Times Jumbo Crossword.

[Tilly2]

I bought the Times today because I saw the jumbo crossword being referred to, this morning, on AB.

I have not tried a Times cryptic before and am finding it quite difficult. I have searched for other questions on here but there don't seem to be any apart from one asking about the easier, non cryptic clues.

Is it a lot easier than I think, as no one has asked for any help or am I being really thick today?
So far, in the last half hour I've managed to do three.

[mightymouse]

I try to do this one regularly, it is indeed VERY cryptic! Often several clues in the clue, if you see what I mean! Just persevere, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

[Tilly2]

Thank you for your answer mightymouse.
Here's one
26dn.
What would-be union member might get from recruitment group. (10, 4)

employment ?
membership?

[Neveracrossword]

Engagement Ring.

[Tilly2]

Thank you, neveracrossword.

[Neveracrossword]

You're very welcome - you're sure to get more help here if you need it.

PS. I do the Times Jumbo crossword every week and I have to say I found this one easier than many others! Other people might disagree, but as you say, there haven't been requests for help today.

[Tilly2]

4 across might help a bit,

Who throws party rebel and actor out. (10)

I have 'o' as the penultimate letter.

[bibblebub]

celebrator = anagram of rebel + actor

[AlwaysConfused]

If a crossword is not challenging, it's not worth doing! I've been doing the times cryptic jumbo for about 8 years, I look forward to it every week. Keep your completed (or not-so-complete) crossword and check it against the answers in a couple of weeks time. From the correct answers, you can break down the clue and understand what the compiler is asking of you. And three in half an hour is not bad for your first time (probably quicker than me, but hey ho!)

[Tilly2]

I'm getting there slowly.

This one would be useful:-
24 dn. Items of food and drink, for instance, by empty garages (6,4)

[bibblebub]

scotch eggs

[roslyn251254]

scotch eggs(scotch being the drink, eg=say, gs outer letters of garages)

[Tilly2]

Thank you, both.

I need to think a bit more laterally.

[Tilly2]

Another one:-
Hard location/place to manufacture confectionery? (5, 9)

I have plain chocolate and have used (hard location place) for an anagram but I have letters left over (r,d and a)
Can someone explain, please.

[factor-fiction]

The 'hard' must be abbreviated to H

[Tilly2]

Yes, factor, thank you. That must be it.
I don't know the Times' abbreviations.

[Tilly2]

I'm back.

Telephone that's black and cheaper (6)

[bibblebub]

BLOWER - black = B, cheaper = LOWER

[Tilly2]

Thank you, bibblebub.

[factor-fiction]

Any more?

[bookbinder]

It sometimes helps if you don't start at the first across or first down clue, but try starting with the last clue in the across and down sections. I have noticed that the last across and the last down clues are sometimes easier to crack, as if the setter has got fed up, and written a less-complicated clue, saying to himself, 'Oh, blow it, I've had enough of this.'