Crossword

2753: Rapid sea

23 May 2026

9:00 AM

23 May 2026

9:00 AM

The 23D 41A, stirred up by 3D and 6A 26D the mother of 29A. Unclued lights identify the protagonist and the poet. Elsewhere ignore an accent.

Across


1    Pitman facing very active idol? (7)
11    One central to wrong education, is pressed (6)
12    Go with new dance – it’s done! (7)
15    Impact the littlest born first (5)
16    Spenser’s to study translation, sure to include note (6)
17    Access nut pine, say (6)
19    Hold out during visit for Judas (9)
21    Current line in memos for East Africans (7)
25    With no cap burden blokes, time for confusion (9)
27    Dart into shelter that’s most close (9)
31    I’d try to sway European carer involved with mob (9)
33    English book in price discount (6)
34    Ordinary clue’s reworked for little mouth (6)
36    Oil supplier born with Mark of the Beast (5)
37    Some save natural oats (5)
38    Drive advantage and run boat that clears up (7)
39    Fussiness in Jewish festival around Sabbath (6)
40    Roped in girl with dictionary (7)

Down

2    Number distracted person often on the move (5)
4    High-power valve errant son exploded (9)
5    Contributions in want of female players (6)
6    Branches and sticks surrounding a hideout (4,4)
7    The Muses, say – name each in epilogue (6)
8    Fumitory: fantastic heart cure (5-5)
9    Forms of distress as neon covers posh plants (8)
10    Board scoffed having a passage to digest (8)
13    Linked weapon in similar (3,2,3)
18    Opening features women grasping Oscar in preference to French (10)
20    Laden nun struggled lacking rite for Shakespeare (8)
22    Ordain use differently for forgotten creature (9)
24    Fisherfolk who drift (8)
28    Very cool spell that is partially engaged with cooler? (3,3)
29    Money and those who should pay it? Gardeners, perhaps (6)
30    Thought idly of drummer and strange mate (6)
32    Copper to restrain smart girl (5)
35    Find fault with vehicle parking (4)

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A first prize of a £30 John Lewis voucher and two runners-up prizes of £20 vouchers for the first correct solutions opened on 8 June. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2753, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

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