Cryptic Crossword
The Evening Standard's Cryptic Crossword 17 December 2025 Answers
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1 M
2 P
3 A
4 R
E
5 A
6 S
7 C
8 R
O
9 B
O
T
E
10 S
U
G
A
R
11 C
O
R
12 P
A
R
T
S
P
13 C
H
A
T
14 T
E
L
15 R
A
16 Z
O
17 R
A
18 R
A
N
19 B
A
N
A
N
A
20 S
21 M
A
R
S
H
A
L
I
M
22 C
L
A
Y
I
H
23 P
R
O
P
O
T
24 M
O
V
A
25 B
L
E
S
26 O
27 R
E
28 G
O
N
29 M
I
A
30 R
31 T
I
R
E
D
32 B
A
G
S
33 H
O
T
G
34 T
U
B
E
S
35 T
U
B
36 G
H
O
U
L
R
37 R
E
G
I
S
T
38 P
E
S
T
S
R
N
Across
- 3. Parts of the Far East (5)
- 8. Flashy perhaps, but maybe of mechanical efficiency (5)
- 10. Looking back, one finds sweetness in asparagus (5)
- 11. An exclamation of scorn? (3)
- 12. The dramatic bits (5)
- 13. Talk on the phone of an item of property (7)
- 15. Sharp sort of bill for a bird (5)
- 18. Organised athletic activity? (3)
- 19. A handy thing to eat! (6)
- 21. The senior officer spoils Henry (7)
- 22. Such a pigeon comes down to earth (4)
- 23. In favour of quiet support (4)
- 24. Able to shift the blame, perhaps, about Oscar and Victor (7)
- 26. The state Reg is in (6)
- 29. Her aim is awful! (3)
- 31. Tried to exercise when fatigued (5)
- 32. In Surrey, it's plenty good! (7)
- 34. Pipes best bent round a curve (5)
- 35. Vessel rendering pointless (3)
- 36. The spirit of Goole? (5)
- 37. Here, as at Bognor, a little chap lives (5)
- 38. Taking only shaky steps can be a nuisance (5)
Down
- 1. Coffee can put a hotheaded in a coma! (5)
- 2. Show the direction to Ayr, possibly? (7)
- 4. Part of Montreal associated with Madrid (4)
- 5. Does every star have such a body? (6)
- 6. Poles touring the States with a girl (5)
- 7. No bare-headed bird, it would seem (5)
- 9. A snake around grandma's neck? (3)
- 12. Where to stay for pay (7)
- 14. Jack's mystic art (3)
- 16. Old country with aviation centre (5)
- 17. Swindles are obviously not on the level (5)
- 19. A sham BA going around the islands (7)
- 20. With love in his heart, jock will move fast (5)
- 21. Scholarly mother? (5)
- 23. Soft material used by platers (7)
- 24. Working part, or a stubborn fellow out to do wrong (6)
- 25. It's great, partnering Amy in crime! (3)
- 27. A blow for justice (5)
- 28. Morning dress? (3-2)
- 30. Person heard stealin'? (5)
- 32. He's familiar with a Schubert piece (4)
- 33. Hold in warm affection (3)