The Hindu Crossword No. 2499 Sunday, August 31, 2008

Across

1 Slander Irishman visiting New York (7) CALUMNY

5 Property close to Nice, say (6) ESTATE

9 Trap about to be laid by the Spanish boy (5) NIGEL

10 Bound to put an end to children's game (9) HOPSCOTCH

11 Rectories I mixed up delivering desk (10) ESCRITOIRE

12 Cat, black, in vault (4) TOMB

14 Strategy to avoid unpleasant realities employed by one in a trap? (6,9) BUNKER MENTALITY

17 To play this, must one have a round using an iron? (7,8) RUSSIAN ROULETTE

18 Carry last of wine into pub (4) BEAR

19 In night club, hold forth about duo, initially off-key (10) DISCORDANT

23 Member hasn't arrived on time to do what members do? (9) LEGISLATE

24 Friend, male one, filling in the past (5) AMIGO

25 The French deserter carrying one rope (6) LARIAT

26 Pilot goes about a mile in vessel (7) STEAMER

Down

1 Type of flower produced from a bulb recently out round river (10,4) CANTERBURY BELL

2 Reason one joins record clubs? (5) LOGIC

3 Way of presenting data from-MUD? Email it, possibly (10) MULTIMEDIA

4 Coarse person in hostelry, a hooker (5) YAHOO

5 Ten operas rewritten in international language (9) ESPERANTO

6 Instant credit (4) TICK

7 One who's got designs on some of you? (9) TATTOOIST

8 Red-hot on box, yet comic is just an ordinary young chap? (3,3,3,5) THE BOY NEXT DOOR (should be 3,3,4,4)

13 Adroit male rolled a cigarette (6-4) TAILOR-MADE

15 Lots again suffering homesickness (9) NOSTALGIA

16 Beggar declaring inability to rehabilitate? (9) MENDICANT

20 This game teaches strategy, in part (5) CHESS

21 Short cut - over 10 minutes, in truth (5) AXIOM

22 Up endlessly making wine (4) ASTI

The Hindu Crossword No. 9316 Saturday, August 30, 2008

From the US Open .... watching Roddick-Gulbis match ..................

Across

 1 PASSPORT

 5 RADISH

10 OWING

11 EASY CHAIR

12 PALANQUIN

13 RAISE

14 RETIE

16 IMMINENT

18 STUNTMEN

20 NABOB

24 CEDAR

25 POLYGRAPH

27 RETRACTOR

28 ORIYA

29 DISHES

30 FLASHGUN

Down

 1 PROSPER

 2 SKILLET

 3 PAGAN

 4 RHESUS

 6 ACCORDIAN

 7 IMAGINE

 8 HARVEST

 9 TSUNAMI

15 EXTIRPATE

17 RESPITE

18 SECURED

19 UPDATES

21 BRACING

22 BAHRAIN

23 FLORAL

26 GROSS

The Hindu Crossword No. 9315 Friday, August 29, 2008

Across

 1 A place to rest but not necessarily only for a teacher (6,7) MASTER BEDROOM

10 Kind of joint in machinery for all to see (9) UNIVERSAL

11 He drinks as part of an isotope research project (5) TOPER

12 Masterstroke containing onset of rashes in child’s illness (5) CROHN

13 Being well on time – to get the worm? (9) EARLINESS

14 Doctor-priest with a counterfeit article (6) SHAMAN

16 Work on a loom (5) WEAVE

19 Starting price a deserter finds to be a small price to pay for long term gain (5) SPRAT

20 See 17 Dn

25 In France I exposed one dealing in lots of money (9) FINANCIER

26 With no interest in anything, old boy returns shamefaced (5) BORED

27 A garland in India for a flawless Indian girl (5) AMALA

28 In Pusa, Sagar developed a vegetable (9) ASPARAGUS

29 They get the home fires going with freedom from risk (6,7) SAFETY MATCHES

Down

 2 One from the Grand Canyon state (8) ARIZONAN

 3 Business relationship that is included in trade union policy initially (3-2) TIE-IN

 4 Duster, misused, is affected by oxidation (6) RUSTED

 5 Blown up, perhaps in a dark room (8) ENLARGED

 6 Recovery by first lady docked in a repeat court proceeding (9) RETRIEVAL

 7 Outsize victim of a bird (6) OSPREY

 8 A duck calls for sham healers (6) QUACKS

 9 Born reckless, is offensively bold (5) BRASH

15 A tail, for example, may add years! (9) APPENDAGE

17 and 20 Ac. They can make the mouth water (8,6) SALIVARY GLANDS

18 Crafty plot by a GI in true fashion (8) INTRIGUE

21 He gloats over others’ misery (6) SADIST

22 Decaying stuff stashed by butcher Mintoff all over the place (5) OFFAL

23 Capital that a Karna distributed (6) ANKARA

24 Brandy for a Greek father in TN (6) GRAPPA

26 Containing Boron or Iodine and Carbon (5) BORIC

The Hindu Crossword No. 9314 Thursday, August 28, 2008

Across

 1 Tool that cuts a cow’s tail (7) HACKSAW

 5 Impossible situation for troops posted away from a major formation (7) OUTMOST

 9 Swindle with a stunt following assurance (10,5) CONFIDENCE TRICK

10 Type of goods sought to be disposed of in a clearance sale (6) UNSOLD

11 A sore calf treated in the open air (8) ALFRESCO

13 Oriental sword makes a mark around one famous tech school (8) SCIMITAR

15 Leave alone an amateur no longer operative (3,3) LAY OFF

18 Part of the tooth seen when a Melanesian smiles (6) ENAMEL

19 The French burden starting to ease in this game (8) LACROSSE

22 Hairstyle that could be a universal force if restructured (8) COIFFURE

24 Trick by private detective to get seafood (6) SCAMPI

27 Old horse-drawn carriage which could sail along grassy plain more quickly, skirting around church (7,8) PRAIRIE SCHOONER

