Clues written by M. Barley
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M. Barley3262336267143385Dec 1981May 202240y 5mM. A. Barley
 
 Clue wordAwardClueExplanation
2021-2022
2599DESIDERATAVHCWhat you want clued is ID’d with a star - entries from everyone encouraged!anag. incl. e, e; ref. ‘definition asterisked’
2595FIFTY YEARSVHCX’s successor’s devilish era observed in Sunday’s latest stiff ‘special’Y + anag. in anag. incl. y, & lit.
2591GHATFirstWhat borders a river in India (good for spot of bathing)?i.e. Bh(aR)at, with g for b, & lit.; see Bharat in C.
2586BALDERDASHVHC‘B—’ comprises a colourful bit of language proffered up for ‘nonsense!’a + red l (rev.) in B + dash
2582ACHITOPHELVHCIn the Bible, wise man advanced before child Prince in squalid holea + chit + P in anag.
2578VARIORU(M) (Letters Latent)VHC The video ref, alas, has diminished football for many, garnering a range of criticismVAR + io + RU
2573HANDS-ONVHCSee osteopath, and so necessarily secure such treatmenthidden & lit.
2569BILBOFirstHobbit and term for lightweight blade? That’d be this, possiblycomp. anag. incl. t, & lit.
2020-2021
2564CLEARINGVHCWhat a large number will have to enter to secure college educationi.e. c lear(n)ing, & lit.
2560BOMBASTVHCTurkey roasted with trimmings and traditional stuffingbomb + (ro)ast(ed)
2556TOERAGVHCRogue gets a very long stretch, being locked up inside for goodera in to g
2551SPAVIN (Spoonerisms)VHCWith onset of spring, see golfer hanker for the coursecanker … horse; s + (Corey) Pavin
2547FILATORYSecondSpin line of yarn with it (obscure noun)anag. incl. l less n, & lit.
2543CABRETTAVHCArrange to rent a cab, saving on shoe-leatheranag. less on
2534BOTTLE-WASHERVHCBelowstairs, scrubbing is the work for suchanag. less is, & lit.
2532POTLA(TSUGA)TCH (Presents Round the Tree)VHCSee lots of spice from the East carried by trio of potentates to childla + gust(o) (rev.) in pot + at ch.
2525PLACITUMFirstDecision still not finalised, Trump sees Republican power slipping awayplaci(d) + T(r)um(p)
2521CHAMBERSVHCChief source for solvers in which light will be foundamber in Ch. + s, & lit.
2019-2020
2512OSCITATEVHCPossibly act so, with it getting close to bedtimeanag. + e, & lit.
2508CHARACTER (Misprints)VHCJob varied entries to Azed tackle entails reproducing clue typotype; char + anag. of first letters
2504UPBEATVHCTuba starts off piece exuberantly, playing a cheery noteanag. incl. p, e
2500ESPAGN(OLETTE STRENG)THENER (Half and Half)VHCEspecially tricky, the latest in Azedian range – locked down we may find it something hearteningesp. + anag. incl. n
2495BUNGVHCSmall house with a low shed one’s added on the sidebung(a low)
2480STOCKING FILLERSVHCTrifles left in sock grandchild’s opening excitedly?anag. incl. l, g, & lit.
2477SPRAT-WEATHERVHCSun being hidden, it’s short odds that we’re miserable in suchRa in SP + anag., & lit.
2473INTERPLAYVHCCross tryline with a couple of passes, displaying such an exchangeanag. incl. pa
2469GUDDLE (Spoonerisms)VHCSunday’s mass the reverend held in simple English, avoiding LatinSandy’s muss; DD in gul(L) + E; simple n
2018-2019
2460TWEETFirstPost we put on net (there’s no Chambers entry for noun)post we net less pos n, & lit.; ref. entry in C.
2456TRACTOR / TORMINAL (Overlaps)VHCI work hard to draw tense contest, batting out final gut-wrenching minutes with a 50t + rac(e); min. + a + L
2451CAPUTVHCOne option if after spot of culture: head for Romec + a put
2447CONGENERVHCShow what could be inside bottle, leaving one with hangover ultimately?con gen(I)e + r, & lit.
2443ERATHEM (Printer’s Devilry)VHCEv/e of Brexit now here, is there consensus among MPs? 
2438MONTE DI PIETÀVHCPop into me and get paid, leaving item of gold behind?anag. less g, & lit.
2434STONKEREDVHCBrahms and Liszt: noted pair of keyboardists ultimately rather famous for composinganag. incl. ke, r, s; ref. rhyming slang
2430CLERIHEWFirstQuirky couplets of rhyme celebrating well-known lifeanag. of initial letter pairs, & lit.
2428SHEPHERDSVHCWe feature in a gathering close to Messiah within outbuildingsh in per in sheds, & lit.
2425EPILIMNIONSecondSurface water is involved in pile-up on M1 (you can’t see what’s ahead)anag. less up
2421SPASMODICALThirdOccasional unsound entry to Azed comp is, sadly, not unknownanag. incl. A less y
2417ALTARAGE / PROPOSAL (Right and Left)VHCCongregation’s donations are left with thanks, a fit offering for priest raised in due course before funeral’s enda l ta rage; pro P + so (rev.) + a + l
2412UBIQUARIANVHCRegulars to Cumbria hunker down inside, upon swirling rain appearing everywherealternate letters + (s)qua(t) + anag.
2017-2018
2408LUNCHEONETTEFirstDiner munched on lettuce when needing to lose weightanag. less w
2399CHARMEUSEVHCAre the insides of garments tailored with such?anag. incl. me, & lit.
2395PURITANISMVHCWith it, there’s an element of severity displayed in religious ritualanag. incl. s in Purim, & lit.
2390POISSON D’AVRILVHCSee sly —— end with solvers in a spin, oddly perplexed?comp. anag. & lit.
2382STRIPE def. HARLOT (Wrong Number)VHCRotten starts off the punk rock era singing in bandpunk; anag. of initial letters; ref. Johnny R.
2378PROPOSALThirdWhat’s made by prince with ring, ending in betrothal after positive answer?Pr. + O + pos. + a + l, & lit.; ref. Prince Harry
2376SOW(PIASTRE)ENS (Christmas Pudding)VHCThe essence of Christmas: family members gathering in one place for presents, snow swirling outsides + I in pas + tree, all in anag.
2373CACOGASTRICVHCA cigar combined with endless Scotch – might some end thus after scoffing Xmas dinner?anag. less h
2369FACETIAEVHCLewd stories collectively surface – even members of cabinet are involvedfacet + anag. of even letters
2364COMPOST HEAPSecondA repository of fertile material, Chambers, the starting point for anyone entering competitionpos + the + a in comp.
2360VIDENDAVHC‘Sehenswürdigkeiten’ in Germany, but rendered in the Latin wayD end in via; but2
2016-2017
