Award Winner

a cryptic puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Explanation only + Answers + Grid entries
Solution grid
Letters spell GOLD STAR.

Across

  • 1.
    O(P)TIC
  • 5.
    A + L(P)INE
  • 10.
    DIET (2 defs.)
  • 11.
    E + DEN
  • 12.
    E + X + TRA (rev.)
  • 13.
    G(ALL)I + C
  • 14.
    B(L)EST
  • 16.
    ULNA (hid. rev.)
  • 17.
    KY + U + SHUt
  • 19.
    GENES (“jeans” hom.)
  • 22.
    GOULET (anag.)
  • 25.
    TACT (“tacked” hom.)
  • 27.
    ELOP + E (rev.)
  • 30.
    LUG + NUT (“tun” rev.)
  • 31.
    UNDUE (“undo” hom.)
  • 32.
    O + MAN
  • 33.
    RUINg
  • 34.
    A + ISLES
  • 35.
    H + YEN + A

Down

  • 1.
    mODES
  • 2.
    PI + X + EL
  • 3.
    TET(ON)S
  • 4.
    COULEE (“coolly” hom.)
  • 5.
    sURGE
  • 6.
    LOU’S + Y
  • 7.
    IDLES (“idols” hom.)
  • 8.
    NEIGHS (“nays” hom.)
  • 9.
    pENCHANT
  • 14.
    BUG + LE
  • 15.
    TAS(T)E
  • 16.
    ANGELOU (anag.)
  • 18.
    BON AMI (anag.)
  • 20.
    EMPATH (anag.)
  • 21.
    SUNDAE (“done, say” spoonerism)
  • 23.
    A + NG + US
  • 24.
    E + LATE
  • 26.
    CH(A)IN
  • 28.
    OTIS (odd letters)
  • 29.
    MENU (hid.)