28 What a king gets for copyrighted work? (7) ROYALTY

29 No good man with strong spirit gets this cure-all (7) NOSTRUM

Down

 1 Spasm needing a drink or caused by drink? (7) HICCUPS

 2 Partners of rods in the eye (5) CONES

 3 Yet, existence is a subject for some artists (5,4) STILL LIFE

 4 Period lacking in energy, say (4) WEEK

 5 New local arrangement that is available, if needed (2,4) ON CALL

 6 A teacher to put labour body to the right (5) TUTOR

 7 Failures in love assignments (9) OMISSIONS

 8 Beginning of a flight (4,3) TAKE OFF

12 Is it where lawyers quench their thirst? (3) BAR

14 What a hypochondriac’s illness could be (9) IMAGINARY

16 Very wicked but a stoic, our dissembler (9) ATROCIOUS

17 Sailor in a solitary state (3) TAR

18 The one who broke loose (7) ESCAPER

20 Witty saying about a swine captured by oriental sheep (7) EPIGRAM

21 Blood distributor (6) ARTERY

23 Wild, dreadful fear followed by onset of lethargy (5) FERAL

25 A pit worker reportedly under-age (5) MINER

26 Bridge player in a position to make a systematic examination (4) SCAN

The Hindu Crossword No. 9313 Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Across

 1 In athletics it makes one from Warsaw jump (4,5) POLE VAULT

 5 War detainee, with hesitation, finds energy (5) POWER

 8 Increase the late ace’s trouble (8) ESCALATE

 9 Align with the east (6) ORIENT

11 (See) below a part of the mainframe (5) INFRA

12 One worthy of imitation, part mole in a caper with daughter (4,5) ROLE MODEL

13 The endless disagreement caused by being careful with money (6) THRIFT

14 Small family leader, one with close-cropped hair, heavy boots and all (8) SKINHEAD

16 The remoteness of being number one in the ball (8) DISTANCE

18 Such emotions are bursting to be released (4-2) PENT-UP

22 Where to go to start making progress on the diamond (5,4) FIRST BASE

23 Not trimmed, like a diamond yet to be finished (5) UNCUT

24 Membrane surrounding the embryo of mammal in Oman perhaps (6) AMNION

25 Roar wildly before the entrance to claim undue authority (8) ARROGATE

26 What the shopper would like to have in, say, Bonn and Brussels (5) EUROS

27 Net surfer’s requisite, a wide range of frequencies (9) BROADBAND

Down

 1 Foretell a public relations proclamation (7) PREDICT

 2 Satan can be cruel, if provoked (7) LUCIFER

 3 1/3, 2/6 and 27/81, for example (6,9) VULGAR FRACTIONS

 4 A state act for improvement in the economy (6) UPTURN

 5 An expression formed by combining others like ape, trout and worm perhaps (11,4) PORTMANTEAU WORD

 6 Use flattery but heed Lew, however (7) WHEEDLE

 7 Discomfited by a child’s toy, died (7) RATTLED

10 A bit of snow from a fine body of water (5) FLAKE

15 Showy display of new lace by tenor (5) ECLAT

16 What to do to the economy when prices continue to soar? Let off air? (7) DEFLATE

17 Frenchman in the South-eastern Railway is more calm (7) SERENER

19 Musical composition for two cats dancing with love (7) TOCCATA

20 A depth I worked out at the top of the mine shaft (7) PITHEAD

21 Eccentric chap makes awful rowdies drop tail (6) WEIRDO

The Hindu Crossword No. 9312 Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Across

 1 Unprincipled chap, a professional, is taken in by discount (9) REPROBATE

 5 Old Scottish surveyor who organised a raid (5) ADAIR

 8 Born, reportedly late, as required (6) NEEDED

 9 Standards body with a pick-me-up kind of solution (8) ISOTONIC

11 Dairy product derivative, hot, swallowed by horse? Not half (4) GHEE

12 Kind and generous noble, event organiser (10) BENEVOLENT

14 What a pirate found here — a nocturnal mammal (5) TAPIR

15 Their jobs are pressing (7) IRONERS

16 Desirable things found when something sticky ceases to be (7) GOODIES

17 Sly old general, really hollow (5) LEERY

19 A singular indication people begin taking as a task (10) ASSIGNMENT

20 Powered rickshaw (4) AUTO

22 Laxative that got Peter in a tizzy (8) APERIENT

23 Manipulate a wide point of view (6) WANGLE

24 A passage in an insular area (5) AISLE

25 Something to break a tumbler’s fall (6,3) SAFETY NET

Down

 1 One generally upset has it in him to break his promise (6) RENEGE

 2 Pomposity of stout peeress in new turn out (15) PRETENTIOUSNESS

 3 Not restricted by a round enclosure (4) OPEN

 4 In the Pacific, it is famous for its giant statues, and is a part of Chile (6,6) EASTER ISLAND

 5 He may tell you what the stars foretell (10) ASTROLOGER

 6 1950 movie starring Betty Hutton that could inure young agent in trouble (5,3,4,3) ANNIE GET YOUR GUN