2356PUBLIC SERVANTVHCOfficial victor among cryptic clue brains is revealed in slip list’s final placingsV in anag. in p, t; ref. annual honours list
2351RHAGADESVHCCracks affecting e.g. a hard bit of skinanag. + s, & lit.
2347ASLEEPVHCAffected by hypnotics (pills we take on odd occasions when restless)anag. of odd letters
2338TRUMPVHCSound one’s let slip from backsidet(one) + rump, & lit.
2330BRAZEN / MOPISH (Right and Left)VHCUninspired leadership of President, his MO horribly shameless, starts with border restrictions affecting a certain religionanag. incl. P; b, r, a + Zen; ref. Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’
2325MASONSecondI’ve work to do, cutting stone put on after topping Christmas(X)mas + on; topping = excellent
2322VENTRICOSEFirstFat-bellied character starting Christmas round must squeeze into chimney shaftC, o in vent rise
2318TIMENOPENNY (TIMENOGUY) (Penny for the Guy)VHCNo term of exactitude, it – sign of memory misfiring a bit?anag. incl. e, m + penny, & lit.
2313PERFECTVHCClosing stages of latest Ryder Cup produce some dramatic golf, terribly tenseanag. of last letters
2309GLOBETROTTERVHCTerm for Fogg, fellow collecting wager after travel finally overl o bet in g rotter, & lit.; ref. Phileas F.; fellow = worthless person
2015-2016
2305AGREE def. PATCH (Wrong Number)VHCWith a step back in time, it’s ‘to reconcile’a gree2; time
2300MISHMASHVHCPotpourri, when deployed, heads off horrible household miasmsanag. incl. h, h
2291AVESTA (Printer’s Devilry)VHCAfter England scrum, he/ctic Welsh try involves counter-attacking 
2287VALETVHCSee Parisian at entry to tabac, carrying Le Figaro perhaps?le in v + à + t; ref. Beaumarchais/Rossini/Mozart character
2283BARGAINFirstEntries to Azed get brain working a good dealanag. incl. A, g
2279CLEMENTINESecondOne displaying zest in eminent clues, sadly no longer with usanag. less us; ref. the late Sir Jeremy Morse
2274SIMPATICOThirdHere’s entry to Azed comp – is it crafted with winning appeal?anag. incl. A
2272SNOWMOBILEVHCTransport an Eskimo will be sat on (not like Santa, somehow)anag. less anag., & lit.
2270FENESTRAVHCOpening presents loudly, dinner finally eaten – the heart of Christmas merrymakingf + anag. incl. r, s
2265ESPRIT FORTVHCIntroducing element of rationalism, I protest vigorously about the lead faith providesf in anag. incl. r, & lit.
2257BUST-UP / PIT-PAT (Right and Left)VHCFlapping PM’s apparently backtracked in row: admitting migrants ultimately is aim aheadap. (rev.) in Pitt; s in but + up
2250MILESTONE (with missing O) (Missing Letter)VHCWhat we tasted at Azed lunch is very much high qualitytoasted; miles tone
2014-2015
2248WAISTLINEVHCNot exactly lean, is it, when one’s put on weight?w + anag., & lit.
2244AVANT-GARDISTEVHCA very innovative artist, e.g. an originator of Dadaa v + anag. incl. D, & lit.
2239ERADIATE (Spoonerisms)VHCSeam as from bowler fires Root out short of centurybeam as from solar fires; eradi(c)ate; ref. Joe R., England cricketer
2235CHOCK-A-BLOCKVHCUse this term for network in grip of vehicle jam?hoc k in cab + lock, & lit.
2230GATES OF DEATHSecondSee one finally departing face God at these, possiblyanag. less c, e, & lit.
2222OBJECT LESSONVHCDemonstration demands fewer cuts etc., and no job being ‘restructured’less in anag.
2220A twelve-letter ‘Christmas cracker’ (Christmas Cracker)VHCGuiding light in sky leads to new King very long ago, accompanying trio of astronomers all the wayLODESTAR/STRAIGHT; LODEASTRIGHT; anag. + R; ast + right
2218FOREIGNERVHCWatch out! – erring shot slicing right finds one in unfamiliar territoryfore + anag. less r; ref. golf
2213SOLECISMFirstGrammatical error, this, or a lapse in social morescomp. anag.
2209(O)CT(O)BER (Letters Latent)SecondIt’s when in the year leaves turn and drop(a)ct + be(a)r, & lit.; a = anno, drop = give birth to
2205CUMBERSOMEVHCSee Morse inventively secure title, an annual honour not easily managedU MBE in c + anag.; ref. AZ honours list
2200BRINDISIVHCToast caps off breakfast – ideally round is had after bit of baconrind is in b, i
2013-2014
2196SEMANTRA / TRABEATE (Overlaps)FirstNational team run ragged in South America – when they play, bars reverberate with cross supporters endlessly frustratedanag. incl. N, r in SA; beate(n)
2191PLUGVHCParty languishes, unpopular at the polls, with Clegg ultimately a spent forcefirst letters + g
2187WESTVHCThose heading this way evening sun will dazzleanag. of first letters, & lit.
2183SANGRAILVHCCapturing lad’s heart, flirty girl’s an unobtainable object of desirea in anag.
2170SAYONARAVHCStokes OK against Australia; for all remaining, heads must roll – it’s goodbyeS + ay + on A + a, r (rev.); ref. Ben S. and Ashes aftermath
2168CENTURY (with missing C) (Missing Letter)SecondYears spanned by crossword anon after its first appearance, entertaining for allcanon; c + U in entry
2165OUT OF ORDERVHCBust is on view for Roe when cavorting round centre of stadiumout + d in anag.; ref. Erica R., Twickenham streaker
2161FARRAGOVHCScraps from roast are cut off and go to make dog’s breakfastr, a in far go
2157MELODRAMATICVHCStirring film actor made lacks element of finesse – could be this?anag. less f, & lit.
2152STUFFED SHIRTVHCYou’ll find this duffer pompous but ultimately ineptanag. incl. s, t, & lit.
2148ZOLLVEREINVHCZone – past German one – wherein one’s tolled centrallyll in z + over + ein, & lit.
2012-2013
2144INFERNO (Spoonerisms)VHCDinner’s swell here in Italy – there’s no finer cookingsinners dwell; anag.
2139DE RIGUEURVHCHats for upper-class gents required when racing? No question, they’re ——anag. incl. U, g less q, & lit.
2135LOBVHCGolf ball sent high … see it fall close to flag?comp. anag. incl. g, & lit.
2126DESPERATEVHCPadres might console the terminally ill in extremisanag. incl. t, e, e
2122NICETYVHCCity establishment’s starting afresh under new discerning managementn + anag. incl. e; ref. new governor of Bank of England
2116YULETIDE (with jumble of COMEDO) (Christmas Devilry)VHCThe seasoned Como you’d get round tree with uplifting old words to singule + dit (rev.) in ye
