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sandorable

31st March 2015, 16:40
I'm still quite a novice where cryptic crosswords are concerned but can now recognise some of the devices used, however could someone give me an idea of what the word 'Initially' might indicate in a crossword ? Eg Bearing bucket initially, hurry to bring paint over. (8) I think the answer is Aircrews but don't know how it would parse. I also see the use of 'Spooner' in some cryptic crosswords and would like to know what this might indicate. Many thanks. This is my first post on the forum.
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chrise

31st March 2015, 16:44
Welcome sandorable - this is a good place to learn.

Initially usually means (take first letters. For instance, there's a nice clue in today's Guardian:

Almost certainly a cold month, August normally feels less unsettled initially (3,3)

"Spooner" clues divide opinion (I hate them). Doctor Spooner is reputed to have had a tendency to transpose first letters of syllables in pairs of words - his most famous was announcing the hymn "Kinkering kongs their title take" ("Conquering kings").
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chrise

31st March 2015, 16:50
......I meant to say "letters OR syllables"
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chrise

31st March 2015, 16:50
btw I can't parse AIRCREWS either - what letters are you sure of?
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rusty

31st March 2015, 16:51
Looks like "airbrush".
Bearing is "air".
(B)ucket initially is "b"
Hurry is "rush"
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sandorable

31st March 2015, 16:53
Thank you for the reply-and the example clue which I have solved (bravo me !!) I will dip into the forum again.
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chrise

31st March 2015, 16:55
Well done rusty - meaning "paint over" as in "touch up a photograph".
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chrise

31st March 2015, 16:55
Good for you, sandorable - please do drop in again.
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