 7 Lists out rituals encompassing European Commission (7) RECITES

10 Junior students in disturbed rest get snacks (12) REFRESHMENTS

13 Balmy season, the hour for a leap? (10) SPRINGTIME

16 Old relative with an American prosecutor in an Andalusian city (7) GRANADA

18 Reportedly, the enemy intended to try and stir up public opinion (6) FOMENT

21 A lure, one swallowed by winged creature (4) BAIT

The Hindu Crossword No. 9311 Monday, August 25, 2008

Across

 1 Therapy that is impossible in a blackout? (5,9) SHOCK TREATMENT

 8 Little creature with a modish wing (6) INSECT

 9 See a sign unfurled by one to whom property has been transferred (8) ASSIGNEE

11 In the Middle East, it had penalties modified (9) PALESTINE

12 A portion of a small mammal (5) SHARE

13 What a footballer hates to see — a socialist joker? (3,4) RED CARD

15 Prominent stranger, in a way (7) SALIENT

17 Stump that is misused as an encouragement (7) IMPETUS

19 He gives company to the flier (2-5) CO-PILOT

21 U.S. prosecutor omitted from CV of living organisms (5) BIOTA

23 Degradation of a low-level accommodation (9) ABASEMENT

25 Power cut that expels a chess player perhaps (8) BLACKOUT

26 Love commercial dirt! (6) ADMIRE

27 Bone disease that Irish tattooers develop (14) OSTEOARTHRITIS

Down

 1 Team leader but a small fish (7) SKIPPER

 2 Bird, one in a group of grouse, lark etc. (5) OUSEL

 3 Get (the bike) going (4-5) KICK-START

 4 Bachelor of surgery involved in various cases of pus collection (7) ABSCESS

 5 Power flows through them in restructured, new Siam (5) MAINS

 6 Peerless example that is plainer on reform (9) NONPAREIL

 7 Umpire, entering wager, is miserable (6) BEREFT

10 A gentle sort (4) KIND

14 Maid’s plot upset by foreign service officials (9) DIPLOMATS

16 He uses his eyes to comprehend what others say (3-6) LIP-READER

17 Consume drink with one doctor and one engineer (6) IMBIBE

18 Paula’s caught cracking a shoulder bone (7) SPATULA

19 Persuade with some colas, say (4) COAX

20 In them your clothes are torn (7) TATTERS

22 An important joint for some Bohemian kleptomaniacs (5) ANKLE

24 A proclamation like what Asoka left on stone (5) EDICT

The Hindu Crossword No. 2498 Sunday, August 24, 2008

Across

 1 Record attempt to suppress second hanging (8) TAPESTRY

 5 An old calculator may make a graduate swear endlessly (6) ABACUS

10 Slang used to describe popular US city (7) LANSING

11 Storm following hail is normal (7) AVERAGE

12 Swallowed drop of daiquiri before row (5) DRANK

13 A red agent murdered in restaurant (3,6) TEA GARDEN

14 Fellow grasping nothing at university? Revision is required (12) PROOFREADING

17 Scam at Wimbledon? This could help one make a good return (6,6) TENNIS RACKET

20 Touching, calling for pardon (9) REMISSION

23 Some nifty rollerblading in Austrian province (5) TYROL

24 Fruit, a necessity over in South Africa (5) SATSUMA (7)

25 Former PM (Labour) turned back on a number (7) BALFOUR

26 Hack holding page with prominent headline (6) SPLASH

27 Located near each other, residential streets, extremely elegant (5-3) CLOSE-SET

Down

 1 Was first to enter extremely Spanish city (6) TOLEDO

 2 Fruit – it may go off (9) PINEAPPLE

 3 Keep carrying weapons and refuse to compromise? (5,2,4,4) STICK TO ONE'S GUNS

 4 Proper shock, female leaving (5) RIGHT

 6 New Bled artist’s keen to give one pleasure (4,3,8) BEER AND SKITTLES

 7 Daily, daughter could bring a vegetable (5) CHARD

 8 Authoritarian English novelist (6) STERNE

 9 Writer’s article about a depressed US city (8) PASADENA

15 Five sat out, then left for jamboree (8) FESTIVAL

16 Film noir, too grim – American (9) NOTORIOUS

18 Credit is doubled for use in emergency (6) CRISIS

19 County town originally producing wine (6) CLARET

21 Copper, and others, after leader of mob? (5) METAL

22 Chemist opening in Bury during Christmas (5) NOBEL

The Hindu Crossword No. 9310 Saturday, August 23, 2008

Across

 1 Pet’s meal provided in a mess (4,9) DOG'S BREAKFAST

 9 Characters from Gath enshrined by ancient Olympics team (6) ATHENS

10 Pyramid built to house egg of a terrestrial animal (8) MYRIAPOD

11 It may be broken to get a conversation going (3) ICE

12 Plant where carbon is used to force out soft subatomic particle (6) CROTON

13 Close call for stingy girl (4,4) NEAR MISS

14 Sick person composed Hitchcock thriller track (10) PSYCHOPATH

17 Basileus providing partial backing for an ancient Olympics team (4) ERIE

18 Ancient Olympics team wasn’t built in a day (4) ROME

19 Rain in desert storm is limited (10) RESTRAINED

21 Return behind schedule clutching present that is extremely delicate (8) ETHEREAL

23 Ancient Olympics team on the highways, reportedly (6) RHODES

25 Refreshing cuppa with note for the auditor (3) TEA

26 Maroon doctor with a programming editor in African capital (8) MONROVIA

27 European loses weight with an Indian dish to get a kind of saree (6) BRIDAL

28 Relative being? (5,3,5) FLESH AND BLOOD

Down

 2 Route redrawn on the perimeter (5) OUTER

 3 A display of glasses lacking finish (9) SPECTACLE

 4 Check around Swedish capital for amber material (5) RESIN

 5 Ancient Olympics team’s weapon in Nebraska returned to lowa (7) ARMENIA

 6 Assemble to dissect frog with a poor heart (9) FORGATHER

 7 Battle in the outskirts of Salem with a buzzing bunch (5) SWARM

 8 Plot puts Greek character in censor trouble (8) CONSPIRE

15 American heavy weight to… (5,3) SCOUT FOR

16 …sue lovers in order to find out who we are (9) OURSELVES

17 A newspaper may provide its two cents worth here (9) EDITORIAL

20 Pen lost in unpleasant fracas by Middle Eastern royal (7) SULTANA

22 Register English letters from parolee (5) ENROL

23 Fanatical bishop gets rid of power fast (5) RABID

24 Weed sent back with love by lyre-holding lady (5) ERATO

The Hindu Crossword No. 9309 Friday, August 22, 2008

Nice one today .......................