2113PICAROONVHCPicture one lifting gold having boarded ship, perhaps?pic + a + or (rev.) + on, & lit.
2109THICKETYVHCBristling public condemnation leaves bank in the City reeling(ban)k in anag.
2105TITANIC / ICEBERG (Overlaps)FirstIt being knocked back with curry, extra-large beer is dashed good – cold one requiredit (rev.) + tan; anag. + g
2100A STITCH IN TIMEVHCTitchiest bit of needlework am I, cannily deployedanag. incl. n, & lit.
2096TRICKThirdWatch as cricketer disconsolately leaves crease when outcomp. anag.
2011-2012
2091SNIFTERVHCTin provided drinker leaving work with a quick tippleSn if t(op)er
2087ROCKETVHCFireworks feature in Diamond Jubilee concert (at the end)rock + last letters
2083BEWITCHVHCSpell one had in the W.C., ill after onset of bellyacheb + I in anag.
2078RÉCOLLETVHCTerm for frère in Catholic order, one primarily reflectivee in RC + tell o(ne) (rev.), & lit.
2070MISTREATMENTSecondMatter Amnesty is agitated about might be this, saycomp. anag. & lit.
2065DERMESTIDAEThirdYou might find such munching contents of larder, it’d seemanag. incl. (l)arde(r), & lit.
2064COLD TURKEYVHCThe plain fact is a large number found cracking code truly trickyK in anag.
2062APPLE-KNOCKERVHCClose to fine hundred, plonker KP is out after a yahooa + anag. incl. e C; ref. Kevin Pietersen
2058ROBUSTVHCEU must avoid euro collapse and staunch decline surrounding business(EU)ro bust; bus in rot
2049PARTY-POOPERVHCFront page in daily contains print error spoiling typetypo in ro in paper
2010-2011
2040EASTER (Printer’s Devilry)FirstSailor lengthens stay as hor/rible wind hits port 
2036AL CONTOVHCAvailable as per trat menus: slice of veal con tortellinihidden
2027THRENETICALVHCBefore retiring, Latin teacher is given new version of elegiacsanag. less a
2019OVERAWE / HENOTIC (Right and Left)VHCAfter eve-of-war jitters, force deserts to leave shocked CO in the lurch, minded to make peaceanag. less f; anag.
2012BLOATINGVHCSource of bellyache, it, along with distensionanag. incl. b, & lit.
2006GROAN (Spoonerisms)VHCFaces of generation reaching old age naturally grow linedlow grind; first letters
2000TWO THOUSANDVHCCruciverbalist’s latest number (what O.U. do’s organised around)t + n in anag., & lit.; ref. Oxford University
1997FADOFirstFollowing difficulty striking new driver, golfer displays dejected airf ado, Fa(L)do; ref. Nick F.
1992FOULARDVHCSquare worn around la dame’s head?la in four + d, & lit.
2009-2010
1984ORWEL(L)IAN (Doublethink)VHCNovel with ‘E. A. Blair’ on could be such a bookcomp. anag. incl. w and a b, & lit.
1979FAR-OUTVHCOf art done with element of unconventionality?anag. incl. u, & lit.
1975SEPTENTRIONALVHCSet in the polar North, possibly (obscure term for such)anag. incl. N less h, & lit.
1967SUBORDINATELYVHCQulelch boys endlessly endure Latin as a subject, so daily Bunter squirmsanag. less e n, anag., & lit.
1962ANADEMVHCHead of athlete (one coming first) had me placed round?an + a + ’d + me (rev.), & lit.
1958HANGDOGVHCGoing with head bowed, i.e. abjectanag. less i.e., & lit.; abject = cast aside
1953TRAUMA (misprint of T) (Misprints)VHCMarket in recession: it’s for everyone involved a painful stagestate; U in mart (rev.) + a
1949PALFRENIERSecondSee one accustomed to curry eschewing a variety of plainer fareanag. less a; curry2
1945PRISONThirdPlace one’s in for term of incarcerationI’s in pro + n, & lit.
1940SCANT def. SNEAP (Wrong Number)VHCNip of Scotch – see Scots merry after such short?nip; s + cant4
2008-2009
1936LITMUS TESTVHCCharacter of liquid’s established – with it an essential part therein?it must in l est., & lit.
1932NINE-TO-FIVEVHCSee one’s office routine unfold in course of such workingcomp. anag. incl. v, & lit.
1927TONSURE (Spoonerisms)VHCWaste of time and no use, right called Brownbald crown; anag. incl. t, r
1923ELLIPTICThirdOval et al, are rejected – IPL heads for Capetown instead to playanag. less a incl. C i; ref. recent IPL decision to play in SA, not England
1910BARPERSONVHCWhat I provide is reason regulars in pub are sozzledanag. incl. alternate letters, & lit.
1908WE THREE KINGSVHCLay about hiking west ere snatching glimpse of InfantI in anag., & lit.
1906MORSEVHCHere’s a set of firsts from me, outstanding regular soon eightyfirst letters & lit.
1901SANITISEVHCDeploy antiseptics: put another way, —— with TCPcomp. anag. & lit.
1897WASH-OUTVHCWhat leads to unhappy Oval spectators, possibly?anag. incl. u, O, s, & lit.
2007-2008
1884FREELOADERVHCFederer falters, with maestro Rafa Nadal ultimately the one taking advantageanag. incl. o a l
1879LITTER BASKETFirstSee best & lit. take first place in results slip … and worst end here?anag. incl. r; slip vb.
1871FAIRY GOLDVHCMoney changing ultimately into what’s dry and wrinkly (i.e. leaves)y g in fair + old(i.e.), & lit.
1866BINGEVHCSee Jag, being faulty, have blow-out and crash, killing rookie driveranag.; bing(L)e; jag2
1856LITAS (Printer’s Devilry)ThirdThe public’s found lo/o offensive – there was a huge stink!‘Lolita’
1853ANTIQUITARIANVHCBeing old-fashioned, aren’t I left with a bewildered air by what’s new?an’t I quit + a + anag. + n, & lit.
1845UPBRAIDVHCCensure is universal, with Brown under pressure having declared poll offU + P + br. + (s)aid; ref. Gordon B.
1840W(I)NN(I)E-THE-POOH (Letters Latent)VHCBear, happy when with honeypot containing no end of honey?anag. less y
2006-2007
1831MARGINALIASecondAnagram & lit. unfinished, one needs solution and notes besideanag. less t, incl. I
1827AMAKOSI def. DENUDED (Wrong Number)VHCBig fish amongst African indigenes (their leaders being here exposed)exposed; makos in first letters, & lit.
1814HIPSTERVHCMember of a generation now gone, this person espouses unconventionalityanag. less son, & lit.
1810HARE / POSEUR / SERINETTE (DLM)VHCExtend further a winning streak that’ll ensure I’ll be showing off again the Azed salver; so, up to me to keep pleasing the setter in Sunday’s most instructive organ. 
1806INEBRIANTThirdIs abuse of such big in ‘Binge Britain’?comp. anag. & lit.
