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Crosswords and other puzzles

For discussion of all forms of mental gymnastics, especially that baffling final clue

Message board > Crosswords and other puzzles	1 to 50 of 153


by Neil T - Thu 12th Mar 2009, 8:43pm
Is it Wendy Fatladysings? It is now. From today's Guardian: Unpleasant person in gardener, perhaps, in trouble when in this? (3,5)

by gf - Thu 12th Mar 2009, 3:00pm
the answer's a dirty word exactly

by RTT - Thu 12th Mar 2009, 3:00pm
I'm bored of this topic. Arty sister meets "Big Boy" with yen to spill beans on leader of Senate; then it's over (5, 12).

by Neil T - Wed 11th Mar 2009, 11:00pm
gf said: Tardy row? I'd transfer to Oxford, perhaps? [1,5,4] No idea, but I bet the answer's a dirty word.

by gf - Wed 11th Mar 2009, 11:57am
Tardy row? I'd transfer to Oxford, perhaps? [1,5,4]

by Tom C - Sat 7th Mar 2009, 8:52pm
Gen Melchett said: "Require" is not a dirty word. "Frigging" is a dirty word. The answer to your clue, Tom, is a positively disgusting word. Private Eye, by any chance? How can a polite synonym of a "dirty" word be "positively disgusting"?

by Gen Melchett - Fri 6th Mar 2009, 7:23pm
RTT said: Require isn't a rude word is it? Or am I just not down with the kids? "Require" is not a dirty word. "Frigging" is a dirty word. The answer to your clue, Tom, is a positively disgusting word. Private Eye, by any chance?

by RTT - Fri 6th Mar 2009, 12:33pm
Require isn't a rude word is it? Or am I just not down with the kids?

by Need about twenty five sheets of paper (7) - Thu 5th Mar 2009, 5:27pm
gf said: Loud boat setup is mildly offensive [8] It's not obdurate (anagram of rude=loud and boat) is it?

by gf - Thu 5th Mar 2009, 4:18pm
RTT said: No. Cock. Loud boat setup is mildly offensive [8]

by RTT - Thu 5th Mar 2009, 4:04pm
DM said: Is this just some elaborate way of posting rude words on the message board? No. Cock.

by DM - Thu 5th Mar 2009, 4:02pm
RTT said: Satisfy yourself mother's butter is runny without one (10) Is this just some elaborate way of posting rude words on the message board?

by RTT - Thu 5th Mar 2009, 3:37pm
Satisfy yourself mother's butter is runny without one (10)

by Mike - Thu 15th Mar 2007, 10:02am
I've never bothered to call in, but... said: I heard somewhere that at busy times, the chance of a caller getting through could be as high as 10,000:1. That's better odds than Blue Peter, where you actually need to be visiting the studio to win a competition...

by Joff - Thu 15th Mar 2007, 9:10am
I've never bothered to call in, but... said: ...could be as high as 10,000:1... Is that because they'd already closed the phone lines?! Maybe you've found your calling Richard - late night trivia shows ;)

by I've never bothered to call in, but... - Wed 14th Mar 2007, 8:22pm
Simon said: Bear in mind that at one stage during the broadcast this would have earnt you £30k: That's if you managed to get through. I heard somewhere that at busy times, the chance of a caller getting through could be as high as 10,000:1.

by even better.. - Wed 14th Mar 2007, 8:08pm
Really stretching the numbers to fit the answer said: then write down further figures with the leading digits removed: 0p, 5p, 47p, 6p, 0p (total 58p) then again write down further figures with another leading digit removed: 0p, 0p, 7p, 0p, 0p (total 7p) What I really don't get is the justification of this bit..? surely '16' is '16' not '16+6'? I can kind of accept the rest of it.. the 'official' answer (according to the Telegraph) seems even weirder: "Two pounds is 200p plus 2p (two p) [no further justiication given] and 1p (at the beginning of 'pounds') makes 203p 25p: 25p plus 5p and 1p (the 'p' in the question) = 31p £1.47 = 147p 16p: 16p plus 6p and 1p = 23p Fifty pence: 50p plus 50p (fifty p, a shortening of pence), 1p (reference to pence) and 1p (from the 'p') = 102p 203+31+147+23+102 = 506

by Simon - Wed 14th Mar 2007, 8:00pm
Really stretching the numbers to fit the answer said: A convoluted way of looking at it Wll done Richard - that's about it. ITV have now published the official result. Bear in mind that at one stage during the broadcast this would have earnt you £30k: ITV explained that the answer could be reached by breaking up the figures in the list to find all the references to pence. Thus: -Two pounds is 200p plus 2p (two p) and 1p (p at the beginning of 'pounds') which makes 203p -25p: 25p plus 5p and 1p (the p symbol) = 31p £1.47 = 147p -6p: 16p plus 6p and 1p (p again) = 23p -Fifty pence: 50p plus 50p (fifty p, a shortening of pence), 1p (reference to pence) and 1p (p only) = 102p -Adding 203p, 31p, 147p, 23p and 102p gives a total of 506p