Across

 1 Revolutionary Irishman in huge cart crashes into a rubber tree (5-6) GUTTA PERCHA

 9 Branch of mathematics outlined in Summa Theologica (5) LOGIC

10 Maiden to prophesy in Indiana and Alabama (9) INAUGURAL

11 Leaderless cartel busted on tip off (5) ALERT

12 Misfortune on treacherous U.S. road for the French minstrels (11) TROUBADOURS

13 After jailbreak, he comes back outside as a prophet (6) ELIJAH

14 Model’s American belt has a bunch of feathers (7) TUSSOCK

18 Smart doctor holds party in pre-1917 Russia (7) TSARDOM

20 Obama upset with bike accident in Lincoln, leaves with hands on hips (6) AKIMBO

24 Incomplete investigation into the power of a branch of mathematics (11) PROBABILITY

26 Uncover technology helping to make a patent (5) OVERT

27 Eating food uncooked is the mantra to work for Shanghai doctor (not NHS) (9) OMOPHAGIA

28 Bury nitre explosive (5) INTER

29 These may contain a large number of stories (11) SKYSCRAPERS

Down

 1 Cartilage found in mill input by the French (8) GRISTLES

 2 With stoic ease, design some covering cloths (3,6) TEA COSIES

 3 Confused Lara goes around to ask for handout about a branch of mathematics (7) ALGEBRA

 4 Noble newspaperman replaces linotype starting to get worn from overuse (5) EARED

 5 Branch of mathematics, a creation of Herge? (8) CALCULUS

 6 Boxer at sea confused by ship’s captain’s nicknames (7) ALIASES

 7 Decline to accept reference accord (5) AGREE

 8 Not quite right in some branches of mathematics (5) ACUTE

15 Commander in China and the French mix together (9) COMMINGLE

16 Branch of mathematics used in network configuration (8) TOPOLOGY

17 Cops act strangely around unknown apes (8) COPYCATS

19 Contents of box sent up the hill are for some Jurassic Park characters (7) RAPTORS

21 A shrink in trouble on the river (7) KRISHNA

22 A firm biff reportedly results in gripes (5) COLIC

23 Post result of labour to the auditor (5) BERTH

25 American spies upset about Australia turn up early (5) AZOIC

The Hindu Crossword No. 9308 Thursday, August 21, 2008

Across

 1 MIDTERM

 5 TRAPPED

 9 STOOPED

10 PETARDS

11 NOMAD

12 CRESCENDO

13 CONTENDER

15 FERAL

16 ASSET

18 NOTORIOUS

21 RECESSION

24 TOTES

25 CONTACT

26 AUSTERE

27 TESTIFY

28 SHEARED

Down

 1 MASONIC

 2 DOORMAN

 3 EXPEDIENT

 4 MEDOC

 5 TOP SECRET

 6 ANTIC

 7 PARTNER

 8 DESPOIL

14 DENTISTRY

15 FORETASTE

16 APRICOT

17 SECONDS

19 OUTWEAR

20 SUSPEND

22 SWAMI

23 NEARS

The Hindu Crossword No. 9307 Wednesday, August 20, 2008

...... stuck in stormy Florida ..................

Across

 1 TREMOLO

 5 COUNCIL

 9 AMEND

10 POLICEMAN

11 STAINS

12 RELEGATE

14 OCEAN

15 AMIDSHIPS

18 TOP SECRET

20 ROTOR

22 TROUSERS

24 INVEST

26 PROSECUTE

27 LEECH ?? (seems mixed up)

28 CLEARED

29 BARMAID

Down

 1 TRANSPORT

 2 ELEVATE

 3 ORDINANCE

 4 OOPS

 5 COLLEGIATE

 6 UNCLE

 7 CAMPARI

 8 LANCE

13 FAIRGROUND

16 STRANGLER

17 SCRATCHED

19 PROPOSE

21 THERESA

22 TOPIC

23 STEER

25 HERB ?? (seems mixed up)

The Hindu Crossword No. 9306 Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Across

