviation, subtly encapsulating human traits.
3. Drink the writer raised, it honours a family (5)
– A beverage staple ‘drink,’ with inverse or elevated connotations ‘the writer raised,’ and familial reverence, creating a satisfying synthesis.
5. Looked back on scripture lessons: cool! (11)
– Historical reflection ‘looked back on,’ Biblical ‘scripture lessons,’ and a contemporary interjection ‘cool!’ combine to form a profound retrospection.
6. Copy badly executed procedure (9)
– Artistic replication ‘copy,’ alongside malpractice ‘badly executed,’ encompass a flawed process or technique.
7. Part of Croatian city on high (5,2)
– Geographical and topographic nuances ‘part of Croatian city’ elevated ‘on high,’ present a specific locational riddle.
8. Hunts, in scrubs (6)
– This blends activity ‘hunts’ (search or chase) with attire or setting ‘scrubs,’ reflecting a keen pursuit.
12. Casting out money and Red Book (11)
– Evocative of exorcism ‘casting out,’ financial undertones ‘money,’ and literary references ‘Red Book,’ requiring esoteric and fiscal insight.
15. Punch a tenor, getting personal in area with many restaurants (9)
– Theatrical action ‘Punch a tenor,’ personalized context ‘getting personal,’ amidst culinary density ‘area with many restaurants’ imply a lively, bustling hub.
16. Those intoning M-A-G-I-C? (8)
– Vocalization ‘intoning,’ magical lexicon ‘M-A-G-I-C,’ encapsulates an enchanting ritual offering performance arts a glamorous stage.
17. Grandeur that is retrograde, Everyman’s a tragic relic of former times (7)
– Reversal ‘retrograde,’ human archetype ‘Everyman,’ dwelling on historical grandeur, ‘tragic relic,’ ties classical themes with contemporary reflection.
18. Perfect, working out pain (7)
– State of flawlessness ‘perfect,’ accompanied by ‘working out,’ involving physical exertion ‘pain,’ echoes striving for excellence.
19. Ancient Greece’s artisanal trinkets’ expensive stones, primarily? (6)
– Hellenic craftsmanship ‘Ancient Greece’s artisanal trinkets,’ alongside luxury markers ‘expensive stones,’ distills gemological heritage.
22. Bird that’s seen on building site (5)
– Avian species ‘bird,’ urban or construction ‘building site,’ merging nature with human development.
Each clue of The Hindu’s Sunday Crossword No. 3313 tests our erudition, logic, and creativity, propelling us toward the joy of solving one of the most beloved puzzles in leisure activities. Dive in and let your intellect soar!