by Really stretching the numbers to fit the answer - Wed 14th Mar 2007, 7:23pm
Simon said: As this is crosswords and other puzzles, here's one from ITVPlay, currently subject to inevstigation by Ofcom: A graphic asked viewers to "Add the pence" from "Two pounds, 25p, £1.47, 16p, Fifty pence". More than three hours later, the host announced the answer was 506 and that no-one had won. No method was given. ITV has denied the problem was particularly complex but has not commented further. A convoluted way of looking at it £2 25p £1.47 16p 50p write them in pence: 200p, 25p, 147p, 16p, 50p (total 438p) then write down further figures with the leading digits removed: 0p, 5p, 47p, 6p, 0p (total 58p) then again write down further figures with another leading digit removed: 0p, 0p, 7p, 0p, 0p (total 7p) The sum of these three subtotals = 503p Now look back at the question. Add the pence: Two pounds, 25p, £1.47, 16p. 50pence There are 3 p or pence listed. Add this to the toal that we already had. 506p - simple.

by Does this make me a genius? - Mon 12th Mar 2007, 9:26pm
The Times Online said: ..a puzzle intended for an early-hours viewing audience of drunks and poor sleepers... ... A reader of The Times said [about the show] ... Good to see the Times has so much respect for its readership! As for how you get to 506.. Add two pounds worth of old money (2 * 20 shillings/pounds * 12 pence/shilling) to the other numbers in pence = 718 Subtract the 75p you spent calling in your answer = 643 This leaves you £1.37, which is taken into account by the 40.77 minutes you spent complaining to ITVPlay, or the 19.57 minutes complaining to OFCOM = 506p. Obvious.

by Simon - Mon 12th Mar 2007, 4:09pm
As this is crosswords and other puzzles, here's one from ITVPlay, currently subject to inevstigation by Ofcom: A graphic asked viewers to "Add the pence" from "Two pounds, 25p, £1.47, 16p, Fifty pence". More than three hours later, the host announced the answer was 506 and that no-one had won. No method was given. ITV has denied the problem was particularly complex but has not commented further.

by Highest common factor - Fri 9th Mar 2007, 9:46am
Nice. I can't come up with anything to follow that though.

by Neil T - Fri 9th Mar 2007, 8:55am
Fabulous Ming's hot coach of term: number one for two thousand and seven? (7, 6, 6) I'll take the stony silence as a request for hints, so here you go: 1) No specialist knowledge is required; anyone at the club (or not at the club) could solve this. 2) Unlike the clue, the answer has nothing to do with rowing. 3) If I'm honest, 'Fabulous' wasn't a great choice of word. It enhances the surface reading but is a bit dubious in the cryptic reading. Better would have been "Staggering Ming's...".

by Neil T - Thu 8th Mar 2007, 12:53am
RTT said: ...(not that I can see a great deal of use for it here). I think the 1st Men might disagree with that. So here's one for them: Fabulous Ming's hot coach of term: number one for two thousand and seven? (7, 6, 6)

by RTT - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:21pm
Olly Olly said: Oh that's just silly. Apologies to the 99% of people reading this who are confused. I did say it was not for everyone. In fact, I guess it was really just aimed at you (although clearly there are plenty of others who would be able to get it). Having said that, I like the new chant (not that I can see a great deal of use for it here).

by Olly Olly - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:16pm
RTT said: Sorry, no. I was originally going to use the word "masters" instead of "leaders", but decided the latter sounded better in relation to the bumps. Oh that's just silly. Apologies to the 99% of people reading this who are confused. I prefer 'King Ming' as an answer anyway, and may chant it a few times now to reinforce that view.

by RTT - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:06pm
Neil T said: Is it 'King Ming'? (As in Ming Campbell, leader of the Lib Dems.) If it isn't, it should be. Sorry, no. I was originally going to use the word "masters" instead of "leaders", but decided the latter sounded better in relation to the bumps.

by Neil T - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:03pm
RTT said: A further hint to the previous one: Two years ago the clue would not have worked. Is it 'King Ming'? (As in Ming Campbell, leader of the Lib Dems.) If it isn't, it should be.

by RTT - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 9:39pm
Neil T said: Now how about you post one that some of us can solve, instead of one that most (indeed all) of us can't?! A further hint to the previous one: Two years ago the clue would not have worked.

by Neil T - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 9:33pm
RTT said: 1) Valkyrie 2) Black Prince That was quick! Now how about you post one that some of us can solve, instead of one that most (indeed all) of us can't?! (Valkyrie: V (= 5* in Roman numerals) + A + L (= learner = novice) + KYRIE (Kylie with 'R[ight]' for 'L[eft]', i.e. 'having changed sides'). Black Prince: see here for the 'other', non-boat-burning, reference.)