 1 Issue ten new lines (6) SONNET

 4 Witty retort coming from the pear tree (8) REPARTEE

10 Most of the army unit’s diet (7) REGIMEN

11 Call in question a laconic revelation by melba (7) IMPEACH

12 Sign calling for attention (4) NOTE

13 Servant girl who operates as a manicurist, maybe (10) HANDMAIDEN

16 Daughter rows with a yen to get sleepy (6) DROWSY

17 Pen can be used to give punishment (7) PENANCE

20 Sat into a place set apart for a local office (7) STATION

21 Scribble about a small crab (6) SCRAWL

24 Score of sixty from twenty times of a single digit number (10) THREESCORE

25 About an acre for a residential medical welfare service (4) CARE

27 A sort of name, one with a reason for turning pale (7) ANAEMIA

29 The last places where travellers are likely to be met (7) TERMINI

30 Hero achieves eminence amongst top men (8) ACHILLES

31 Flat material surface found in square on a celestial body (6) PLANET

Down

 1 Entertain a number in tranquil surroundings (8) SERENADE

 2 Dark stout hostel worker on late shift (5,6) NIGHT PORTER

 3 A male turned out for her (4) ELMA

 5 Perhaps lie drove him to be an angry person (8) EVILDOER

 6 What the actor makes (10) APPEARANCE

 7 Leaves buds and shoots, prepared for the beverage (3) TEA

 8 Simplest hydrocarbon produced by decomposition of vegetable matter (6) ETHANE

 9 Young Anil turns to insert text in a larger page (5) INLAY

14 Formal statement at the end of an innings (11) DECLARATION

15 Hailstorm breaks out around the East — it’s to do with temperature (10) ISOTHERMAL

18 Clan assembled in a little bay for a solemn meeting (8) CONCLAVE

19 A falsehood isn’t confusing to a psychiatrist (8) ALIENIST

22 A start made out for levels of society (6) STRATA

23 Proper to cater for a packing case (5) CRATE

26 As an alternative, Al can speak verbally (4) ORAL

28 Has burnt remains of timber tree (3) ASH

The Hindu Crossword No. 9305 Monday, August 18, 2008

Across

 1 In disagreement about offensive language (2,3,5) ON BAD TERMS

 6 Drop the title (4) MISS

 9 Wring a few drops out of fleece (7) SQUEEZE

10 Exhausted convict turning up in Ireland (7) DONEGAL

12 City still entrancing (8) ECSTATIC

13 Venomous snakes on road make grating sounds (5) RASPS

15 Another trace will show you something is missing (5) CARET

17 To go into detail is complicated (9) ELABORATE

19 Isn’t boring, shaping trees isn’t (9) INTERESTS

21 A spectacle arranged to be seen around (5) SCENE

23 Sound animal of Russian forests (5) TAIGA

24 Done to death (8) EXECUTED

27 Smoking jackets? (7) REEFERS

28 The person raising a point with the minister (7) ERECTOR

29 Name we hear of an area reserved for a purpose (4) SITE

30 Narrow escape from a cutthroat (5,5) CLOSE SHAVE

Down

 1 Expel a good man from Open University (4) OUST

 2 He may remove people from unfriendly ball (7) BOUNCER

 3 Resided to weld on time (5) DWELT

 4 German princess who made her mark? (9) ELECTRESS

 5 I object to little medical man taking wine (5) MEDIC

 7 As a joke, say, a lot of stuff for eating (7) INGESTA

 8 Egoist trying to find his true identity (4-6) SELF-SEEKER

11 Hesitantly fire having common sense going round in a jumpy state (7) NERVOUS

14 Text sure to be dissected by theologians (10) SCRIPTURES

16 Caterer gets involved in a domestic row (7) TERRACE

18 They are said in combating arguments (9) ANSWERERS

20 Tried to get books on spear for Poseidon (7) TRIDENT

22 Treacle upset Agamemnon’s daughter (7) ELECTRA

24 Arrange lease for a frame to support a blackboard (5) EASEL

25 They are the drug addicts (5) USERS

26 Old Irish seer is reformed (4) ERSE

The Hindu Crossword No. 2497 Sunday, August 17, 2008

Across

 1 Dance with sergeant, say, on fire (8) FLAMENCO

 5 Playing well, batting instead of Middlesex’s opener (2,4) IN FORM

10 Try holding nameless pet lizard (5) GECKO

11,12 Dish done differently in French city by Italian composer (9,7) TOURNEDOS ROSSINI

13 Heavy metal stuff by Austrian composer (7) WOLFRAM

14 Arresting son, surprisingly admitting extremely serious crimes (14) TRANSGRESSIONS

17 Each side slow at sea, around turn, in fruitless pursuit (4,5,5) WILD GOOSE CHASE

21 Puts up covers (5,2) TAKES IN

23 Boy takes home poems (7) SONNETS

24 Powerful woman in secret society snubbed during parade (9) MATRIARCH

25 Irregular bears a sword (5) SABRE

26 Bob breaking rule causes one to stand down (6) RESIGN

27 Decidedly trendy suit (2,6) IN SPADES

Down

 1 Build a number (6) FIGURE

 2 Inherited a northern castle (close to Lancaster) in ruins (9) ANCESTRAL

 3 Feeling generated by Ernest’s first proposal (7) EMOTION

 4 Taking the easy option on finding problems supporting excavation (7,7) CUTTING CORNERS

 6 Bewilder small number with new perk (7) NONPLUS

 7 Command from frontier bishop ignored (5) ORDER

 8 Fail to catch service, according to drunkard in a muddle? (8) MISHMASH

 9 Broadcast he feared unwise, being so long (3,11) AUF WIEDERSEHEN

15 Main place for the rest of the natives? (6,3) OYSTER BED

16 Pair watch, perhaps, for an unfaithful lover (3-5) TWO-TIMER

18 Young bird shot by catapult (7) GOSLING

19 Who knows workers at university? (5,2) HANDS UP

20 Fools appearing before singular judge (6) ASSESS

22 More than one toy aircraft (5) KITES

The Hindu Crossword No. 9304 Saturday, August 16, 2008

Across

 1 Amateur festival charity performance is a perk (6,7) FRINGE BENEFIT

 8 Sailors read a note and take flight (7) ABSCOND

 9 Intense hates of French trials (7) DETESTS

11 Despicable person possibly got time inside (3,3) THE RAT

13 Not legalised acts (8) UNLAWFUL

15 Reproves a class with a fierce stare (5) RATES

16 Resumption of possession (7) REENTER

18 In a grand manner move about to take picture though with pain (7) PANACHE

19 Annual plant with white flowers from Ireland (5) BELLS

21 A duty carrying the queen’s train (8) EXERCISE

23 An awkward position (6) CORNER

25 Organised outing to rehabilitated oil port in Libya (7) TRIPOLI

26 Judicial decision given of the French set of principles (7) DECREED

28 Now is the time to make a donation (7,6) PRESENT MOMENT

Down

 2 Sceptre representing honour (7) RESPECT

 3 Makes one fresh? (3) NEO

 4 Conclusions shaped by divinity, wrote the Bard (4) ENDS

 5 Tip over cross put in unsafe position (10) ENDANGERED

 6 Another special edition (5) EXTRA

 7 To some extent it’s of Iran’s making (2,2,3) IN SO FAR

 8 It won’t be felt straightaway (5,6) AFTER EFFECT

10 Confident of one’s own worth despite revolutionary leader’s fuss (4-7) SELF-ASSURED

12 Crime committed by a minister losing his head (5) ARSON

14 Parade for the said period (10) PROCESSION

17 Thanks to expression of dissatisfaction, it’s prohibited (5) TABOO

18 Prime soldier made out as chief (7) PREMIER

20 Learn maybe about preservationists, and see the light (7) LANTERN

22 Symbolises a kiss in a letter (5) CROSS

24 Madam makes the Frenchman drop out for the first man (4) ADAM

27 A slate pencil (3) C _ M ?

The Hindu Crossword No. 9303 Friday, August 15, 2008

Across

 1 Touchy people put out by those wanting to negotiate (7) FEELERS

 5 This smoke leaves carbon and hooter damage (7) CHEROOT

10 Projectile that leaves a detectable trail (6) TRACER

11 To let after mid-April, quarters with some furniture (8) RENTABLE

12 Observed a particular custom in writing to daughter (6) STYLED

13 Inebriated chaps, those Sherwood Foresters (5,3) MERRY MEN

14 Abnormally strong man appeals for help? (6) SAMSON

15 Speaks in slow manner to attract many students (6) DRAWLS

18 Climbed up in an hierarchical system (6) SCALED

20 Sends money freely to meet expenses (6) SPENDS

23 It’s under a country’s jurisdiction, though over it (8) AIRSPACE

25 Soldiers unable to withdraw (6) RECANT

26 Resort to a lever for lift (8) ELEVATOR

27 Variations in game (6) ENIGMA?

28 He ignores unpleasant facts (7) OSTRICH

29 Experience in thrilling sensation (7)

Down

 2 In time a renegade blunders (6) ERRATA

 3 Not a long distance visit to the pub (5,4) LOCAL CALL

 4 Note brightly coloured and very large screen (7) REREDOS

 6 Unspecified large number takes Ted finally, to German doctor (7) HUNDRED

 7 Prepared to read to the young (5) READY

 8 From the soil we’ll get mineral deposits (3,5) OIL WELLS

 9 Father’s no more disposed to be sincere (4,4,5) FROM ONE'S HEART

16 Craving post Christian clarity of speech (9) ADDICTION

17 Famous runner having pains, about to be sick (8) ACHILLES

19 Medico has a staff shortage that’s severe (7) DRASTIC

21 Grave for English composer set afresh outside (7)

22 To strike in a recession would be beastly (6) ANIMUS?

24 Make a point to always detach (5) SEVER

Comment

27 AC could be ODDS and 23 DN could be ASCENT or ASCEND. But then 32 AC is messed up. Something doesn't fit here?

The Hindu Crossword No. 9300 Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Across

