I have only recently started doing The Times cryptic crossword.
I am amazed that I have finished this one. It is one of the first I have ever finished! I am sure, (in fact I know), that it was more by chance than judgement.
There are a number of clues that I ending up guessing at rather then fully understanding the clues. They were for example:
20a. Number of letters in Post Office by five (5). Which I have to conclude, given the other letters I have, is "Fifty" - but why?
26a. Awkward in test if failing (5). Which I think is "Stiff" but, again, I can't see why.
11a. It can be the equivalent of best, verbally! (5). I have as "worst" but would like confirmation as to why.
Finally, 1a. I'm not happy about why it appears to be "accost".
All help is appreciated. As I stated above, I have only recently started with cryptic crosswords. Is there a useful internet site that explains the abbreviations, codes et al used in these cryptic clues?
20a There are ten letters in 'post office' and ten by five = 50. 26a teST IF Falling 11a Because it’s the opposite of “best” and also synonymous with it. “verbally” = “in words”. 1a ACCOST sounds like "a cost" - easiest clue for ages!
Could I trouble you for another that I was uncertain about?
25a. Liberal accepted, within reason? Possibly in European City.
I got "L" for Liberal; and an anagram or "reason" but didn't understand the "European" bit - and ended up with "Orleans". Did I get it wrong? Did I get it right by chance and mis-understanding?
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