Cryptic crosswords

"What the audience might do before a speech (13)"

No idea. What's the answer then?

quote:

Originally posted by rodwsmith:
"What the audience might do before a speech (13)"

Expectoration

Spot on and well done. What a delightful clue though!
Aracuria in the Grauniad if I recall correctly.

I think he may even have phrased it more elegantly than I remember.

The old classic is maybe worth dredging up for those who've never encountered it:

"hijklmno (5)"

pqrst?

That'll be "water".

Not sure the expectoration clue was that good - an audience might expectorate (verb) but can an audience expectoration (noun)?

abcdefghijkmnopqrstuvwxyz?

quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Cavendish:
That'll be "water".

Not sure the expectoration clue was that good - an audience might expectorate (verb) but can an audience expectoration (noun)?

Surely you/an audience can "do" expectoration in the same way that you can "do" shopping? Although, as noted, I remember the answer and the gist of the clue, but knowing the setter's work I imagine it was much more elegant than I put it.

Is yours "Christmas" per chance?

This is a lovely thread idea, but I think maybe the number of letters should be given, in the absence of any other clues...

Rod

quote:

Originally posted by rodwsmith:

quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Cavendish:
That'll be "water".

Not sure the expectoration clue was that good - an audience might expectorate (verb) but can an audience expectoration (noun)?

Surely you/an audience can "do" expectoration in the same way that you can "do" shopping? Although, as noted, I remember the answer and the gist of the clue, but knowing the setter's work I imagine it was much more elegant than I put it.

To my mind as audience can 'expect' an 'oration' and it is as simple as that. One does not have to consider if an audience can 'do' expectoration.

Some clues/answers are admittedly very elegant and subtle and it takes subtle changes in thinking about meaning to find the answer which should appeal to me, having as I do, as interest in Buddhist philosophy which requires subtle reconfigurations of concsiousness but usually crosswords just don't turn me on. I did quite like doing (or attempting) The Times saturday general knowledge crossword which is outrageously difficult (three horribly bright and erudite chaps - plus me) could not finish the damn thing between us. I prefer chess for a good mental workout.

quote:

Originally posted by rodwsmith:


Is yours "Christmas" per chance?

This is a lovely thread idea, but I think maybe the number of letters should be given, in the absence of any other clues...

Rod

Rod

Had I said 4 letters I am sure you would have got "Noel"

quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Cavendish:
That'll be "water".

Not sure the expectoration clue was that good - an audience might expectorate (verb) but can an audience expectoration (noun)?

Expect oration...

quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Cavendish:
Had I said 4 letters I am sure you would have got "Noel"

Nigel,

Peut-être...

How about this:

"Epistle, torn open, seen to be crudely written (6,3,6)"

Which I think was from the Times.

I think cryptic crosswords are a great divider. Some of my most intelligent friends simply cannot see the point, but I really love solving them (if successful). Also a perfect complement to music.

And excellent wine.

Cheers

Rod

Poison pen letter

This man let cider do harm (8).

quote:

Originally posted by Nigel Cavendish:
This man let cider do harm (8).

Derelict

I very much liked this one, although it is quite easy:

"Overheated cooler causes icing in tandroori? (3, 12)"

quote:

Originally posted by rodwsmith:
I very much liked this one, although it is quite easy:

"Overheated cooler causes icing in tandroori? (3, 12)"

Air conditioning

Hi,

I find the crossword in the sunday magazine that comes with the news of the world a good all round general knowlege and brain cell pusher.

cheers

GGE [9,3]
From the Times a while ago.

Perfect Saturday morning: Sat. Telegraph crossword and espresso or if too busy,I'll usually try it in the evening while drinking a bottle of wine and listening to music.
Simon

Scrambled egg?

Yes!I wonder if you waste as much time doing them as I do?

A classic from Private Eye many years ago:

"Grow a penis to become Vice-President." (5,5)

Graham

Spiro Agnew

Nigel

Well done. Had you heard it before?

Graham

"Tactfull slut, keeper of diplomatic secrets ?"

Dave