 1 Suck in air like a robber? (8) ASPIRATE

 5 The rat, playing tricks, is a danger (6) THREAT

 9 White bull by North Arcot’s bushes (8) NANDINAS

10 You may have a grievance in getting the answer to this clue (5) PEEVE

12 Close by is northern drum (4) NEAR

13 The Emperor was exposed for not having them on (3,7) NEW CLOTHES

15 One who has stable charges (6) OSTLER

17 Father away from fence to fish (4) LING

19 All right, painter gets a plant (4) OKRA

20 Agent catches j-journalist fast (6) SPEEDS

24 At no time be irresolute (5,5) NEVER TAMED

27 A marginal advantage? (4) EDGE

29 Willow, very large one, approaching the outskirts of Ettumanur (5) OSIER

30 Be “in”; don’t go out (4,4) STAY HOME

31 Vehicle I took to the limits of Linganahally in an active manner (6) BUSILY

32 Cart I can drive in the south-eastern region (8) CARNATIC

Down

 1 Sunshade is here: daybreak is late in coming (6) AWNING

 2 Writer thanks Dravidian leader for a five-year period (6) PENTAD

 3 Attack to free one trapped within (4) RAID

 4 Vestige of broken cart found by middlemen (5) TRACE

 6 The river-horse (5) HIPPO

 7 A jumbo attraction in the zoo (8) ELEPHANT

 8 Trademark about the man is belief in God (6) THEISM

11 Rare panic about century (6) SCARCE

14 Like top-class returning to the continent (4) ASIA

16 Sailor on Los Angeles’ small vehicle (6) LASCAR

17 Ore deposit reportedly a burden (4) LODE

18 Throws about 5/6 boxer shorts (8) SKIVVIES

21 Erroneous note to the doctor: “Bury someone” (6) ENTOMB

22 Expert — one by right in France (6) ADROIT

23 Mount this in southern France (6) _ E _ E_ C ?

25 Game rally cut short in the country (5) RURAL

26 One more run? (5) EXTRA

28 Fancy Anirudh’s face showing colour (4) CYAN

The Hindu Crossword No. 9299 Monday, August 11, 2008

Across

 1 “What might an innocent person tell the inspector at checkpost?” “I don’t know the answer to your question!” (6,2) SEARCH ME