1804CLOTHES SENSE (Spoonerisms)VHCBehold the special Son in happy scene – it’s displayed in site of stallsort of style; lo + the + s s, all in anag.
1801RUSE DE GUERREVHCAshes’ end augured: twice English err, sadly lacking a plan for victoryanag. incl. s, EE less a
1797HEARTVHCEarth moves when passion engulfs that of amoroso?anag., r in heat, & lit.
1792APPALOOSA / ESTAMINET (Right and Left)VHCApparent as one heads inside the Spotted Horse bar is its name, quirky and a little alienapp. + loo in as a; anag. + ET
1788ETHEREAL OILSVHCAerosol and the like dispense such, and KO stinkingcomp. anag. & lit.
1784TEARAWAYVHCNo end of mayhem for gang of juveniles I’ll follow?tea(m) + raw + ay, & lit.; I3
2005-2006
1775ROUGH-AND-READYVHCWhat you regard as handy, if crude, could be … this, say?comp. anag. & lit.
1771PARTERREVHCWhat actor performs before, when playing to an audience?part + ‘ere’, & lit.
1766GEST (Printer’s Devilry)VHCAfter having some UN official stop pa/rade, Unionists call for formal talks 
1762DUDDERYVHCShop snappy dresser after clothing would enter only in extremis?’d in dude + last letters
1758BIMBETTEFirstVacuous blonde bit, me, feature of tabloid spread?anag. incl. b(lond)e, t, & lit.
1753DIAGONALVHCAngling: contest between twisting fish and one with lineagon in id (rev.) a l
1752MIDWINTERVHCChristmas day sees me and mine round tree, endlessly excitedd in mi win + anag. less e; me2
1750PLOUGHMANSecondSee one galumph after labouring? Not how elegy beginsanag. less e, & lit.
1746ENTOMICSecondCharacteristic of bug – it’s for hiding in small space with microphoneto in en mic
1741LORD NELSONVHCPeer achieving famous victory over French left Londoners thrilledl + anag.; ref. Lord Coe and Olympic bid
1733PALESTRAVHCProminent feature of Lyceum area PT’s done inanag. incl. L, & lit.
2004-2005
1724MONEYBAGSVHCObscure gnome, say, with billion banked?b in anag., & lit.
1719ANHELATIONVHCRugged Latino he-man leaves maiden in a state of breathlessnessanag. less m
1698CROSSTIEVHCCorset is tight: it provides support and prevents bulginganag.
1689SYNODVHCHere heresy’s rejected and God carries the vote(here)sy + no + D, & lit.
2003-2004
1676CRINGE-MAKINGVHCMega unseemly – for example, grandad being into music’s latest band?anag. + kin, all in c ring, & lit.
1667CLARINIVHCCorps left in Iraq not fully equipped embarrassed top brassC l + anag. less q
1663ARMAMENTARIAVHCApparatus used by the Doctor could rematerialise in a Martian mareanag.; ref. Dr Who
1654CRESCENT / ENTHRALS (Overlaps)FirstGrowing concerns are expressed about conclusions of the Hutton report, and with Blair et al.’s intriguesc(a)res + c; last letters + al.’s, ref. Lord Hutton’s inquiry into the death of Dr Kelly
1650SAPHENAThirdOpen has obscure American lifting old claret vesselanag. + A less o; ref. Ben Curtis, little-known winner of US Open golf tournament
1646BLACKVHCFootball ultimately overshadowed by position of rugby? It’s hard to seel in back
1637AMNESICVHCWhat nice drop of scrumpy could make you following morning?am + anag. incl. s, & lit.
1633EMPATRON / WINTERLY (Right and Left)FirstIn vintage form, champion English tramp gleefully upon dismal Welsh and cross trylineE + anag. + on; W + anag.
2002-2003
1619GISMO (Printer’s Devilry)VHCWho considers aggressive approach to china bu/st appropriateWHO; ref. SARS
1611LEISLERVHCWith me, you could be playing leisurely round – Belfry’s where I hang outcomp. anag. incl. O; ref. ‘bats in the belfry’ and golf course
1602FENESTRAVHCSource of light: gloomy, without it, you’ll find home insidenest in fera(l)2, & lit.
1598PHRASEMONGERVHCAnemographs are not adapted to register this source of windanag. less first letters; not2 = polled
1589JOKESMITHVHCJestbook involves him in composition (not a familiar term for the fellow)anag. less bo, & lit.
1585SHIATSUVHCManipulation shown by Iraq’s leader has finally got US mobilizinganag. incl t
1580MARGENT def. BEETLES (Wrong Number)VHCMarks and Agnew endlessly waffling about runs – feature of test commentaryruns; M + r in anag. less w + t; ref. Vic M., Peter A.; see OED for def.
2001-2002
1567QUEENVHCAbdicate? No question of it yet, in short, for mequ(it) + e’en, & lit.
1563SLYBOOTSVHC‘Artful Dodger’ fits into story about abandoned boyanag. in slots; ref. ‘Oliver Twist’
1559THEOLOGASTERVHCYou’ll find my version of OT lore full of empty wordsthe (qv) + gas in anag., & lit.
1554PEARLThirdFeature of pretty decoration suspended from earlobep + earl(OBE), & lit.
1550MEMORITERVHCExam-notes should be known thus, or merit more revisinganag.
1546TRANSPARENTFirstAfter ‘Devilry’, entrants must tackle standard ‘Plain’par in anag.; ref. AZ comp. puzzles
1541CHUPRASSYVHCSee helper that carries baggage around, pocketing rupeesC + r in PA in hussy, & lit.
1537CAFTANSecondSee one worn around Ankara, covering all but head and feetA(nkara) ft in c an, & lit.
1533MASTER-MARINERVHCPossibly I run a steamer (MN), rightanag. incl r + r, & lit.
2000-2001
1515SNIDEVHCOne involved in circulating this could end up insidecomp. anag. incl. I, & lit.
1506BARE(-)BONESVHCStaying in B & B, a person’s getting no more than the basicsare2 in B, B + one’s
1502RAPPELVHCThe end for mountaineer false move in descent of rockfacer + appel
1500GIT (on board ship) (Ship of Fools)VHCRegulars amongst cluers can’t wait to gather in celebration at universityCURRAGITCH; rag in c, u, r itch
1489FRONT-BENCHERVHCTop politician Bush’s inauguration – you’ll find CNN there for broadcast covering itB in anag.
1480SAMARITANVHCIf breakdown occurs, AA man’s first to reach it, providing roadside helpanag. incl. r
1476LIGNIPERDOUSVHCBreaking up log inside with onset of rotanag. incl. r, & lit.
1472TORAN (Printer’s Devilry)VHCIt’s the paisley ran/ge men want when March wind’s upref. Ian P.
1467CANAPÉVHCWhere one spends afternoon taking a siesta?a nap in (a)ce, & lit.
1999-2000
1463REVERSIONALVHCDorsal nerve damaged, one’s in for a bit of discomfort bending backanag. with I for d
1459GREATEST (Spoonerisms)ThirdStars teem, twinkling endlessly, following evening’s last ray over the westway … rest; g + anag. less s, m
