Issues arising from the latest cryptic clues, including how Trivial Pursuit redefined the night sky
When Gaff came along to one of our Meet the Setter sessions, we learned more about his approach to the themed puzzle and why “[f]inding out about swan upping on the Thames is interesting; researching the major rivers of Guatemala is not”. From Gaff, we expect a theme – and for it to be topical.
6d/15ac No way for Navy to demand sunshine without first dodging storm (5,2,1,5,2,7)
[ anagram of “for navy to demand sunshine” without the first letter of “dodging” ]
[ anagram of FORNAVYTOEMANDSUNSHINE ]
4d/22ac Highly unlikely it could be Simba in the distance (7,2,3)
[ allusive description of Simba, inside a unit of distance ]
[ LION TOON, inside MILE ]
3d Rarely heard solitary miscreant on display tonight (4,2,1,4,4)
[ soundalike for “solitary miscreant” + something on display last Friday ]
[ soundalike for “one sinner” + “blue moon” ]
This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon.
Q: What’s the second full moon in a month called?
A: A blue moon
12ac I’ve killed a lot of people, haven’t I? (4,3,8)
[ how “haven’t I” might be cryptically indicated ]