by RTT - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 9:25pm
Neil T said: Two more meta-clues, as noone seems to be able to get Tom's: She carried heroes to glory, including '5' (a novice) and a stunner who'd changed sides (8) Who had burning desire for Fair Maid of Kent? (5, 6) (Wikipedia might be helpful in understanding the second.) 1) Valkyrie 2) Black Prince

by Neil T - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 9:15pm
Two more meta-clues, as noone seems to be able to get Tom's: She carried heroes to glory, including '5' (a novice) and a stunner who'd changed sides (8) Who had burning desire for Fair Maid of Kent? (5, 6) (Wikipedia might be helpful in understanding the second.)

by RTT - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 7:11pm
Neil T said: 1) The definition is 'A rallying cry', and the answer is formed from two shorter words (total 8 letters) meaning 'leader', e.g. 'king', 'CO', etc. This is the correct interpretation. I'd refer you back to the qualifier stated before the clue - not everyone reading this site will be able to get it.

by gf - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 2:03pm
Bit of a guess said: clutter? Indeed.

by Bit of a guess - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 1:24pm
gf said: How about a "meta-clue" in the meantime... RTT clue could create chaos. (7) clutter?

by gf - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 11:49am
How about a "meta-clue" in the meantime... RTT clue could create chaos. (7)

by Neil T - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 11:25am
gf said: Hmm... within rally co-drivers' pacenotes, there are various four-letter words which might somehow be applicable ("bump", "fast", "easy"...) but I can't find a combination which sits well with the rest of the clue. I'm baffled by this. The only two interpretations I can come up with are: 1) The definition is 'A rallying cry', and the answer is formed from two shorter words (total 8 letters) meaning 'leader', e.g. 'king', 'CO', etc. 2) The whole clue is a cryptic definition, possibly punning on 'rally' meaning 'to drive a car in a rally race' or 'to get better' or 'to demonstrate/protest', and with 'the two leaders' possibly referring to the double headship.

by gf - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 11:12am
RTT said: One for the venatoris: A rallying cry for the two leaders (4,4). Are we over-complicating this one? Could it just be "Hold fast" ???

by gf - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 11:06am
RTT said: One for the venatoris: A rallying cry for the two leaders (4,4). Hmm... within rally co-drivers' pacenotes, there are various four-letter words which might somehow be applicable ("bump", "fast", "easy"...) but I can't find a combination which sits well with the rest of the clue.

by Joff - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:44am
well yes, I got that much. didn't know if there was an additional definition or bit that I missed. I suppose 'that's what andy thinks we are' but surely the 'but different' should go next to the 'same woe'? bah. one day, one day I will understand these stupid things..

by Richard - Wed 7th Mar 2007, 10:29am
MC Chung said: same woe - that's what we are, according to Andy, but different this time! (7) I'm not particularly good at cryptic crosswords, but "same woe" is an anagram of awesome, which seems to fit the bill.

by RTT - Tue 6th Mar 2007, 8:24pm
Neil T said: I guess one of the words is probably 'head'? Nope.

by Neil T - Tue 6th Mar 2007, 9:49am
A rallying cry for the two leaders (4,4). Struggling a bit with this one. I guess one of the words is probably 'head'? A couple of people have asked for an explanation of the (6, 8) clue below, so here it is: 'First and Third decked in gold' = 'gold' with the first and third letters removed ('decked') = OD so: 'First and Third decked in gold and blue remarkably' = OD and BLUE 'remarkably' (anagrammed) = DOUBLE 'crown' = HEAD 'end of Bumps' = S 'with it' = HIP (as in 'trendy') and the whole clue is also the definition.

by RTT - Mon 5th Mar 2007, 12:51am
One for the venatoris: A rallying cry for the two leaders (4,4).

by awesome! - Sun 4th Mar 2007, 11:22pm
but I don't think I got most of that clue..! (which reflects my crossword inability rather than your clue ming!)

by MC Chung - Sun 4th Mar 2007, 10:57pm
same woe - that's what we are, according to Andy, but different this time! (7)

by MC Chung - Sun 4th Mar 2007, 9:50pm
Double Headship. Not bad Neil, I'm impressed.

by Neil T - Sun 4th Mar 2007, 9:02pm
Not from tomorrow's Times Crossword (Mars Bar for the first correct answer): First and Third decked in gold and blue remarkably crown end of Bumps with it (6, 8)

by past it - Mon 22nd Jan 2007, 10:05am
Neil T said: I don't know of anything lower than this. Diving is.. I'd be eligible to dive 'masters'. If I could dive that is. It caters for 'adults of all abilities', so I presume the lower limit is 18.

by Neil T - Fri 28th Jul 2006, 7:59am
RTT said: We were wondering at work today which sport has the lowest age for veteran / master status. Rowing (27) is obviously pretty low, but then this is mainly because it is sub-categorised and thus flexible enough to have something approaching a fair system for any age. Still, there must be something lower. Women's gymnastics maybe (bet that'd be about 16....)? In swimming the qualification age for 'Masters' events is 25. I don't know of anything lower than this.

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