1454GET-UPVHCRustic viol’s a little alien in piano ensembleET in gu + p
1450PRETENDANTSecondCapturing dearest’s heart is cherished goal one takes time pursuingr in pet + end an t, & lit.
1446NEWSPAPERDOMSecondIt’s within the hurly-burly of me PA pen wordsanag. & lit.; Press Association
1439JOHN CANOEFirstCelebrations Antiguan-style, whose origins lie in gospel story a long time backC A in John + eon (rev.), & lit.
1433NEANDERTHALVHCEnd near at HL following purge of anti-reformers?anag.; ref. House of Lords
1428CRICETIDVHCSprinkle rodenticide about to have done with this?comp. anag. incl. c, & lit.
1998-1999
1402PENTOSE (Definition of Anagram)VHCDance exercises lead to Nureyev-like twinkling toesone-step; PE + N + anag.
1398PERMETHRINVHCAfter an onset of nits I’m the right sprayper + anag. incl. n, r, & lit.
1394BERGAMOTVHCWhat makes taste from tea bag more exotic?anag. incl. t, & lit.; ref. Earl Grey tea
1389ALL-OVERISHVHCHeart of sentimental lover is hopelessly afflicted with strange malaisehidden
1385PANTRIESVHCWhere cooks will store what’s not fully eatentrie(d) in pans, & lit.
1367SANBENITOSVHCFateful dress with stains on leads to Bill’s eventual undoing?anag. incl. B, e; ref. Clinton / Lewinsky
1997-1998
1355DIACATHOLICONVHCWould one with a tummy-ache swallow a couple of drops of this, of old?a th(is) in ’d l a colic + on, & lit.
1351NEATEN (Printer’s Devilry)SecondGuys, being fi/t, shouldn’t go downing ale! 
1342ALIENS / RAPINE (Right and Left)VHCSee vintage transport take a long while tackling slope close to Brighton – any here’ll have travelled farr a pine; lie n in as
1336STOCKINGVHCIt starts off kid’s Christmas, noisily getting one such undoneanag. incl. it and first letters, & lit.
1329PITHOSVHCJar served up by mine host – provided it’s not time!pit hos(t)
1316FINGERLICKIN’VHCMight such cooking make one linger in KFC?anag. incl. I, & lit.; ref. Kentucky Fried Chicken
1312REST-CURESecondWinter cruise in WI this could take the form ofcomp. anag. & lit.
1996-1997
1307AGILE (Spoonerisms)VHCCore elements of Blair dogma “will see left dimmed”deft-limbed; middle letters
1294TRANSENNAVHCIf one’s missing engine driver, try the station’s bar, perhapstra(I)n Senna; station = holy place, bar = barrier; Ayrton S.
1286CHALETVHCWith old pine you might build this shelter from the Alpine cold?comp. anag. & lit.
1284STALE (3 defs. + sub. ind. of wrapping) (Parcels)VHCLong ago, noble trio of stargazers left East in wonder to behold the LordSTA(RE GENT)LE; anag. incl. l
1268ARGIE-BARGIEThirdRowing gives dismal GB a rare glimpse of gold (i.e. one)anag. incl. g, I; ref. Olympics
1260OUT-AND-OUTVHCAbsolutely nothing to do – common feature of life on the dole0 + ut2 + ’andout
1995-1996
1242KNOCKERSVHCInnings ends in collapse; thereafter Athers boobs – more ammunition for us, perhaps?knock + e, r, s, 2 defs.
1238ELASTIN (Printer’s Devilry)VHCIn the wood you’ll often find redwin/g forages 
1234AVANT-PROPOSVHC‘Could consist of five paras on top’ – words seen before?anag. incl. v; ref. AZ comp 974
1232The world is too much with us; late and soon (Anagram)VHCSon – out in some low hut to which star’d lead? 
1225CURRYVHCYou’ll find this is meat cooked with (say) turmericcomp. anag. & lit.
1216CHAPERONVHCEscort – see busy rep inside talking endlessly on mobile carphone?anag. in cha(t) on, anag.
1212HILDINGVHCWhat’s harbouring trace of listeria within – chicken past its sell-by date?l in hiding
1207EPOCH-MARKINGThirdChangeover for HK – with start of Peking era coming – is seen as this?anag. incl. P, & lit.
1203CLERICALISMVHCThis a laic claims RE could constitute?comp. anag. & lit.
1994-1995
1194DONETVHCFor Latinists, I give numerous expressions and translations (beginners only)do + first letters, & lit.
1190DENARIUSVHCFancy closure of Observer (i.e. Sunday without X’s successor) – I’d be a bit lost!anag. of r i.e. Sunda(y)
1181SLADEVHCAlders would flourish in this, right?comp. anag. incl. r, & lit.
1180COLD TURKEYVHCPiece of cake, getting on horse? The reverse – coming straight off it is!c + old + turk + ye (rev.); horse = heroin
1178BOOTLEGFirstA bottle of gin would not normally be this, if an item from Thresherscomp. anag. incl. T, & lit.; ref. off-licence chain
1993-1994
1143DEATH (Printer’s Devilry)VHCGuzzling mars bar’s ma/in tot, stout 
1139BENJAMINVHCEngland’s opening pair have difficulty batting against what’s bowled short – which I provide?b + En(gland) + jam + in, & lit.; ref. Winston B.
1134TOVARICHVHCParty type: see one cavort wildly to No. 1 in hit-parade?anag. incl. I + h
1128CHRISTMAS PRESENTVHCIs version of this given by the princes star leads to Savour’s manger?anag. incl. S, m, & lit.
1122BASILIANVHCI believe Arianism mistaken: I’m ever this?comp. anag. & lit.
1117STAMNOS (3 Consecutive Letters)ThirdBroken shards of this: might such not show Odysseus and Agamemnon?anag. of first letters
1100CONCORDANCEVHCConcentration on yellow ball – two points tally as a result of which?conc. or2 dance; ref. snooker
1992-1993
1095STINKVHCWhat’d make someone’s nose wrinkle up?s + knit (rev.), & lit.
1091SAPSAGO (Spoonerisms)VHCMousetrap’s been great hit – time it’s packed in?green bait; SA in sap go
1076PARLOUR GAMESVHCPlay us (e.g. morra) – no end of party fun?anag. less y, & lit.
1069(P)OSTICHE (Headpieces)VHCGoing over the top is characterized by line charging enemyF; stich in foe
1061MAGICVHCTricky little touches from Gascoigne Motson inevitably characterises as ——?anag. of first letters, & lit.; ref. Paul G., John M., football cliché
1052AGANIPPEVHCFor this one’s forlornly appealing, if a bit of lyricism’s lackinganag. less l, & lit.
1991-1992
1026LET-OFFVHCWhat sees wallet of fisherman filled – catch landing on the deck, perhaps?hidden; ref. cricket
1024PRESENT (3 defs + sub. ind. of wrapping) (Parcels)VHCKings, after offering Son small tokens of adoration, return home East another wayA(PRES ENT)HRONES; anag. incl. ar, h E; king vb
1021BEARDSecondDamaging this thing could make breathing start to deteriorate – oyster’s end in sight?comp. anag., r in bead (= rifle sight), & lit.
