The word was ‘pale’, suggested by PEELIE-WALLY (1A) and the title, which, with changes to its FIRST VOWEL (7D/33), becomes ‘Pele’ (suggested by VOLCANO GODDESS (22/27)), ‘pile’ (LOADSAMONEY (41)), ‘pole’ (STANG (31)) and ‘pule’ (WHINE (10)). PALE (in the ninth column) was to be shaded.
A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 12 August. There are two runners- up prizes of £20. (UK solvers can choose to receive the latest edition of the Chambers dictionary instead of cash — ring the word ‘dictionary’.) Entries to: Crossword 2418, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.
First prize R.P. Wright, Loughton, Essex
Runners-up R. Dickinson, Lewes, East Sussex; Simon Shaw, Goosnargh, Lancashire
Got something to add? Join the discussion and comment below.
You might disagree with half of it, but you’ll enjoy reading all of it. Try your first month for free, then just $2 a week for the remainder of your first year.





