Words of possible Arabic origin feature in our pick of the best of the broadsheet’s cryptic clues
In the sample clues below, the links take you to explainers from our beginners’ series. The setter’s name often links to an interview with him or her, in case you feel like getting to know these people better.
13dVery emotionalleader of Conservatives appearing in absurd hairstyle (10)
[wordplay: first letter (“leader”) of CONSERVATIVES inside anagram of (“absurd”) HAIRSTYLE]
[C in HYSTERIAL]
[definition: very emotional]
43dForget to secure permit before Europeancheck (4-3)
[wordplay: synonym for “forget”, containing synonym for “permit” (as a verb), then (“before”) abbreviation for “European”]
[LOSE containing OK before E]
[definition: check]
2dFish from Scotland served with heart (8)
[wordplay: another name for ‘Scotland’, next to (“served with”) synonym for “heart”]
[ALBA + CORE]
[definition: fish]
GCHQ releases 'most difficult puzzle ever' in honour of Alan Turing https://t.co/ArCAv0sTy1
26acCapital of Louisiana in answer, one gathered?This isn’t! (3,7)
[wordplay: first letter (“capital”) of LOUISIANA, inside anagram (“gathered”) of ANSWER ONE]
[L inside ANSWERONE]