1017SCHAPSKA / PEARMAIN (Right and Left)VHCWhat might grow red and swollen? Part of prop’s ear might, as packs play without hard head-protectionp + ear main; H in anag.
1000ONE THOUSANDVHCHick, outshone by England’s three tailenders – score in fifties requiredanag. + a, n, d; 20 × 50; ref. Graham H.
995STASIMA (Printer’s Devilry)VHCDo P.E. along with music, be fit – the ra/ge nowadays 
1990-1991
991BRASH (or BRUSH)VHCBits of broken rock and shorn hedgerowfirst letters & lit.
987IRON CURTAINVHCThe result of dismantling this barrier with US is … ruction in Russia?comp anag. & lit.
982ALMANACVHCAnnual: lunar months and noteworthy anniversaries could provide entries for itfirst letters & lit.
969BUNTERVHCOne tubby character from Richards novel – this boy?comp. anag. & lit.
965EARBASH def. NECKLET (Wrong Number)VHCShare a drop of Bundaberg rum – that’ll generate chatter at the barbie!drop; anag. inc. B
956SPEAR-SIDEVHCLine of men is deployed in readiness, with President wanting end of Husseinanag. + P less n
952STAR (Spoonerisms)VHCIt’s hot in Devon: rush for the seaside!dot in heaven; star2
947SHOULDER-SLIPVHCUpper arm injury: horse spill leads to decidedly unprincely fractureanag. incl. d, u; ref. Prince Charles’ polo injury
943BARAGOUINVHCUnintelligible speech: go in a bar and at the close you might produce it!anag. incl. u
1989-1990
939A-PER-SE / ESCROC (Right and Left)VHCOutstanding individual (No. 10 in Argentinian blue) cheat playing soccera perse; anag.; ref. Maradona
920CHRIST-CROSS-ROWVHCOut of this Crowther crossword come the word and its letterscomp. anag. & lit.
917HOOLIGANISMFirstTrouble Italy has looming?anag. incl. I, & lit; ref. forthcoming World Cup in Italy
913ARCHIBALDVHCStriker (tricky one) exposed defence with powerful rising shotarch I bald, 2 defs.; ref. Steve A., footballer
904VOETGANGERVHCGrain and vegetation destroyed? There could be a —— in it!comp. anag. & lit.
891CATVHCSee rat run off – here’s why!c (r)at, & lit.
1988-1989
869HOLD-UPSVHCSee us set about a spot of plunder and be off?p in (be)hold us, & lit.
868ROLAND (2 clues + def. of contents) (Parcels)VHCTrio that’s gone west for baby Messiah arrives in Israel, and Saviour is foundtiro, lands; anag.; hidden
853DEBACLEVHCEntries to Competition Azed being held up in strike – disaster!C A b (rev.) in dele; ref. postal strike
844THEOLOGASTER (Misprints)VHCA deficient SDP set right – the Owenites’ no 1 goal after regroupingSTP; anag. incl. r O; STP = Prof. of Theology
1987-1988
835PROSAICALSecondFor shortened form of it in Chambers, look up ‘workaday’pro SA i’ C. + la (rev.), & lit.
823SARBACANEVHCMeans of supporting society over a shoot: a shooting stick?bra S (rev.) + a cane
818EMBUSQUÉVHCCould you style me as ‘bum-esque’?!anag. & lit.
816POTLACH (with extra O in word) (Extra letter)FirstTrio of potentates behold a child; now gifts are givenpot + lo + a ch
814SPOUSAGEVHCYou’d lay short odds on a ring being used hereSP O usage, & lit.
801LINCHETVHCThe bit of country ground on which nothing’s raisednil (rev.) + anag., & lit.
792DISTHENE (Printer’s Devilry)VHCA fast pro’s o/vers can scare, fully!prosodist
788CROWVHCUnwelcome noise after drinking-bout (arousal not required)?c(arousal) + row, & lit.
1986-1987
783CAMPESINOVHCIt’s the peasant farmer for whom CAP monies are distributedanag.
779MISSING LINKVHCIt’s me slinking abominably round foot of Himalayas?mi + s in anag., & lit.; ref. yeti; me2
770HERMITSVHCIn the RM, it seems, their life’s not for one in the public eyehidden; ref. Prince Edward
764CHILDERMASVHCA doleful time after Christmas extravagantly rich meals’d give youanag.
744SKIRL-IN-THE-PAN / COFFEE-DISEASE (Right and Left)VHCOatmeal over a fire? Could it be a thin sprinkle of meal is effective in stopping blight?anag.; of feed is in cease
740ESCADRILLEVHCFrench flight l’escalier’d inaccurately renderanag.; ref. ambiguity of ‘flight’
735MALIGNVHCWith reference to flying, could a gremlin appear as such?anag. less re, & lit.
1985-1986
731STRINGVHCCommon cheat’ll get run in, perhaps for fiddlingr in sting; s. adj.
722SUPERNACULUMVHCBumper product of muscle and a run-up?anag.
718FLO(GG)IN(G) (Letters Latent)VHCWapping: where info’s processed with minimum of labouranag. incl. l; ref. newspaper printing at W.
714MOTEVHCIn me you turn to must and some dustto (rev.) in me, & lit.; mote2,1
712PANTOMIME HORSEVHCPart in some burlesque involving a couple of men with a pair of hooves?me ho in anag., & lit.
705MUSICOTHERAPYVHCInvolve Beethoven’s 7th in this, and it might be ‘symphonicurative’!comp. anag. incl. v, & lit.
701BALUSTRADEFirstBears cope?balus trade, & lit; cope1,2
1984-1985
662BARGE-COUPLEVHCCould this set in badly make gable top insecure?comp. anag. & lit.
660Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse (Anagram)VHCC. Moore verse one utters, awaiting Santa run? 
653INTERNUNCIOVHCRoughly expressed in ‘I recount latest from Vatican’?anag. incl. n, & lit.
644EASY STREET (or STAPELIA)VHC‘Affluent circumstances’ here required – yet see star, misplaced … Aye, setter’s bungled!anag., anag.; ref. error in competition
1983-1984
627AMBIENTVHCIt, with BA, men crossanag. & lit.; cross = interchanged; BA = British Airways
622SIMP (Printer’s Devilry)VHC‘A squa/re (“T” one) might describe a ruler in appearance only’quasi-mpret
618CRETISMVHCEngland’s game lacks heart; how team’s finished off is sorry storyanag. of cr(ick)et m is
615HISTORIETTEVHCShort title, i.e. no long novelanag. less l, & lit.
610DOUBLETHINKSecondApparently TT, hard drinker at heart: a novel form of split personality!i.e. double T + H + (dr)ink(er)
1982-1983
558MINCEMEAT (with one extra R) (Extra Letter)VHCYou’d find me nicer in a pie, with frost aboutnice ; anag. in mat2
552NOURICE-FEEVHCTerms of the nurse – no cure if not settled?anag. incl. e e; terms = ends
543STAYING POWERVHCWhat could make you stop wearying?anag. & lit.
1981-1982
521ATTITUDINISEVHCPose is not entirely chaste, having nudities flauntedAtti(c) + anag.

