Solving time: 23:43
I found this the easiest puzzle for a while. Sub-25 minutes is pretty rare for me these days.
I think GOOSANDER was the only unfamiliar word, and even that rang a vague bell. The only clue that held me up at all was 1a, my LOI. I got stuck trying to insert IRAN into something.
cd = cryptic def., dd = double def., rev = reversal, homophones are written in quotes, anagrams as (–)*, and removals like this
Across | |
---|---|
1 | EGOMANIA = EG + OMAN + AI rev |
5 | GRIP |
8 | RED-TOP = (ED |
9 | POR |
10 | DIOR = DR about (I + |
11 | ATTENDANCE = ATTEND + (ACNE)* |
12 | CHESTERFIELD = (HERETICS FLED)* |
16 | RAISE THE ROOF – dd |
18 | PROTRACTOR = PRO (for) + TRACTOR (a tower, i.e. something that tows) – I rather liked this one. |
20 | HERB – hidden |
21 | C + HANDLE + R – Raymond is the American writer of detective fiction |
22 | IMPAIR = MI rev + PAIR |
23 | A + DEN |
24 | PING-PONG = PIN (bolt) + GONG (medal) about P |
Down | |
1 | E(YES)IGHT |
2 |
|
3 | ALPHABETICALLY – cd |
4 | IN + PUT |
5 | GOOSANDER = (ORANGES DO)* |
6 | INS |
7 | PRINCE CHARMING = PRIMING (providing brief) about (N + CE + CHAR) |
13 | SEROTONIN = (OR TENSION)* |
14 | FE + E |
15 | C(O)URSING |
17 | ORCHID = (DIOR)* about CH |
19 | TARSI = (R |
20 | HIPPO |
Edited at 2012-12-10 01:06 am (UTC)