 5 Girl is after fruit and spice (6) NUTMEG

10 A type of deer (7) ROEBUCK

11 They leave one country to settle in another (7) EMIGRES

12 I had taken a number in cupidity by extreme limits — senselessness (6) IDIOCY

13 Rule trio out as being secret (8) ULTERIOR

15 Mob taking part in another demonstration (4) HERD

16 Is girl in seedy bar showing indifference? (10) DISMISSIVE

18 Pedestrian crossing (10) FOOTBRIDGE

20 Be inclined to fight in an old-fashioned way (4) TILT

23 Colours of an earthy appearance (3-5) RED-BROWN

24 Set up our trial (6) RIGOUR

26 He shuns a village officer on bumpy ride (7) AWARDER

27 Civil employee taking notice with former pupil (7) SERVANT

28 Stop on the wrong side to find the way (6) DESIST

29 Estimate again that a ship’s in bay without a piece of cargo (8) REASSESS

Down

 1 Where does a hospital worker go directly? Easy! (15) STRAIGHTFORWARD

 2 Studio that is later remodelled (7) ATELIER

 3 Mass medium? (6) CHURCH

 4 Brand a king in the Middle East (4) MAKE

 6 All that is in revues (revised) (8) UNIVERSE

 7 Shop in India’s capital for popular cocktail (7) MARTINI

 8 Iterating sorest manifestations of a complaint (15) GASTROENTERITIS

 9 Picture as it is (4,5) REAL IMAGE

14 These battles cause serious internal trouble (5,4) CIVIL WARS

17 Pushes forward as riotous brutes do (8) OBTRUDES

19 Fellows in a network of ex-pupils of a school (3,4) OLD PALS

21 Did people in that archaeological period have hard time? (4,3) IRON AGE

22 Fruit, one with crust broken all around (6) CITRUS

25 I catch some sleep in a place offshore (4) ISLE

The Hindu Crossword No. 2496 Sunday, August 10, 2008

Across

1 One who nicks metal? (6) COPPER

4 Crowns one with a vegetable? (8) CAPSICUM

10 And on came stupid comic, joke teller (5-2,8) STAND-UP COMEDIAN

11 House in city on the Lune (9) LANCASTER

12 Press in entrance hall (5) LOBBY

13 Pantomime character made merry (4) DUMB

14 Gambling game attended by Italian chap in Riviera resort (5,5) MONTE CARLO

18 One who can't take it? (10) NONDRINKER

19 Island, still English (4) BUTE

21 Provide witty remark after end of charade (5) EQUIP

23 Awfully smart, made capital (9) AMSTERDAM

24 One Columbian, one drunk on very rare occasions (4,2,1,4,4) ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

25 Climbing plant cute ape chewed up (5,3) SWEET PEA

26 B---- Brit? My word! (6) BLIMEY

Down

1 Keep hairy novel (6,9) CASTLE DANGEROUS

2 Schemes involving one servant, a person on the level? (9) PLAINSMAN

3 Win over intent listener (6) ENDEAR

5 Love affair starts to annoy most of us (5) AMOUR

6 Detective story by Haggard - left in lurch? (8) SHERLOCK

7 Cold, member making ascent (5) CLIMB

8 Song - `Three Coins .'? (5,5,5) MONEY MONEY MONEY

9 Points to broken cuspidor (8) SPITTOON

15 They must accommodate girl over in Greek region (8) THESSALY

16 Parasite, plump despicable person (9) ROUNDWORM

17 Monk in carriage tips rarely (8) TRAPPIST

20 Tell about meat (6) REVEAL

22 Pawnbroker has soiled article removed (5) UNCLE

23 Humiliate a foundation (5) ABASE

The Hindu Crossword No. 9297 Friday, August 08, 2008

Across

 1 Top also I took into account with pith helmet (4,4) SOLA TOPI

 5 Bird riding on animal in dirty place for a long time (6) PIGEON

 9 Light later around northern part of Nellore (7) LANTERN

10 Untried way to get in (7) INTRUDE

11 The state of being a Mr. Scrooge? (9) MISERHOOD

12 Gain approval without a bit of padding (5) RAISE

13 Authorisation does not allow man to make an appointment (4) DATE

14 Has unmade a disaster without being redfaced (9) UNASHAMED

17 Indicate the source of starch (9) ARROWROOT

19 Make eye and go back with the French (4) OGLE

23 Avoid dealing with suspect Krish (5) SHIRK

24 Splits in Irish legislative body over floating anchor (5,4) DRIFT SAIL

25 Don’t allow convention to begin in de luxe arrangement (7) EXCLUDE

26 In the best of circumstances, don’t begin journey with friend (7) IDEALLY

27 Deserter returns to obtain something to aim at (6) TARGET

28 How a play that is not put on the boards remains (8) UNSTAGED

Down

 1 Such persons establish their own structures, apparently (4-4) SELF-MADE

 2 Stan and gal together graft an Asian tree (7) LANGSAT

 3 He interrupts a foreign politician with a supposition (6) THEORY

 4 One game after another that helps you to cross over (7,6) PONTOON BRIDGE

 6 Domestic one needing 9 to move around (8) INTERNAL

 7 Learned of rite due to be modified (7) ERUDITE

 8 Required study about river on the rise (6) NEEDED

10 Illness in the organisation (13) INDISPOSITION

15 Arrogantly confident bird plays ruse (8) COCKSURE

16 Made use of manoeuvre indeed (8) DEPLOYED

18 Sleepers may be in or under it (4-3) RAIL-CAR

20 Bird presented by old poet to upwardly mobile gal (7) GRAYLAG

21 Bearing snake etc. gingerly (6) ASPECT

22 In a state of repose is learner at last in a trial (2,4) AT REST

The Hindu Crossword No. 9296 Thursday, August 07, 2008

Across

 1 Deli when refurbished got capital (3,5) NEW DELHI

 6 Name seen in ups and downs in high-rises (4) OTIS

 9 Directing top dynasty (6) AIMING

10 Mark his wandering in north India (7) KASHMIR

13 Ejected by the computer perhaps (9) OUTPUTTED

14 A circulation of lies dividing the church (5) AISLE

15 City fellow’s bust at end of aisle (4) DUDE

16 Tracks in the countryside for those riding horses — pronounced manner of the newly married (10) BRIDLEWAYS

19 Said to be rough toil — what a class has to go through (6,4) COURSE WORK

21 It goes with circumstance (4) POMP

24 Rani madly embraces English girl (5) IRENA

25 One who gets what someone else gives willingly (9) INHERITOR

26 Ran Len’s device to catch things in a mesh (7) ENSNARL

27 A variety of citrus for the countryman (6) RUSTIC

28 Up to the point where money may be put in (4) TILL

29 Hyped to excess, like some airline flights (8) OVERSOLD

Down

 2 Time up! Edward is discharged (7) EMITTED

 3 Daughter of India’s leader given accommodation: Refurbish the thing stylishly! (2,2,2) DO IT UP

 4 Drink that won’t give one a heavy hangover (5,4) LIGHT BREW

 5 Got on the nerves of the king in bumpy ride (5) IRKED

 7 Hats off! A mother’s is in with loud celebration in India (7) TAMASHA

 8 Very noticeably different from point to point on the road map? (7,5) STREETS APART

11 Takes in part of a percussion section (6) SNARES

12 It may cause a casualty on the way (4,8) ROAD ACCIDENT

17 Shark rode off to become a surprise winner (4,5) DARK HORSE

18 Neighbour of Francia (6) ESPANA

20 Pan perhaps, and union’s leader falls silent (7) UTENSIL

22 Having one’s day in court? (2,5) ON TRIAL

23 After credit, one’s doubly in a big problem (6) CRISIS

25 Soldier put up toilet in Arctic dwelling (5) IGLOO

The Hindu Crossword No. 9295 Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Across

 1 Young female child or her undergarment (4,2,1,4) SUIT OF A DIVA?

 9 Depress men with logo patched up hastily (7) ENGLOOM

10 Fabric Bob wove easily (7) PAISLEY

11 Get back to even (5) RETIE

12 His work is his play (9) DRAMATIST

13 Vernon put it oddly: “Listless feeling” (5) ENNUI

15 It slows down traffic on the road (5,4) SPEED BUMP

18 Roused, Nag becomes nasty (9) DANGEROUS

21 Others’ article on our lines (5) THEIR

22 Not to pay a cheque results in shame (9) DISHONOUR

24 Willing to study an unknown (5) READY

26 Techily produced some old vases (7) LECYTHI

27 Agitated Kashmiri forgets muddlehead of a hunter (7) SHIKARI

28 What a customs officer may demand — what the prosecution must first do (4,3,4) OPEN THE CASE

Down

 1 The point of attack by one in the van (9) SPEARHEAD

 2 Metal our sailors obtained (5) INGOT

 3 You take someone thus when you want to speak to him in confidence (2,3,4) ON ONE SIDE

 4 Fleets when capturing exciting drama (7) ARMADAS

 5 Positioned sick pelican (2,5) IN PLACE

 6 Dog Ali controlled on the borders of Kerala (5) AKITA

 7 Bearing the first of tyros making way for learner up there (8) ALTITUDE

 8 Indian farmer with tracks to go up (4) RYOT

14 One having no equal (8) NONESUCH

16 Settle but I need term revised (9) DETERMINE

17 I try penal reform — members subscribe to it (5,4) PARTY LINE

19 Medicinal concoction in poor distribution to one church (7) ODORINE

20 You and I raised exotic trees — certainly 5? (4-3) SURE-SET

22 Many a measure in the valley (4) DALE

23 Perform better at a picnic, perhaps (5) OUTDO

25 Posture by some Lhasa naturalists (5) ASANA

The Hindu Crossword No. 9294 Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Across