 
HCs awarded to M. Barley
Clues  |  Annual Honours   |  Other competitors

2021-2022
  2603 TERAS def. PRATT (Wrong Number)
 
2020-2021
  2539 TORSE (Printer’s Devilry)
  2517 LITERATIM
 
2019-2020
  2490 DREAMSCAPE
  2486 BRUHAHA
  2482 VOX POP
  2464 BRAINPOWER
 
2017-2018
  2403 SWALE (Spoonerisms)
  2386 PENNY-A-LINER
 
2016-2017
  2343 RESTORE (Printer’s Devilry)
  2334 ALLELUIAH
  2324 CELEBRATIONS
 
2015-2016
  2296 IMPROPERLY
  2261 GANGSTERLAND
 
2014-2015
  2226 DOUBLE-PARKING
 
2013-2014
  2178 PARISON
  2174 CHARET (Printer’s Devilry)
 
2012-2013
  2131 DIVES / MALIK (Right and Left)
 
2011-2012
  2074 BENNET
  2045 CATENATE
 
2010-2011
  2031 EMBROIDERY
  2014 HACKETTE
  2010 A COMING OF AGE
 
2009-2010
  1988 PERIQUE
  1971 WATERMANSHIP
  1960 NGANA (3 defs + letter mixture) (Parcels)
 
2008-2009
  1918 PALAMPORE
  1914 VE(S)TAL (Letters Latent)
  1893 EARTHY
  1888 RASTER (Printer’s Devilry)
 
2007-2008
  1875 GOUTTE / UPREAR (Right and Left)
  1862 UNALIKE (Spoonerisms)
  1858 HUMONGOUS
  1849 AUXESIS
  1836 POSTHASTE
 
2006-2007
  1823 KISS
 
2005-2006
  1779 NEWIE (misprint of U) (Misprints)
 
