Fourteen solutions begin with the same letter as their clues. These letters in order are the initial letters of the twelve words of a 2014 quotation and the two initials of its author. The unclued lights reveal this quotation in full and the author’s name. Across 1 This reflex conceals what ends up
Each of sixteen clues contains one misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell the name (three words) of a 1A, contents of which are given by five unclued lights (including two as a pair). The 1A’s name also describes the location in the grid of its contents in relation to two other
Chambers 2014 is certainly not recommended this week theme-wise! But Chambers 2011 is. Across 1 Cuckoo born to South Australian ox that’s extinct (12) 10 Lure cut according in arty style (4) 14 Some old film category starts from next year (3) 15 Selfish actions making priest go mad
Round the perimeter clockwise goes a place (6) followed by a description of it (10 words, one hyphened) by one of the unclued lights (two words). This description appears in its original language and can be confirmed in its full form in the ODQ. Remaining unclued lights, singly or combined, present five thematic objects which
Each clue contains a superfluous word. When these words are put in sequence according to alphabetical order of answers to clues, initial letters of thirty-three of them spell two 4D made famous by a certain person. Remaining words in the sequence form another of the 4D used by the person in question. The first of
The unclued lights (one of three words and two of two words), individually or as a pair, are of a kind. Across 5 Bit of tiffin is hardly perfect (6) 12 Fail to see active service (5) 13 Waistcoat cloth that’s not in ablutions (8) 16 Beer mug in
Clockwise round the grid from 31 run the titles of four works (6,3,5,7,5.1,5,7,8,5) associated with a 21 and 25A born 16 years ago. The twenty corner letters produce LIVELY ELEMENTAL ARIAS. Solvers must shade the three clued lights that combine to form the 21’s name (two words). Elsewhere, ignore an apostrophe and two accents.
Eight unclued lights are of a kind; as is, fancifully, the ninth. Across 6 Hurry up to fill space with one big cup (6) 12 Ape, given exercise to open fish, discarded skin (10, two words) 13 I agree Spain is rarely pleasant (5) 15 Unable to move furniture? Sure (10) 16 Witter about horse
A first prize of £100, three prizes of £25 and six further prizes of the Chambers Book of Great Speeches (hardback) will be awarded for the first correct solutions opened. The first four prizewinners will, in addition, each receive a bottle of champagne. Entries to: Christmas Crossword, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP by
The other unclued entries, in pairs around 3D, provide the key words in a definition of 11D. Across 1 Nouns hidden in secret and manuscript sentences (8) 10 Sea beast who I’ll tape somehow (10, two words) 13 Goat starts to gnaw at one fish (8) 16 ‘Nameless’ ‘noodle’ could be ‘oodle’? (5)
‘1D/19’ (six words in total) is a work by 18/13. Remaining unclued lights form two pairs suggested by 13. Across 1 Rhubarb hems in humungous hen house (5) 10 Sweeteners in course lass sprinkled (10) 11 I tease one who’s arrived clasping book (6) 14 Engaging earl retired Russian spots (5) 15 Seconds
One unclued light is the name of a 15A activity requiring the 4A of three things. Answers to clues in italics must be treated before entry in the grid in such a way as to fulfil this requirement. Definitions of the resulting entries are supplied by the remaining unclued lights, one of which is hyphened.
Each unclued light is somehow related to a clued one. Elsewhere, ignore an acute accent. Across 4 Clone 33 recreating the Crocodile (11, two words) 11 Athlete taking Scottish miser to freemason’s son (9, two words) 13 Danger cut — touching heartless pedestrian (11) 14 Kiss nag (4) 15
The ten unclued lights consist of a theme word and three groups of three answers of a kind, each group relating differently to the theme word. Unchecked and cross-checking letters in these answers could make TAX AUDITOR APPROVE. Across 1 Cuttingly, John dissects fancy style (8) 10 Escape with loot is dicey in
Unclued lights (two of two words and one doing double duty), singly or paired, reveal some that are to be gone over, and two that famously did so. Ignore one accent and two apostrophes. Across 1 Paradoxical suit, a product of mine (13, two words) 9 Police once crashed into rumpus (7) 14
Two unclued lights describe the location of the others, individually or as a pair. One of these unclued lights does double duty. One square must contain a beetle showing possible alternatives to one of the unclued lights. Across 11 Tipsy grannie raking it in (7) 12 Skilling worker put sign outside (6,
Nine unclued lights each contain a different 20 from the same source. The title suggests a further such 20. Elsewhere, ignore an accent. Across 1 First off clochards rummaged Mac’s valises (8) 8 Eastern sailing boat or ship in poem declaimed (4) 12 Carnal caper giving sensuous diversion (10, two words) 13 Buffaloes perhaps
Each of 31 clues comprises a definition and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter; the extras spell five words of a quotation in ODQ. The quotation’s next three words, identifying two groups, form an unclued light. Remaining clues are of the same type, but without extra letters in the jumbles;
The unclued lights are of a kind, verifiable in Brewer. Across 1 Poet has overdose first (5) 6 More than one figure of speech is about Roman soldier (7) 11 Where to eat, relax and gossip once about god (10) 15 Note this colour for French artist (4) 16
The 19 of a great 1A of 6 and for the 1D occurred in 37 25 years ago this month. He was born in 21 and was a friend of 26 and an enemy of 41. Two clued lights together form his name and must be shaded. Elsewhere, ignore an accent. Across 10