 1 Nun aids a service pertaining to an African region (8) SUDANIAN

 5 Mother returns to cover the reckless fellow (6) MADCAP

 9 Where a film roll could be — privately (2,6) IN CAMERA

10 Request for an attraction? (6) APPEAL

12 Children skid hither and thither (4) KIDS

13 Some term no new timekeepers obtained (10) METRONOMES

15 Heals about five crooks (6) CURVES

17 Bill, with Edward by the side, behaved (5) ACTED

20 Mantra time is back for the last character (5) OMEGA

21 Defeats Uttar Pradesh groups (6) UPSETS

24 Liquid poured into a pint tureen? Not usually! (10) TURPENTINE

27 Firm to return the bird (4) COOT

29 Not in control, a medical officer takes one small measure (6) ADRIFT

30 Is mother changing the contour line? (8) ISOTHERM

31 Doing some key work in the office (6) TYPING

32 Alienate new leader of gangsters during Easter outing (8) ESTRANGE

Down

 1 Endures Mark within the limits of the States (6) STICKS

 2 Settle on an English river bank, say (6) DECIDE

 3 Mean to change title (4) NAME

 4 Correspond with a European, for the most part (5) AGREE

 6 A singular writer is timorous (5) ASPEN

 7 Working companion aboard (8) CREWMATE

 8 Old man and learner have new ideas for making a fence (8) PALISADE

11 Agrees to meet and test by little ways (6) TRYSTS

14 Turns up with a mother cat (4) PUMA

16 Parades five writhing tunas (6) VAUNTS

17 Insects creep out when covering books (4) ANTS

18 Draw in cheat to an area (8) CONTRACT

19 Predator moved by how Sri Lanka looks on the map? (8) TEARDROP

22 By the river young person brews Irish whiskey (6) POTEEN

23 Making a movement, I set my golf ball to obstruct others (6) STYMIE

25 The Spanish end in France is fairylike (5) ELFIN

26 Birds home in to them (5) NESTS

28 Big name in the cinema, perhaps. Appears nightly (4) STAR

The Hindu Crossword No. 9293 Monday, August 04, 2008

Across

 1 Difficult dilemma reduces Goan to drink (7,5) GORDIAN KNOT (should be 7,4)

 9 Material of war returned by Queen’s counsel (3,4) RAW SILK

10 A place to sleep by the lake for an exclusive group (7) COTERIE

11 Ski slope first to be included in physical education (5) PISTE

12 To set up a stable is hard, somehow (9) ESTABLISH

13 Metal that meets pressing needs (4) IRON

15 I bag one strange flower (7) BEGONIA

19 Tower, sharply sloping French article (7) STEEPLE

20 Notion expressed in an aside amorously (4) IDEA

24 Clout, famous subject matter in Carnegie’s work (9) INFLUENCE

25 Pine for twelve months starting now (5) YEARN

27 Pacify with a dish containing calcium (7) PLACATE

28 Month, was the eighth once (7) OCTOBER

29 Realtor gets English representative to accept condition (6,5) ESTATE AGENT

Down

 1 Garments that a girl originally possesses (5) GOWNS

 2 One who attacks an assistant in extremes of rigour (6) RAIDER

 3 Kind of printer suitable for the wealthy and fast-moving set? (3,3) INK JET

 4 The nuances figuring in pleasant bonds (8) NICETIES

 5 What a schoolboy uses — a computer? (8) NOTEBOOK

 6 Awfully frightened by fire, tried treatment (9) TERRIFIED

 7 Obscure, like some crosswords (7) CRYPTIC

 8 The flower of forgetfulness (5) LETHE

14 Passe and so has no one to go out with perhaps (3,2,4) OUT OF DATE

16 One who refuses to submit to authority sure can’t be reformed (8) RECUSANT

17 Kind of deep sound heard generally in a factory (8) PLANGENT

18 Attempt to accommodate girl in leather works (7) TANNERY

21 Biting cold! (5) NIPPY

22 Felt hat of a red design (6) FEDORA

23 Evergreen shrub that could try Mel severely (6) MYRTLE

26 Lou Costello’s partner in comedy (5) ABBOT (actually ABBOTT so should be 6 letters)

The Hindu Crossword No. 2495 Sunday, August 03, 2008

Nice one today .......................

Across

 1 Rings round the lines in play (7) OTHELLO

 5 Voice coming from chemical toilet (4) ALTO

 9 Former policeman upset owner, stern brute (3,6,6) BOW STREET RUNNER

10 Herb’s prison sentence announced (5) THYME

11 A duke on important assignment gains access (9) ADMISSION

12 B-big clumsy person is fat (7) BLUBBER

13 Hide and seek? Not half, on Greek island (7) SECRETE

15 Illegal act of dealer in stolen goods (7) OFFENCE

17 Caretaker’s to start to repaint after start of new year? (7) JANITOR

18 Cheat girl, unusually languid (9) LETHARGIC

20 At home, a gym is unsuitable (5) INAPT

22 One may take one before the rest (8,7) SLEEPING DRAUGHT

23 Article on Tyneside girl (4) ANNE

24 Stormy weather and wind (7) WREATHE

Down

1 Ball put over it in field of activity (5) ORBIT

2 Enquiry after the governor uncovers sexual activity (4,4,6) HOW'S YOUR FATHER

3 Brittle rocks in trash can (6,3) LITTER BIN

4 Outdoor work drop of early rain affected (4,3) OPEN AIR

5 This Greek goddess merits a bust (7) ARTEMIS

6 Trips in French town (5) TOURS

7 Popular point of view over neat poker hand? (6,8) INSIDE STRAIGHT

8 Splendour of Greek amphitheatre, initially under ground (8) GRANDEUR

12 Of little use in Merseyside town close to both Widnes and St Helens? (8) BOOTLESS

14 Voltaire character scoffing at one seeking election (9) CANDIDATE

16 Princess, English with upper-class spirit (7) EUGENIE

17 Bird sailor associated with break of day, mostly(7) JACKDAW

19 Tree in Anglo-Saxon enclosure (5) ASPEN

21 Name of bird, extremely large (5) TITLE