2004-2005
  1728 EIDOLA def. NULLAH (Wrong Number)
  1711 MINUS
  1702 WORDSMITHERY
  1700 FIVE-O’CLOCK SHADOW
  1685 MINO (Printer’s Devilry)
  1680 PILLOW-CUP
 
2003-2004
  1672 IMPASTOS (Spoonerisms)
  1659 SCAREDY-CAT
  1648 MAGIC LANTERN
  1641 GADGETEER
  1624 BELAY
 
2002-2003
  1606 TEOSINTE / INTELSAT (Overlaps)
  1596 GENISTA (Definition of Anagram)
  1576 FACADE
  1572 SHIELD-MAY
 
2001-2002
  1544 PATROL (with jumble of RAPTORES) (Christmas Devilry)
  1528 STROP (Spoonerisms)
  1524 INGRATITUDE
 
2000-2001
  1494 MARATHON
  1492 The year that Columbus discovered America (Anagram)
  1485 BOURSE / TIFOSO (Right and Left)
 
1999-2000
  1441 Word containing MM displaced by a bug (Millennium Bug)
  1437 MISTLETOE
  1415 MANATI (Printer’s Devilry)
 
1998-1999
  1411 LOOK-SEE
  1406 CHASSEPOT
  1380 RAPPORT (Misprints)
  1376 LOGO
  1363 MAVIN def. THONG (Wrong Number)
 
1997-1998
  1360 BOG-ASPHODEL
  1346 PHARISEE
  1338 SMART ALEC
  1334 CATACHRESTIC
 
1996-1997
  1300 OXFORD (extra O) (Extra Letter)
  1290 NITERIE
  1281 ABLUTOMANE
  1277 NOVE(M)BER (Letters Latent)
  1273 SIPOREX
 
1995-1996
  1255 CATAFALCO
  1250 SONEOCARDIA (STENOCARDIA) (Ten to One)
  1247 PREDICANT
  1229 GRUPPETTO
 
1994-1995
  1200 Nine letter word (C and T latent) (Letters Latent)
  1186 GRISELDA
  1169 BLITHE / URSINE (Right and Left)
  1161 ADIAPHORON
  1156 TERPSICHOREAN
  1152 PARACETAMOL
 
1993-1994
  1147 MAYDAY
  1130 AGRESTAL
  1126 CHEATERY
  1113 EMPLASTRUM
  1108 GREEN
 
1992-1993
  1087 OLD SOLDIER
  1078 KIRBEH
  1074 DEMIREP
  1065 TANDOORI
  1056 ENTRAIN def. ASTHORE (Wrong Number)
  1048 GALLOPADE
 
1991-1992
  1039 TOLERABLE
  1034 BURLAP
  1030 PASTILLE
  1013 ALVEARY
  1004 OIL PAINTINGS
 
1990-1991
  978 DOUBLE-CENTURY
  974 AVANT-PROPOS
  961 WAVESON
 
1989-1990
  934 LACE-UPS
  930 SABULOSE
  926 NERD
  922 REFORMADO
  908 INDIGO (Printer’s Devilry)
  900 (C)HARLATANIS(M) (Letters Latent)
  895 TONE DEAF
 
1988-1989
  887 MONSTER
  874 BLUESTOCKING
  866 NECTAREOUS
  862 OFF-AND-ON
  857 REDCAP / NICETY (Right and Left)
  849 VISITE
  840 SONDE
 
1987-1988
  831 COOLABAH (Spoonerisms)
  827 MICKEY-TAKING
  809 DOLCE VITA
  805 LITOTES
  796 UPHOLSTERY
 
1986-1987
  766 GUBBINS
 
1985-1986
  727 WELL-TO-DO
  692 FIDIBUS def. PRICKET (Wrong Number)
  688 CUCURBITAL
  683 BANISH
 
1984-1985
  675 CONSTERNATE
  670 TURNIP-FLEA
  666 Any word; subsidiary indication omits an animal (Beasts)
  657 SILLY-BILLY
  631 INTERLOCK
 
1983-1984
  609 LUCKY-BAG
  607 CARNEY
  585 FLABELLIFORM
  581 SPADROON def. MAVERICK (Wrong Number)
 
1982-1983
  572 SNAKE-OIL
  568 TETHER (Printer’s Devilry)
  559 EMBASE
  538 INGRAIN
 
1981-1982
  513 ETYMOLOGICON
  504 SIMMENTHALER
 


Annual Honours record of M. Barley
Clues  |  HCs   |  Other competitors
YearPrizes
(1, 2, 3)
VHCsHCsPosition
2020-20212 (1, 1, 0) 8 2 2
2019-20200 9 4 6
2018-20194 (2, 1, 1) 9 0 1
2017-20183 (1, 1, 1) 8 2 2
2016-20172 (1, 1, 0) 8 3 3
2015-20163 (1, 1, 1) 8 2 1
2014-20153 (1, 2, 0) 9 1 1
2013-20142 (1, 1, 0) 9 2 2
2012-20132 (1, 0, 1) 9 1 2
2011-20122 (0, 1, 1) 8 2 1
2010-20112 (2, 0, 0) 7 3 3
2009-20102 (0, 1, 1) 8 3 3
2008-20091 (0, 0, 1) 8 4 5
2007-20082 (1, 0, 1) 6 5 3
2006-20072 (0, 1, 1) 9 1 1
2005-20063 (1, 2, 0) 8 1 1
2004-20050 4 6 22
2003-20043 (2, 0, 1) 4 5 6
2002-20030 7 4 8
2001-20023 (1, 1, 1) 6 3 2
2000-20010 9 3 8
1999-20004 (1, 2, 1) 4 3 2
1998-19990 6 5 9
1997-19982 (0, 2, 0) 5 4 4
1996-19971 (0, 0, 1) 5 5 9
1995-19961 (0, 0, 1) 7 4 5
1994-19951 (1, 0, 0) 4 6 9
1993-19941 (0, 0, 1) 6 5 8
1992-19930 6 6 13
1991-19921 (0, 1, 0) 5 5 7
1990-19910 9 3 3
1989-19901 (1, 0, 0) 5 7 9
1988-19890 4 7 22
1987-19882 (1, 1, 0) 6 5 1
1986-19870 7 1 11
1985-19861 (1, 0, 0) 6 4 6
1984-19850 4 5 16
1983-19841 (0, 1, 0) 4 4 10
1982-19830 3 4
1981-19820 1 2